Austin is no longer just Texas' capital city. Dubbed the "live music capital of Texas," it's home to the best music in the state, much of it performed during open-air concerts and festivals that take advantage of the year-round friendly weather enjoyed by Texas Hill Country. Although it's a city and home to one of the country's largest universities, the University of Texas at Austin, Austin combines the best of both worlds -- urban sophistication and a heavy emphasis on nature, recreation, and a laid-back feel that permeates the city and the attitudes of its residents. That dichtomy is not only central to Austin's character; it's what attracts relocating families here and keeps them here.

Austin is one of the country's fastest-growing cities, primarily thanks to its reputation as the country's new Silicon Valley. Dell Computer is firmly rooted here, as are Apple and Power Computing. Transplants to Austin are discovering that the cost of living and housing here are significantly lower than in other regions of the country -- especially when compared to the United States' original Silicon Valley in California's Bay Area.

Austin's downtown was established in 1839. Its waterways were left untouched throughout the city's development; city planners simply built structures around them. And its surrounding hills are a geographical anomaly in Texas. Cutting through the heart of this nature lover's paradise is the Colorado River, which creates a series of lakes stretching for more than 100 miles. Serving as the belt's "buckle" is Town Lake, the practice site for the Austin Rowing Club and UT Crew team.

Austin is also home to Zilker Park, Lake Travis, and Town Lake, as well as Waller, Shoal, and Barton creeks, all of which drain into the Colorado River. The last-mentioned creek was named by William Barton when he settled on its banks in 1837. The springs which still feed the creek were later named Barton Springs, which include Barton Springs Pool. Called the "soul of the city," the pool is a cool, blue oasis winding through Hill Country. Its adjacent gentle green slopes are a meeting spot for Austiners and a must-see for any tourist. Additional hot spots for nature lovers include the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, home to many endangered species; and Lady Bird Johnson's National Wildflower Research Center, which contains several Texas Hill Country native plant species.

One of Austin's biggest selling points is the diversity of its population. Combine that with the city's laid-back feel, and you've got a city where everyone feels at home. The city's various contingents -- Hispanics, African-Americans, Germans, French, and Anglos are the predominant groups here -- have all contributed largely to Austin's cultural offerings, setting up shop in small retail outlets or establishing restaurants that have earned Austin the reputation for being among the state's most attractive culinary destinations. Chile-infused Southwestern cuisine, in particular, has exploded onto the Austin scene. While you're considering the possibilities for your palate, however, you'll never forget you're in Texas. Austin is also home to a myriad of barbecue restaurants -- some of them roadside, as authentic as any you'll find. Threadgill's is perhaps the city's best-known barbecue/soul food haven. In addition, a series of microbreweries and wineries have sprouted up in an around Texas Hill Country. In recognition of all of these offerings, each spring, Austin hosts the Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival, where world-renowned vintners and chefs offer up their specialties.

Ethnic heritage and international holidays consume Austin's social calendar throughout the year. In February, the Carnaval Brasileiro takes place at City Coliseum. With respect to a tradition started in Rio de Janeiro, costumed participants celebrate into the wee hours of the morning. Fiesta Gardens on Town Lake is the site of two Mexican independence-inspired festivals each year: the Cinco de Mayo Festival May 5, and Diez y Seis de Septiembre Festival, Sept. 16. The Juneteenth Freedom Festival, celebrating the freedom of African-Americans, has been an Austin tradition for more than 30 years. In July comes Bastille Day at the French Legation, the city's oldest standing building; and in October, German-American Day recognizes the region's strong German heritage. The festival is held at the German Free School Building, originally built as a schoolhouse by German immigrants in 1857.

The Austin music scene is one of Texas' most prized possessions. The late Stevie Ray Vaughan, the late Janis Joplin, Jerry Jeff Walker, Willie Nelson, and The Fabulous Thunderbirds all got started in Texas' capital city. Sixth Street, crammed with blues and jazz clubs, among others, is the heart of Austin's music scene today. On any weekend, you'll find students, Austin residents, and tourists crowded on rooftops listening to live music of every variety.

If you run out of things to do in Austin, well, you're not trying. But if you're planning an upcoming relocation to Texas' capital city, or you're merely considering a move here, consult "101 Things to do in Austin," a handy and comprehensive link on the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau Web site. Whether you're a city slicker or a nature enthusiast, you'll find what you're looking for -- and more -- in Austin.

Published: April 13, 1998

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