the tower
If you’re looking for a Whitman’s eye view of the university and surrounding area, you can apply to ascend the tower at the University of Texas, lit one way or not in the evening depending upon the latest sports or academic (although almost always sports) achievements. Reservations must be made in advance to rise to the top.
interwebs; the university of texas campus; (512) 475-6636
mount bonnell
It’s not much of a mountain, but for around here, it will have to do. Formed by the Mount Bonnell Fault of the Balcones Fault Zone (don’t worry: this fault zone has been dead for 40 million years), the mount offers a nice view of the Colorado River and downtown Austin. Young, romantic Austinites will often mount the mount around dusk for sunsets (or to watch storms approaching from the west).
interwebs; 3800 mount bonnell drive
stevie ray vaughan
Dude is dead, but you can visit his statue that watches over Austin and half of its dogs on the shore of Lady Bird Lake (still Lake Austin to us oldtimers…).
interwebs; on auditorium shores
willie nelson
When we lived downtown, I was able to make it to the unveiling of this statue. No joke, the unveiling occurred on 4/20 at 4:20. Willie sang a few songs while Willie’s favorite weed scented the air at 2nd and Guadalupe.
farmers market
Our favorite thing to do on Saturday mornings is visiting the downtown farmer’s market. Lots of fresh food, prepared food, live music, Austin treats, and people watching. In fact, when we travel, we also make a point of visiting a local farmers market!
interwebs; 422 guadalupe street 78701
grassroots theater
Austin is blessed with an abundance of grassroots culture, and our theater scene is no different. Hyde Park Theater presents numerous local plays. We particularly enjoy the inventive work by the local troupe the Rude Mechanicals.
hyde park theater
interwebs; 511 west 43rd street; (512) 479-PLAY
the rude mechanicals
interwebs; 305 S. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704; (512) 476-7833
central market
The original Central Market used to be a big tourist spot until the new Whole Foods’ flagship downtown made it look something like a corner store in comparison. Nonetheless, if your home grocery store is humdrum, it is still quite impressive and worth a visit (but before you go to Whole Foods). In fact, we’re convinced Whole Foods stole the idea of upscale grocery from this very store and took the concept national. Evenings sometimes have live music and each store has a decent counter-service restaurant.
interwebs; 4001 north lamar boulevard; (512) 206-1000
austin wanderlist 