Austin, TX

[A-Tex Devil]

Hmmmmm.... wondering what is going on that weekend to have all the hotels booked. It may be UT Roundup.

If you use rideshare, there is no Uber or Lyft in Austin city limits. Download RideAustin and Fasten. They both work fine. But most people don't figure this out until they hit the airport.

If you like beer/cider/liquor there are a number of breweries, distilleries, etc in Dripping Springs which isn't too far out of town. Jester King is the best experience although they brew weird beers.

There are too many good options to count re: restaurants. I recommend checking out Eater site for Austin's most current 38 Essential Restaurants and see if anything strikes your fancy. They are wide ranging usually from trailers to Michelin star. It's always a great, varied list. The website itself is great to look through as well as it will note new restaurants etc. that you can check out.

For concerts, check Do512 or the Austin Chronicle website.

For hotels, downtown makes things a lot easier if you plan to be central. There are some good hotels on west side of town if you are spending more time in hill country (Granduca, Omni Barton Creek, Sonesta in Bee Cave). You'll want a car if you do that.

[cato]

I'm back! Any thoughts on the South Congress Hotel? Multiple people have recommended it to us, but it's certainly spendy and seems maybe more geared toward hipsters.

Our alternative would be staying at a bland corporate chain downtown which will be fine, but not memorable.