Tema_Leviter

will be spending a weekend in Austin with my adult daughter.
Need suggestions for the best of:
1) sights (including guided and/or walking tours)
2) food
3) hotels

jan47ete

questions first:

-just the two of you?
-when are you coming?
-are you into markets, festivals, partying?
-how much do you want to spend for a hotel?
-are you coming for a girls weekend of spa treatments and pampering?
-into Tex-Mex (food)?
-have you read Fodor's destination guide to get a sense of what to do?

Others may be able to answer as well once these questions are answered.

Tema_Leviter

just my daughter and myself - coming late February
-we want to see that which is uniquely austin - we're from NY so we will skip the pampering - we can get that at home - into market, festivals, history, sights - I'll leave the partying to the youngsters.
- planning on using hotwire or priceline for a hotel.
-into all sorts of food, but we are both gluten free.
-have not read the guide just yet
-

Barblab

You should be able to get a great deal on a weekend in February. Bid 4 * downtown and you will have several free rebid zones to use.

Being into history I would direct you to tour the Texas State Capital, Texas State History Museum, Blanton Art Museum, UT tower and LBJ Library. The last three are on the UT campus and the first two within easy walking distance from them.

For a fun overview of the city, as well as a splash into Lady Bird Lake take a Duck Tour.

For entertainment go to Esters Follies and Pete's Piano Bar.

Don't miss breakfast tacos, tex-mex, Amy's ice cream and texas bar-b-que. Haven't been recent enough to give specific restaurant recommendations, but bet a search here will provide many.

Have fun!

jan47ete

I'm from NYC and if you are too would take Barb's suggestions but skip Blanton (nothing compares to Met)but for uniquely Austin do a Walk in Hyde Park or plug in "Walks" in Austin and you can do self guided or get info from tourist bureau. Bring a bathing suit and take a dip in Barton Springs in Zilker Park, as I believe it is 88 degrees yearround and quite a treat. Take a stroll on 6th St or South Congress (really unique shops)O Henry's House and next to it Susanna Dickinson's House (survivor of the Alamo),or also try The French Legation, all are fasinating and different.

Austin

I would skip Petes just because they start late and are on 6th street - which is the pits IMHO. Then again, Eshters is too but perhaps an early show?

Barton springs is 68 and very cold. February could be 80'° or 50°.

I recommend Whole Foods flagship store on Lamar between 5th and 6th. You can eat there too at several food bars. Peruse South Congress Ave (south of the river) and have coffee at Jo's and people watch if weather permits. Stop at funky stores and the big parking lot with trailer foods. If u like music, Continental Club (blues) on s. Congress or The Elephant Room downtown for Jazz. gluten free breakfast At either Magnolia cafe.

Second street area by City Hall is pretty cool for eats, drinks, shopping. Go to the Driskoll Hotel and have a drink at the bar if u are so inclined. Their restaurant is perfect in my opinion so if u want to splurge, check out their menu while there. (if u like wine, their pours are very generous)

I think The Blanton is an Austin gem but agree since u have the Met and MOMA, it might not be that special.

williamscb13

Delish Bakery!!!!! on 3rd street in Downtown Austin. You must go! They have gluten free cupcakes. a different flavor every day. Follow their twitter feed while you are in town to find out what they have. They are the best cupcake I have ever had including the ones I used to eat when I could eat gluten. Seriously, my sister and I were amazed at how good they are. They have a base flavor every day and then you get to choose your frosting. They keep all the gluten-free cupcakes and frostings separate from the gluten ones.

Skip Uchi. I was so not impressed at how poorly they accommodated my gluten issues.

You might look into the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower center if you are into flowers. Don't know if anything will be blooming at that time of year.

I wish I could recommend more downtown restaurants to eat at that have gluten-free menus, but my sister lives way out on Lake Travis, so we don't venture downtown too much.

Barblab

If you like visiting art museums when you travel I would still keep Blanton on your list. It is across the street from the Texas State Museum and on your walking route to both the tower and LBJ library. It is not the Met as Jan points out but still worth an hour of our time if you enjoy art museums.

jan47ete

If from NYC you can go to Whole Foods at Columbus Circle, so that's why I didn't mention it. Austin is right, BS is 68 year round as it comes from a spring. You can also google glutun free restaurants austin and come up with some choices.

saige

You might like to try Eastside Cafe and Hyde Park Bar and Grill for unique Austin food experiences that will accommodate your gluten free needs. I agree that the Blanton is worth your time if you are also doing the Texas State Museum and the BLB. Very glad that someone set the record straight on Barton Springs. It is uniquely Austin but the air is cold in February! The water stays at about the same temp year round. Do look into the live music venues! Austin has everything, so you can choose what you like to hear. If you post what you prefer, we can steer you to the right place.

Austin

Eastside Cafe- definitely!