go_laura

Hi,

We are trying to plan a week in Austin the 2nd week in February.

We are a couple in our late forties, love live music but not country so hope that works, hope to go for walks/jogs in pretty places, browse independent shops and/or galleries, find good food that's relatively healthy and inexpensive. Perhaps a little sightseeing. Lots of relaxation.

First, we're thinking to use vrbo and so stay in one place the whole time (we like having a kitchen)- but is a week too long? We're slow folks who tend to get going late so we're thinking that especially if we throw in a couple day trips, that will be fine, but open to thoughts.

Second, please tell me anything you can about neighborhoods...we're trying to keep it to about $150/night and I'm seeing some things in South Congress area; Central (says 2 miles from downtown, just south of Lady Bird Lake); North West Hills; Travis Heights; and Old Enfield neighborhood. One place says you can walk to places on Congress and take a bus to downtown. And of course, there's downtown, tho I can't think right now if I saw anything in our price range.

Having never been to this part of Texas, we know nothing...is it a royal pain to have to drive in and out of Austin, and park? Are downtown and South Congress areas walking distance from each other?

Finally, if vrbo doesn't work, does anyone know of a centrally located hotel that would be as low as $150 or so? I didn't see anything in my research so far, but in case I'm missing something...

Thanks in advance for any help!

Rich

http://www.extendedstayhotels.com/bo.../2009&nRooms=1

moldyhotelsaregross

I really enjoyed my stay at the Staybridge Suites Austin Arboretum - www.staybridgesuites.com
10201 Stonelake Blvd, Austin - (512) 349-0893

It isn't Central but it was in a nice neighborhood with easy freeway access.

Rich

. . opps. . posted too soon

I find Austin very easy to drive around, but I suppose it depends on what you are used to.

When we stay in one place for an extended time we use the extended stay type hotels.

We like both kinds of music . . coluntry and western, and have no trouble finding either in Austin.

We have some real Autin experts who will be along to share their thoughts

Austin

Laura, Austin isn't a real walking city - esp. for a week. If you are looking for VRBO, then S. Congress, Travis Heights would be great. NW Hills is a bit out of the downtown area. Lake Travis would be a pain in the ass to drive every day.

When you were saying what you preferred, the first thing I thougt of was South Congress -or "SoCo". That would suit you. If you can find a rental, great. Luckily, the 2nd week of Feb is pretty slow here. Just an FYI, it may still be chilly here. Feb is our freezing rain month. You might experience freezing rain or you might find nice 70 degree days. Heck, tomorrow will be near 70.

I don't know if they have kitchens, but check out the Hotel San Jose or the Austin Motel. Both on SoCo just blocks from each other. I know the Austin Motel is under $150, San Jose probably is that week. It's totally cool. Coffee, restuarants, music, walking, downtown - all nearby.

go_laura

Thank you, that is very helpful!

We are now leaning toward saving Austin for another time as I would be extremely disappointed if it turned out to be freezing rain on vacation - I have enough of that at home!

But we will get to Austin and the info about SoCo is very good to have.

rascat

Hi go_laura!

We spent a long weekend (Wed. thru Sun.) in Austin in early December. We are also in our late forties, and in "average" shape.

We stayed at the Omni, which was very handy, but won't have been in our budget if DH's company hadn't paid for it! We rented a car thru National, and were very glad to have it. We walked to many places from the hotel, but also needed the car. Parking was a bit of a problem in town, even at the hotel. All of the garages fill up, especially in the evening. South Congress is actually a very long road, so you can be downtown and on SoCo, or you can be on SoCo and be miles away from downtown. Some of the more eclectic shops are across the river from downtown, and would be a hike for most people. Parking is also limited in that area-many people where parking on the residental streets and walking back to the area.

I received many good suggestions from Austin Fodorites. I'm sure you will get the same when you are ready to take your trip. Go to the end of "Long Weekend in Austin" if you want to see my trip report.

This might also get you there:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...en_name=rascat

Hope you have a great time when you get to Austin!

If you plan to make use of grocery stores, Wal-mart, etc. you definitely need a car. From downtown, head out S. Congress and they are all be a few miles out.

For walking, we really enjoyed Pedernales State Park. You will also need a car to get there.

go_laura

Thank you for still replying, rascat,as it looks like Austin is back in the running!

From your time there, do you think a full week would be too long?

Also, a few questions more questions for Austin, you and others, if you don't mind...

Even after reading many threads, I'm still a little bit confused as to whether the 6th street club area and downtown area are the same thing, or are they two different areas?

And, if we wanted to be able to walk outside our place and be on the trail around Town Lake within a 10 minute walk, which neighborhoods should we be looking at?

I've emailed one vrbo owner with a place in Travis Heights to see if s/he's at all negotiable about price...that one was steps from...ut oh, I'm blanking on the name of the park, but it had a geo-thermally heated pool year round. If that doesn't tell you where it is, I'll look it up.

We will have a car, because we're figuring on going some places that will need it, but when we are on vacation we do very much enjoy being able to walk within about 15 minutes to dining out, music, shops, etc.

Thanks again for any and all help!

go_laura

Please forgive me if I'm doing this incorrectly, but I realized I don't think I selected the Texas board for that last post, so am trying again...

kajuble

Fredericksburg is very pleasant and it is near Austin. Lots of Bed and Breakfasts and shops, lots of nice walking around. It does not have the "weird" alternative Austin vibe, it attracts an older and/or more conservative crowd but it is nice.

A must for people visiting Austin is Book People, one of the great independent bookstores in the nation. You can easily spend several hours there and it is right next to a very large Whole Foods that has outdoor seating for a lovely lunch.

rascat

Sorry it's taken me so long to reply-having problems logging in!

I think you could easily spend a week in Austin, especially if you include some of the surrounding areas as kajuble mentioned.

6th Street runs perpendicular to South Congress, and they intersect in the downtown area. There are many clubs in that area, but they are actually all over the city. I've honestly never seen so many restaurants and clubs in a town of this size, and I've been many places!

I can't really answer about neighborhoods, as we mainly stayed downtown. It seem that areas across the river from downtown were more "working class". If you cross the river on S. Congress and head towards the WalMart/Target shopping area, there is an area of older home, then several new condos and apartment complexs along the way. Fancier homes and condos appeared to be beyond Barton Springs and out towards Lake Travis. As Austin posted, driving from Lake Travis into town each day would be a pain.

I wish I had found that bookstore kajuble mentioned. I never made it to Whole Foods because of the cold I was fighting during our trip.

I hope you have great weather and a wonderful trip!

AustinTraveler

I looked at the rentals on VRBO in your price range and I think the two best ones are 199338 and 219993, at least location wise. Of course, I've never seen any of them! The one you have inquired about in Travis Heights is near Stacy Park (heated pool). It says it's three blocks from Stacy Park. I would inquire if that is three blocks further away from the main SoCo (South Congress) area, or three blocks closer. You really don't want to be any further south than Oltorf Street.

The 199338 condo is right in the heart of downtown so you would be able to walk to the Capitol Building, restaurants, etc. You could technically walk from Travis Heights over the bridge and into downtown (Downtown is the area just north of Town Lake) but you probably won't go as far as the Capitol (unless you love walking like me!).

As for Sixth Street, definitely go there and check it out, but you will probably spend more time in the Warehouse District (around Fourth Street). Sixth Street is fun but it's mainly geared around the college crowd. Do not, however, miss Esther's Follies (on Sixth Street). You'll need to make reservations for the show (Thurs-Sat.) but it is not to be missed. It's crazy funny. http://www.esthersfollies.com/

The condo #219993 is located in Clarksville on West Sixth (not to be confused with East Sixth, which is where all the craziness is). It's not right downtown but very convenient and lots of restaurants and shops in the immediate area. It's in an area called Clarksville, which is where the big Whole Foods store is located (West Fifth Street and North Lamar). Use Google map and map out the location. Clarksville is the area bordered to the east by N. Lamar, the west by Mopac (aka 1), the south by West Fifth, and the north by Enfield. The downtown area is just east of there. The SoCo area is South Congress Street, south of the lake. Travis Heights is a residential area east of South Congress. One thing to consider is parking. You'll have free parking in Travis Heights and Clarksville. The Downtown condo will probably have paid parking.

I would get an exact address from any potential places so you can map them out on Google. If you have an address I can definitely tell you if it's a good area or not.

Lots of good and not too expensive places to eat in Austin. Everyone loves going to Chuy's (on Barton Springs Road) for TexMex. One of my favorite BBQ places is Ironworks (on Red River and Cesar Chavez). Hula Hut is also popular.

You must go to Whole Foods cause it's not just a grocery store! Also, stroll down the Hike and Bike Trail (it goes around Town Lake). By the way, the name of the Lake has been changed to Ladybird Lake but nobody calls it that.

I don't think a week would be too long if you take some side trips. Fredericksburg is very popular with most people. I don't like it because it's just a bunch of people looking at stuff in stores, but believe me, it's popular. I would suggest going to Gruene near New Braunfels. I know you don't like country music but if someone is playing at Gruene (pronounced "green" by the way) Hall, make sure you check it out. We really have more Americana music here than country. It's very different so give it a chance.

Oh, and do not miss going out to Lake Travis. Go to the Oasis and have drinks and appetizers. The food isn't great but the view is incredible. Trust me, you won't believe you're in Texas.

Let me know if you have any questions. Have fun!

go_laura

Thank you all!

Austin Traveler, I wonder if the vrbo we're considering in Travis Heights, is the same one you saw. We're looking at 151746, it says "steps away" from Stacy Park. I didn't get an exact address yet but several people who stayed there mentioned in their reviews enjoying having been walking distance to SoCo. The owner had mentioned an easy walk to Magnolia Cafe, if that helps. I do need to get the address!

I can't wait to go to Book People! I absolutely love bookstores.

And will check out many of the other places too....do we need a reservation for Oasis?

AustinTraveler

That place looks great. Definitely get the address so we can map it out and make sure you're not too far out! And no, you do not need a reservation for the Oasis. In fact, you won't need a reservation at most places cause you'll be there in February, not a busy time for sure. Magnolia Cafe is great too and definitely an Austin tradition.

go_laura

Oops, just lost my post somehow.

The place is at 2005 Alameda Drive. Looks like we'd cut thru the park to walk over to SoCo, and it would be about a 10 minute walk? That is fine with us, if I have it right.

Once we walked over to SoCo though, am I right that would there be lots of shops, restaurants, places to hear music, to explore? I do think it would be disappointing if we walked over to SoCo and found we're on a part of it where there's only a couple restaurants and shops within walking distance.

Also, while I assume we'd generally take our car to go into downtown and 6t.St., 4ths St., etc. how long a walk would it be if we did want to walk? And how well and frequently does your bus system in Austin work? We are very used to taking public transportation, and do like to minimize our time driving and dealing with parking, when on vacation.

I'm getting quite excited now that the trip is 3 weeks away! Anybody want to share any favorite places to sit and hear some singer/songwriter, indy folk, indy rock, or americana (yes I'll keep an open mind) music? I don't prefer venues where I have to stand for the whole concert...getting old, lol!

Thanks again everyone!

AustinTraveler

Hi Laura,

If you use google maps, you can map distances from the house and you can get distances by car, walking, or public transportation. Yes, when you get to S. Congress there will be shops, restaurants, etc. and you'll want to head north toward downtown. The shops are very eclectic and may not be your style. That part of town tries very hard to stay weird. Lots of restaurants to try out and if the weather is good, lots of places to eat and hang out outside. You should check out the Continental Club for music. Also, there's often music at the San Jose Hotel (look for Jo's Coffee Shop).

Public transportation here means the bus, or the Dillo (a trolley service). That will be your best bet getting around if you don't want to worry about parking. The parking meters downtown are free after 5:30 and on weekends. If you drive to Whole Foods, there is an underground parking garage. Park on the lower level cause there are always spots open there. You can also leave your car in the garage while exploring the Book People (across the street) and the shops and stuff in this area.

A couple of other music venues are Momo's (close to Whole Foods) and Elephant Room (a jazz venue downtown). There are TONS of others. I usually don't pick a venue, but rather see where someone is playing and go there. Problem is, you won't recognize half of them. The Cactus Cafe (at the University) always has great shows. You have to buy tickets ahead of time though cause they sell out. It's a very small, sit-down venue. Here's who will be playing when you're in town: http://tinyurl.com/5b2zpe. Even if you don't recognize them, just go to their MySpace sites and listen to the music. If you want to see a honkey tonk, check out the Broken Spoke.

On Sixth Street (that's East Sixth Street), you'll be able to hear who's playing in the various clubs as you walk by. It's fun to walk around after seeing a show at Esther's Follies. Also, don't miss seeing the Driskill Hotel on Sixth. It's really beautiful.

go_laura

Thanks so much again! I'll look forward to trying out some of your suggestions.

After lots and lots of googling (only breaking for watching inaugural activities and going to a movie!), we did book that vrbo place in Travis Heights. He came down on price a little for us to bring it within our budget, which was very nice. I decided that SoCo looked fun...eclectic and weird works fine for us And since it'll be early to mid February, I'll just hope the driving and parking when necessary won't be too bad.

Have read many, many old threads here now on what to do, where to go, etc...so taking lots of notes, and might come back with another question or two before we go. If anyone else wants to add anything new about places to recommend walking, sightseeing, eating, or hearing music, not-to-bbe-missed-shops, etc., post on! I'd love to hear it!

maryanntex

Don't miss the West Sixth Street area between West Lynn and Lamar (very close to Whole Foods). There are lots of shops in old buildings there--several art/fine craft galleries, a vintage clothing store, women's boutiques, and Sweetish Hill Bakery, which is a good place to grab coffee and a muffin for breakfast or soup and sandwich for lunch. Another good place for breakfast is Galaxy Diner on West Lynn, and there also is a good coffee house across the street from it. Maybe someone here can help with the name.

AustinTraveler

Go see a movie at one of the Alamo Drafthouses (the original one is downtown). They have a full menu and full bar and you get served during the movie. When you want something else, just write on the paper provided, stand the paper up and your waiter will come by and pick it up and place your order. Also, if you don't have IMAX at home, definitely check it out. It's at the Bob Bullock Texas State Museum.

When you're in town you can check the live music schedule by using the Austin Chronicle. They're free all around town, or just go online:

http://www.austinchronicle.com/

There are some nice shops and restaurants springing up in the West Third and Fourth Street area downtown. And I definitely agree about the shops and galleries on West Sixth near Whole Foods. That's the Clarksville area I mentioned earlier. Check out Z-Texas restaurant on West Sixth. Lots of good restaurants on West Lynn including Jeffrey's, Cafe Medici, a pizza place, a vegetarian place, and the soda fountain in the drug store (can't remember the names).

Also on West Sixth but heading in the opposite direction (toward downtown), you'll find Opal Divine's, Katz, Mother Egan's, and Hut's. All are good for casual dining. Momo's (for live music) is above Katz. Further up West Sixth you'll find Bess, which is Sandra Bullock's restaurant. Millions more - Austin is full of restaurants so you'll have way more choices than you need.

Speaking of casual, Austin is very laid back and casual. No need to get dressed up unless you just want to.

go_laura

Hi again,

For those of you familiar with Momo's, we did find that there's someone we like playing there the week we're in, so I have a few follow-up questions...

Do they serve food, or just drinks? If food, is it any good?

Do they sell tix in advance or is it all at door? If all at door, what time would you typically need to get there on a non-weekend evening to be sure to be able to sit rather than stand for the music?

And speaking of the sitting/standing thing, do most of the places that have music have a reasonable amount of seating, or are they mostly standing? If there are a lot of places with only standing room, do you have any that *do* have lots of seating, that you could tell me about (we're hoping to discover some musicians we've never heard of, to enjoy while in Austin, but I can't stand for too long)?

Thanks for any help!