What to do in Austin for a few days
Dec 11th, 2007, 11:11 AM
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What to do in Austin for a few days
Hub and I and 2 year old son are thinking of spending a few days in Austin, TX around Christmas, just for fun. Do you have any recommendaions on where to stay (which part of town) and what to do? Thanks!
Dec 11th, 2007, 11:23 AM
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- check out the trail of lights www.ci.austin.tx.us/tol/
- Austin Children's museum
www.austinkids.org. Haven't been there in years since my kids were young.
- visit the state capitol. Free. You can spend 15min or a 2hrs. Impressive building w/ dome/rotunda, 2 chambers, etc.
- Texas State Museum - probably not well suited to 2yr old, but it's a good museum www.thestoryoftexas.com/
BBQ - many options
Music - many options
- Austin Children's museum
www.austinkids.org. Haven't been there in years since my kids were young.
- visit the state capitol. Free. You can spend 15min or a 2hrs. Impressive building w/ dome/rotunda, 2 chambers, etc.
- Texas State Museum - probably not well suited to 2yr old, but it's a good museum www.thestoryoftexas.com/
BBQ - many options
Music - many options
Dec 11th, 2007, 12:20 PM
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If it's in your budget, the Four Seasons is hard to beat. Downtown on Town Lake. There are walking trails along Town Lake that literally cross the FS property. You're also across the Lake from Zilker Park - very large with lots of trails and outdoor options. You're also within walking distance of 6th Street with all its music, restaurants, etc. They usually have weekend specials.
Regardless, definitely recommend staying downtown.
Regardless, definitely recommend staying downtown.
Dec 11th, 2007, 12:36 PM
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Agree with maryann that the Radisson is fine too. Have stayed there several times. Practically next door to the Four Seasons and it's right at Congress Ave - great spot to view the bats leaving under the Congress Ave bridge each night at sunset.
Dec 11th, 2007, 02:28 PM
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I would try Priceline for a 4* in the downtown area. Since there is no UT football game you should have no problem. I have gotten the Hyatt, Hilton and Omni, all good hotels, and all between $55 and most recently $85 / night.
If you are at all interested in art museums, the UT one is awesome. The one downtown, while small, would be worth a look as they have a cool room for families to create and explore art. Also you may all enjoy the Duck Tour through downtown and out on Lady Bird Johnson (formerly Town) Lake. If your 2 year old likes loud noies the duck whistles would be a blast.
Have fun it is a great city.
If you are at all interested in art museums, the UT one is awesome. The one downtown, while small, would be worth a look as they have a cool room for families to create and explore art. Also you may all enjoy the Duck Tour through downtown and out on Lady Bird Johnson (formerly Town) Lake. If your 2 year old likes loud noies the duck whistles would be a blast.
Have fun it is a great city.
Dec 11th, 2007, 06:25 PM
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There is a network of FREE trolley buses that run various routes through the downtown area. These are known as 'Dillos www.capmetro.org/riding/downtown_trollies.asp
While downtown Austin is walkable, it's always nice to be able to hop on a 'Dillo if even for just a few blocks, (esp w/ a 2yr old in tow).
The Silver 'Dillo runs east/west and will take you to the Whole Foods flagship store. It's a great place to pick up fresh foods or even sit down at one of the various counters for a good, quick, relatively cheap meal.
While downtown Austin is walkable, it's always nice to be able to hop on a 'Dillo if even for just a few blocks, (esp w/ a 2yr old in tow).
The Silver 'Dillo runs east/west and will take you to the Whole Foods flagship store. It's a great place to pick up fresh foods or even sit down at one of the various counters for a good, quick, relatively cheap meal.
Dec 12th, 2007, 03:48 AM
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You might want to look at the Embassy Suites hotel near Congress Avenue. It's got a little extra room for your family; a full, hot breakfast in the morning and complimentary drinks in the evening. They also have an indoor pool which your son would probably enjoy. The hotel is located near the hike-and-bike trail around Town Lake and it's also within a couple blocks of Sandy's, my husband's favorite soft-serve ice cream stand when he was growing up in Austin. Even though you'll be there in December, it won't be too cold for Sandy's!
Dec 12th, 2007, 10:09 PM
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Gruene is a great little town - tons of antiques and cute shops. There's a restaurant called the Grist Mill that is right on the river - really cute spot, and sometimes they have live music. Get some of their homemade wine coolers. One of the shops in town sells Bluebell ice cream - good stuff. There's also an old dance hall there that has live country music; lots of famous singers got their start there. The Gruene Apple is a wonderful place to stay.
In Austin, you can go to Mt. Bonnell (sp?) and The Oasis is a fun restaurant with great views of Lake Travis - good spot for margaritas.
In Austin, you can go to Mt. Bonnell (sp?) and The Oasis is a fun restaurant with great views of Lake Travis - good spot for margaritas.
Dec 13th, 2007, 05:12 AM
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Besides Gruene (pronounced "Green" in case you were unaware), also consider Johnson City and Fredericksburg. Fredericksburg is a classic German hill country town and about 75 mi west of Austin. Both are very doable in a day IMO.
