Austin/San Antonio-Suggestions for father daughter 3 day trip
Oct 20th, 2004, 07:23 AM
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Austin/San Antonio-Suggestions for father daughter 3 day trip
Dad and 13 year-old have 3 full days in Austin and San Antonio. Flying in & out of Austin. (Daughter's love of Dixie Chicks is impetus for trip) Suggestions appreciated on what part of town to stay in, possible live music venue, whether to go to San Antonio and if so as a day trip or overnight... or anything else you think would be helpful. We'll have a rental car but would prefer to be within walking distance of some of the things we'll want to see.
Oct 20th, 2004, 08:58 AM
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I love staying on South Congress at either the austinmotel.com (kitchy/tacky) or sanjosehotel.com. (feng shui-cool) If you are going to be there during the first Thursday of the month, all the stores stay open until 10pm and many have live music going on in and around. Hanging out at Jo's is great for people watching any time of day.
Along 6th St, on the other side of Town Lake (really Colorado River) there are a lot of music venues, but getting in a 13 yr old may be tough. Since I haven't been in this situation, I can't give good advice.
San Antonio is only an hour away, so a day trip, if you choose is easy to do.
Austin is a huge outdoors-city. A lot to do. Rent canoes/kayaks near Barton Spring; swim in Barton Spring; tour West Cave Preserve; cave exploring at Longhorns Caverns State Park, Cave Without a Name, Natural Bridge or Inner Space.
Along 6th St, on the other side of Town Lake (really Colorado River) there are a lot of music venues, but getting in a 13 yr old may be tough. Since I haven't been in this situation, I can't give good advice.
San Antonio is only an hour away, so a day trip, if you choose is easy to do.
Austin is a huge outdoors-city. A lot to do. Rent canoes/kayaks near Barton Spring; swim in Barton Spring; tour West Cave Preserve; cave exploring at Longhorns Caverns State Park, Cave Without a Name, Natural Bridge or Inner Space.
Oct 20th, 2004, 09:05 AM
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When are they coming?
I agree - most of the live music is at bars and kids are usually not permitted. But there are exceptions. Let me know when they are coming and I'll check some things out. I take it they are coming for a Dixie Chicks concert?
While I love the Hotel San Jose and Austin Motel, I'm not sure most 13 year olds would. I think most prefer the "fancier" hotels with more amenities, but yours may be different. The San Jose/Austin Motel are both in a perfect location, right on S. Congress. They wouldn't need a car for most of the time here.
If they have 3 full days, not sure they would need the trip to SA, but if they do go, they could leave in the AM, check out the riverwalk, and then come back the same day.
Let us know what other things daughter and dad like, and when they are coming.
I agree - most of the live music is at bars and kids are usually not permitted. But there are exceptions. Let me know when they are coming and I'll check some things out. I take it they are coming for a Dixie Chicks concert?
While I love the Hotel San Jose and Austin Motel, I'm not sure most 13 year olds would. I think most prefer the "fancier" hotels with more amenities, but yours may be different. The San Jose/Austin Motel are both in a perfect location, right on S. Congress. They wouldn't need a car for most of the time here.
If they have 3 full days, not sure they would need the trip to SA, but if they do go, they could leave in the AM, check out the riverwalk, and then come back the same day.
Let us know what other things daughter and dad like, and when they are coming.
Oct 20th, 2004, 09:05 AM
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Austin is the live music capital of Texas. San Antonio has the world famous river walk district but a bad rep for live music. If you're going in summer check out tubing down the Quadelupe River north of San Antonio in New Braunfels or the Schliterbaun water park.
Oct 20th, 2004, 11:28 AM
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Thanx for all suggestions. In response to some questions posed:
We are coming Nov. 11-14. The Dixie Chicks are not in concert there then...as best I can tell one or more of them live there and that is reason enough for daughter to select Austin for trip. She has been to a place in Nashville called the Bluebird Cafe where aspiring musicians play and it is a kid-friendly atmosphere (no smoking, not a lot of drunks, etc.) and I was wondering if there is somewhere similar to that. She likes canoeing/kayaking/biking/outdoorsy stuff and shopping. Schlitterbahn is closed for the season according to website...she had wanted to go there.
San Antonio part of trip is mainly to please Dad and could be omitted if it's not a wise use of the time we have.
We are coming Nov. 11-14. The Dixie Chicks are not in concert there then...as best I can tell one or more of them live there and that is reason enough for daughter to select Austin for trip. She has been to a place in Nashville called the Bluebird Cafe where aspiring musicians play and it is a kid-friendly atmosphere (no smoking, not a lot of drunks, etc.) and I was wondering if there is somewhere similar to that. She likes canoeing/kayaking/biking/outdoorsy stuff and shopping. Schlitterbahn is closed for the season according to website...she had wanted to go there.
San Antonio part of trip is mainly to please Dad and could be omitted if it's not a wise use of the time we have.
Oct 20th, 2004, 05:56 PM
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If you are not coming on a UT football weekend you can book your hotel via Priceline.com. We have paid anywhere from $45.-$65. for three different 4 star hotels in the downtown area.
Re Austin if you like kayaking it is great right there on Town Lake at Zelker Park. Also great biking and hiking trails. You could visit the Texas State Museam by UT, which I think of all the museums there would probably apeal to your daughter the most.
A day trip to San Antonio would be fun. The Alamo can be fun and interesting if you first go to the IMAX movie that explains Texas history first. (It shows right accross the street in the mall from the Alamo.) Also the Mexican Market is fun to walk around and Mi Tierra Mexican Resturant is an institution in the city, and good too! If she loves to shop there is an outlet mall in San Marcos which is 1/2 way between the two cities.
Your daughter is very lucky to have a father who is so involved in her life. Have a wonderful time!
Re Austin if you like kayaking it is great right there on Town Lake at Zelker Park. Also great biking and hiking trails. You could visit the Texas State Museam by UT, which I think of all the museums there would probably apeal to your daughter the most.
A day trip to San Antonio would be fun. The Alamo can be fun and interesting if you first go to the IMAX movie that explains Texas history first. (It shows right accross the street in the mall from the Alamo.) Also the Mexican Market is fun to walk around and Mi Tierra Mexican Resturant is an institution in the city, and good too! If she loves to shop there is an outlet mall in San Marcos which is 1/2 way between the two cities.
Your daughter is very lucky to have a father who is so involved in her life. Have a wonderful time!
Oct 20th, 2004, 07:03 PM
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Canoe/kayak rental is in Zilker Park north of Barton Springs pool along the spring.
I'm not sure how the shared bike program is working out. I think it's "yellow bike" or something like that.
If you are renting a car, Longhorn Cavern St Park is good with a little history for dad. Plus it's a nice drive.
I'm not sure how the shared bike program is working out. I think it's "yellow bike" or something like that.
If you are renting a car, Longhorn Cavern St Park is good with a little history for dad. Plus it's a nice drive.
Oct 21st, 2004, 07:34 AM
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There is no football game that weekend. If you want to check out concerts, keep an eye on www.auschron.com
It is updated every thrs. morning. Follow the link to "music listings". They have it by venue and road shows. They also list other goings on in Austin.
Also check out www.austin360.com for events.
Hanovers in Pflugerville is smoke free. I think some early shows at Antones are smoke free. Nutty Brown cafe in Dripping Springs (just South of Austin) is a restaruarnt with an outdoor music venue and is defintely kid friendly. (More kids than adults on the dance floor sometimes!) However, sometimes once Nov. rolls around, it might be too cool for outdoor stuff. Call any venue and ask about kids and smoke free concerts.
Longhorn Cavern is very cool. But it's almost an hour drive. I'd say if they want to take a day trip, might as well drive to San Antonio since that's about an hour+ too.
It is updated every thrs. morning. Follow the link to "music listings". They have it by venue and road shows. They also list other goings on in Austin.
Also check out www.austin360.com for events.
Hanovers in Pflugerville is smoke free. I think some early shows at Antones are smoke free. Nutty Brown cafe in Dripping Springs (just South of Austin) is a restaruarnt with an outdoor music venue and is defintely kid friendly. (More kids than adults on the dance floor sometimes!) However, sometimes once Nov. rolls around, it might be too cool for outdoor stuff. Call any venue and ask about kids and smoke free concerts.
Longhorn Cavern is very cool. But it's almost an hour drive. I'd say if they want to take a day trip, might as well drive to San Antonio since that's about an hour+ too.
Oct 21st, 2004, 08:00 AM
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just thought of something else - Gruene Hall in New Braunfels. Old timey dance hall. Probably have something for both dad and daughter that weekend. Here's their schedule - Bet they both would like the Fabulous Thunderbirds!
http://www.gruenehall.com/nov2004.html
http://www.gruenehall.com/nov2004.html
Oct 21st, 2004, 07:23 PM
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You can get the Hyatt Regency Austin for $46 a night on Priceline.
Your daughter may like shopping at Tesoro.
Also, there are soooooo many concerts going on. Take her to some live music.
Also, have a meal at Threadgills.
Your daughter may like shopping at Tesoro.
Also, there are soooooo many concerts going on. Take her to some live music.
Also, have a meal at Threadgills.
Oct 22nd, 2004, 03:45 AM
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I will repost my response to another question...since you don't have the same constaints as this other poster, i would certainly recommend san jose or austinmotel. austin has a lot of unique things and these places are uniquely austin.
i agree on gruene hall - during the day you can just wander in and out listen to the music and have a beer or softdrink - no cover charge. some scenes in the film "michael" with john travolta was filmed here so your daughter might get a kick out of this. actually the whole town or gruene is nice to visit.
don't miss san antonio...it lacks the depth of real character that austin has but i think your daughter will really like the river walk and of course to at least snap a shot at the alamo. River walk it is quite an impressive place for visitors.
____________________________________
as promised...a repost...
sanjose or austinmotel is where i would stay but they are far from the wedding. unfortunately, austin is very newly overbuilt so hotels with local flavour are few and far between - and non-existent in the north part of town. there are many newer chain hotels in that area so if you really need to stay close to the wedding i would just pick one of the national chains with the best price.
personally, i don't like the renaissance and i can't imagine staying there on my own dime (i have stayed there many times for work). it's basically in the middle of a shopping mall, the parking is horrible, and it's really just a business hotel. pf changs is a fancy chinese restaurant chain with valet parking (in the middle of the suburbs!). stay away. Manuels is good but i prefer the downtown location (on congress, if i remember).
in my opinion, you will need to head into town to get a feel for the city. The north (jollyville area) is all full of the strip malls built in the dot com run up to 2000.
if you like blues, check out joe's generic bar on 6th street (i hope it's still there - maybe it's an applebees now). be warned - it's a total dive and may not look so welcoming or even safe but trust me...it is.
for nightlife, check out club deville on red river. they have the best cocktails in town...very cool atmosphere both inside and out in the yard surrounded by limestone cliffs.
for breakfast, try the "burnett road burrito" at taco shack on the butt end of burnett road near the rosedale neighborhood.
stay away from the oasis on lake travis (typically considered a must for visitors- but it knows it). if you must have a view of the lake, go to iguana instead.
for lunch, head to Ski Shores Cafe on a secluded part of lake austin. This is a substitute for Hula Hut which is more the typical lake austin suggestion. HH is ok but ski shores is more uniquely austin.
on south congress, check out gueros and el sol y la luna for dinner.
stubb's bbq has good TX bbq and a nice atmosphere. it's a popular choice but deserves its good reputation.
if any austinite knows that these places have closed (or worse remodeled themselves), please don't tell me or i might cry.
i agree on gruene hall - during the day you can just wander in and out listen to the music and have a beer or softdrink - no cover charge. some scenes in the film "michael" with john travolta was filmed here so your daughter might get a kick out of this. actually the whole town or gruene is nice to visit.
don't miss san antonio...it lacks the depth of real character that austin has but i think your daughter will really like the river walk and of course to at least snap a shot at the alamo. River walk it is quite an impressive place for visitors.
____________________________________
as promised...a repost...
sanjose or austinmotel is where i would stay but they are far from the wedding. unfortunately, austin is very newly overbuilt so hotels with local flavour are few and far between - and non-existent in the north part of town. there are many newer chain hotels in that area so if you really need to stay close to the wedding i would just pick one of the national chains with the best price.
personally, i don't like the renaissance and i can't imagine staying there on my own dime (i have stayed there many times for work). it's basically in the middle of a shopping mall, the parking is horrible, and it's really just a business hotel. pf changs is a fancy chinese restaurant chain with valet parking (in the middle of the suburbs!). stay away. Manuels is good but i prefer the downtown location (on congress, if i remember).
in my opinion, you will need to head into town to get a feel for the city. The north (jollyville area) is all full of the strip malls built in the dot com run up to 2000.
if you like blues, check out joe's generic bar on 6th street (i hope it's still there - maybe it's an applebees now). be warned - it's a total dive and may not look so welcoming or even safe but trust me...it is.
for nightlife, check out club deville on red river. they have the best cocktails in town...very cool atmosphere both inside and out in the yard surrounded by limestone cliffs.
for breakfast, try the "burnett road burrito" at taco shack on the butt end of burnett road near the rosedale neighborhood.
stay away from the oasis on lake travis (typically considered a must for visitors- but it knows it). if you must have a view of the lake, go to iguana instead.
for lunch, head to Ski Shores Cafe on a secluded part of lake austin. This is a substitute for Hula Hut which is more the typical lake austin suggestion. HH is ok but ski shores is more uniquely austin.
on south congress, check out gueros and el sol y la luna for dinner.
stubb's bbq has good TX bbq and a nice atmosphere. it's a popular choice but deserves its good reputation.
if any austinite knows that these places have closed (or worse remodeled themselves), please don't tell me or i might cry.
Oct 25th, 2004, 01:08 PM
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Ohhhh. Sorry, it IS Joe's. Just closed it up suddenly a couple months ago. Then, about 2 weeks ago, the co-owner was found shot to death in his apt...
http://www.austin360.com/xl/content/..._10-21-04.html
http://www.austin360.com/xl/content/..._10-21-04.html
Oct 25th, 2004, 01:14 PM
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Beaux - meant to add... Great choice. Perfect location. Jo's just next door for coffee in the AM, walk to Guerros, Continental Club across the street (They have non-smoking shows...) and just fun and kitschy South Congress.
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