Although it's something of a hole in the wall, I love El Patio Mexican Restaurant at 2938 Guadalupe St. They've been around for around 52 years...friendly place but very simple and delicious tex-mex (at least the last time I ate there). It's right across from UT.

Chuy's is good for Tex-Mex but Baby-A's has good margaritas.

If you will have a car, head to The Salt Lick (it's about 30-40 minutes outside town in Driftwood). Terrific, fantastic, superb Texas bar-be-que. [You have to pay cash and if you want alcohol, you have to bring it yourself.]

It's been a busy month so I have not checked in lately. We are staying at the Hilton closest to the convention center. I am anxious to try all your ideas. What is the Lady Bird garden tour and is it worth paying 25.00 to see? Thanks again.

Just thought of another question. What is best/cheapest way to get from Austin Airport to the Hilton near the convention center.Thanks

You need to rent a car.

If you're not renting a car, just take a taxi. It's not far and won't cost you more than $20.

Is the taxi better than the shuttle? Are they available at the airport? Any one know anything about the lady bird garden tour?

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is best in April when the TX wildflowers are in full bloom. I hesitate to recommend it any other time of year, but some will disagree.

I suggest checking the web site for the shuttle service then call a local taxi service and compare fares.

Here is a link to the shuttle service.

http://www.supershuttle.com/default.aspx

Call Yellow Cabs at 512-452-9999.

Taxis are definitely available at the airport. Just walk outside and you'll see them lined up.

I highly recommend the LBJ Wildlife Center. I am a volunteer there and there are many nice walks to discover plantlife as well as wildlife at that time of year. They have an art gallery as well as a well stocked store with some unique gift items. Some of our favorite restaurants downtown are Carmello's (Italian), Trulucks (have the tomato salad), Chez Nou (authentic French), Starlight and Sandra Bullock's restaurant Bess' Bistro on 6th. The buttermilk pancakes at the Driskill are wonderful. Check out the Whole Foods store as it is their flagship store and is fun to browse and graze throughout.

Oops, I meant the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and the admission rate is $7.00, Seniors $6.00.

Can I get to the Lady Bird Center without a car? Anywhere else I should go and how to get there without a car. Thanks for everything

The Lady Bird Center is in a somewhat remote location on the edge of town. I doubt there's a bus route and a cab would be rather pricey.

Please see my earlier post. If you are staying downtown the places I named are all within walking distance or a short bus ride.

Poolqueen, if you are not renting a car, no big deal. Your hotel is in a great location. You are close (2-4 blocks) from some great restuarants: PF Changs, Flemings, Roys, Melting Pot, Mongolian BBQ, Moonshine (Try their ribs and a Hard Lemonade) Las Manitas, Manuels... You can walk to Congress Ave, the Warehouse district, 6th Street (safe, just don't wait till the bars empty at 2 AM..)

You can take the Dillo (free shuttle) to the Bullock Museum and the Blanton Museum which are across from each other. The Harry Ranson Center on the UT Campus (Also across from Blanton and Bullock) has neat exhibits too.

It will be HOT here. Well, I think it will. Mid 90's this weekend. It could change. Check weather.com Also, Austin is VERY casual. No need to dress up.

Okay Austin experts....I need some help.

We'll be moving back to Houston this summer and my DH thought that the Austin area would be fun for Labor Day.

We might do a little sightseeing - but after a stressful move, we'll probably just want to chill out, maybe let DH and boys hit some golf balls, and maybe I'll do a spa-thing.

I would not mind visiting the UT campus since my brother went there and since my older son will be a junior next year - college campus tours are on our agenda for the foreseeable future!

Any recommendations for a hotel/resort to stay in? We usually get 2 rooms and I would like to keep the room costs under $150 a night each (less if possible). It's been so long since I've stayed in a hotel in the US - is that even possible on a holiday weekend????? :(

Grcxx3 - Definitely check out the San Jose Hotel on South Congress:

www.sanjosehotel.com/

but you better book it fast.

thanks MRand - but we're looking for more of a resort setting (pool, golf, spa) and having looked - I will just have to pay more than I want. But no worries.....DH wants to do this so he can't complain about the cost!

Then Barton Creek may be your best choice:

www.bartoncreek.com