Dh is going to Croatia, but I don't want to stay home...I am thinking about headed south to Austin (9 hr drive).

I've never been to Austin!

I will be there 3 nites: would like to stay
where I can walk home from hearing some great music. Dining nearby.

Questions:
Best tamale? I'm on a quest
Best small hotel near downtown bars? that is
Safe!! I will spend $90-$150/nt. Maybe I will do
Priceline.

I will keep digging around on the
posts.

I am prime for another "adventure" and welcome attractions that are off the beaten path.

No Marriott/Sheraton/Hiltons on this "trip"

Hi beachkomer

You may be hard-pressed to find a downtown hotel in your price range over Labor Day weekend.

Saturday, September 1 is the first game of the Longhorn football season, and it's a home game against Arkansas. Undoubtedly a busy weekend downtown.

Hook 'em!

Wow, I guess I will broaden my search.
Thanks for the heads up!

If you come to San Antonio instead (add another hour onto your drive) I can tell you where to get the best tamales! (Delicious) Me, I'd opt for Croatia in a heartbeat!!! Is it too late?

I guess it is the tamales. You can probably not find those in Croatia.

Seriously, if you get to Austin, be sure and watch the evening "show" when the bats fly out from under the bridge. Others can supply the exact location, as I do not live in Austin and can't.

Also, the LBJ library is very interesting. The ranch and LBJ birthplace are also interesting but you need a car to get to them.

Everything kopp said is acccurate concerning how crowded and busy the city will be (although we're playing Arkansas STATE, big difference in talent level and fan base from Arkansas). You'll normally be hard-pressed to find under $150 within downtown walking distance to bars that has not sold out already (if at all) but since this is UT's cupcake game (albeit a night one) anything is possible.

Would definitely recommend hotwire/priceline. I have gotten lucky before.

This isn't a hotel, but rather a bed and breakfast on the UT campus. I am not sure if she has openings given that it is a game weekend but you can try. www.carriaghouseinn.org. It is safe and the grounds and innkeeper are lovely! Husband and I stayed here in June for a weekend getaway and I highly recommend it.

Let me try again. www.carriagehouseinn.org

Thanks for all of the info. I will have my car for a stop at the IKEA store!

San Antonio would be great too! This could be quite the road trip on the search for the best tamale!

I would love to go with dh to Croatia but the $1,300 ticket is not in my budget!