We have 1 week to spend in the Hill Country at the end of March. We land and leave from Austin. We want to see the bluebells and wild flowers. We want to see San Antonio. Should we spend any time in Austin? How much?

Reason #1 for going to Austin: George Dumbya Bush isn't there any longer. Reason #2-------

It would be helpful if we knew what types of things interest you? I lived in Austin for six yrs and loved it, however, I love live music, nightlife, etc. There are a lot of other things to do ie. presidential library, Great Tex Mex food, zilker park, lake travis (hillcountry0 but it probably be bit chilly for water activities.

One of the best places to see the bluebonnets and other wild flowers is the Willow City Loop just outside of Fredericksburg about 1 hour west of Austin. Fredericksburg is an old German founded town which plays up that heritage. San Antonio is just an hour south. Austin has the Johnson Presidential Library and the University of Texas, the Capitol (legislature in session), etc. Lots of fun laid-back places.

As others mention, how much time you spend in austin depends on what you are interested in and to some extent, your age. The music scene can be fun, for instance, but personally i think sixth street is mostly for those in their twenties; now that i'm in my thirties i prefer other areas//clubs or going out for dinner. (i like las manitas for breakfast, guero's tacos and vespaio (sp?) for dinner, bitter end and cedar door for hanging out.) (but i still like the continental club, depending on who's playing there.) Fredericksburg is a good place for wildflowers _ go see the herb farm and the wildflower farm while you're there. Wimberley is another cool little hill country town.

Sandy -- If you do a search using the words Austin or San Antonio, you will bring up a trip report I wrote last year. I love Austin a lot and have been there many times. San Antonio is fun too. I would spend at least 1-2 days in Austin -- it is fun to watch the bat colony fly out from underneath the bridge over the river, swim at Barton Springs if it's warm enough, go hear music if you're into that (Sixth Street or elsewhere), eat some great Tex-Mex food (lots of suggestions on that in my trip report), go walking or jogging on the trails along the river, take a peek at the state capitol building if you're interested, & lots more.