Austin, Texas, is known for its vibrant cultural landscape. Home to the University of Texas, Austin City Limits Festival, Barton Springs, and best-in-class barbecue, there’s no shortage of things to do.
If you live in Austin, chances are you’ve come to know this city and perhaps even love it. No matter if you’re a lifelong Austinite or just passing through, there’s something for everyone here.
Moving away from Austin means leaving behind everything that makes it a great place to live. Out of this embarrassment of riches, we’ve narrowed it down to these bucket list items to do before leaving town.
The Texas Capitol Building
First, if you haven’t been yet, a visit to the Texas State Capitol is essential. The famous pink dome is special for many reasons, including that it is actually taller than the U.S. Capitol building. This architectural gem offers free tours that provide insight into Texas history and politics. No afternoon spent strolling these beautiful grounds is ever wasted.
Infinite Concerts
Music is Austin’s chief export, so no farewell trip around the city is complete without exploring the renowned music scene. If you’re not sure where to start, head to Sixth Street, the main UT student drag. It’s lined with dive bars and honky tonks, hole-in-the-wall diners, and hidden gems.
From there, you can dip into all sorts of live music venues featuring acts from pretty much any genre you can think of. Moving around the city, you’ll find legendary and iconic venues like The Continental Club, Antone’s, Stubb’s BBQ, Broken Spoke, Saxon Pub, Hotel Vegas, Moody Center, and Emo’s Austin.
If you’ve missed visiting any of these during your time in Austin, check them out before you hit the road.
Nature Is Calling
A sweltering summer in Austin, Texas, is something to endure rather than enjoy. Temperatures are high, humidity is off the charts, and indoor activities top the list. Other times of year, outdoor enthusiasts have plenty of options around Bat City.
Zilker Park sits at the juncture of the Colorado River and Barton Creek. Founded in 1917, this 361-acre nature preserve features miles of hike and bike trails, canoe rentals, a disc golf course, and playgrounds for the littles. You can paddleboard or kayak on Lady Bird Lake, ride the Zilker Zephyr, or hop into the natural spring-fed Barton Springs Pool to cool off.
When night falls, swing by and say good evening to the bats at Congress Avenue Bridge. This local phenomenon features over 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats that fly out in the early evening. It’s the largest urban bat colony in the world!
Austin Food Scene Musts
Foodies shouldn’t leave Austin without indulging in Texas barbecue. It seems like you can’t throw a stick in town without hitting a new BBQ pop-up, and the old standbys are still there making mouths water if you come to your senses.
We’re pretty sure it’s a law that you have to visit Franklin Barbecue as a residential rite of passage. This Food Network favorite is one of the best in town, so be prepared to wait in line, which is totally worth it, for some of the best brisket you’ll ever taste.
Alongside Franklin Barbecue, you can’t go wrong with InterStellar BBQ, la Barbecue, and LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue, each holding a MICHELIN star. These three spots will make your wallet a little bit lighter, but your waistline will make up for it.
And, just to make sure you can check it off the list, get at least one set of breakfast tacos from any of the following: Juan in a Million, Granny’s Tacos, Veracruz All Natural, Taco Joint, or Con Madre Kitchen.
And if you have friends coming to town before you move away, you could always take them to Güero’s Taco Bar.
A Different Point of View
Finally, make sure to catch the stunning views at Mount Bonnell, especially around sunset. The panoramic views over the Colorado River and the city are perfect.
We’re Your Guys in Austin
And, of course, when you’re ready to move on, there’s one other Austin icon ready to help you get where you’re going: Little Guys Movers. For professional movers in or out of Austin, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
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