September 27, 2023 | View Online | Sign Up
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If social media is anything to go by, Austin’s been an up-and-coming destination for almost a decade. The truth is the Texas state capital cemented its status as one of the US’ best cities years ago.
While its stratospheric growth diluted the beloved small-town atmosphere that once attracted millions of new transplants, it also prompted a cultural explosion–art, music, food, and any other creative exploit you can imagine all thrive within the city limits.
And then there’s the barbeque…
Welcome to Austin.
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| EAT, SLEEP, DO
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Your Guide to the Best of Austin
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🐔 What to do
The sky’s the limit in Austin. Music lovers have countless festivals and live venues to choose from; food enthusiasts can go to town on some of the best barbeque in the country (among other delights), and outdoor lovers have the breadth of the wider region's natural splendor to enjoy. Here are some of the best things to do in Austin.
🍖 Where to eat
As alluded to twice earlier, barbeque is special here. Some of the greatest smokehouses in the country have graced Austin’s city limits for decades, and they’re only getting better. But it’s not all about the meats–new growth has spurred a vibrant array of global cuisine. Come with a big appetite. Here are the best things to eat in Austin.
🛌🏽 Where to stay
Once again, Austin’s relatively fresh popularity means visitors are treated to an outstanding selection of both historic properties and modern accommodations. Take your time and find something spectacular. Here are the best places to stay in Austin.
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| MONEY MOVES
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Everything’s Bigger in Texas, But Your Flight Can Cost Less
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We’ll be honest. Domestic flights are a piece of cake if you’re in the travel hacking game. Austin is an exceptionally well-connected airport, so you can find a flight from almost every corner of the country.
But how do you get it for almost nothing? Open one of these cards.
Every intro bonus on each of these cards has enough points to fly you from almost anywhere in the US to Austin. It just depends on your personal airport and airline preference (although we’d also recommend you do away with that preference).
With flights as low as 5,000 points and a few bucks, you’ll have plenty of cash left over for your hotel.
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| ZERO SUGAR HYDRATION
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Meet Your New BFF for Staying Hydrated On The Go
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Healthy hydration isn’t just about drinking water. It’s about water PLUS electrolytes.
Whether you’re looking to combat dehydration from traveling, or prolong your hydration to keep your body and mind in prime shape for your adventures ahead, LMNT offers the perfect solution. It’s a delicious and nutritious electrolyte drink mix with everything you need and nothing you don't.
Just mix this flavorful electrolyte drink mix into your water bottle and you’re good to go. No carbs, sugar, or artificial junk added — just a science-backed electrolyte ratio and great taste.
Right now, you can get a FREE LMNT Sample Pack with any order. This exclusive offer is perfect for anyone looking to try all 8 amazing flavors or share LMNT with a friend.
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| AUSTIN FAST FACTS
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🦇 Bat City: Austin’s nickname is Bat City–nothing to do with the Caped Crusader but everything to do with the 1.5 million bats living in caves within the city. From March till October, it’s possible to see them take flight across the city.
📈 They grow up so fast: An outstanding job market and a stellar quality of life have drawn hundreds of thousands of new transplants to Austin in recent years. Since 1980, the city has increased its population by 230%, and some think it might be one of the largest cities in the US by the end of the century.
⚽ It’s lacking in pro sports: Austin didn’t have a professional sports team until the arrival of its MLS team, Austin FC. It was the largest city not to have a pro team in the US.
⭐ It wasn’t always Austin: Austin is named after the “Father of Texas,” Stephen F. Austin. Before that, it was called Waterloo. It’s assumed it’s related to the famous Napoleonic battle, but there’s no evidence to validate that.
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| KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
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Give Yourself a Cushion
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We've already said it. Everything is bigger in Texas. Believe us when we say that stretches to Austin's traffic jams. Whether you've got your own vehicle or hopped in an Uber, allot yourself an extra 15 minutes to ensure you don't miss the opening act at one of the city's top music venues.
Make sure to double-check your addresses too. Austin's incredible growth means relocations are frequent in the city. That barbecue joint might not be where you remember it.
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Festivals are Great (Crowds Aren’t)
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Austin is home to some of the most popular festivals in the US. That’s amazing news if that’s your cup of tea. But for everyone else in the city at the time, tens (or even hundreds) of thousands of extra bodies make a trip a nightmare.
Hotel and restaurant bookings will soar along with prices, and the crowds themselves will be a headache. If it’s summer, you’ve got the added factor of brutal heat, too.
Double-check before you arrive that you’ve not timed things terribly. South by Southwest, City Limits, and even the Formula One Race weekend are all big dates to avoid.
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Go Easy on the Drinking Challenges
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Austin has a couple of well-known spots for some super heavy drinks. For years, they were something of a local tradition, but the advance of TikTok and Instagram means they’ve attracted some less sensible customers.
One spot in particular, Trudy’s, sells some brutally strong margs and limits customers to two each. The loophole? It has four locations, and some brave (or stupid) souls, try to hit all four and max out their allotment. Don’t be that person. Enjoy your drink, and don’t get sloppy.
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| WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING IN AUSTIN
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*This link is sponsored
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