Outdoors
Lady Bird Lake --
Enjoy a walk or jog around the Lake trail. Rent a kayak or canoe and tour the Lake. Good for people watching too.
Zilker Park --
Enjoy a short ride on the Zilker Zephyr mini train around the park.
Barton Springs --
Located within Zilker Park, cool off in the year round 68 degree spring-fed pool. Great for people watching.
Mount Bonnell --
Climb 99 steps to get a great view of downtown Austin and some really nice houses!
Good Eats (the 3 main food groups: BBQ, Trailers, and TexMex)
[BBQ] Rudy's --
Unfortunately, the closest location is not walkable from the Radisson, but it's our favorite. Try the extra moist brisket!
[BBQ] Green Mesquite --
Just south of the Lake, on Lamar Blvd by the Flip Happy Crepes truck.
[BBQ] Iron Works --
One of the closest to the hotel...
[BBQ] Stubb's --
A premier live music venue in town, Stubb's BBQ is also known for its Gospel Brunches. If interested, you'll need to reserve your tickets ahead of time.
[BBQ] Franklin BBQ --
Born out of a trailer, and now located at 900 E. 11th St., this has been claimed the best BBQ in the country. They open at 11am and close when the brisket runs out. You'll need to get in line a few hours before they open if you want a chance at tasting it...
[Food Trucks] Too Many to list! --
Austin is becoming known for its burgeoning food truck population! They're everywhere on South Congress, South 1st St., and East 6th St. Ryan's personal favorite is Gourdoughs. Some other good ones include East Side King by Paul Qui (Top Chef winner), Chilantro with cool Korean/Mexican fusion.
[TexMex] Chuys --
Started in Austin in the '80s, Chuys is a casual favorite. The closest one is on Barton Springs, just south of the river. Sip on a Mexican Martini while waiting (sometimes a long time) to be seated.
[TexMex] Z Tejas --
Good for slightly upscale tex mex, there is one located on W 6th Street.
Cultural
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum --
Fun for history buffs. Has an IMAX Theater.
Texas State Capitol --
Fun for those who dabble in politics, history, or architecture.
Umlauf Sculpture Garden --
Fun for creative types.
LBJ Presidential Library --
Learn about the life and presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson. The museum also has traveling exhibitions. Unfortunately, no mini White House at the moment. :-)
Austin Children's Museum --
Nicole is a big fan of this museum. Tons of fun!
Night Life
4th St. and 6th St. Downtown -- Austin is the "Live Music Capital of the World."
Continental Club --
Open since the 50's this club has hosted greats like Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey. It's a great spot to catch some music any night of the week.
Elephant Room --
Chill out and listen to some jazz music in the basement of a building on Congress Avenue.
Rainey Street --
The latest hot spot in Austin, this is a place we just discovered, and is awesome and popular. Lots of old houses on this street that were converted to low key bars / craft brew places, etc. This house, for example is a brand new craft beer place and has the "BACON" food trailer parked in its back yard. Ryan had the fried chicken and bacon waffles -- mouth watering good.
Other Activities
Bats at Congress Avenue Bridge --
Largest free-tail bat colony in the U.S. Don't stand under the bridge as dusk...
South Congress --
Eclectic stores. The source of what's behind "Keep Austin Weird."
