We’re going to a city that was designed from scratch to be a capital this week.

It was Waterloo before it was Austin, a tiny settlement on the Colorado River. In 1839, the young Republic of Texas chose it as its capital and named it for Stephen F. Austin, the “Father of Texas.”

Edwin Waller laid out a street plan that has largely survived to this day, and that October the entire government arrived from Houston in oxcarts. Besides Washington, D.C., Austin is the only U.S. city originally designed as an independent nation’s capital. We had no idea.💡

The early years were shaky. In 1842, President Sam Houston ordered the government archives removed from Austin, and residents formed a Committee of Safety and posted sentries to stop him. It became known as the Archive War, and Austin kept its place as capital.

The Capitol you can tour today was finished in 1888. The builders were paid with more than three million acres of Panhandle land, which became the XIT Ranch, and it’s wrapped in pink granite. It rises almost 15 feet higher than the U.S. Capitol.

The bats arrived by accident. They didn’t show up in great numbers under the Congress Avenue Bridge until a major reconstruction in 1980 created deep crevices along its length. Today it hosts the largest urban bat colony in North America. It’s pretty wild to be honest. You have to take a ride under the bridge to see it.🦇

What you feel in Austin is a place that was planned to be official and decided to be itself. It’s weird (more on that below) and inspiring. You can feel it.

Keep Austin weird! That's the unofficial motto of this Texas capital, and once you visit, you'll understand why.

Austin is known for its live music, incredible barbecue, outdoor adventures, colorful murals, and laid-back personality. It's a city where you can spend the morning kayaking on the river, eat some of the best barbecue in the country for lunch, and listen to live music that evening.

Whether you're visiting for a long weekend or adding Austin to a larger Texas road trip, there is plenty to explore.

Texas State Capitol

Start with one of Austin's most recognizable landmarks. The Texas State Capitol is made of beautiful pink granite and is actually taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.!

You can explore the building, walk the grounds, and take a free guided tour. It's a great place to learn about Texas history and government.

South Congress Avenue (SoCo)

South Congress is one of Austin's most popular neighborhoods. You'll find independent shops, restaurants, vintage stores, colorful murals, and plenty of places to stop for coffee.

Don't miss the famous "I Love You So Much" mural outside Jo's Coffee. It's one of the most photographed spots in Austin.

Look for the giant cowboy boots at Allens Boots, too!

Congress Avenue Bridge Bats

This is one of Austin's most unusual attractions!

Every evening during the warmer months, hundreds of thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from underneath the Congress Avenue Bridge to search for food. While we were there, we learned how local farmers don’t need to use pesticides, thanks to these bats.

Austin is home to one of the largest urban bat colonies in North America. Watching the bats fill the evening sky is quite a sight.

Arrive before sunset to find a good viewing spot. You can watch from the bridge or nearby waterfront areas. Boat tours are also available.

Barton Springs Pool

This isn't your average swimming pool. Barton Springs is a natural, spring-fed swimming pool located in Zilker Park.

The water stays around 68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, making it a refreshing escape from the Texas heat.

It's a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.

Mount Bonnell

For a beautiful view of Austin, head to Mount Bonnell.

You'll climb a staircase to reach the overlook, where you can see the Colorado River, surrounding hills, and beautiful homes along the water.

It's especially pretty around sunset.

Bullock Texas State History Museum

If you want to learn more about Texas, this museum is worth a visit.

Explore exhibits about the state's history, including its early inhabitants, Spanish exploration, the Texas Revolution, and the story of how Texas became part of the United States.

It's a great indoor activity for a hot afternoon.

One of the best ways to experience Austin is to get outside.

Kayak or paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake. You can rent equipment and enjoy views of the downtown skyline from the water. Just remember that swimming is not permitted in Lady Bird Lake.

Explore Zilker Park. This enormous green space is perfect for walking, biking, picnicking, and enjoying the outdoors.

Listen to live music. Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World. From small neighborhood venues to larger concert halls, there is music happening throughout the city. Check out Sixth Street, South Congress, and the Red River Cultural District.

Visit the University of Texas. Walk around campus and visit the Blanton Museum of Art or the LBJ Presidential Library.

Take a Hill Country day trip. If you have extra time, explore the Texas Hill Country. Popular destinations include Fredericksburg, Lake Travis, and Hamilton Pool Preserve. Check current access conditions and reservations before visiting Hamilton Pool.

Refer a friend using your referral link at the bottom of this email so they can see it too. In addition, you’ll get a copy of our “Wonders of the World” eBook if it’s your first referral.

Most travelers will fly into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS).

The airport is approximately 8 miles southeast of downtown Austin.

You can get into the city by taxi, rideshare, rental car, or public transportation.

If you're planning to explore the surrounding Hill Country, renting a car is a good idea.

Austin is also a popular road trip destination, with convenient driving connections to San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas.

Austin is a mix of walkable neighborhoods and attractions that are spread throughout the city.

One tip: Austin traffic can get busy, especially during rush hour and major festivals. Give yourself extra time when traveling across town.

Hyatt Regency Austin - buffet breakfast, downtown views

W Austin - lake views, rooftop pool

1 Hotel Austin - located in the Rainey Street historic district

Thompson Austin by Hyatt - downtown luxury hotel with rooftop pool

Austin is a fantastic food city, especially if you love barbecue and Tex-Mex.

Texas Brisket is a must. Slow-smoked beef brisket is one of the most famous foods in Central Texas. It's usually served by the pound with traditional sides.

Franklin Barbecue is one of Austin's most famous barbecue destinations. Be prepared for a wait, and arrive early!

Breakfast Tacos are practically an Austin tradition. Think scrambled eggs, bacon, potatoes, cheese, and other fillings wrapped in a warm tortilla.

Tex-Mex is another must. Try enchiladas, fajitas, tacos, queso, and freshly made tortillas.

Beef Ribs are another Texas barbecue favorite. These enormous, smoky ribs are packed with flavor.

Kolaches are a popular Texas breakfast pastry with Czech roots. They can be filled with fruit, cheese, sausage, or other ingredients.

Pecan Pie is a classic Texas dessert. If you have room after all that barbecue, give it a try!

A couple of places worth checking out include Terry Black's Barbecue for smoked meats and Matt's El Rancho for classic Tex-Mex.

Austin is a casual city, and you'll spend plenty of time outdoors.

If you're visiting during the summer, prepare for serious heat. Plan outdoor activities for early mornings or evenings and bring plenty of water.

If you're visiting in the winter, pack layers. Texas weather can change quickly!

Don’t try to make Austin just another sightseeing trip.

Part of the fun is experiencing the city's personality. Spend the morning outside, eat your way through the afternoon, explore a neighborhood, and finish the evening listening to live music.

And don't leave without watching the bats fly out from underneath Congress Avenue Bridge!

Austin is a reminder that sometimes the best travel experiences aren't about visiting the most famous landmarks. They're about experiencing what makes a place different.

A little barbecue, a little music, and a whole lot of Texas personality.

Here are a few of our affiliate links to help you when in Austin. It’s no extra cost to you and helps us keep this email free for everyone. 😀

See you next week,

Trisha & Bob