Austin Holidays

Visions of tasty tacos and talented musicians usually come to mind when you think of Austin, but the city is also known for its nocturnal animals that come out to play at sunset. For a truly unforgettable experience, head to Congress Avenue Bridge from late March to early autumn. After undergoing renovation in 1980, it’s now an ideal bat cave and home to migrating Mexican free-tailed bats.

Austin’s wacky personality is reflected perfectly with the Cathedral of Junk, an art exhibit built out of used furniture and home goods. And this quirkiness extends into its boutique shopping. South Congress is bursting with art galleries and stores selling everything from colourful cowboy boots and eccentric antiques to traditional sweets and vintage clothing.

Far from just an urban experience, there are plenty of outdoor activities to get involved with, including the Barton Creek Greenbelt caves.

Austin’s streets are a treasure trove of excellent eateries and you might find it hard to work out where to start. To navigate the eclectic food scene, start at the colourful food trucks – many of which are complete works of art. With over 1,000 food vendors across the city at any one time, you can take your pick from every single type of cuisine. Veracruz All Natural, which serves up delicious Mexican treats, is a local institution.

Banger’s Sausage and Beer Garden is famous for its comfort food and selection of 100 craft beers from Austin’s largest tap wall. In the heart of the city’s entertainment district, live country brands fill its huge outdoor patio every night.

Alternatively, set in a stunning historic mansion, Mattie’s is the perfect place for romantic meals. After being welcomed by peacocks, sit down to a menu of local classics with fine-dining twists.

Austin is often called the ‘Live Music Capital of the World’ and it’s a title the city certainly lives up to. As well as the Austin City Limits Festival and South by Southwest (SXSW) that take place annually, there are live performances every night of the week at over 250 music venues.

Country music singer-songwriters can be found across Austin, but bands of many different genres take to the stages, so there’s something for everyone. Even though it barely holds 200 people, the Continental Club is classic venue that’s been pumping out rock ‘n’ roll, country and swing since 1955. The Elephant Room is one of the city’s only jazz bars. Its neon sign entices passes-by into the cosy basement space, where you’ll be treated to an intimate performance. With a musician as your guide, you can even take part in a live music crawl and become an expert in Austin’s famous music scene.

Fredericksburg is in the centre of the Texas Hill Country, just a 90-minute drive from either Austin or San Antonio. This place has a charming small-town feel, but boasts an abundance of attractions and culinary delights. And, as it was founded by German settlers in the mid-1800s, you’ll also notice German influences across the menus. More than 40 wineries are dotted across Fredericksburg and Gillespie County, so foodies will be in their element. Spend an afternoon on the Fredericksburg Wine Road – and no trip to Fredericksburg is complete without a stop at Chocolat for liquor-filled chocolates.

The main town features 150 shops, art galleries, museums, restaurants and cafés, but Fredericksburg is best-known for its wildflowers and natural beauty. Head to Wildseed Farms to admire the freshly planted fields or, if you visit between March and October, you’ll be able to seem them in full bloom. For stunning views, head to Enchanted Rock State Natural Park to see its exposed pink granite dome. You can hike to the 425-foot summit, where you’ll be amazed by breath-taking panoramas over Texas Hill Country.

Austin gets over 300 days of sunshine per year, so the weather is pleasant year-round. To avoid high humidity and temperatures in the high thirties, visit in spring or autumn. But if you think you can handle the Texan summer heat, there are plenty of public pools, lakes and baths to cool off in when it gets too much.

The more comfortable temperatures in September to November make this the ideal time for sightseeing, and there’s a full calendar of festivals. It’s when the famous Austin City Limits Music Festival is held every year in Zilker Park.

Spring – March to May – brings warm temperatures in the twenties and is another popular festival season, with South by Southwest (SXSW). But even in winter months, cold spells are short lived and there’s rarely any snow. So, if your ideal Austin holiday involves less crowds and reduced rates, don’t rule out this season.