subject: Top Things To Do When Visiting Austin [print this page] Heading to Austin, Texas? Read this first!
So you're headed to Austin, Texas? You're in for a real treat! Before you pack your favorite blue jeans (and trust me, blue jeans ARE the required attire in Austin), please allow me to share some of the things that are simply MUSTS if you're in the Austin vicinity.
I would say that these are in no particular order, but that's simply not true. Because if you've never been to the number one location on my list, you simply have NOT enjoyed the best Tex-Mex food on the planet. So with no further delay, fasten that big ol' silver belt buckle and let's get to it:
* CHUY'S RESTAURANT
Seriously guys, you're going to HAVE to eat while you're there, right? Trust me when I say that this is THE place to get your Tex-Mex on. Start with a margarita...make it a virgin if you must...and then prepare to taste heaven in the form of their jalapeno ranch dip. And get this...it's complimentary! You won't be able to make a wrong choice on any of the entrees either. You'll love it so much you might not want to even bother eating anywhere else on your trip.
* FREEBIRDS BURRITOS
Okay, so maybe day after day of Chuy's is not appealing to you. If you simply must venture out to another restaurant, then this one is it. Not only do they have the best burritos but you get to embrace your inner artist with their sheets of tinfoil. You can take your creation home but it's way more fun to leave it there in hopes of drawing oohs and aahs from future diners.
* CONGRESS AVENUE BATS
I'm not really much into critters but this is way too cool to miss out on. Head on down to Congress Avenue and join the rest of the crowd as millions of bats fly out from under the bridge at night time. Just so you know, this only happens April through October.
* AUSTIN ZOO
Prefer your wildlife caged? Then head out to the Austin Zoo for a safer, tamer experience. They have bats too. And of course you'll find other animals as well.
* UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS CAMPUS
The UT campus hosts an entirely different kind of animal. But if you take a tour during the daytime you're unlikely to see the nocturnal party animals. It's a beautiful campus and provides a lovely backdrop for a stroll. You might even leave feeling a little more intellectual.
* IKEA
I realize that you might already HAVE an IKEA near you. But honestly, in my very unbiased opinion, any time you're ANYWHERE near an IKEA, it's an absolute must on the agenda. Besides, by now you may be tired of Mexican food (shhhh...don't tell the locals) and you can dine in the cafeteria on some of their infamous Swedish meatballs.
So there you have it. These are the things at the top of my list for WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU'RE IN AUSTIN. I hope you take my advice. You can thank me later.
