With more live music performances per capita than anywhere else, Austin is known as the “Live music capital of the world”.  On any given night you’ll have plenty of choices for live music which might include rock ‘n roll, rockabilly, jazz, salsa, blues, hip hop, funk, world music and retro. Starting in April bands perform at many outdoor venues as well. On Fridays from April to October, stop by the Austin City Hall for a free concert at noon. While you’re there, stroll along the new 2nd Street District which runs from City Hall to the Austin Convention Center. If you’re downtown after dark, check out the music scene on Sixth Street and the more refined Warehouse District. For a complete listing of bands, see the Austin Chronicle or Austin360.   

Many restaurants and cafés have live music as well. Some of my favorites are Shady Grove on Barton Springs Road and Mozart’s Coffee Roasters. Shady Grove, tucked under a canopy of pecan trees, serves great burgers, salads and Tex Mex.  During the summer they also show outdoor movie classics. Mozart’s is located on Lake Austin Blvd and overlooks Lake Austin.  Choose one of their many delectable desserts, and sit on the deck under the stars and listen to live music.

To get the full experience of downtown Austin, stay at The Driskill.  Located near the corner of Congress and Sixth Street, the Driskill is an Austin landmark. It’s worth a visit just to see the beautiful architecture from that period of Austin’s history.  If you value peace and quiet, you’ll want to book a room in the historic section facing away from Sixth Street.  The hotel has an excellent restaurant and a more casual 1886 Bakery Café which offers wonderful pastries and desserts.  

When you’re ready to explore, walk up Congress Avenue and take a free guided tour of the impressive capital. The Governor’s Mansion, built in 1856, is located one block off Congress on 10th Street.  Free tours are available Monday-Thursday. Call at least one day ahead for a reservation.

No trip to Austin would be complete without a visit to Zilker Park. Walk along the trails that overlook Town Lake or stroll through the Zilker Botanical Center to see the local flora. If you’d rather be on the water, it’s easy to rent a kayak or a canoe.