Austin Tidbits

Austin Grown - Austin Known Austin use to be the best kept secret in the country. Well word has gotten out and now Austin ranks top in just about every national poll and report. Yet we are going to let you in on a few things that you can only know if you live in Austin. Austin Speaks There are several words that are a tell-tale sign that you are not from Austin. You need to be able to speak and understand Austin dialect if you are going to be an Austinite, so let us help you translate: Burnet Road is pronounce “BURN-it” not “Ber-NET” – make sure you place the accent on the first syllable Gruene, TX – one of the oldest dancehalls and most charming towns you will want to visit is pronounced “Gr-ee-n” Colorado River that runs through downtown is actually called “Lady Bird Lake” although if you have lived in Austin for a while, you will call it Town Lake Manor is pronounced “MAY-ner” Guadalupe Street, also known as the drag is pronounced “Gwad-uh-LOOP,” so drop the “lupe” on the end Pedernales has gained an “r” and lost  and “r” (maybe the “r” is just misplaced) and is pronounced “PUR-den-nal-ehz” Manchaca Road is pronounced “Man-Chack” Koenig Lane is pronounced “KAY-nig” Lane Austin Grub The best food really does come from a truck and we have several to choose from.
Check out Roaming Hunger to figure out where they are on any given day. There are also plenty of food truck parks that won’t move so if you like them, they will probably be there when you get back. (E.g. Midway on 360, in back of the Rainey Street bars, South Lamar in Lamar Square) TACOS: Torchy’s Tacos is nationally ranked and yes – they do have a secret menu. Ask about the Hipster or the Hillbilly. If you get in good with the staff, they will tell you some of their favorites….they always have new ones. If you like queso, then ask for your taco to be “trashy.” BREAKFAST: Kerby Lane and Magnolia Café used to be owned by a husband and wife, that both served equally good breakfast foods. When the separation happened each spouse got a restaurant. And like many children of divorce, we were asked to choose sides….so go ahead and pick a favorite…we true Austinites know which one is better! CHILI: Even though it is hot in Texas - the sun shines an average of 300 days a year - we love our chili. In fact, if you haven’t been to the Texas Chili Parlor then you are missing out; so definitely go there and definitely order the Frito chili pie – trust us on this one. It is pretty much a “city-treasure.” Austin - Keeping it Weird Yes, while technically we are located in Texas, this doesn’t “feel” like Texas. No, we don’t all walk around in cowboy hats and boots – yet, many of us own at least one pair of boots. Because of the “Keep Austin Weird” mantra – we pride ourselves on not losing that wacky vibe. We are a bit small town friendly mixed with big city amenities. Austinites, those both new to the city and the long-timers have a pride attached to this city…it is pretty amazing. And yes, if you still want to two-step, we have just the place for you...grab your boots and head on over to the Broken Spoke. Bats about bats? You betcha! We Austinites love our bats. Just head to the South Congress Bridge anytime from dusk to dawn basically from April - October. April – May and late July through August being the very best months to see the bats. Austin boasts the largest urban population of bats in North America with approximately 1.5 million bats - they begin migrating in November but don’t worry, they come back every year. Don't drink the water! Our watering holes are known for swimming, not for drinking. We have several great natural springs here – Barton Creek, Hamilton Pool and Deep Eddy Pool to name a few. Austin Music Yes, we are the live capital of the world – for a reason. There is never a shortage of music. You don’t have to come down for SXSW or even ACL music festival to hear bands…although you are missing out if you don’t attend at least once! On any given night you can go to a restaurant or bar and hear fabulous music. We have a rule when heading to 5th or 6th street, if you don’t like the music, just keep walking, its only a matter of steps until you will find an artist you want to hear. Are you intrigued? Do you want to learn more? Austin really is a great place to live...stay tuned for Part Two of Austin Tidbits! If you simply cannot wait, give us a call, we will help you discover all that Austin has to offer!