Native Or Not, Top Things To Do In Austin This 2019

AUSTIN, TX -- Austin's mystique has been celebrated throughout its history...immortalized in popular culture with love letters in the form of lyrics, screenplays, and literature. The English language is filled with adjectives that easily describe Austin...words like eclectic, cool, hip, sophisticated, chill...you get the hint.

But what many may overlook is that Austin isn't just a place, it's an experience. That's one of the nicest things about Austin, whether you've lived here an entire lifetime, or you're a recent transplant, you'll frequently find yourself saying, "I discovered this really cool place the other day." Austin is about discovery. So this 2019, how about checking out some of these uniquely Austin places -- again or maybe for the first time?

1. Franklin Barbecue: What's the unofficial dish of Texas you ask? Why BBQ of course! Franklin Barbecue has taken on iconic status thanks in large part to the recognition received from publications like Texas Monthly and Food & Wine. Locals and visitors flock to the popular bbq joint to not only enjoy the mouth-watering and award winning barbecue, but also for the community and atmosphere. Come prepared, however, it's not uncommon for lines to wind around the building and guests should expect long wait times. Remember to apply the old adage here...good things come to those who wait -- in the case of Franklin Barbecue, GREAT things.
2. Top Notch: Since 1971, Top Notch has served up some of the best burgers and American fare in all of Texas. Generation after generation, Top Notch remains an Austin favorite and much of it comes from staying true to its roots. When the original owner Frances Stanish retired in 2008 after the deaths of her husband and son, new ownership and investors decided to keep Top Notch exactly as it had been in the 40-plus years its been in business.
3. Hamilton Pool Preserve: One of the most quintessential Austin experiences is to enjoy one of the many natural and beautifully maintained landscapes the city offers. Austin places a premium on reducing its carbon footprint and protecting and maintaining the natural wonders that surround it. Hamilton Pool Preserve located in Travis County offers visitors the best of Texas for hiking, biking, swimming, or simply to enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
4. Zilker Kite Festival: Since 1929, the Zilker Kite Festival has been celebrated by locals and visitors alike. Taking place annually the first Sunday of March, the Zilker Kite Festival is ideal family fun and spotlights the enthusiasm shared by all those who year after year participate in this uniquely Austin event.
5. Congress Bridge Bats: Lauded as home to the largest urban bat colony in North America, the Congress Bridge bats experience is one of the most one-of-a-kind adventures you'll have in Texas. A confluence of awesome and unusual, the Congress Bridge Bats are a sight to behold. A popular destination, visitors may enjoy watching them from various vantage points with tour groups operating to ensure a thrilling visual experience.
6. The University of Texas Longhorns Football: Anywhere in Austin, the UT spirit is palpable and for many its the pulse of the city. There's nothing more exciting that being part of a sea of burnt orange rooting for the home team and celebrating the Longhorn spirit.
7. SoCo's I Love You So Much Mural: In the age of social media you can't miss capturing the essence of Austin with the I Love You So Much mural located at Jo's Coffee on South Congress. The origins of the mural is a sweet sentiment that began when a local musician, Amy Cook scrawled the now famous five little words to describe how she felt for her partner, Liz Lambert. The simple message began drawing crowds and those who visited felt compelled to photograph themselves to commemorate having visited the beloved wall.
8. The Weird Homes Tour: Keep Austin Weird is not only the city's slogan, its also a movement to promote what makes Austin like no other. Weird means staying true to what you believe is beauty. Weird means wandering down the unchartered path. And weird means celebrating what makes us each stand out. In keeping with this, natives and non-natives can peek into the lives of some of the city's most creative residents as part of The Weird Homes Tour. Become inspired by the quirky and peculiar showcased in these wondrous homes.
9. Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater: Austin is synonymous with being the Live Music Capital of the World thanks in large part to one of the many celebrated music festivals in the region -- the ACL Music Festival. The venue for live performances serves as host to more than 100 concerts to a range of artists and serves as a beacon to music enthusiasts and up-and-coming performers.

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