DK Eyewitness - Austin Like a Local: By the People Who Call It Home (Travel Guide)

Cattle wranglers, football players, two-stepping old-timers: forget those time-worn images of Texas. This is Austin, a city thats as politically liberal and socially diverse as Texas is big. So, what makes an Austinite? A love of tacos. Just kidding (well, kinda, this city is Tex-Mex obsessed). Austinites are laid-back, warm-hearted, and community spirited. This is a place where everyone is greeted with a Hey yall; where the hippies who moved here in the 70s and techies who followed their companies to the Silicon Hills share a coffee shop; and where born-and-bred Texans and generations of immigrants spearhead campaigns to support their local theater or bookstore.

And, boy, have Austinites had to band together over the years. Flash floods, winter storms, and decades of segregation have all left their mark on the cityscape. Glinting skyscrapers over-look historic bungalows, and swanky cocktail bars sit kitty-corner to no-frills food trucks. And though rising rents have pushed out some of the music venues and honky-tonks that earned this city the title of Live Music Capital of the World, Austin still moves to a unique beat.

Keep Austin weird, locals cry. And beneath the facade of strip malls, chain restaurants, and big tech companies, Austins quirky soul is alive and kicking in indie boutiques, offbeat graffiti, and downright wacky attractions. And thats exactly where this book will take you. We know the places that Austinites adore, from the BBQ joints theyll camp outside for to the swimming spots theyll linger in til late. Of course, these pages cant capture every locals experience, but instead offer a snapshot of the city.

Whether youre a long-time local looking to shake up your routine, or a visitor seeking inspiration for your first trip, this book will help you discover the real spirit of the city. So buckle up, and enjoy Austin the local way.

Austin | WELCOME TO THE CITY

Liked by the locals

Austin is the biggest small town that youll ever live in. I love the contrast of knowing the name of my neighborhood barista but also being able to see world-class music acts and art shows. I couldnt ask for more.

JESSICA DEVENYNS, WRITER

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Austin

THROUGH THE YEAR

Escaping the heat is a common theme throughout the year, but Austin still has distinct seasons, each with their own traditions and events.

SPRING

FESTIVAL FUN

Despite a short winter, locals are still grateful for the arrival of spring. And in the Live Music Capital of the World, theres only one way to celebrate: at an outdoor music festival like SXSW or Pachango Presents.

BLOSSOMING BLUEBONNETS

In March and April, the city comes to a halt literally as locals stop to admire deep-blue carpets of bluebonnets, the state flower, in their neighbors gardens and on roadsides.

FARMERS MARKETS

Each weekend, Austinites head to their nearest pop-up market to pick up farm-fresh produce, chow down on tacos from top-notch trucks, and enjoy live entertainment.