Things to do in/around Austin

[Dommer1]

Fellas,

I'm coming over to the Austin area in late January/early February for football related duties.

Although I have been to Austin twice before, I realize football took all of my time (not that that is a bad thing) so I really don't know too much about the area. Anything I should do or go see?

[TexDoc]

It all depends on what you want to do.

For Texas BBQ, head to the Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood, or down to Lockhart to one of several places down there.

For true Texas music, head to Gruene Hall in New Braunfels or Cheatham Street Warehouse in San Marcos.  If you aren't getting out of Austin proper, there are a number of placed to go in Austin, but that isn't usually my type of music so I couldn't tell you where best to go.

[TxSkyBolt]

I'd take in the LBJ Presidential Library http://www.lbjlibrary.org/ and maybe a tour of the Capitol Building (tallest in the US) http://www.tspb.state.tx.us/SPB/capitol/texcap.htm   . Also, check out the happenings on 6th street where you'll see how Austin got it's motto, "keep Austin Weird"

The Elisabet Ney Museum http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/elisabetney/
Zilker Park http://www.zilkergarden.org/
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum http://www.thestoryoftexas.com/



Best regards,

Brad

[Welpe]

Also, check out the happenings on 6th street where you'll see how Austin got it's motto, "keep Austin Weird"

I second this, it is worth the look.  Of course as a native of the SF Bay Area, 6th St. is simply the Diet Coke of Berkeley. 

[Headlinesman]

If you can get to State Capitol, our governor is always good for something done or said unusual and unique.  Then, there are burgers at Dirty's and pancakes at Kirby Lane Cafe, both on Guadalupe, the sunsets and beer at The Oasis, and you can always pick some "flowers" at the Yellow Rose up on North Lamar.

But, if you have some time and a rental, I have to agree with EVERYTHING TexDoc said.  If you are a traditional country music fan, the little place he mentioned in San Marcos in where George Strait got his start.

[TXMike]

Fellas,

I'm coming over to the Austin area in late January/early February for football related duties.

Although I have been to Austin twice before, I realize football took all of my time (not that that is a bad thing) so I really don't know too much about the area. Anything I should do or go see?

Your plans do not include a stop on Manor Road do they?     

[Dommer1]

Manor Road. Hmm, let me guess - UIL HQ?

[TxSkyBolt]

If you are a traditional country music fan, the little place he mentioned in San Marcos in where George Strait got his start.

As did Stevie Ray Vaughan....

[Dommer1]

Fellas,

Thanks for your tips, I might check one or two out. If you'd like to come to the game, you can find more information about it here:
http://www.usafootball.com/articles/displayArticle/7758/10902

[TXMike]

This talks about wherer to BUY tickets.  Where is the info on how to get them for FREE?  Are you being paid by the gate?   

[TxJim]

Maybe he could come down to San Antonio just a couple days later for this too?  http://www.nflpagame.com

[Dommer1]

TXMike, I think the game fee for me is approx. 0 bucks. But air fare and hotel is being paid for me, so I'm not complaining! It'll be fun to go back to Texas, been a long time since I last was there. I expect higher temperatures and less snow compared to here, thank you.

TXJim, that's a great suggestion, but unfortunately I'm boarding a flight when that game kicks off.

[TXMike]

I thought you were in the travel agency business?  Change your freaking flight!  I know how to do that and I am an ignorant, nitpicking, South Texan.

[TxSkyBolt]

Jeffrey,

Congrats on being selected for the game.  Where are the other officials from?  What rules do they play under?

Best regards,

Brad

[Dommer1]

Airline business, yes. The problem is not really the booking, but my employer who seems overly concerned with me being at work when I'm supposed to. Way to nitpicky, I know. It feels a bit weird leaving Texas just before the Super Bowl, but that's the way the cookie crumbled this time.

Brad, I assume you are asking me (my name isn't Jeffrey, although I do know one!). I think most of the officials are from the US, not sure from where yet. This is a game sanctioned by IFAF, and IFAF plays pretty much by NCAA rules, virtually no differences.

[TXMike]

Tell him there was a dust storm and you could not get out. 

[Etref]

Tumbleweeds got caught in the plane wheel..................