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Suggestions for San Antonio and Austin

Replies: 8 - Last Post: Dec 18, 2012 7:20 PM Last Post By: tilos

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HermHerm

HermHerm avatar

Dec 17, 2012 9:02 PM
Posts:  2

Suggestions for San Antonio and Austin

Looking for suggestions for San Antonio and Austin for one day/night each.

I hear Austin is big for music, and I like music -- blues, rock (based on blues), maybe some folk, even a little country (Willie Nelson style). ... Are there different areas for music in Austin, or is there one main area?

As for San Antonio, I guess there's the Alamo during the day. Is that a must see? I've heard there's a river walk -- is that a daytime thing, a nighttime thing, or both? ... What are the main nightlife areas in San Antonio?

Thanks for any help.

n_gott

n_gott avatar

Dec 17, 2012 9:40 PM
Posts:  1

1

I live in Austin. You are in for a treat. There are a variety of music venues. http://do512.com/ is a great website to learn what is going on around town.

Looking for expensive dinning? Try Uchi!

Looking for great tex mex? Try Polvos!

Usher73

Usher73 avatar

Dec 17, 2012 11:20 PM
Posts:  3,448

2

Texas Capitol

6th Street

Alamo

Riverwalk

Have fun.

CascadeBob

CascadeBob avatar

Dec 18, 2012 5:23 AM
Posts:  1,795

3

First of all - when are you visiting? Lots of music festivals in summer.

With only two days available, I'd recommend picking one destination to visit (either Austin or San Antonio). Given your interest in music, I'd pick Austin. Live music in the brs along 6th street. Also, check venues at the Broken Spoke and the Continental Club.

HermHerm

HermHerm avatar

Dec 18, 2012 7:19 AM
Posts:  2

4

Visiting in January. I know it's not much time, but I'd rather at least get an overview of both, then will go back when I have more time one day.

Thanks for the info, everyone.

smartcookiee

smartcookiee avatar

Dec 18, 2012 9:13 AM
Posts:  1,240

5

Most nightlife/bars/music venues in Austin are around 6th Street. Look up what's going on ahead of time as mentioned, but you will be able to walk around and check various places out as well.

tilos

tilos avatar

Dec 18, 2012 12:48 PM
Posts:  419

6

I would spend both days in Austin. There is enough to do that San Antonio isn't worth your time. Very little of the original Alamo exists--most of it has been rebuilt, and in my opinion, it is more tourist trap than historical gem. The riverwalk is fun, but also extremely touristy. It would be different if you had a week.

Austin is called the music capital of the world, but outside of SXSW and the ACL festival, I think that it is overhyped in this regard. Outside those two festivals, few bands that you have ever heard of come to Austin compared to Los Angeles, Chicago, or New York. This includes both indie bands and mainstream ones. For folk/bluegrass, I would strongly recommend Asheville over Austin.

That being said, there are many things to do in Austin (hike, swim, kayak, eat) so I think that it is a good all-around choice. And if you like Japanese food, save up for Uchi as it is out of this world.

smartcookiee

smartcookiee avatar

Dec 18, 2012 7:09 PM
Posts:  1,240

7

Another option is to simply do a day trip to San Antonio so you don't have to waste time on packing, unpacking etc.

tilos

tilos avatar

Dec 18, 2012 7:20 PM
Posts:  419

8

smartcookiee's suggestion is a good one--San Antonio is only a 90 minute drive from Austin, and it's an easy drive on I-35.
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