Keep Austin Weird! From t-shirts to bumper stickers, retail window signs to book covers, “Keep Austin Weird” is a paradigm of the Texas State Capitol, perhaps the most intriguing, vibrant and good-humored city in the Lone Star State. Home of the University of Texas Longhorns, Austin features exceptional sports, recreation and cultural arts - theater, dance, sculpture and still art, and is best known for music, boot scootin’ to hip hop, new age to arena rock to Willie Nelson, Waylon and the boys! The wide variety and number of restaurants, coupled with the thriving retail community, are a testament to the city’s diversity. This soulful mix of cultures sets Austin apart as an ideal location for meetings & conventions, seminars and social events, weekend jaunts and family vacations, and contributes to its exceptional quality of life.
No Business like Show Business
On any given day, it’s not unusual to observe sections of the city blocked off for video crews, filming theatrical and television movies, commercials and events. This is one more pursuit that demonstrates the city’s diverse character. Mild winters more than make up for the sometime-scorching summers. And what better way to cool off than at one of Austin’s remarkably scenic lakes?
At the heart of Austin beats the The University of Texas
The University of Texas (UT) serves as an enduring symbol of the spirit of Texas, as it has for nearly 125 years. As one of the largest public universities in the United States, UT has grown from a single building, eight teachers, two departments and 221 students in 1883, to a 350-acre main campus with 21,000 faculty and staff in 15 colleges with a student population of almost 50,000.
Scholastics
More than 8,700 bachelor’s degrees are awarded annually in more than 170 fields of study and 100 majors. UT’s graduate school, with an enrollment of 11,000 students and more than 3,500 master’s and doctor’s degrees awarded annually, is a national leader in graduate degrees awarded and one of the largest graduate schools in the nation. The University encompasses one of the most diverse student populations in the country, and is a national leader in the number of undergraduate degrees awarded to minority students.
World-Class
The University’s education and research, along with its diversity and depth, are unmatched by most public universities. A world-class center of education and creativity, UT has helped build a strong regional economy and has provided an educated workforce for Central Texas and beyond, while promoting strong economic activity and social progress. “What begins at UT changes the World.” University of Texas at Austin is dedicated to improving the quality of life for the people of Texas, the nation and the world.
Austin: A Food Haven
Austin excels in bringing both traditional and unique farm-fresh foods of all varieties to its restaurants, which are as diverse and wide-ranging as any major metropolitan city in the country. There are the upscale coat and tie steak houses, the multitude of ethnic-specific restaurants and, as a college town, of course the burger joints are popular. There’s also the legendary Texas barbecue with which you’re required to drink a long-neck, and plenty of the new age spots for vegetarians and vegans. And it wouldn’t be Austin without the many “greasy spoons,” where you can count on home-made rolls, chicken-fried steak, lots of mashed potatoes and gravy, and maybe some pecan pie to finish it off.
And when you want to spice it up or make it fresh, or if you’re really adventurous in your cooking at home, you will find a veritable food playground at Central Market. Owned by H.E.B., Central Market caters to “foodies,” those of us who think it’s as much fun to shop for and prepare new and unique foods as it is to eat them. And you could just about make a meal out of all the samples available, especially on Saturdays – inspired recipes by the meat and seafood markets, fresh breads in the bakery. It wouldn’t hurt to have a designated driver, too, if you want to enjoy the wine samples. The pastry counter proudly displays so many sumptuous desserts you can gain 5 pounds by walking by. And if you look at the 7-layer bars, here comes another 5! Central Market stores also carry an array prepared dishes – main courses, salads, ethnic foods - for eating there or taking home. And a Gelato bar also serves latte and other coffee drinks.
And of course, there's no shortage of authentic Tex-Mex restaurants, ranging from the Mom & Pops to the more upscale franchises and independents.