Austin Insider Blog

This blog, written and curated by Visit Austin staff, shares the things that visitors love and locals can't get enough of.

Day Trip Destination: New Braunfels and Gruene

Experience Texas’ German Roots in New Braunfels, Texas. This Hill Country town is located an hour outside of Austin and is jam-packed with outdoor activities, historic attractions and wonderful restaurants, making it the perfect day trip destination for visitors to Austin. Plus, be sure to explore…

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Austin-Based Clothing Brands to Know

The capital city is home to the University of Texas at Austin, which houses one of the country’s best Textiles and Apparel programs. It only makes sense then that the city is home to many local clothing brands and talented designers that add a unique flair to the city. The looks you see on the…

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Day Trip Destination: Boerne

If you’re looking for a day trip with culture, nature, deep Texas historical roots and great food and drink, then head straight to Boerne, Texas. Settled over 150 years ago by German immigrants, this Hill Country town is nothing short of delightful. It’s one of those places where you stroll…

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Top Things to See & Do on South Lamar

When visiting South Lamar Boulevard, you'll find tons of places to eat, patios to enjoy year 'round, and a laid-back nightlife scene that locals and visitors love. Make time to visit the neighborhood during your next visit for good eats, live music and a mix of unique attractions that are truly…

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Where to Shop Local in Austin

Keep it local and give your wallet a workout in Austin, where you’ll be tempted by everything from hip clothing stores to gourmet food shops. Plan a visit to these small, locally owned businesses that are sure to become your new Austin favorites. Be sure to check individual store hours and shopping…

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Local Makers To Know in Austin

Austin is home to many talented creatives making fantastic handcrafted items. Our local makers know how to craft products that are sure to make jaw-dropping gifts and excellent keepsakes. If you've been searching for the perfect gift for a loved one, this list of trinkets, arrangements, and…

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Top Things to Do in Austin During SXSW

Even if your schedule is packed with SXSW activations and events, it’s important to take time to experience the city. We’ve listed a few of our favorite things to do in Austin during SXSW below. Check each one off your list so you can brag about your awesome trip to friends back home. La Condesa…

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Day Trip Destination: Gruene

Gruene, Texas (pronounced "green") is a Historic District located within the city of New Braunfels, about one hour from Austin. Established by Henry D. Gruene in 1872, this thriving district was originally populated by German cotton farmers dating back to before the Civil War. Despite its growing…

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How to Minimize Your Impact While Visiting Austin

A trip to Austin is no excuse to throw sustainability to the wind. A sustainably-minded city with a goal of net-zero community-wide greenhouse gases by 2050, there are plenty of ways to travel responsibly in the city. Here’s how to minimize your impact while visiting Austin. 1. Bring your own bags…

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Record Stores in Austin

As accessible as streaming your favorite album can be, there’s nothing quite like adding an old classic to your vinyl collection or playing a physical record that you’ve been anticipating from front to back. Austin prides itself on its abundance of brick and mortar record shops and we’ve lined up…

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