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.

Visiting Peppermint Parkway at COTA

This time of year Austin is dazzling with light displays and holiday cheer. During the holiday season, Circuit of The Americas transforms into a holiday extravaganza as it's lit up by millions of lights through a one-mile driving route. Here's everything you need to know about the 2024 Peppermint…

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Austin Holiday Shopping Guide

Whether you’re ready or not, it’s time to start thinking about your 2024 holiday gift list. If you’re looking for something really special or even one-of-a-kind for your friends and family, look no further than these local, handmade shopping events and markets in Austin, running from Black Friday to…

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The Ultimate Guide to Holidays in Austin

Spending the holidays in Austin? Celebrate like a local and join in some of our city’s most beloved holiday traditions, from over-the-top holiday lights displays to shopping markets and live performances of Christmas classics. It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Holiday Light Displays…

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Top Things to Do in Austin This Winter

You’ll find plenty to do in Austin during the wintertime, both indoors and out, thanks to the city's temperate weather. You can hike along forest trails, sip seasonal cocktails in a cozy lounge, explore a world-class museum and dine outdoors on a heated patio. Add these ideas to your Austin winter…

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Visiting Austin's Trail of Lights

The holidays are here, and one of the best ways to celebrate in Austin is by visiting the city’s Annual Trail of Lights taking place December 10-23, 2024. The event transforms Zilker Park into a winter wonderland as it's lit up by more than 2 million lights, 90 lighted holiday trees and more than 70…

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Where to Eat in Austin Right Now

Looking for the best places to eat in Austin right now? Our curated list of new and essential restaurants and bars will almost certainly have whatever you’re craving, from a lovely Italian spot nestled inside a cozy boutique hotel to an incredible Japanese tasting menu experience and a welcoming…

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Guide to Exploring Hamilton Pool Year-Round

Hamilton Pool Preserve is one of the most popular parks in the Travis County area. So popular, in fact, that you need reservations to get in. It’s easy to see why—the beautiful blue pool in the collapsed grotto and trickling waterfall make for excellent photo ops and hiking trails provide gorgeous…

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10 Local Artists to Watch at SXSW 2024

The long-awaited SXSW Conference and Festivals makes its highly anticipated return to stages across Austin on March 8-16, 2024. The SXSW Music Festival brings together artists, industry professionals and music aficionados from around the world to network, enhance their careers and celebrate the…

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Galentine's Day in Austin, TX

Galentine's Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate the incredible friendships and bonds shared among girlfriends. And what better place to celebrate girlhood than in the vibrant city of Austin? From delectable brunch spots to serene parks and exciting entertainment venues, Austin offers a plethora…

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Valentine's Day in Austin

Struggling for some unique date ideas for the 2024 Valentine's weekend in Austin? From delicious meals to fun activities to do together we've got you covered with some of the best ways to celebrate your loved one this Valentine's Day. Courtesy of Flat Creek Estate Winery & Vineyard. ROMANTIC…

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