They always say that it’s a “new year, new you,” but your upcoming New Year’s resolution does not have to be anything so drastic. Instead, make it your resolution to travel to somewhere fun and exciting. This travel plan should include a New Year’s trip to Austin, where you can find some of the most fun here in the state of Texas. Expect to find lively events and activities all year long. Take a look at what your New Year’s resolution of visiting Austin at the start of the new year can look like for you:
Take A New Year’s Trip to Austin
Everyone knows that traveling during the holiday season is always hectic and a little crazy. Austin features plenty of holiday and winter activities throughout this season that will continue to roll over past the new year. One such event that will continue until January 5th is the Mozart’s Festival of Lights taking place over at Mozart’s Coffee. This is their annual holiday celebration that stays up longer than other holiday light displays in the city. You will be able to enjoy live entertainment that includes Texas and Celtic Christmas music along with a light up piano and special guests. Visitors are able to purchase a ticket that will reserve them a table for the event. The Mozart’s Festival of Lights will also allow you to enjoy their delicious beverages to help you warm up in the evening along with shopping around their holiday market. Get one final look at the holidays with the Mozart’s Festival of Lights.
Polar Bear Splash
If your New Year’s resolution brings you to Austin, you’ll want to stick around for the next morning. Each year, Barton Springs Pool will host their annual Polar Bear Splash. This event has you celebrating the coming of the new year by jumping into the freezing waters of Barton Springs. The event is absolutely free to attend and is popular with the locals. Make sure to get there early so you can get a commemorative tee-shirt while they last along with complimentary coffee and donuts. There are also plenty of other Polar bear plunges taking place at surrounding Austin communities. Jump on into your New Year’s resolution!
Check Out the Local Breweries
Austin has a little bit of everything for everyone during your resolution trip. The adults can enjoy some quiet time with the family spent at the nearest brewery. You will find dozens of craft breweries here in the city that offer their hand crafted ales to try on draft. Most breweries are family friendly and offer an assortment of table games and food. Some of our favorites in the area to check out include Austin Beerworks, Zilker Brewing Company, and St. Elmo Brewing Company. You will find plenty of winter seasons still on draft along with their mainstay selection. Come experience Austin like a local with a stop at one of these breweries.
Free Week
Austin is one of the top music capitals of the country. Live music is the very soul of Austin so make sure you check out the local venues. One of the best times to do this is during Free Week just after New Year’s. Hundreds of artists participate in this popular week where they will play free shows at a variety of venues. Some of Austin’s most popular venues including Elysium, Stubb’s, Mohawk, and more participate each year. 12 different venues will be hosting for the 2025 Free Week making it bigger than ever. The upcoming Free Week will take place on January 3rd and 4th right here in Austin.
Austin International Half Marathon
One New Year’s resolution most people make each year is to work out more. We all see the gym get an influx of people for a few weeks before things return to normal. Another workout aspect many people work toward is by running in a race. One of the most exciting half marathons take place right here in Austin at the turn of the new year. The Austin International Half Marathon returns this January and is one of the fastest courses in the country. The Austin International Half Marathon is a mostly downhill course, so you will find yourself flying by some of Austin’s most cherished locations before you finish right by the Texas State Capitol. Registration is open now for this highly popular race here in Austin.
Austin Has Your New Year’s Resolutions Covered
Traveling has never looked so good so take your travel New Year’s resolution on the road to Austin this year. Our vacation rentals are sure to keep you comfortable all stay long. Simply find your favorite and book ahead for your upcoming stay. Contact us to book your stay today. Browse our rentals by view here.
Whenever you visit Austin you will have tons of attractions and activities to browse and explore. The city is huge and is always inviting. You will find many attractions that you have heard about but not seen yet in purpose. Perhaps one of the most popular attractions here in Austin is Lady Bird Lake. This massive river like pond is popular spot for locals and needs to be on your itinerary for your visit to Austin. Take a look at our guide to Lady Bird Lake here in Austin:
Our Guide to Lady Bird Lake
As the name suggests, Lady Bird Lake is a lake that you can enjoy for recreational use during your stay in Austin. Lady Bird Lake is a rare sight, as it is a lake found right in the middle of Austin’s city limits. Lady Bird Lake is actually a river-like reservoir that runs throughout Austin. It was created by The City of Austin in 1960 to help cool the new city power plant. Since then, Lady Bird Lake has become a primary spot for aquatic recreation, a much needed element for Austin’s warm summers.
Can You Swim at the Lake?
You are able to enjoy quite a few different activities at Lady Bird Lake, but there is one that is always restricted, and that is swimming. While many locals and visitors will find it easy to cool off by jumping into the water, you will have to do that elsewhere. Swimming has been prohibited in Lady Bird Lake for a while to ensure the safety of everyone around it. Lady Bird Lake is not in the shape of a typical lake and instead is shaped like a river. And similar to rivers, you will find that Lady Bird Lake can experience strong currents throughout the year. These currents pull down swimmers underneath the water quickly and unexpectedly. Since Lady Bird Lake was created within the city limits, the bottom of it is covered in boulders and tree limbs that can injure those who reach down low enough into the water.
Go Kayaking
One of the most popular ways to enjoy Lady Bird Lake is to explore it by kayak. During the summer season you can look out onto the lake and see hundreds of kayaks exploring the shores. Lady Bird Lake has a surface area of 416 acres making it huge to explore. Most of the lake is open to be explored so you can paddle around all day making this an exciting activity. Kayaks can also handle most of the currents found on the lake so you will not get stuck anywhere. Take out the family to enjoy the water in single, double, and even triple kayak crafts. Finding somewhere to rent a kayak at is extremely easy too. There are tons of places nearby that offer anything you need. Popular rental spots around Lady Bird Lake include Austin Paddle Shack, Capital Cruises, Float On, and many more. Most of the locations offer a variety of rental time lengths so you can pick how long you want to be on the water. Placing a reservation at a rental shop is highly recommended with how popular kayaking is on Lady Bird Lake, especially during the summer months.
Rent a Donut Boat
One of the more popular activities that has started here at Lady Bird Lake is relaxing on a donut boat. As the name suggests, the boat is round in shape but does not feature a hole in the middle. Instead, up to 10 people can relax in the circular shape that has an umbrella shade and table in the middle. You can take out snacks and drinks onto the lake with the boat and relax. Donut boats are able to be rented from Capital Cruises with pricing starting at $100 per hour with a two-hour minimum.
Book a Boat Tour
You can also explore all that Lady Bird Lake has to offer with a boat tour or cruise. Both Capital Cruises and Lone Star Riverboat offers a public tour of the lake from the comfort of their massive boats. Tour guides will provide you with in depth knowledge of Austin letting you feel like a local. Pricing for the public tours is wallet friendly with private tours also available. You will find that everything is always more exciting when done right here at Lady Bird Lake.
Book Today for Austin
Lady Bird Lake is one of many attractions found here in Austin. Explore our listing of properties to find a home that is located near the lake. You will find that our homes offer comfortable amenities and features. Contact us to find your favorite property for the family today and get ready for a lively stay in Austin.
When it comes to the holiday season, you will find that there are so many different activities and events to share with your friends and family. Part of the fun is creating memories that everyone will take with them long after the holidays have ended. One of the best ways to cherish your memories with family is by having a holiday photo taken during the holiday season. You can do just that and much more when you spend your holiday season with us here in Austin. The city features plenty of fun murals and photo opportunities exclusive to the holiday season. Here is where you can take your family to for holiday photos in Austin.
Where to Take Family Holiday Photos in Austin
Austin is home to some huge holiday events that come with the season and offer the perfect spot to get a picture of the family. Perhaps one of the most exciting places to do just that is the Trail of Lights. This annual event originated as the Yule Fest way back in 1965 and has since evolved into the giant event it is today. The Trail of Lights is visited by over 300,000 people every year, making it a popular spot to take the family. As the name suggests, this is a trail of holiday lights that you are able to walk through. The Trail of Lights is 1.25 miles in length, but most visitors will take two laps during their visit. You will find that the incredible display of holiday lights is mesmerizing to see up close. Snap a family photo in front of one of these displays to show off the attractions you visited during your stay in Austin. The holiday lights are bright enough to give you a clear photo that will be remembered for years to come. Tickets are now available for purchase and will allow you to pick what day you would like to visit the Trail of Lights here in Austin.
Zilker Holiday Tree
Another great spot to enjoy a photo with the family for the holidays is in front of Austin’s very own holiday tree, the Zilker Holiday Tree. Most cities offer some kind of holiday tree that is lit up for the season for everyone to see. However, you have not seen anything quite like the Zilker Holiday Tree, which is larger than life. The Zilker Holiday Tree is a massive 155-foot-tall tree that is covered with over 3,300 holiday lights. The star on top of the tree itself is 10 feet wide, helping you get an idea of just how big it is. The Zilker Holiday Tree features a unique spiral pattern for the lights and frosted bulbs that provide it with a winter ambience. The Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place on December 1st, when the tree is lit up for the first time this year. Come visit the tree during your stay after the tree lighting ceremony to get a picture with the family in front of it. The Zilker Holiday Tree is a part of the Trail of Lights, so only certain days are available for free visitation to the tree without purchasing a Trail of Lights pass. A surface parking lot is found close by so you can easily walk up to the tree. The Zilker Holiday Tree will make for a wonderful holiday card this season!
Pics with the Austin Murals
Austin is a sprawling city with so much to see and do. One of the worst kept secrets is our wonderful murals that can be found all over town. These murals are expertly painted on the side of buildings in several different neighborhoods. While there are no holiday murals to find, you can dress up in your best holiday attire and take a picture in front of one of the murals. One of the most popular murals to get a picture in front of is the ‘Greetings from Austin’ mural found on the side of Roadhouse Relics. It is a mural of a vintage postcard perfect for a pic depicting your visit. Another great mural to snap a family photo in front of is the ‘Love From Austin’ located over on the side of Prima Dora, a local souvenir shop. The black and white mural provides a perfect backdrop for your family photo. There are plenty more murals to find, so make it a fun holiday game to locate them all!
The Holidays Are Almost Here in Austin
Get ready for the upcoming holiday season by reserving your stay in Austin today. Our vacation rentals are sure to provide a comfortable stay for the whole family! Contact us to book your stay today. Browse our rentals by view here.
The fall season is slowly ticking away, and at the end of the season, the holidays will be here in full swing. Make the most of your holiday season with an exciting trip right here to Austin, Texas. You will not find a better destination for the holidays than Austin. The city lights up with a dazzling array of incredible events. Take a look at the best holiday events in Austin this year.
Holiday Events in Austin
One of the long-standing traditions here in Austin for the holidays is the annual Blue Genie Art Bazaar that comes back once again for 2024. This is a staple for the holiday season in Austin. The Blue Genie Art Bazaar is the best place to shop for holiday goods, providing a shopping alternative to support local artists. You will be able to shop around for fun and unique items found nowhere else. Purchasing at the bazaar is incredibly easy and is a fun outing for the whole family. The Blue Genie Art Bazaar will be open this year from November 15th through December 24th, just in time for the holidays.
Miracle on 5th Street
During your holiday stay, there will come an evening where the adults are ready for a little night to themselves, perhaps exploring the rich bar scene of Austin. If you are in a festive mood for cocktails and lively venues, head on over to Miracle on 5th Street. This is the annual Christmas themed pop-up bar that serves festive themed cocktails on 5th Street. When you enter Miracle on 5th Street, you will notice the wall-to-wall Christmas décor and multiple bars from which to order. This is a whole new social experience that the adults in your group will absolutely love. Miracle on 5th Street will be open this year from November 15th to December 29th.
Ballet Austin’s The Nutcracker
A long-standing tradition for most big cities is to have the local ballet offer The Nutcracker performances throughout the season. The same is true in Austin, as Ballet Austin continues this tradition with their 62nd annual performance. The Nutcracker features music provided by the Austin Symphony Orchestra to provide a memorable experience for the whole family. Tickets are already on sale for this year’s shows, which will take place from December 6th to the 23rd.
Downtown Holiday Stroll
The holiday season is the perfect time of year to create and cherish new memories with your family. There is nothing better to bring out the festive spirit than the Downtown Holiday Stroll. This single-day event continues once again in 2024 and provides a day of free family friendly activities for everyone to enjoy. The stroll takes place along Congress Avenue between Ninth Street and 11th Street, where you will be able to explore pop-up tents, enjoy a meet-and-greet with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and see the 45-foot-tall Christmas tree up close. Make sure to get the holiday shopping passport to get stamps from the local businesses participating in the event. There is sure to be a hit among your family taking place on December 7th.
Austin Trail of Lights
Checking out the many holiday light displays is always a favorite holiday activity, no matter where you travel for the holidays. Austin features one of the best Christmas light displays in the country found over at Austin Trail of Lights. This will be the 59th year for this epic experience to take part here in Austin. The Austin Trail of Lights takes place over at Zilker Park where you will find a wonderful trail that you drive through from the comfort of your vehicle. You will find over a mile of incredible light displays that use millions of holiday lights to illuminate the trail. Guests can show up early before the crowd with a Dash Pass or enjoy a General Admission experience. The Austin Trail of Lights will take place from December 10th through the 23rd.
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
Another incredible event to shop for the holidays at is the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar. This has been a staple in Austin for over 45 years and features live music, a lively atmosphere, and award-winning artists creating beautiful displays of art. Enjoy a multiday event where art lovers and casual enthusiasts will appreciate the works of display. The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar will take place from December 15th through the 23rd.
More Fun in Austin for the Holidays
These holiday events are just a few of the many things waiting for you here in Austin. Make the most of your holiday journey by reserving one of our rentals today. Contact us to book your stay today. Browse our rentals by view here.
The holiday season will be here before you know it, so now is the perfect time to start arranging your travel plans. Christmas is always a great time of year to visit Austin, where the weather has cooled off and you can enjoy a variety of holiday events and activities. Of course, many families make it a tradition to enjoy a Christmas meal together at home. This is a great way to spend time together and show appreciation for one another. You can still enjoy this tradition right here in Austin. Many restaurants in the area are open for dine-in services or provide takeout. You can also use the kitchen in your vacation rental to prepare a delicious meal. Here is how you can enjoy Christmas dinner in Austin this year.
A Guide to Christmas Dinner in Austin
Enjoying a fine dining experience or casual meal in Austin for Christmas dinner is always a preferred choice for those who want to try the incredible restaurants here in the area. Austin features many restaurants that will remain open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for dinner. This includes local favorite Garbo’s that is known for their exquisite seafood menu. They particularly focus on lobster on the menu that is a rarity in Austin. Enjoy a buttery lobster roll or try out one of their lobster plates. This is a casual experience perfect for families who are more focused on making memories together instead of finding the finest restaurant in town.
During the holidays, you will find that many Asian cuisine restaurants will remain open on Christmas, making them an ideal choice for dinner. Austin features many great Asian restaurants that are each inviting and delicious. Lin Asian Bar + Dim Sum provides the perfect dim sum experience where you can pick and choose different small plates to enjoy. Wu Chow is another great option known for its tasty specialty soup dumplings. Both restaurants offer both indoor and outdoor seating too.
You cannot skip out on Mexican cuisine during your stay in Austin, so head down to La Piscina where they offer their regular menu for dinner on Christmas Day. Try out holiday plates that include duck carnitas or take a spoonful of the eggnog flan. You will find that Austin does not skip out on flavor at any of these delicious restaurants.
Time for Takeout
You can also order take out to go for your Christmas dinner here in Austin. And we do not just mean cheap, hole in the wall restaurants—although you can find hidden gems at places like this! This includes Barbs B Q, a local BBQ restaurant that was named a top new restaurant in Austin for 2023 and provides a whole family affair on the menu including smoked brisket, turkey breast, dessert, and sides. District Kitchen features their New American cuisine for a holiday dinner meal like no other. Choose from hearty entrees including the hot honey glazed ham or black garlic rosemary rib roast. You get plenty of sides such as mac and cheese or try out the carrot cake. Garbo’s also offers their takeout meals when ordered 48 hours in advance. You can enjoy DIY lobster roll kits or DIY oyster kits that are both exciting ways to mix up your holiday dinner plans. Additional lobster items include lobster bisque and the hearty lobster pot pie. You will also find a variety of Chinese and Indian restaurants around town that remain open on Christmas for takeout services. There is so much for you to choose from!
Cook at Your Vacation Rental
Of course, when you choose our vacation rentals, you will be able to enjoy the gourmet kitchens inside. These are not the kitchens found back home and instead can be gourmet works of art. Extended countertops and full-size appliances make it easy to prepare your ingredients and cook the entrees all at once. Each property will come stocked up with the essential cooking utensils and cutlery so you will never be without something. The open floor plans allow the kitchen to share an open space with living areas keeping everyone in the family close by. Once everything is ready to go, take a seat in the dining area to enjoy your holiday meal as a family. There are so many traditions waiting to be made in our vacation rentals.
It Is Almost Time for the Holidays
Christmas and the holiday season will be here before you know it, so get ready for another holiday stay here in Austin. Let our vacation rentals host you and your family to form new memories together. A Christmas dinner such as these options will help you do just that. Contact us to book your stay today. Browse our rentals by view here and plan your Christmas in Austin.
It may have seemed like a truly long summer this year, but it is finally over! Now is the time to get ready for an exciting fall and winter season. Treat your family to a memorable getaway just in time for the holidays. If you are looking to mix up your Thanksgiving holiday come take your family here to Austin. You will find a lively city that features a ton of fun and plenty of holiday activities to keep everyone entertained. Austin is a city that knows how to celebrate the holidays the right way. Here is where to have Thanksgiving dinner in Austin this year.
Where To Have Thanksgiving Dinner In Austin
One of the best things to do whenever you are traveling somewhere new for the holidays is check out the local restaurant scene. Dining out for Thanksgiving can always be a little difficulty especially when most businesses and restaurants shut down for the holiday. However, you will find that Austin features many restaurants that will remain open for Thanksgiving and offer mouthwatering meals. If you take a look around Austin, you will find plenty of local breweries offering tasty ales and bites to eat. Old 290 Brewery and Restaurant is a local favorite and brings out a three-course meal on Thanksgiving each year. You will find all of your favorite entrees on the menu including turkey, ham, plenty of sides, and pumpkin pie to wrap up dessert with. Naturally, you will want to pair your meal with one of their handcrafted beers! The Carillon is another great option that offers a Thanksgiving brunch perfect for those who wish to eat earlier in the day. You will find their turkey carving station to be a delight along with their menu including seafood, pecan pie, plenty of sides, and more. Or try something different for Thanksgiving such as Yamas and their Greek cuisine. You will that the options are plenty in Austin for dining out on Thanksgiving!
Run the ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot
Thanksgiving is also the big day of the local turkey trot wherever you are. Turkey trots are a local tradition in most cities where locals and visitors enjoy a 5K race to get the body ready for the tasty food coming their way later in the day. You will find that Austin also hosts its very own turkey trot race with the ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot. This yearly event is put on by ThunderCloud Subs and offers a variety of different races all in one single event. The event will continue to support a virtual race for those who prefer to race on their own time and day. However, for those who wish to race at the event, it will begin at 8:45 AM on Thanksgiving morning.
The event kicks off with the young children’s race that is perfect for little ones to feel included in a much shorter race. The ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot is not a typical trot offering a 5K but instead offers a 1-mile race along with a 5-mile race. Both races are staggered with start times so everyone will not be on the track at once. Those who participate in the event will be provided with race shirts in addition to a participate trophy. Early shirt pick is recommended in case shirts run out prior to the event starting. Registration is required for the ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot and those who register before October 9th will save on registration fees. This event is sure to be a fun one so make sure to dress up in your best turkey attire and come join the festivities!
Prep Your Own Meal
When you book one of our vacation rentals you will have access to a full size kitchen. This allows you to prepare your own Thanksgiving feast for the family. Step inside your vacation rental and find the gourmet kitchen with extended countertop space that makes it easy to have all of your ingredients laid out in front of you. Kitchen islands and bar top seating allows others to help you in preparing the meal. Full size appliances offer all the room you need to bake your turkey or ham along with your sides. The fridge has plenty of room to store your leftovers to reheat throughout the weekend. The dining room is typically just off to the side and has room for everyone to dine together. All you practically need is just the ingredients as your vacation rental can take care of the rest!
Book Your Stay Today in Austin
Thanksgiving is just a few short weeks away so start planning for your trip today. Contact us to reserve one of our properties found around Austin and create a lasting memory. Search our rentals by view here.
Get ready for another incredible fall season right here in Austin this year. We have been looking forward to the end of summer and it is almost upon us. If you have been dealing with the heat like we have, you are probably ready for some cooler temperatures and fun outdoor activities. Of course, if you ask the kids about visiting during the fall, they will most likely inquire about what they can do for trick-or-treating in Austin if your trip overlaps with Halloween. Luckily, Austin features some great areas where you can go trick-or-treating and some Halloween events also provide trick-or-treating for a safe and exciting way to celebrate. Take a look at where you and the kids can find the best areas to trick-or-treat around in Austin:
The Boo & Brew at The Arboretum
Austin is a city that is full of annual events that take the city by storm, making them memorable for all attendees in the area. You will find the same kind of fun and dedication around Halloween here in the city. One of the best ways to go trick-or-treating with the kids around Halloween is by attending a local Halloween event. One of the most fun events for trick-or-treating is called Boo & Brew and is located over at The Arboretum. This all-ages event takes place on the Saturday right before Halloween and includes a variety of activities to enjoy. Trick-or-treating will be available for children in costume. Additional activities available at the event include face painting, live music and entertainment, and vendor booths. Adults will have some fun too by grabbing a beer from the Arboretum. This is a can’t-miss event for Halloween and trick-or-treating in Austin!
St. HELLmo Halloween Party
Austin is all about combining the fun that adult and children can all have together. Austin events make sure that even the little ones can get in for a bit to enjoy whatever Halloween festivities are planned especially when trick-or-treating is involved. St. Elmo Brewery found here in Austin sponsors a variety of events throughout the year that pair perfectly with their handcrafted beers. This Halloween, they are bringing back their St. HELLmo Halloween Party the Saturday before Halloween takes place. This annual event features activities for all ages early in the day before turning into an adults-only party. Get there early starting at noon for their costume contest, where you can win a variety of prizes. Trick-or-treating in Austin will be held here at the brewery so the kids can collect all of their favorite candy in a safe space. They will also be able to enjoy arts and crafts along with face painting too. Once 6:00 PM hits, the St. HELLmo Halloween Party will become an adults-only affair that features horror movies being played, karaoke, drinks special, and more. Keep an eye out on additional details for this popular event here in Austin!
Hill Country Galleria Trick-or-Treating
The Hill Country is a massive area where you can exit the city limits and drive to our nearby communities in no time. Some of our friendly neighbors also offer some great trick-or-treating experiences for kids, including the community of Bee Cave. They are the home of Hill Country Galleria, a shopping center that features some of your favorite designers and stores. Each Halloween season they offer their trick-or-treating around Central Plaza from noon to 3:00 PM. Local retailers will be handing out candy for the children dressed in costume; you can also pick up a pumpkin bag for them to collect candy in over at Central Plaza before the event starts. This trick-or-treating experience is also held the Saturday before Halloween in Bee Cave.
San Gabriel Park Trick-or-Treating
Another great community to go exploring for trick-or-treating is Georgetown. They sponsor their Trick-or-treat Trail that takes place at San Gabriel Park each year. The event is free to attend and offers a variety of activities including trick-or-treating, children games, food trucks, and more. The event ends with a special screening of a family-friendly Halloween related movie. This year’s San Gabriel Park for Trick-or-Treat Trail has not yet announced a formal date so keep an eye out for additional information!
A Little Spooky Fun Here in Austin
It does not get better than some Halloween fun for the whole family here in Austin. Book your favorite Austin holiday rental with us today and come experience Halloween in Austin.
Vacationing somewhere new can be a joyful time where you unwind from the stress of life and enjoy yourself. However, visiting a new city during their peak travel time can be a stressful experience if you were not prepared for more traffic and people around you. If you prefer to visit Austin during the quiet seasons of the year you will want to start with the winter season. The temperatures drop to a comfortable level and snow can be occasional. However, Austin does not see the torrential snow fall of the Midwest and features many exciting events. Take a look at how vacationing in the quieter seasons of the year will look like here in Austin:
Spend Time at an Outdoor Brewery
Austin is a city filled with many local watering holes that are here to provide you with delicious drinks. The city is especially known for its increasing brewery scene that simply improves year to year. The winter season sees less traffic here in the city and provides you with comfortable weather so you can be outside. Some local breweries have huge outdoor spaces making the winter season an ideal time to stop by. Jester King Brewery is located on the edge of the city limits and has been a staple in the community for years. Jester King specializes in sour and wild ales that all use local grains and well water for their production. What makes Jester King so tantalizing when you visit is the huge 165-acre ranch that it sits on. You will find multiple bars to order from including their tap selection along with a specialty bottle selection that they can open in house for you. Jester King also serves up delicious food making it a perfect spot to take the whole family for lunch or dinner. Don’t miss out on the perfect opportunity to finally check out Jester King Brewery!
Get Some Comfort Food
One of the best reasons to visit in the winter besides it not being busy is getting the chance to try out restaurants without waiting in big lines. You can find some of the best comfort food here in Austin and it always tastes even better in the winter. Stop by Ramen Tastu Ya for some of the best ramen noodles in the city. Pick your broth and toppings for an unbelievable experience. The Soup Peddler offers homemade soup that is also healthy so a win win combination. You obviously cannot visit Austin without stopping by one of the BBQ joints here in the city. Perhaps the most popular and best tasting BBQ joint here in town is Franklin Barbecue. Stop by during the winter where you can find shorter lines in their retro style restaurant. Of course Franklin Barbecue is the kind of place that is always busy with how popular it is but you will have the best experience in the winter!
Explore the Local Hiking Trails
With temps hovering in the 60s during the winter you will find Austin to be even more accessible than ever. Summers in Austin can get hot and humid so new travelers to the area may not want to spend as much time outdoors. The winter is perfect to explore the many hiking trails by simply wearing a light jacket. Austin is home to the Barton Creek Greenbelt that features 13 miles of hiking trails many of which are top rated hiking areas. Barton Creek will take you by Twin Falls where steep cliffs can be navigated with some climbing for those who are adventurous. Or enjoy the casual bike ride along Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail that is 10 miles long and takes you around Lady Bird Lake. Or stop by the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve that is a 227 acre preserve hidden within the city limits. You will be able to enjoy hiking through forested trails; hiking is on a reservation basis over weekends and holidays so make sure you plan ahead. Explore these outdoor areas with cool weather and no crowds during the quieter seasons of the year!
Enjoy Local Events
The slower event still has plenty of fun to host local events throughout the season. If you enjoy running you will want to sign up for this year’s Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, or 5K. Each race will take you past Austin landmarks such as Lady Bird Lake and UT Tower. Run past the finish line where a party complete with a beer garden and live band will be waiting for you. The Red River Cultural District’s Free Week is also held in January that gets you into local venues to see hundreds of live bands perform on stage!
More Fun When It’s Quiet
Skip the lines and crowds and visit Austin during our quieter seasons. You will find our Austin vacation rentals to be more available than ever.
You can never plan too early for your next vacation adventure especially when you are heading somewhere adventurous such as Austin. Our Texas home features near endless attractions and activities that will make any visit one you will never forget. A visit to Austin will also provide you with a variety of events that take place around the city. Austin is known to be the live music capital of the world, so live music is always on the agenda, but so are other types of events. Take a look at the top fall events in Austin for you to check out.
Pecan Street Festival
Texas is known for a variety of goods that are sourced in the state, but one that might be overlooked is pecans. That’s right, these delicious nuts are foraged here in Texas to enjoy on their own or used in a variety of baked goods. Each year, Austin puts on the Pecan Street Festival, formerly known as the Fall Pecan Festival, to highlight this delicious export with a little fun. The Pecan Street Festival continues to be one of the largest and longest running festivals in the country; who knew a pecan could bring so many people in? With so many attendees each year, you will be pleased to learn that that The Pecan Association, the nonprofit organization running the event, donates a portion of proceeds to preserving Historic 6th Street over in Downtown Austin.
The Pecan Street Festival is a two-day event taking place in September that brings a whole lot of fun. It is also featured in late spring in May just before summer hits. This festival brings in hundreds of artisans for a giant art festival complete with vendors selling creations made of wood, metal, leather, stone, glass, repurposed materials, and much more. Of course, it would not be a festival in Austin without a little live music, which you can expect on both days. Local food vendors will be on hand to feed you delicious food that previously has included crepes, regional cuisine, smoothies, funnel cakes, and much more. The little ones will have plenty of fun too with a petting zoo, interactive workshops, face painting, street magicians, and more. The Pecan Street Festival takes place over at Sixth Street Historic District by Brazos Street. This year’s event will take place on Saturday September 14th from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM and Sunday September 15th from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Austin City Limits Music Festival
Featuring over 100 unforgettable performances, this event is a can’t-miss festival for your fall trip to Austin. ACL Music Festival takes place over 9 stages and during two weekends; October 4-6th and 11-13th at Zilker Park. Enjoy amazing music along with local Austin food and drinks from in-town favorites. You can even elevate your experience with VIP passes or the Platinum pass which gives you access to the air conditioned Platinum Lounge Patio.
Texas Book Festival
We always encourage our youth to read more books especially now in an age of technology. During your November visit to Austin, you can swing by the Texas Book Festival happening at the Texas Capitol. This annual event brings in over 250 authors who will be on hand for book signings and engaging programming including some big name authors. Outside, tents will be lined up along 11th Street along with Congress Avenue in addition to having nearby venues of The Jones Center and State Theater hosting the authors. Additional fun at the festival also includes live cooking demonstrations and a Saturday night Lit Crawl that takes place in East Austin. Essentially you will find something for everyone and be able to take away a few books for the whole family to enjoy. This year’s Texas Book Festival will take place on November 16th and 17th here in Austin!
Viva La Vida Fest
Each year millions of individuals across the country will celebrate Dia De Los Muertos from late October through early November. This holiday is widely observed in Mexico and continues to be a strong tradition for many Hispanic families to celebrate loved ones who have passed. Austin participates in Dia De Los Muertos with the annual Viva La Vida Fest that is one of the longest running De de los Muertos traditions in the city. This year will be the 41st annual festival taking place on Saturday October 26th nearby 4th Street and Congress Avenue. This festival kicks off at noon with a Grand Procession put on by Mexic-Arte Museum to a strong start to the day. Festivities will run through 6:00 PM and will include various local artists providing retail booths for their works of art. Additional activities include live musical and dance performances, traditional foods, hands on art activities, and low rider exhibitions. A Dia de los Muertos parade will also take place filled with bright colors and décor. Come celebrate the Day of the Dead with Mexic-Arte Museum and the rest of Austin this year.
United States Grand Prix
For fans of F1 racing, Austin is the place to be from October 18-20th. The city will host the United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. You can catch the practice races beforehand as well as Sprints and Qualifiers. There’s not a bad seat in the Circuit. Enjoy the main grand stand with food and drink services, or take in the view of downtown Austin from Turn 1. Or get close to the action in the Stadium Section stands.
Book Today to Enjoy These Fall Events in Austin
The fall season will be here before you know it so start exploring your lodging options in the area. Our Austin vacation rentals are second to none and offer tons of exclusive amenities. Book your favorite today!
While the summer season does not officially end until the Autumn Equinox near the end of September many consider Labor Day to be the unofficial start to the fall. Finish up your summer fun this year with an exciting Labor Day getaway to Austin. Many adults and children have an extended weekend with the holiday from work and school to make it an ideal time to travel. There is no place better to find late summer activities and some incredible events. Take a look at all of the fun you and your family can have when you visit Austin for Labor Day this year:
Float Down the San Marcos River
A vacation is all about relaxing and visiting Austin for Labor Day Weekend is great for enjoying the last little bit of summer. You will still find the temperature to be warm when you visit Austin for Labor Day so make sure you get a moment to cool off during your trip. There is no better way to do that than with a little time on the San Marcos River. You will find this popular destination to be located in the Texas Hill Country surrounding Austin making it easy to get to. The San Marcos River is known to be a very clean river that is spring-fed making it ideal for river tubing. Simply visit the local rental shop along the river to pick a few tubes for the family. You will not find anything quite as relaxing as this! Additionally rivers you can tube down also include Comal River and Guadalupe River. A great alternative to river tubing is to go kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding. The options are endless!
See the Congress Avenue Bridge Bats
You cannot make a trip to Austin during the summer without stopping by Congress Avenue Bridge in the evening to see the infamous bats. There are approximately 1.5 million Mexican free-tail bats that set up in this colony making it the biggest urban bat colony in the world. The bats are found under the bridge from the spring to fall seasons making Labor Day an ideal time to see them. The bats will take flight at dusk to go hunting for insects and other small critters for a meal. You will find several viewing areas along the bridge but we highly recommend getting there early as this is a popular activity in the city. The bats are considered Austin’s unofficial mascot and draw in thousands of spectators. If you want to avoid the crowd on the bridge you can book a charter cruise on Lady Bird Lake that will take you close to the bridge as the bats take flight. Alternatively, you can also rent a kayak and paddle out to the bridge as well. Seeing these incredible creatures truly is a sight to behold!
Find a Patio
One of the best ways to spend the warm summer days is enjoying a fine beverage and delicious food from the comfort of a local patio. Many of the Austin restaurants in the city have perfected this art and welcome you to join. Stop by Hula Hut’s spacious patio area where they serve a Polynesian Mexican fusion cuisine along with tiki-inspired drinks. Or check out the farm-to-table approach over at Verbena located on West 6th Street. The restaurant combines rustic farm cooking with modern design for a delightful space. Hopdoddy is a local favorite that has fan-favorite sharable entrees such as the green chile queso fries; don’t miss out on the house margaritas either!
Enjoy a Round of Golf
Take a break from the family festivities and enjoy a round of golf at the local golf courses. Austin is home to several different public golf courses where you can enjoy greens of all experience levels. Falconhead Golf Club is located by Lake Travis and features beautiful views of the Hill Country. For a quick 9 hole round right here in the city limits you cannot go wrong with Butler Park & Putt. You have plenty of options to choose from here in Austin!
Hike Around Hill Country
Last but not least take advantage of the nearby Texas Hill Country and enjoy some hiking. You will find many areas not too far away to explore including Emma Long Metropolitan Park and Blue Hole Regional Park. Each area offers unique views found nowhere else and trails that are not too difficult to complete either. That is prime vacation energy!
More Fun Here in Austin
The fun never stops here in Austin so make sure you plan ahead for your upcoming Labor Day Weekend. Reserve your favorite vacation rental with us before it is too late. You will not find a better lodging option than our luxury vacation rentals.