"Austin, I live here." a Austin Travel Page by mrotsmit

There's only one conceivable reason why someone would come here as a tourist - MUSIC! If you're into music then I challenge you to find a better place, doesn't matter what kind, it's probably here. Most people come in the spring during SXSW (South by Southwest music festival) but, really you can see live music anytime and be satisfied. Used to be all the live music was on 6th Street downtown, but now you'll head for Red River (nearby) for most of your music-related needs. Personally (If I still went out) I'd go straight to Beerland but you'll want to check the Chronicle (local free paper) to find the right bands/club to suite your tastes.

Aside from music, there's not much to get excited about - the middle part of Austin (Oltorf to 183) is pleasant, with a growing number of shops, restaurants and cafes but; dare to step even a few inches outside this boundry and you'll find a nauseating, homogenous American plastic-land full of McDonalds, Wal-mart, Starbucks and all the other wonderful bits of pre-packaged, disposable culture that makes us Americans feel so superior.
Of course anything is better than Dallas.

Although (outside central Austin) Texas is a generally miserable, useless place, Texans themselves are great - genuinely warm, friendly people who love to have a good time and make lots of noise. Unlike Californians, Texans are pretty good at minding their own business so you won't have too many hassles as you go around.