Anybody from the City of Austin, Texas knows what it's like: there's always something to do and someone to see. After spending an entire summer in this city, I've learned what it's like to live somewhere in which you can truly thrive and be yourself. Whether it's doing yoga on top of the Whole Foods flagship store, or trying to attend an obscure comedy show, there's always something going on. Here's a compilation of unforgettable things about the city that gave me so much.
1. Blues on the Green
2. Food Trucks
I know for people that aren't from somewhere as progressive, the thought of a food truck takes you back to your days at the state fairgrounds. However, the food trucks in Austin harbor just about any type of food you want: organic, fried, Mexican, ice cream, smoothies, etc. If you can think of the type of food, I guarantee you Austin has a truck for it. They're also parked just about anywhere you go, either standing alone or clumped with a plethora of trucks.
3. First Thursdays
Austin literally celebrates the first Thursday of every month "just because." On South Congress Avenue and at the South Congress Hotel, discounted drinks, fluffy dogs and great food line the streets. There really isn't anything better. Who wouldn't want to live in a city that celebrates Thursday's?
4. First Fridays
Not only does Austin celebrate Thursday's, but why not ring in the first Friday of every month as well? At The Domain, a large mall community, "First Friday's" takes place in many stores with free drinks, live music and plenty of activities.
5. Dogs
Believe me when I say that almost everyone in Texas has a dog -- and if they don't have a dog, they want one. People even signed a petition to rid a local law that bans dogs from being able to sit on a restaurant patio.
6. 6th Street — the good, the bad & the dirty
One of the first things that everyone told me about Austin was 6th Street: a street that lasts for miles, that on weekends, turns into a pedestrian-only street where tens of thousands gather to party. There's West 6th, the classier, more college-orientated 6th Street. There's Dirty 6th which is exactly what it sounds like, and East 6th, where many types of people go.
7. Weird People
This is not insulting to "Austinites," in fact, there's actually a slogan that nearly everyone flaunts in Austin "Keep Austin Weird." And the city does a great job of doing so. In a place where the local politics greatly conflict with the state politics, there's bound to be some weird people. For example, a homeless man named Leslie was known for his bubbly personality, wearing a cheetah dress and heels, running for mayor and bike riding in obscure outfits. He literally has a Wikipedia page. After he died, many businesses made magnet versions of him that people can buy and dress on their refrigerators. I really don't think it gets much more weird than that.
8. Alamo Draft House
The Alamo Draft House isn't just a movie theater — it's a movie theater that hosts events and serves food at all hours of the day. All you have to do is sit and you're served food, drinks and dessert.
9. Weird Activities
I've been to something called "Tittie Bingo," because female participants literally contribute to charity by flashing the hosts. If you win, you compete with five other contestants on stage, in front of everyone in attendance to spin the wheel for a prize. Prizes were usually sex toys.
10. The Greenbelt
The Greenbelt is a piece of land that stretches a little over seven miles. It consists of cliffs, foliage, hiking trails and shallow beds of water. Going is a must-do activity. A hike and a swim definitely cooled down the hot Austin summer.
This place is literally buzzing with things to do. Don't believe me? Check out http://do512.com/ for more.
