Cinco de Mayo Austin - a newb has questions (Grapevine: to rent, how much)

[cory81]

I am meeting up with a buddy on a business trip in Austin around Cinco de Mayo for 3 days. We're early 30's, I'm single, he's married. Have a few questions.

What are the closest - and best - places to go tubing? How does it all work, what would it cost? Also, how are the water levels down there?

Are there any events in particular I should take advantage of between the 4th-7th of May? We're staying two blocks from 6th at the Marriott Courtyard downtown. Any recommendations?

Thanks!

[Trainwreck20]

Tubing will still be on the very chilly side - the water temp does not change that much, but you want the air to be pretty hot, and it likely will not be that hot in early May. The average high/low is 83/63, although the record is 100 F.

As for water levels, the may be decent at that time this year. The rain now will keep the springs flowing (which is the main source of water, not run-off) at least through the early part of the year; however, releases from any dams will be limited barring some major rain events between now and then.

You might also try canoeing on town lake or canoeing/kayaking on the San Marcos river, if you want to do water activities. A nice aluminum hull between you and the water is nice .

[love roses]

I'll agree with the above except that I've gone tubing in may before and it wasn't bad. Tubing isn't close to 6th street though. It's in San Marcos, so you'd have to rent a car or see if the hotel has a shuttle that would take you there.

[CptnRn]

You can usually count on swimming in Lake Travis by late April. The water near the surface warms up enough it is comfortable if you keep moving. River water tends to be colder in many locations as much of it comes out of the bottom of a reservoir dam, which is quite cool. Granted some people swim at Barton Springs all year round, but that is too cold for my taste.

See this map for a really scenic ride through the hill country from SW Austin to Greune, much of it travels the River Road along the Guadalupe where there are numerous river tubing outfitters you can choose from. The Rockin R River Rides right below the hill at Greune, TX is probably far enough downstream so the water is pretty warm by the time it gets there. Be sure to eat lunch or dinner at the Grist Mill in Greune overlooking the river and you can even go dancing most weekend afternoons and nights at Greune Hall next door.

As per another post of mine:

Originally Posted by CptnRn

Take this scenic drive through the hill country to Gruene, Tx located on a hill above the Guadalupe River, just outside of New Braunfels, TX.
Oak Hil to Grune, TX - Google Maps
We often take out of town guests on this drive because it shows of some of the nicest parts of the Texas hill country.

Spend the night in the Gruene Mansion Inn, Bed & Breakfast. Gruene Mansion Inn

Have dinner next door at the Grist Mill Restaurant The Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar in Gruene Historic District There are also several other great restaurants within walking distance.

Go dancing at the Gruene Hall Official Home Page next door, or just have a few drinks and listen to the live music.

Go shopping at the many unique old stores and shops along the main street in the Gruene, Texas Historic District. Gruene Texas

The Grapevine in Gruene offers free wine tastings http://www.grapevineingruene.com/ Also there are several vineyards along the way http://maps.google.com/maps?q=vineya...7,0.32547&z=12

[OpenD]

Cinco de Mayo is a major blowout date in Austin, and since it falls on Saturday this year, the whole weekend will be awash in tequila and lime.

From your hotel it will be a short walk down to the Sixth Avenue club scene, which will be in fullllll swing all weekend. For other activities, check the austin360.com and cincodemayoaustin.com web sites a little closer to the date when tons of events will be listed.

As far as tubing in April, yeah it's possible but I don't know how much fun it would be, considering the shrinkage factor.

[ImOnFiya]

Originally Posted by OpenD

Cinco de Mayo is a major blowout date in Austin, and since it falls on Saturday this year, the whole weekend will be awash in tequila and lime.

From your hotel it will be a short walk down to the Sixth Avenue club scene, which will be in fullllll swing all weekend. For other activities, check the austin360.com and cincodemayoaustin.com web sites a little closer to the date when tons of events will be listed.

As far as tubing in April, yeah it's possible but I don't know how much fun it would be, considering the shrinkage factor.

Really? I don't know about that. Up North, celebrating Cinco de Mayo has mostly been a white "I know nothing about Mexican heritage and don't care because I don't understand or really like Mexicans but I like to get "white-boy" wasted" day. (No offence.)

Down in Texas (and I suspect) in other heavy Mexican-American states (in the south and southwest), Cinco de Mayo has far more a respectful, cultural celebration tone, than the cheesy, Mexican 'minstrel' costume party many gringos in northern college campuses like to partake in.

If you're really interested in celebrating, there is a large celebration at Fiesta Gardens (with actual Mexicans!) in East Austin [and yes, there is beer].

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by ImOnFiya

Down in Texas (and I suspect) in other heavy Mexican-American states (in the south and southwest), Cinco de Mayo has far more a respectful, cultural celebration tone, than the cheesy, Mexican 'minstrel' costume party many gringos in northern college campuses like to partake in.

In my experience, both are available in a plethora of choices. I can walk to two places which are already cranking up for their annual cheesy, Mexican 'minstrel' costume party where white boys get wasted.

Originally Posted by ImOnFiya

If you're really interested in celebrating, there is a large celebration at Fiesta Gardens (with actual Mexicans!) in East Austin [and yes, there is beer].

Yep, that's what the http://www.cincodemayoaustin.com/ link I gave is for.