Top 5 things/experiences a "tourist" shouldn't miss while in Austin and the vicinity? (New Braunfels: real estate, restaurant)

[david4455]

Okay....we thought we were going to move to Austin from the Pacific NW and now it looks like we may be staying.

But meanwhile we had planned a week long trip to the Austin area to scout out our dream community and start looking at real estate. We are still planning to come to Austin late October to make sure that the move idea is DOA ....but the trip now is probably going to have more of a "tourist spin" for us....

The bulk of the trip is going to be spent in Wimberley ( non-refundable B and B reservations) and we can use that as a hub.

What shouldn't we miss. Thanks.

[car957]

Things to see and do:

--Lady Bird Johnson's Wildflower Research Center
--Bob Bullock's Museum of Texas History
--The Capital of Texas
--Take a drive on Loop 360 and see Pennybacker Bridge
--Take a walk on the Town Lake Hike & Bike Trail
--Take a nap under one of the big oak or pecan trees at Barton Springs
--Have a cup of coffee at Drink at Joe's on South Congress and the pancakes at the Magnolia Cafe on South Congress
--Listen to Dale Watson at the Continental Club on Monday night
--Watch the bats leave at dusk on the Congress Avenue bridge
--Avoid all malls
--Stay clear of I-35 during rush hours
--Get back to Wimberly before rush hour - traffic stacks up at the Y in Oak Hill
--Eat BBQ at Donn's BBQ at the Y in Oak Hill.
--Take a drive to Johnson City, Bourne and up Texas 71 to see the Hill Country

Have a nice trip.

[satanoid]

Hippie Hollow!
The only state sponsored nude beach in america!

[Trainwreck20]

The Nutty Brown Cafe has music Thur - Sat and is right outside of Dripping.
Nutty Brown Cafe

Although I have to say that Hippie Hollow is unique, I wouldn't really say that it is all the interesting or entertaining, unless you are a) a nudist or b) a voyeur .

Edit: Arrrgh! I just saw that most thursdays are now Karaoke. Looks like Stoney LaRue and Will Taylor and Strings Attached are playing the last weekend of October. Dunno much about either...

Sites:
Will Taylor and Strings Attached
STONEY LARUE - The Red Dirt Album

[texastea]

Since you're staying in Wimberly go the backway to Canyon Lake and visit Gruene (pronounced Green) and eat on the decks of the Gristmill. Climb Mount Bonnell in Austin

[car957]

Hippie Hollow: A few naked old hippies. If that's your thing, well enjoy it. Me, I much rather check out the cute Texas women at UT.

[TexasGirl@Heart]

Dale Watson is on tour in Europe the month of October. Just checked and he will be back at his regular Mon night gig at the Continental Club Oct 29th ---excellent recommendation, car957! If you won't be there on that date, you can see him the Friday before at the Broken Spoke.

I also second having lunch on the deck at the Gristmill Restaurant in Gruene, Tx.

Watching the bats emerge from the Congress Ave Bridge has always been a fascination of mine!

[PeacePlease]

For food: Eat at Chuy's for some addictive TexMex food. If you can drive to NW Austin, you may want to eat at the Oasis or the Iguana (the food is ok, but the view is great).

[loves2read]

Too bad it is a little too far to drive to Luling S of New Braunfels to get BBQ at City Market
Echo the Grist Mill and some sightseeing in Gruene
try a sweet pretzel at the bakery in downtown New Braunfels--Naglin's -- oldest in TX they say...
See the bats come out--that is neat

[love roses]

I love Naeglins...Yummy streudel!