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Old 07-02-2013, 11:10 AM
 
3 posts, read 5,834 times
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Hi everyone! We are coming to Austin for 4 days in August and I'm having a hard time deciding on hotel options. I have found an Extended Stay on Guadalupe for $123 a night with free parking. This seems like a we'd be able to walk to some sights downtown easily, but it will be August and pretty hot (I personally don't mind walking in the heat, but I think my travel companion might)...is it worth it to stay downtown if we may end up driving and paying for parking anyway? Would we have to do a lot of walking even if we used a parking garage? I've never been to Austin so I'm not really sure about the availability/pricing of parking.

I am also on the hunt for some activities. I think we will visit the LBJ library, see a show at the Scottish Rite Theatre, the Children's museum, the Chinatown Center, Waterloo and Cheapo Discs...Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
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Old 07-02-2013, 11:25 AM
 
Location: Austin, TX
16,787 posts, read 49,058,726 times
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Plan on doing your walking in the evening as it cools down some, but it will still be hot evenings in August. Plan daytime activities around water sports, at your hotel and say visit Hippie Hollow on Lake Travis, it is a county park where nudity is encouraged and legal.

http://www.hippiehollow.com/

https://parks.traviscountytx.gov/fin.../hippie-hollow

During the day you will enjoy your trips more if you drive and walk, unless the destination is a short distance from your hotel.

Extended Stay at 6th and Quadalupe would be a great location to focus your visit downtown.

Take in a show at Home - Esther's Follies It is a combination comedy, magic show with a slightly adult flavor. Always a lot of fun. Buy your tickets online ahead of time and you can skip the long line at the door.
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Old 07-02-2013, 12:48 PM
 
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air bnb
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Old 07-02-2013, 01:41 PM
 
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Has Hippie Hollow changed? For the longest time, it seemed that only older men would be having a "natural time" there. The early 90's was the last time I actually went there, but I had driven past via boat a few times since with people who were curious and had never been there.

Edit: The Hippie Hollow section here sums up my limited experiences there - https://encyclopediadramatica.se/Austin
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Old 07-02-2013, 01:51 PM
 
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I think you should stay downtown. You can walk or get pedicabs or cabs. Is Cheapo still open though? Also, Chinatown Center - isn't that pretty far from downtown up on north lamar/burnet? DOn't know if I'd make a special trip up there unless there was some event going on. LBJ Library is great. Blanton Musuem too. Catch a play at Zach Scott. Catch a classic movie at Paramount
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Old 07-02-2013, 09:48 PM
 
Location: Austin, TX
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Rent some bikes from http://www.bartonspringsbikerental.com/ and go on some trail rides. Go swimming at Barton Springs pool. Visit the Blanton Museum of Art, Bullock Texas State History Museum, and Texas Natural Science Center at UT. Visit the State Capitol. Hit up the bars on Rainey St. and/or W. 6th/E. 6th St. Check out Whole Foods flagship store downtown.
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Old 07-02-2013, 10:09 PM
 
Location: Austin,Tx
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You can also tour the Governor's mansion or visit the shops on South Congress or take a Duck tour.

Friends of the Texas Governor's Mansion

Welcome to First Thursday, South Congress Ave. Merchant News

Austin Duck Adventures | Land and Lake Tours of Austin
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Old 07-03-2013, 08:59 AM
 
152 posts, read 196,414 times
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Zilker park. Don't miss it. Swim in the spring fed pool. It cures the august heat instantly.
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Old 07-04-2013, 05:04 PM
 
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Thanks everybody! I appreciate you all taking the time to help me out!

The part about Hippie Hollow gave me a chuckle because I'm going with my mother haha. I'd probably check it out if I were just with friends, just to say I'd been!

Also, thanks for the heads-up about Cheapo: it IS closed! Blanton, Whole Foods, Zilker Park, Esther's Follies, Paramount, air bnb, Governor's Mansion, and State Capital are all great suggestions! Thanks again!

Last edited by jp0058; 07-04-2013 at 05:10 PM.. Reason: add more
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Old 07-05-2013, 07:25 AM
 
Location: SW Austin & Wimberley
6,333 posts, read 18,055,006 times
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I recommend the Hilton downtown. The nicer one further from IH35.

If you're on a lower budget, there is a Hampton Inn downtown that's suitable, or a smaller Marriot up on 11th.

Do stay downtown though. It makes a great home base and offers a lot of things for which you need no car.

Steve
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