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Haha, I see your SouthTown and raise you the Warehouse District:
Red River:
SoCo:
There's also Clarksvile, North Campus, Guadalupe, North Lamar, South Lamar 'whatnot' attractions and entertainment...
And please... before you casually dismiss the 'hole in the wall' bars that comprise Austin, realize it is these bars that are part of what makes Austin. It has a very anti-corporate/anti-establishment feel. It's the lack of sophistication that makes it so alive and original. Besides, how often does any of that 'sophisticated' nightlife bring in nationally touring live music. I could list top performers ad nuseam that make stops at Stubbs, Emos, Antones, etc. on a consistent regular basis. Just look at their schedules Music 7 nights a weeks? Just tonight, a Tuesday, over 60 performances of live music alone. These clubs and bars play host to one of the largest festivals in the country (south by southwest) which inc. host to over 1400 bands from around the globe this year. How about there?
and last but not least: http://www.101x.com/Concerts/Listings.aspx
so you can keep your eyes peeled for the larger touring attractions... wouldn't want you to miss all the fun down there in the boonies (j/k!).
Sheesh, this isn't even the half of it... it feels like there's probably at least 1-3 festivals a week now, it's really hard to keep up quite frankly; just had the Old Settlers' Music Festival.... wish my dad could have made it to that one as he plays the Dobro.
What I really get a kick out of are the central Austin neighborhoods. At first glance, it may seem ordinary, but once you start traversing the streets, you'll find a melting pot of old meets new, organic groceries, heavy pedestrian traffic, Teepees; heck... bowling balls as ornate landscaping decor; older ramshackle TX homes next to Green Lloyd inspired homes, neighborhood cofee shops, boutiques, local groceries (not owned by HEB!), local theaters, or simply a home themed after a quasi viking colony or which displays vintage typewriters!
Regarding your point on S.A. influence:
I'm familiar with S.A.'s German influence, but this is most reflected in Fredericksburg. Japanese influence... well if you're only talking about the Tea Gardens that's a bit of a stretch, but ok. Sufficed to say, very few Japanese live in Austin or San Antonio... and since you brought it up, there's something that needs to be addressed.:
This tea garden hut is not a pagoda. Here's a pagoda:
And last but not least, comments that deserve special attention...
Haha, I see your SouthTown and raise you the Warehouse District:
Red River:
SoCo:
There's also Clarksvile, North Campus, Guadalupe, North Lamar, South Lamar 'whatnot' attractions and entertainment...
And please... before you casually dismiss the 'hole in the wall' bars that comprise Austin, realize it is these bars that are part of what makes Austin. It has a very anti-corporate/anti-establishment feel. It's the lack of sophistication that makes it so alive and original. Besides, how often does any of that 'sophisticated' nightlife bring in nationally touring live music. I could list top performers ad nuseam that make stops at Stubbs, Emos, Antones, etc. on a consistent regular basis. Just look at their schedules Music 7 nights a weeks? Just tonight, a Tuesday, over 60 performances of live music alone. These clubs and bars play host to one of the largest festivals in the country (south by southwest) which inc. host to over 1400 bands from around the globe this year. How about there?
and last but not least: 101X Concert Calendar List
so you can keep your eyes peeled for the larger touring attractions... wouldn't want you to miss all the fun down there in the boonies (j/k!).
Sheesh, this isn't even the half of it... it feels like there's probably at least 1-3 festivals a week now, it's really hard to keep up quite frankly; just had the Old Settlers' Music Festival.... wish my dad could have made it to that one as he plays the Dobro.
What I really get a kick out of are the central Austin neighborhoods. At first glance, it may seem ordinary, but once you start traversing the streets, you'll find a melting pot of old meets new, organic groceries, heavy pedestrian traffic, Teepees; heck... bowling balls as ornate landscaping decor; older ramshackle TX homes next to Green Lloyd inspired homes, neighborhood cofee shops, boutiques, local groceries (not owned by HEB!), local theaters, or simply a home themed after a quasi viking colony or which displays vintage typewriters!
Regarding your point on S.A. influence:
I'm familiar with S.A.'s German influence, but this is most reflected in Fredericksburg. Japanese influence... well if you're only talking about the Tea Gardens that's a bit of a stretch, but ok. Sufficed to say, very few Japanese live in Austin or San Antonio... and since you brought it up, there's something that needs to be addressed.:
This tea garden hut is not a pagoda. Here's a pagoda:
And last but not least, comments that deserve special attention...
Half of these are just clubs and state sponsored stuff that belongs to all of Texas.
I agree Austin does have some nice fest but it is not in the league of SA yet. SA is just a shy child where in Austin the grass is always greener on the Austin side of the fence
Your ham handed plight continues I see... I really thought the last post sealed the deal....
Quote:
Originally Posted by imaterry78259
Half of these are just clubs
s-i-g-h-
Is that S.A. funny math? Like the 'more bars/spread out' argument that you have yet to substantiate? 5 of the 35 links are strictly watering hole/venues if that's what you mean by 'clubs'. But they are the arguably de facto cream of the crop for Austin that were in direct response to the SouthTown links i.e. they're aren't just some random neighborhood bar, if that's what you were getting at. But I would think since you lived here, you'd know that. The more you reply, I have to wonder, what you really know about Austin... it appears that Austin grew up on you and that interferes with you nostalgia of it or something.
Quote:
Originally Posted by imaterry78259
and state sponsored stuff
At best you are referring to what? The Art Museum, History Museum and.... what exactly? And what is that supposed mean anyway? That's like me discrediting Fiesta becaaauuuusssse, the state has some involvement in the event? So you're contention is that state's money is no good or something... you really doesn't make any sense.
Quote:
Originally Posted by imaterry78259
that belongs to all of Texas.
Yes Austin and San Antonio reside within Texas... you are very astute.
Quote:
Originally Posted by imaterry78259
I agree Austin does have some nice fest
Thanks! Finally some recognition from you!
Quote:
Originally Posted by imaterry78259
but it is not in the league of SA yet.
Wait a minute...Whaa? I mean, I know if you have Fiesta, but what else are we talking... Are you comparing the International Accordion Festival to South by Southwest? S.A. Underground to AFF? I think you have that twisted... you're just digging a deeper hold. Dunno why you can't embrace the things that I've already mentioned that are nice about S.A. Comparing the 'Fest' lineup (breadth, scope, amount) is a no win argument...
Quote:
Originally Posted by imaterry78259
SA is just a shy child where in Austin the grass is always greener on the Austin side of the fence
O.k... sounds like a compliment. You're a funny guy. Tell me though, the Viking Colony and vintage Typewriter homes were interesting right? I know I'm being hasty being that I've only been here a short time, but I love this place... gonna be sad to leave it in a year.
Last edited by tekka-maki; 04-22-2009 at 09:02 AM..
My god someone really got busy linking toy stores etc, hah!! I could do the same, San Antonio has a lot more I could list, Reggae Festivals, Jazz festivals, Film Festivals, Wine Festivals, I wouldn't no where to start. It has a lot of other cultural venues, The Carver, Art pace, Guadulupe, The Blue Star, the Alameda Cultural Center(Second largest Latin center after New Yorks), 5 downtown vaudeville palaces. San Antonio may have no answer for SXSW, but Austin has no answer for Fiesta, a nearly 4 million in attendance at i'ts 100 events. Both attract from around the world.
Oh the list of Austin concerts you linked happens to include some San Antonio concerts.
The Riverwalk alone with i'ts 100's of entertainment and dining options, plus the expanions north and south for about 15 miles is something no Texas city will have a answer for. River North, Hemisfair Park, and the Pearl will emerge soon, and other downtown districts are all coming together.
San Antonio has a major German influence, and does happen to have a historical japense structure on the Riverwalk near the Valencia hotel.
A intresting travel guide showcasing both cities. I would say Austin is more the San Fran of Texas while San Antonio is more the Paris.
My god someone really got busy linking toy stores etc, hah!!
One toy store.. You two really have a knack for exaggeration. And btw, check out that toy store... it's not any type of store. I've never been to another like it, and be prepared, I've been outside of Texas so I know these things.... I kiiiid, I kiiiid.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SweethomeSanAntonio
I could do the same, San Antonio has a lot more I could list,
Please do. Though I'm quite certain it will be less in more ways than one. BTW, a little bit more going on than just 6th street eh? Were you surprised by all the other hotspot locales?
Quote:
Originally Posted by SweethomeSanAntonio
Reggae Festivals, Jazz festivals, Film Festivals, Wine Festivals,
No reggae festival AFAIK. SAS (Jazz fest): singular, with a an antiquated circa 1997 website... think I'll probably just go to Antones or the Continental Club on any given night; see the same performers stroll through, and save the gas; One Film Festival (singular) very small, under appreciated, and limited in scope; trumped by the same amount of time spent at the 3 neighborhood Drafthouses and Dobie, let alone AFF; One wine festival (singular, why do you keep pluralizing everything) trumped by the TX Hill Country Wine and Food Festival which is HQed out of... guess where?!. Dunno about you, but for me, Woofstock trumps the mediocrity if only because all that is either superceded or not unique. Good try though.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SweethomeSanAntonio
I wouldn't no where to start.
I wouldn't either.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SweethomeSanAntonio
It has a lot of other cultural venues, The Carver, Art pace, Guadulupe, The Blue Star, the Alameda Cultural Center(Second largest Latin center after New Yorks),
Carver And Art Pace seem kinda cool. I'm not really that big into the art scene (wasn't exactly the focal piece of my 'things to do' bars/clubs debate with imaterry, but I'll check 'em out next time I'm in town.). But there's quite a lot of that here if you're interested. The one link I listed has a slew of galleries, events, etc.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SweethomeSanAntonio
5 downtown vaudeville palaces.
I said San Antonio has a lot of historical merit, didn't I???? Ask imaterry: one need only gaze upon the S.A. skyline and you'll be instantly transported into the past! Bada-boom Bada-bing!
Quote:
Originally Posted by SweethomeSanAntonio
Oh the list of Austin concerts you linked happens to include some San Antonio concerts.
Yes, I saw one concert at the ATT center... were you referring to ANY other events? You do recognize what I was driving at right?
Quote:
Originally Posted by SweethomeSanAntonio
The Riverwalk alone with i'ts 100's of entertainment and dining options, plus the expanions north and south for about 15 miles is something no Texas city will have a answer for. River North, Hemisfair Park, and the Pearl will emerge soon, and other downtown districts are all coming together.
Yes, Riverwalk is fabulous, the rest of DT, not a big fan of... seems... eerily quiet at times.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SweethomeSanAntonio
San Antonio has a major German influence,
You said that, but don't really know what you're getting at. Fredericksburg has a much stronger German influence and is much smaller than S.A. Your point?
Quote:
Originally Posted by SweethomeSanAntonio
and does happen to have a historical japense structure on the Riverwalk near the Valencia hotel.
Tea Garden right? Wait... you're not talking about the 'hut pagoda' again are you?! I mentioned that. N-E-A-T. Not too many Japanese in S.A. though eh? Very small Japanese population, much like Austin.
In other news, not a very large Polish community in Austin or S.A. either. Ho-hum...
Quote:
Originally Posted by SweethomeSanAntonio
A intresting travel guide showcasing both cities. I would say Austin is more the San Fran of Texas while San Antonio is more the Paris.
You have to be joking.... Paris???? O.k... If you're going to go 'international' how about Mexico City? That would seem to be a fairer comparison, would it not? In the U.S. maybe... San Diego minus the skyline and progressive culture. Except that San Diego is more diverse and mostly cooler (and by cooler I mean not so sticky during the summer time), lol.
Look San Antonio is a great place, I keep saying it, but the inferiority mentality keeps effervescing. Pretty soon, I'm sure soon more of your ilk when get wind that somebody is constructively criticizing S.A. and they'll all jump in. But pound for pound I disagree with your assessments. It has nothing on Austin related to the things I've mentioned, and I don't believe that I'm biased in anyway. I grew up in neither city; lived in both cities (among several other cities) a short duration and dare I say, I'm not a native Texan and don't envision as my resting place in the future.
But whatever, take what I said with a grain of salt as I'm sure you will anyway; collectively ignore what I've written, and go on blissfully unaware... what do I care. I should have known better than to post in this thread anyway. The inferiority complex/over compensation is almost palatable when I veer too close to the S.A. board, lol. I'm all the way over here in the Austin board, but your bunch has some spidey sense or a bat signal e.g. "somebody mentioned S.A. in a slightly negative light: ATTTAACK". I've never seen anything quite like it.
Cheers.
Last edited by tekka-maki; 04-22-2009 at 10:19 AM..
San Antonio has the same amount if not more night spots, however, i won't dismiss Austin as not being vibrant with lots to see and do. Downtown San Antonio is alive all week long. Can you say Austin is lively all week long?
San Antonio has the more european feel to it compared with the rest of texas. I have heard Paris used as a example several times by the media. I guess the River and all the alfresco dining and historical charm give it that feel.
Austin has about ~1.7 million people according to the new Census. San Antonio has about ~2.0 million. The two cities are pretty much the same size. If you walk around the downtown and central areas of town then Austin actually feels a bit bigger.
I don't know how accurate those are. I read somewhere awhile back that the reason SA has such a large population is b/c they're adding in neighboring towns such as Seguin,etc. so I'm sure they do the same with Austin.
My parents have lived in SA since 1975 and I went to one year of high school in SA. I have lived in SA, Houston, and the Austin area since 1984.
SA and Austin are radically different in my view. Yes they are both good sized Texas cities. But they "feel" much different. San Antonio has its rich Mexican heritage and culture - you choose how much is a good thing. San Antonio has a long military history. I was a lifeguard at Lackland AFB a long time ago.
Austin feels much younger. It is far more educated and tech oriented. Neither city sets any standards for high brow culture (museums, opera, etc.) but SA might win. SA has one pro sports team but that is a negative for me. Austin has a bigger ego than it deserves where SA seems to have none (and should). SA actively fosters a tourism industry (Riverwalk (oops canalwalk), Six Flags, Sea World) where Austin does not. Austin relies on music and UT as attractions for visitors.
I used to think SA drivers were the worst (they drive ridiculously slow) but Austin may be as bad now. So many Prius and Camry's in the left lane. San Antonio's road system is clearly better.
I would tend to agree with the assessment except for the ego part. I don't think any of them really deserve an ego as neither are a truly metro city.
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I mean, I know if you have Fiesta, but what else are we talking... Are you comparing the International Accordion Festival to South by Southwest? S.A. Underground to AFF? I think you have that twisted... you're just digging a deeper hold. Dunno why you can't embrace the things that I've already mentioned that are nice about S.A. Comparing the 'Fest' lineup (breadth, scope, amount) is a no win argument...
BTW, a little bit more going on than just 6th street eh? Were you surprised by all the other hotspot locales?
Bada-boom Bada-bing!
O.k... If you're going to go 'international' how about Mexico City? That would seem to be a fairer comparison, would it not? In the U.S. maybe... San Diego minus the skyline and progressive culture. Except that San Diego is more diverse and mostly cooler (and by cooler I mean not so sticky during the summer time), lol.
