Austin TX suggestions

[stop]

I am heading down to Austin TX in about a month for a long weekend. I have never been to Austin, although my friend that is going was there once before. Any suggestions from the panel on things to do while there? Both of us are gay and we plan to hit a couple bars but also looking for other ideas. Staying just 2 nights so wont' have a ton of time.

 

Also is the convention area the best place to stay to be central? It seems like a lot of stuff is around that area but I know in some cities the convention area is not someplace you want to stay during a weekend. (LA is this way)

 

Thanks

[down_to_business]

I would most definitely recommend staying downtown, central. Ladybird Lake. Convention area is fine IMO.

[MikeyGMin]

When you say "about" a month I hope you mean before March 10th. This year's SXSW is March 10-20. That will wreak havoc on downtown. If it's not during that period I would definitely recommend staying downtown also. There are quite a few hotel choices.

 

This is all just my opinion but...

 

Depending on your budget, I really like The W. It couldn't be more gay friendly and is within walking distance of two of the better gay bars, lots of restaurants, and 6th street (bars, music and straights galore.)

 

Austin doesn't have a lot of gay bars. Fortunately, two of the best are right next door to each other on 4th street. Because we don't have a lot of bars, all ages, races and both sexes come together in a way that I have never experienced in previous cities I've lived in. There is a bear(ish) bar on 8th street, but it's too small for my taste so I've only been there a couple times.

 

4th St. is gay central. If you don't get too far from 4th and Congress, you will be within walking distance of most of the good stuff. There are lots of outdoor activities around Lady Bird Lake, but it could still be pretty chilly when you are here.

 

If you have a car and feel like taking a little drive for lunch, I always take my guests to the Oasis at Lake Travis. A lot of the locals ridicule the place, but every guest I have ever taken there loves the view. If it happens to be a nice day you can also go to Hippie Hollow for a little nude sunbathing.

[stop]

When you say "about" a month I hope you mean before March 10th. This year's SXSW is March 10-20. That will wreak havoc on downtown. If it's not during that period I would definitely recommend staying downtown also. There are quite a few hotel choices.

 

This is all just my opinion but...

 

Depending on your budget, I really like The W. It couldn't be more gay friendly and is within walking distance of two of the better gay bars, lots of restaurants, and 6th street (bars, music and straights galore.)

 

Austin doesn't have a lot of gay bars. Fortunately, two of the best are right next door to each other on 4th street. Because we don't have a lot of bars, all ages, races and both sexes come together in a way that I have never experienced in previous cities I've lived in. There is a bear(ish) bar on 8th street, but it's too small for my taste so I've only been there a couple times.

 

4th St. is gay central. If you don't get too far from 4th and Congress, you will be within walking distance of most of the good stuff. There are lots of outdoor activities around Lady Bird Lake, but it could still be pretty chilly when you are here.

 

If you have a car and feel like taking a little drive for lunch, I always take my guests to the Oasis at Lake Travis. A lot of the locals ridicule the place, but every guest I have ever taken there loves the view. If it happens to be a nice day you can also go to Hippie Hollow for a little nude sunbathing.

 

thanks we are going to be in Austin 3/25 to 3/27. I think we are going to stay at JW Marriott downtown. wasn't planning on having a car will just uber and walk while there. probably will be too cold for Hippie Hollow. lol

[+ WilliamM]

I would most definitely recommend staying downtown, central. Ladybird Lake. Convention area is fine IMO.

 

Thanks for all the information from everyone. One small correction, it is Lady Bird Lake, named after Mrs. Johnson.

[+ Gar1eth]

If you have the time, I suggest Esther's Follies (named for Esther Williams of course). It's a comedy troupe that's been around since the '70's. It's had its own theater for around 10 years now. I've been multiple times and always found them hilarious. That have two types of seatings-general admission and reserved. The reserved doesn't cost much. And you are assured of getting a seat. Book early.

 

http://www.esthersfollies.com/m/home.php?t=

 

Their theater is right on E. 6th street. The back of the stage is right off 6th street. There are windows at the back of the stage. Every once in a while during the show, they open the curtains. You can see the passers-by stop and stare.

 

Here is a magician who performs there. He is a regular there. But I'm not sure whether he is considered part of the comedy troupe or an affiliate. At the back of the stage, you can see the passenger traffic on 6th Street walking by.

 

 

Think of them as a Texas version of the Capitol Steps.

 

http://www.capsteps.com/

 

Gman

[+ Gar1eth]

You might also take a gander by the Driskill Hotel on E 6th St. It was built in 1886. They are supposed to have a nice bar.

 

http://m.hyatt.com/mt/driskill.hyatt.com/en/hotel/dining/the-driskill-bar.html

 

 

And I'm a history buff, consider a tour of the State Capitol. It's one of the larger and more impressive Capitols. The outside is red granite. At night with the powerful floods on it, it looks white.

 

Gman

[LADoug1]

Capitol Steps

Off topic but nice to know someone knows about this great troupe. Saw them in L.A. Great!

[+ Gar1eth]

Capitol Steps.

 

http://www.capsteps.com/

 

Gman

 

Off topic but nice to know someone knows about this great troupe. Saw them in L.A. Great!

 

I've known about them for years. I always seem to come across their Year End Review on/around New Year's Eve on radio when I'm driving around.

 

Gman