In this piece, the authors and friends will talk about things we love about Austin. Last time, I talked to you about Urban Assault Race and it really was a doozy. This was supposed to be put up last week, but I got busy.
So without further ado, here is Steph’s take on why Austin rocks…even when your first and second choice plans fall through.
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I feel really lucky to have lived in Austin for the majority of my life. It’s been fascinating (albeit somewhat infuriating at times) to watch the city grow and change over the years.
One of my most favorite aspects of this town is that, no matter what time of the day or day of the week, there is always something awesome to do. Austin seems to be a city that also appreciates the free factor so many events are open to all at no charge. You just have to keep your eyes peeled.
For example, last Wednesday I was in the mood to listen to some live music. Because I had to work late, I missed my opportunity to hit up an amazing free event that was happening about an hour outside of town. (As it turned out, the show was poorly planned, so those who arrived late were unfortunately turned away.)
Plan B for the evening was to bike down to Waterloo Park to meet up with some people and catch Marcia Ball rocking out for KGSR’s Blues on the Green. My bike had a flat, so by the time I found the necessary materials to fix things and carried out the needed bit of maintenance, it was around 9pm and the show would likely be wrapping up soon.
At this point, I was sweaty, frustrated, and ready to give in to a night spent in front of the boob tube. But, then, something magical happened. A bug burrowed deep in my brain reminded me of the free jazz that Cherrywood Coffehouse hosts every Wednesday night out behind their shop. A young trio was onstage busting out some soulful yet peaceful jazz, which coupled nicely with a cold draft beer. The tunes were chill and relaxing, the evening was warm and not too muggy, and the stars were out overhead.
It just goes to show that no matter what you fancy, there will be a plethora of activity options for you. From massive midnight bike raids across town to Peen Scene-promoted gigs on the east side to just enjoying the complimentary water & Gatorade coolers on the hike & bike trail – Austin has it all. I’m sure there are options for assholes, too. There’s bound to be a Hummer club or cheating-to-get-ahead appreciation nights around town, somewhere.
Austin – the live music capital of the world – may not be the city that never sleeps, but its plentiful opportunities for fun certainly make it comparable to NYC. Perhaps we can view it as the isolated younger sibling of the Big Apple.
Why I like Austin vol. II
In this piece, the authors and friends will talk about things we love about Austin. Last time, I talked to you about Urban Assault Race and it really was a doozy. This was supposed to be put up last week, but I got busy.
So without further ado, here is Steph’s take on why Austin rocks…even when your first and second choice plans fall through.
————–
I feel really lucky to have lived in Austin for the majority of my life. It’s been fascinating (albeit somewhat infuriating at times) to watch the city grow and change over the years.
One of my most favorite aspects of this town is that, no matter what time of the day or day of the week, there is always something awesome to do. Austin seems to be a city that also appreciates the free factor so many events are open to all at no charge. You just have to keep your eyes peeled.
For example, last Wednesday I was in the mood to listen to some live music. Because I had to work late, I missed my opportunity to hit up an amazing free event that was happening about an hour outside of town. (As it turned out, the show was poorly planned, so those who arrived late were unfortunately turned away.)
Plan B for the evening was to bike down to Waterloo Park to meet up with some people and catch Marcia Ball rocking out for KGSR’s Blues on the Green. My bike had a flat, so by the time I found the necessary materials to fix things and carried out the needed bit of maintenance, it was around 9pm and the show would likely be wrapping up soon.
At this point, I was sweaty, frustrated, and ready to give in to a night spent in front of the boob tube. But, then, something magical happened. A bug burrowed deep in my brain reminded me of the free jazz that Cherrywood Coffehouse hosts every Wednesday night out behind their shop. A young trio was onstage busting out some soulful yet peaceful jazz, which coupled nicely with a cold draft beer. The tunes were chill and relaxing, the evening was warm and not too muggy, and the stars were out overhead.
It just goes to show that no matter what you fancy, there will be a plethora of activity options for you. From massive midnight bike raids across town to Peen Scene-promoted gigs on the east side to just enjoying the complimentary water & Gatorade coolers on the hike & bike trail – Austin has it all. I’m sure there are options for assholes, too. There’s bound to be a Hummer club or cheating-to-get-ahead appreciation nights around town, somewhere.
Austin – the live music capital of the world – may not be the city that never sleeps, but its plentiful opportunities for fun certainly make it comparable to NYC. Perhaps we can view it as the isolated younger sibling of the Big Apple.