I am visiting Austin on a saturday at the end of June. would appreciate recommendations for staying, music, food in downtown area. I do know that Collings is closed sat's.

Thanks, Ferd

I just got back from Austin. All kinds of live music. Visit the "Fiddlers Green"
Waterloo Records. Charley's guitars has a handful of great Collings. It's about 45 minutes to see Kevin at Hill Country Guitars in Wimberly. The Broken Spoke.....Have a great time!

quote:

Originally posted by Doc Holiday:
Charley's guitars has a handful of great Collings. It's about 45 minutes to see Kevin at Hill Country Guitars in Wimberly. The Broken Spoke.....Have a great time!

I'm sure you meant Quincy's Guitars on South Congress, just across the bridge, Doc. Charley's Guitars is a fine store as well, but it's in Dallas. And you're right, take the beautiful drive out into the Hill Country and visit Kevin. Both Pat at Quincy's and Kevin are fine fellows and stock some VERY cool guitars. Don't miss the Continental Club either, just down the street from Quincy's. And since you're in the neighborhood, you might want to stay at the Austin Motel, right across the street from the Continental Club. And having a great time on a Saturday in Austin is not just a good idea, it's unavoidable.

Jim

...and don't miss the bats leaving the Congress Street bridge at dusk. A singular experience.

Ditto on all of those suggestions. Also, the Texas State History Museum and the LBJ Library are both in downtown Austin.

Thanks all! I sincerely appreciate all the info.

Hope you plan on a very long Saturday in Austin. We've lined out a pretty full day for you. Luckily, the Congress Street bridge, Quincy's, The Continental Club and the Austin Motel are within a short walk of each other. And U.T. and the LBJ Library are an easy bus ride.

Jim

How timely. I'm going to Austin next weekend for the first time in about 8 years. Staying at the Driskill, which is near 6th and Brazos. The last trip was quick, and business related (this one's primarily for fun), so I'm watching this thread closely.

Any other advice not already mentioned?

Elambo -

Ah yes, the Driskill. First joint I stayed in in Austin, before it was yuppified. Oops, I mean renovated. The flow of a highly diverse section of humanity on Sixth street is always fun to watch, but most of the music scene I've encountered there in the past 10 years has not been my cup of tea. I always enjoy touring the bookstores on Guadalupe, but I would appreciate it if someone could point me toward a good, independent bookstore there. Any suggestions, anyone? Also, check on the Cactus Cafe's website for any acts appearing there when you're in town. They always seem to bring in some great shows. Man, all this is really making my feet itch to head down again. Maybe this Fall.

Jim

Book People on 6th and Lamar is the finest independent book store in the U.S. (at least that's what the book sellers' trade group voted..and I'd agree). Its the FIRST place I/we went when we were checking out Austin as a place to live.

The Cactus Cafe on the UT campus always has great live music. In addition to the Continental Club, the Saxon Pub (South Lamar) and Momo's (upstairs above Katz's deli on 6th street) always have oog local bands/artists.

Food wise, there is EVERYTHING. For tacos, try Maria's Taco Express. For BBQ, close to downtown the Iron Works or Muellers... a little farther out (but worth the drive) the Salt Lick (always the first stop for the Collings gsthering).

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Duolian:
Book People on 6th and Lamar is the finest independent book store in the U.S. (at least that's what the book sellers' trade group voted..and I'd agree). Its the FIRST place I/we went when we were checking out Austin as a place to live.

Thanks for the bookstore tip. Definitely will be on my list for my next visit.

Jim

There are also several half price book stores in the area. One on Lamar a few blocks north of the intersection of Guadalupe and Lamar. As a bonus the Dan's Hamburger joint across the street is pretty good too.