Authentically Austin

Some of the most creative minds in the world will be in Austin for SXSW Interactive. I jokingly refer to this event as spring break for geeks. Time to open our minds wide to new ideas and connect in person rather than just virtually. This event is really about the people and the ideas sketched out on cocktail napkins. Sure, the sessions are fantastic…but this isn’t the time to just sit back and absorb the wisdom of the greats. Last year, some of my richest conversations were after midnight in a bar, over a quiet late night coffee and sitting in the hallway between sessions.

To help get you in that playful, creative mind space…I’d like to suggest some authentically austin adventures to take with your fellow geeks.

  • Toy Joy – the craziest toy store in Austin…it is a sensory overload just walking in the door.
  • Tower Tour – take a view from high a top the UT Tower
  • Zilker Botanical Gardens – a paradise within stones throw of downtown, I especially love the Oriental Garden area. So peaceful.
  • Bats – what can I say, here in Austin we are a bit batty about our bats. We have a large colony of Mexican Freetail Bats that hang out under the Congress Street Bridge. Bat Hot Line: 512-416-5700 (Category 3636) for the latest flight times.
  • Hula Hut – A deck over looking the lake, margaritas and salmon tacos…need I say more? or…head next door to Mozart’s for coffee and dessert. Yum!
  • Texas State History Museum – wander the exhibits, catch an iMax movie or just pose under the giant texas star. Your sure to find the perfect Texas gift to take home to the kids in the amazing store.

So my advice to you is to play hard at SXSW and remember that sleep is optional.

4 comments

  1. oooooh– I thought it would be too early for the bats! Are they there now? Have you seen them? Am I way too excited about bats for my own good?

  2. It is a little early for the bats…but I bet some are already here. I called the bat line and the times aren’t predictable yet. Sounds like an adventure!

  3. Define “some.” I remember when I was in town for Ride for the Roses, and we tried to see the bats. It was April, and I think we saw five.

    Did you know Houston has a bat colony now? It’s near my house, actually, but I have yet to wander over there and check it out. Cuz, you know, it’s a little early for bats. ;)

    I’ll have to second Hula Hut (wore my T-Shirt yesterday), and Toy Joy simply ROCKS! Enjoy SXSW.

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