Austin NYE

Lone Star New Years Chillin...

Texas ain’t supposed to be cold. Understood. That said, Austin, Texas at New Years with a major cold front makes one question the Texas tough image. Granted 25 degrees in the Lone Star state for some reason feels worse than -10 in Vermont but come on Texans. Apparently dem dere is fair weather cowboys and cowgirls. Urban style. Austin NYE pretty much shut down even with the biggest holiday party week of the year in play.

The “live music capital of the world” doesn’t believe in the show must go on mantra. Well the show goes on but no one is there to see it. It’s awkward to walk into a bar with a band playing to no patrons. When its just you and the bar keep, there is noticeable pressure to politely clap after each and every song. Even more pressure when you decide to get up to leave. You can’t ignore the band’s empty tip jar on the way out any more than you ignore can the offering plate on Sunday morning. Nor can you make change in either. Should have brought more ones and fives.

On the bright side there is awesome talent on stages up and down the row. Certainly a top city in the US for bar hopping and live music opportunities.

Don’t let an empty Austin bar hold ya back on any night, even NYE. Own it

Austin Districts

Sixth St is the famous strip for bars and bands. Bachelorette parties and general shenanigans. Also check out the Rainey Street District which is lined with quirky little establishments. Many are converted houses. Its kinda like a block party in your neighborhood but with better looking neighbors.

Austin NYE

Think about location when you book a hotel in Austin. We stayed at the downtown Hilton which allows easy walking access to the above.

Local Culture

Austin dudes have a unique look. Part hipster, part cowboy. Part King Ranch, part Brokeback Ranch. Man buns and staches taken to a new heights. Everything is bigger in Texas.

Are you a carnivore? Texans like to eat meat. I have never seen so much meat served by so many vegans. Check out Moonshine Grill, Iron works BBQ, and Bangers Sausage and Beer Garden. Links . That name alone warrants a visit and yes its exactly how you picture it.

Speakeasy bars: unique experience or gimmick? When you score a pass code from the cool bartender at your hotel, it’s the former. When you book online, it’s the latter. So 1920’s.

Austin New Years Eve

Like everywhere else in Texas, it seems the airports are not prepared for ice. Unless its mixed with Titos. An hour and a half on the tarmac waiting to be de-iced will assure that virtually everyone misses their connector including this guy. How can such a simple process result in a 90 minute delay? Perhaps because the de-ice crew was a couple cowboys in a golf cart using squirt bottles. Moving slowly with frozen man buns and staches.

A very chill Austin NYE, literally and figurately. I look forward to another visit to the capital of the Lone Star state. Too many bars and briskets were left untouched this go around. I’ll be back when its warm and the music is as thick in the air as the smoked meats.