9 Reasons Why Austin Is The Most Underrated City In The US

You don't have to go to The Blanton Museum of Art in order to experience the finer things in life. In Austin, gorgeous murals and mosaics are on almost every street corner. Some pieces celebrate the city's famous residents and others implement surrealist elements. As you wander through these city streets, you're certain to find something that moves you.

There's only a handful of free weekends in Austin. Here, festivals take over almost every day of the week. In April, residents look forward to the flashy HONK! marching band parades. In March, everyone descends on to Sixth Street for South By Southwest.

You don't have to go to a five star restaurant to devour an exquisite meal. The food trucks in Austin are every bit as good as sit-down meal, and they'll save your wallet too. Cuisines range from southern comfort to spicy Thai. Sometimes, they'll even fuse the two flavors together.

Antone's always booms with grooving blues music. The Saxon Pub showcases Austin's best singer/songwriters. If you're craving country, The Broken Spoke is the place to go. Hear some rock and roll in the Red River District and discover your new favorite act at Hotel Vegas on the East side.

A scenic 45 minute drive will take you away from the downtown streets and into the serene Texas Hill Country. Devour barbecue in Driftwood and sip on a glass of wine in Wimberley. The lush trails and untouched nature will completely relax you.

Yes, Lady Bird Lake is technically a river. But labels don't matter much here. Hop on a kayak and sail down the crystal blue waters. This patch of paradise sits smack dab in the middle of the city, and it's the perfect place to recharge.

The Barton Creek Greenbelt hugs the city and provides locals with dozens of peaceful hiking trails. When the water level is high, you can wade in the streams.

Come to Lazarus Brewing for a some cold brews and delicious Mexican food. Stroll down the street to Zilker Brewing for some hoppy goodness. You'll want to stop in at every single Austin tap room.

Smoky brisket, delectable sausage, and finger-licking ribs are just the beginning. Austinites get creative with their smoked meats, even adding them into tacos and pot pies.