10 Ways Austin Quietly Became The Coolest City In The South

From the massive walls at The Castle Hill Graffiti Park to the tiny storefronts in East Austin, there's always vibrant art to discover. Music plays on every sidewalk and cafe, ensuring that Austin's creative culture will never die.

Austinites pride themselves in being the first to discover new trends, but that doesn't mean we don't celebrate our roots. Even amongst Austin's rapid changes, you'll still find down-home honky tonks that haven't changed in 50 years.

Goosebumps will wash over you as you take in the grandeur of the Texas State Capitol. This building, constructed in 1888, is even more magnificent today. The sunset red granite glistens as the day ends, and Texas pride seeps into every corner of this place.

South By Southwest attracts innovators, creatives, and trailblazers from all over the world, but that's not the only time we see this city productively progressing. The bustling tech industry keeps this city full of new ideas and enhancements.

Sometimes it seems like tacos make up 90% of an ordinary Austinite's diet. With so many delicious food trailers and Tex Mex restaurants around town, it's no surprise we've come to think of this meal as a way of life.

Our obsession with food doesn't stop with tacos, however. Austin is home to a plethora of scrumptious fusion food. Sink your teeth into Kemuri Tatsu-ya's wildly delicious brisket ramen, and order some Tex Mex/German fusion from Scholz Garten. There's no limit to our creativity here.

Pull up a chair and soak up the sounds of an intimate listening room concert. It's not just wild stadium shows that the Austin music scene has to offer.

Of course, if you ever want to let loose and party with thousands of other music lovers, Austin is the place to do just that. Festivals happen nearly every weekend, and there's no shortage of adrenaline-pumping concerts to rock out to.

When the music gets too loud and the high-stakes too stressful, take some time for yourself and hike through the Barton Creek Greenbelt. Life's worries will melt away once you reach the blissful oasis at Sculpture Falls. If you need an even longer getaway, plan a camping trip to McKinney Falls State Park or Krause Springs. You're sure to return rejuvenated and refreshed.

Austin's a supportive city full of creatives, intellectuals, and trailblazers. No matter how hectic life can be, there's always a community of friends eager to bask in this vibrant city.