Speaking of Bluebonnets...

They are quite the sight. Every self-respecting Texan can spot a bluebonnet from a mile away.

There ain’t nothing like a field of Bluebonnets in the spring. Come mid-March, fields will be covered in them, all across Texas. They’re beautiful, so much so that folks just pull on over to the side of the road to take a photograph with them. After you see them, you’re liable to be tempted to do the same.

Remember... no matter how much you want to pick a bouquet of bluebonnets for your homes, DON'T! It's illegal.

Keeping Street Smart!

Many of the city’s major roads have at least two names, which can make navigating real tricky. For example, MoPac and Loop 1 are the same thing, though folks around here rarely call it Loop 1—only “MoPac.” Capital of Texas Highway is just another name for Loop 360 and Highway 71 is also called Ben White Boulevard as it cuts through South Austin. Part of that road is also US Highway 290, too! When in doubt, with the exception of MoPac, just refer to the number, not the name. But that rule does get a little muddied up around US Highway 183, also known as Research Boulevard, Anderson Lane or Ed Bluestein Boulevard, depending on what stretch you’re on. You’ll hear folks refer to something as being on Research Boulevard, but you’ll rarely hear the later two. 

Remember... DON'T correct a Texan on pronunciation! That's the fastest way to tell you're not from around these parts. Embrace it!

 

NUECES STREET: New • AY • sez 
BURNET ROAD: BURN • it  (durn • it)
GUADALUPE STREET: Gwad • uh • LOOP 
PEDERNALES STREET: PUR • den • nal • ehz 
DESSAU ROAD: deh • SAW
MANOR ROAD: MAY • ner
DEL VALLE: DEL • valley
KOENIG LANE: KAY • nig
MANCHACA ROAD: MAN • shack

Topo chico

Liquor Laws

Austins' Refreshment

Liquor stores king

Move over, Perrier, because Topo Chico is king around these parts. Bubbly, delicious and served best in a freezing-cold bottle, it’s the perfect drink for a hot summer day. 

Don’t be looking for gin in the grocery store! That’s because grocery stores cannot sell liquor in the state of Texas, which limits the sale of spirits to liquor stores. However, grocery stores do sell beer and wine. On Sundays, the liquor stores are closed and grocery stores do not sell beer and wine before 10 a.m.

Keep austin weird!

More than just a catchy slogan, weirdness is a way of life in Austin.

Offbeat, eccentric, colorful, loud, maybe even a little bit crazy at times. This is Austin—a city that was born and raised out of an appreciation and love of supporting local musicians, artists and creative minds. 

You’ll find massive murals on the sides of most buildings. You’ll hear live music coming from every other shop as you walk through downtown. You’ll see gorgeous sculptures in the parks. You’ll notice folks are wildly passionate about shopping small and shopping local. You’ll meet wild characters who are passionate about this way of living.

This is how Austinites like it, and they want to keep it that way! So, if you decide to make the move, remember why you’re making the move! Dive into the Austin vibe and culture. Talk to the locals. 

LEARN WHY WE LOVE THIS CITY, AND DON'T TRY TO CHANGE IT!