Planning on Christmas in Austin 2007

We are planning a trip to Austin. We would like to stay downtown,20 something children along for trip. If you can recomend a downtown hotel that will not brake the bank. Also area resturants and watering holes. Thanks

Planning on Christmas in Austin 2007

There%26#39;s an Extended Stay on Sixth Street that people seem to like. It might be your best bet downtown, rate-wise.

How old are your kids? That will likely play a factor in what you do.

Planning on Christmas in Austin 2007

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar http://www.armadillobazaar.com/ “Help us celebrate over a quarter century of great live music and arts and crafts at the 30th Armadillo Christmas Bazaar. Check out our map to plan your trip to this year%26#39;s Bazaar. With over two dozen musical acts booked and over 130 artists and merchants invited to display their wares, the Dillo will be offering its special blend of fine handcrafted gifts available for Christmas shoppers and an exciting lineup of live music for your entertainment again this holiday season.”

The Blue Genie Art Bazaar www.bluegenieart.com/art_bazaar_event.html features the work of over 80 local and regional artists and artisans. An alternative venue for artists each December to show and sell their work. From ceramics, original paintings, photographs, sculpture, accessories, and so much more, the annual Art Bazaar is a one-of-a-kind event for Austin.

At the Trail of Lights on of the coolest things to do is stand inside the huge Christmas Tree made of lights, look up, spin around, experiment with timed exposures if you have a camera.

37th Street: The Street of Lights http://www.crossroads.net/lights/

For about 20 years, many of the residents of 37th Street here in Austin, Texas have been putting up christmas-lights on their houses. A lot of lights. Sometime around the beginning of December, people start coming down the street to see the show, although at this point, they are probably still working on putting up more lights (we always want more lights). By mid-December, things get pretty crazy, with thousands of people coming down the street each night.

The Double Tree on I35 between 15th and MLK is a good bet--far enough from downtown to avoid the parking nonsense, but very central. I would also recommend the Homestead Suites at Barton Springs and 1st--great location and good prices. Close to Trail of Lights, which is great for kids, and Zilker Park, plus just across the river from downtown.

Restaurants:

Definitely hit Rudy%26#39;s for BBQ--always my first stop with out of town guests. Picnic tables, eating with your hands, real down home barbecue. For Tex-Mex, Guerro%26#39;s, Trudy%26#39;s, El Arroyo, Chuys are all good. Gumbo%26#39;s, Moonshine, Iron Works, Frank and Angies, Huts--all good.

I would also recommend catching a show at the Alamo Drafthouse. They have a lot of special shows, along with regular movies. They serve real food during the movie that is surprisingly good. Be aware that the evening special events at the downtown location are usually for adults only (usually explicit).

Bar-B-Que always starts a debate. While I like Rudy%26#39;s, ther are many other great choices nearby that I%26#39;d choose over Rudy%26#39;s.

My choices first to last, but all are excellent choices. These are shades of perfection and worth a special trip.

Smitty%26#39;s in Lockhart

Salt Lick in Dripping Springs (there%26#39;s one in Austin but I%26#39;ve never been there)

City Market in Luling

Kreuz Market in Lockhart

Black%26#39;s in Lockhart

Luling Bar-B-Que in Luling

My kids are 24 years old and 20 years old.

Maybe they could get into a UT basketball game?

They might enjoy hanging out on Congress Avenue, one of the hip/trendy spots. There they will find clothing stores a coffee spot (Jo%26#39;s) for people-watching, as well as live music.

Also on Congress are antique shops, a great boot store (Allen%26#39;s) as well as restaurants you all could enjoy.

There are 2 decent priced hotels in this area as well, one called the Austin Motel.

2nd street now offers similar as Congress in terms of trendy shops and hangouts.

There are free trolleys that head to Congress that run frequently. On the first thursday of every month there is a street party, called ';First Thursday';-just more street vendors.

A great record store called Waterloo Records as well as Cheapo-Discs are on Lamar, close to the city center, off of 5th street.

One cool place to visit, though outside the city center is the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

On the UT Campus, the LBJ library is well-done and worth a visit. It is also free. The trolley takes you right there.

mg

A short reply to the barbecue post...

The places listed in Lockhard, Dripping Springs, etc. are all at least 30-45 minutes out of Austin, which is a long way to go for barbecue when there are great places in the city. Plus, I have only heard bad things about the Salt Lick that is actually in Austin--definitely not the same. Rudy%26#39;s and Iron Works will serve you a lot better.