My name is Woodrow F.  although I am not new to Texas and have visited Austin many times in the past, I am new as an Austin resident. I've only lived here a couple of weeks.  I am hoping that this group will not only be an introduction to Austin for you, but also one for me.

I am 65 years old. Widowed, my wife passed away 2 years ago. I have 3 grown children, 13 grand children and 2 great grand children. The only ones living near me are my daughter and her 2 youngest. (actually close isn't the word, I'm living with her and her family for the next 2 or 3 months)

My (My page) tells just about everything about me.

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I always thought of it more as just an island of normalcy, in the sea of backwardness that is much of the other parts of TX.

You're new to Austin?  Well, then if you have not already done so, what you need to do in no particular order is this:

Gueros Taco Bar on South Congress Avenue, about half way up the hill between the river and Oltorf St.  I would not travel to SW Asia to shoot at people for GW's ego & oil companies profits; but I would be willing to kill for the marinated chicken breast tacos!  A bit of lime juice, marinated onions, and both red & green salsa on them is my favorite way.

The Serrano's Cafes in town are another good place for Tex-Mex.

For those not concerned about their cholesterol level, try The Iron Works Bar BQ.

Can't recall the name or street address, but there is only one city pool that is open year round because it is heated by hot springs water.  It is a free municipal pool in South Austin.  If you were in the bottom of the dip on Oltorf between the freeway and Congress Ave, it is in the park two blocks north of there.  Maybe Stacey Pool?

If you have not already figured it out, Antone's is The Home Of The Blues.  I saw BB King in their first location on 6th St in the '70's.  Also a local band called Paul Ray & the Cobras.  They had a skinny kid on lead guitar named Stevie Ray Vaughn, maybe you've heard of him?  Last I heard the current Antones is at 5th & Colorado.

Stubb's Bar BQ on Red River and The Backyard out on Hwy 71 are nice spots as well for paid live music.   Listen to KGSR at 107.1 FM and they will keep you posted on the amazing amount of free music venues as well.  The Tuesday afternoon "Hippie Hour" with Toni Price at The Continental Club on South Congress was a standing weekly gig that was worth checking out. 

Which brings up the ONLY place to buy music in town is Waterloo Records, currently north of the river at 6th & Lamar.  Old timers like me remember when they were south of the river, about where the Wendy's is now on South Lamar. 

Need to go to San Antonio?  Take US 290 W out to hwy 165 past Dripping Springs.  Take 165 South thru Blanco to US 281.  Take 281 the rest of the way to San Antonio.  You'll arrive smiling, instead of gritting your teeth.  I-35 between Austin & San Antonio has more road rage incidents than any other TX hwy.  Another nice way to do it is head south for Wimberly at the stoplight in Dripping Springs, and then take RR12 , (the devil's backbone), from south of Wimberly to Blanco.  Be sure to stop and buy a pie at the Wimberly Pie Company when you pass thru.  Worth every penny.

Bastop State Park about 30 miles east on Hwy 71 is a nice change from semi-arid Austin.

Central TX Auto Museum in Rosanke is an absolute must!!!  Turn south at the county road intersecting Hwy 71 just west of Bastrop by the big Covert car dealership.  I think it may be CR 309?

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Mother's Cafe & Garden at the corner of 43rd & Duval St.  Best vegetarian joint in town.  Their garden salad is a meal by itself.  The fruit salad is a killer dessert.  Instead of just menus & ice water, they bring you chips & salsa too with the menus.  The absolute best salsa in town!!!  It is sold as Texasalsa in the refrigerated case at all of the Fresh Plus Grocery locations, as well as at Whole Foods 6th & N. Lamar location only.

Wish I had some now!  Pace picante with a bunch of chipotle tabasco sauce added to it is about as good as it gets up in DFW.  Threre are no HEB grocery stores north of Waco.  Wish I could find a source for EL Lago unsalted tostadas & some decent salsa up here. 

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I am Dixie - grew up on West 6th street in Austin

Onward ~ Keep it Weird

I am

Dixie

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Had not done it for about 15 yrs when my daughter was little, but check & see if the UT Astronomy Dept still has public viewing night from the observatory on the top of Painter Hall?  Think maybe it used to be Tuesdays?  Absence of clouds permitting, Astronomy grad students man the observatory to aim the telescope at various sights of interest and give everyone present a chance to take a look before they move on to the next sight.  The viewing is somewhat limited by city light pollution, but the antique telescope is interesting.

The various Half Price Books store locations are nice too.  The Guadalupe & South Lamar locations have the easiest access and the best selections.

Texas French Bread a block west of Guadalupe on W. 29th, or is it 30th? is a nice bakery / cafe.  It was nicer still back in the 1970's when it was the Rome Inn nightclub.  I recall seeing The Triple Threat Revue there for a $3 cover charge in '77 or '78?  Triple Threat was Stevie Ray Vaughn & Double Trouble with Miss Lou Ann Barton sitting in with the band.  Stevie was wearing a flat cap in those days.  Lou Ann spent about half her time on stage, and the other half at the bar.   The old Rome Inn was the inspiration for the ZZ Top song "Lowdown In The Street." 

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Woodrow F.    For the invite.  I too am fairly new to Austin.  I moved here in 2002 from Iowa City, Iowa. Most of my family is there in Iowa....parents, siblings, daughter and oldest granddaughter.  My son and my youngest granddaughter live here in Austin.

I have enjoyed living in Austin. I have been to see the bats come out from the Congress bridge at night...what an amazing sight to see...not that I like bats, but it is amazing! lol  What I enjoy each summer is going to what is called Blues on the Green at Zilker Park.  and, one of my most favorite coffee shoppes here in Austin is called Mozart's on Lake Austin Blvd.

This is only a little that I know as far as sights and things to do here...I am sure there are tons more to see and do.  Once again thank you for the invite to the group here.....

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For newbies that means I live in  S. Austin.

Dive into Barton Springs Pool. Spring fed. Usually open year round and home of the not forgotten salamander.

Be sure to look for Leslie...and keep Austin weird.

Badaboom.....Karen

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Hi Dixie!!!

Hi I'm Lorelei. I haven't lived in the Hill Country since 1986, but we come every year for Spring Break and SXSW. I love many things about Austin, and we always get a Tex-Mex dinner at Trudy's-the original one off the drag, and visit Oat Willie's. To me though, the best-kept secret is an hour away at Lake Buchanan. The Austin Lakes have become loud, crowded and even polluted, sad to say, but Buchanan is large, almost never crowded, and clean enough to skindive in.

Here is Wilsan, my personal Austin Guide-Bearded Dragon.

Don't forget to vote KINKY!

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Arrived here in 2003 at the end of that year. Still undecided on if I want to stay. To say the least was sort of dumped here. Live in North Austin. And was taken to Threadgills. and to every restuarnt that my friend thought was good. But always interested in trying new ones. so thanks for that update on the others.

I have done a bit of traveling. lived in Phx Az, Southern Utah, Denver Colorado, and Baton Rouge LA. grew up in Southern Cal. So Austin isn't much of shock to me. and really do enjoy it.

I live in North Austin and not sure if I could live in South Austin just seems so crowded. and way to much traffic. Ya right me complain of Traffic after living in Southern Cal.

Been to blues on the green and loved it. been to a few night spots down town. But my all time fav was being taken to a Cavers gathering where I perpared and serviced dinner to over 500 cavers.

Have heard about the bats and would one day like to go and see this great sight. I have heard others talk about. Not much of a bat lover either but, hear its something you never forget.

Well a little about myself other then that, but on a personal note. since that is the topic.

I am a 50 year old women. slim. have 3 kids that live in southern Cal. My mom and brothers also live there. I have family in St Louis, Southern Utah, as well as Colorado. Not sure if I have grand kids.   I live with two cat kids. that keep me on my toes. I enjoy dancing. and listening to live music. hiking, camping, and horse back riding. which I haven't done in years. And have looked into a few ranches that offer it and thinking it maybe a nice get away sometime. I have been blessed on meeting a few people here that are very down to earth. and caring. and hope to meet more and maybe with this site it will make up my mind as to if I plan to stay or head out to another state. or back to one I have been to already.

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I don't know if you have read all the threads on here or not. I am a Bubbette; south austinite. Austin is wild. I don't care for the city life but it has it's benefits. I lived in the country for a long time, ten years, and moved back here a year ago to care for my elderly mother. My children also live here and one and only granddaughter. All blessings from one standpoint. I miss the quiet of the country and numerous other things. For now, I am at peace with the decision to move back. Since I did live her for over twenty years before moving, I do have many friends and places to go, see and do. Maybe you can find happiness here? There are SO many organizations to meet cool people and places to go if you are that type of person. Personally, I am pretty content but then again, my issues are different than yours.

Wishing you well and Welcome!!!

Karen N.

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Yes, I am very familiar with Austin.  I've lived here now since the beginning of 1996.  The weather is fantastic, considering that I am originally from the Panhandle of Texas, where the winters can keep you immobile, if you allow them to.  There's great music in the city, and, David, I've frequented the Continental Club; yes, Antone's is fantastic for the blues, and recently I've been to some pretty interesting "meetings" at Mother Egan's Irish Pub on 6th Street, near Lamar.  The Saxon Pub, on South Lamar, is famous for great live music, where the likes of Rusty Weir and Monte Montegomery can be found quite frequently.

Austin is sort of an "intellectual haven," particularly if you have a Master's, a Doctorate degree, or a Phd, which I do not have; however, I can't say as I blame them for catering to the younger crowds, especially to the UT students; there's big money in a university town, you might say.  Anyway, I'm proud of those Longhorns winning that Rose Bowl this year -- what a "game," huh?  If you aren't a Longhorn fan here, you might as well "hit the road, Jack."

Oh, yeah, I forgot, David, I'm familiar with the Backyard, also, where, in April of 2003, I got to hear Bob Dylan play there.  The only bad thing about it was that they pat-searched everyone before they entered the Backyard to see Dylan.  Sad, but the atmosphere changed a bit within the last few years, due to you know what?

Well, what else can you expect, I guess; we live in the Capitol city of Texas, where anything could happen, right?

I love the UT library, where some great research can be done for book worms, such as me.

I guess that's about all I have to say right now on Austin, but I'll think of more later.

Sign me,

Happy Adopted Austinite Now,

Eva

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I caught an Austin City Limits Festival in September of this year.  I got to see John Prine, Lyle Lovett, and the Black Crows, but I missed Steve Earle . . . Doggone it.  Well, that's okay, I'll catch him next time.  He was in Washington DC the next day at the anti-war rally.  Awesome dude and activist, and also a Texan, too.

A great group of people here!!!!!!!

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Well, I don't live in Austin anymore, but I did live there for 7 years.  I was reading in ya'lls post about places to go, don't forget the free concerts they have in Zilker park on Wednesday nights during the summer months.  Local bands that really rock.

Lake Travis and the Mansfield Dam is also a great place to hang out at. 

I lived in S. Austin, Leander and out in Dripping Springs.  Don't forget Willie Nelson's concert.

I miss Austin, and then again I don't.  My favorite bar in Austin was the Harley Davidson's bar.  It's closed now, but it was a hopping place.

When they still had the Harley Davidson Rally on 6th street, there was no reason why you couldn't have fun.  They've moved it out to the fair grounds now.

Okay, I'll shut up now.  I still live in Texas and visit Austin about once every six months.  It has changed quite a bit since I moved.

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Ahhh...Kathryn...you are SO right on.

I just moved back to Austin a year ago to take care of my aging mother. It's a balance after living in the country for 12 years, no doubt.

I suppose you frequented Dirty's on the drag?  And, are you talking about Beverly's the biker dive on S. Congress?...or the one on 6th? I ask becasue they were thinking of closing Beverly's after the fire, but did not.

Thanks for the reminders.

Onward Through The Fog!

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It was the biker bar on 6th street.  What is the name of the bar with the first name being Bob? That place has two different levels and with two types of music.  Awesome place to go to.  Then you have the Daquiri Factory.  Cool place.  LOL

Great pool, played at Slick Willie's on S. Lamar.  Let's see, a great place to eat is Hooters on 1st and Congress.  Especially on Monday night for Football.  Magnolia Cafe.  Awesome place.  Man, ya'll really got me into thinking.

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It was the biker bar on 6th street.  What is the name of the bar with the first name being Bob? That place has two different levels and with two types of music.  Awesome place to go to.  Then you have the Daquiri Factory.  Cool place.  LOL

Great pool, played at Slick Willie's on S. Lamar.  Let's see, a great place to eat is Hooters on 1st and Congress.  Especially on Monday night for Football.  Magnolia Cafe.  Awesome place.  Man, ya'll really got me into thinking.

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I think Katz's (never closes) would be a fun start ~ it is very central!!

I have always enjoyed going there ~

Dixie

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Okay, I asked the hubby this morning what the name of the bar on 6th street with Bob in it.

It's Bob Popular's.  I don't know if it still exists or not.

And yes, Hooter's is just past Congress.  It's on the road/intersection of the road that goes through the park.  Oh what's the name of that street?  I can drive you there, just can't think of the stupid street.  Hooter's is beside a Mexican restaurant.  Can't remember their name either.  Okay, I've been gone a couple of years.  I know where they are, just can't think of the street names. LOL

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The name of the bar on 6th St. was called The Black Cat.

It burned down a couple of years ago.  It's one from the older days.

Be Well...

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Glad you made it to Woodrow's Austin hangout!!!

I do have some (ahem) dead ancestors in Georgetown!!

Hope we can all get together soon!

Bill knows a lot of quiant little spots, some are free, theactrical, fun ~ or maybe just a picnic when the weather is a bit cooler (yea right!)...

Dixie  

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I am glad you found "care2" ~~~ I did in 2003, when I honestly wnet homeless ~~~ I would go to the libraries do searches for resources ~~ found the care2 site!!!

I had not been in Austin since the 80s.... upon return circumstance overcame me then a prevailing spirit~~~

Thanks for coming!

Dixie

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I often think of Austin as being like Berlin in the Cold War.

First, any electoral map will show our free city surrounded by red.  A chickenwire curtain has descended upon us, cutting us off from the democratic people of the world.

I am requesting urgent assisstance in the form of airlifts from California....we are running low on Soy Latte's and Tofu!!!!

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I am originally from California, but as the saying goes, I got to Austin as fast as I could.   My first night in town, I walked all the way down Sixth Street, stopping into Katz's because I'd read about it in a book I'd received as a Christmas gift on the city, before I took in the rest of music row, so to speak. 

The place is just flat-out amazing, even though I hear a lot of complaints from people up here about how it's changed since 1990 or thereabouts and they don't like it as much as they once did - "Dallas opened a branch office in the Hill Country" and stuff like that.  I agree it seems busier and more crowded than it did even 7-8 years ago, but I'd take it on a bad day compared with other parts of Texas!

The music scene is just brilliant, of course, even in today's struggling market.  I also love how 'green' the local consciousness seems to be, and the unlikely combination of high energy in terms of the arts and a nicely laid-back mood in general is hard to beat.

  Oh, and the bats are great, too, they appeal to my somewhat Gothic sensibilities.

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hI ALL i AM CHRISTIAN RYAN AND LIVE OUT EAST OF AUSTIN NOT OUT OF CITY LIMITS THOUGH.I AM OUT ON FM 969 I WANTED TO SAY HI TO DIXIE AND DAVE. I HAVE LIVED IN AUSTIN SINCE 1957 I CAME HERE FROM BALTIMORE MD. WHERE MY DAD PLAYED PRO HOCKEY FOR THE BALTIMORE CLIPPERS . HIM AN MOTHER HAD SOME PROBLEMS AND SEPERATED FOR A WHILE I WAS BORN IN 52 SO I WAS STARTING 1ST GRADE AT 5 IN A PRIVATE SCHOOL HERE IN AUSTIN AFTER 1ST GRADE IT WAS CATHOLIC SCHOLL HERE TILL 9TH GRADE AND I TRANFERRED TO TRAVIS HIGH TILL 70 AND GRADUATED. I WAS A MUSICIAN MOST OF MY TIME HERE I PLAYED DRUMS TRUMPET GUITARS CORONET ECT. I LOVED BLUES AND STARTED PLAYING COVER SONGS FOR SCHOOL DANCES AND PARTIES TILL I GOT WITH REAL MUSICIANS AND THEN WE PLAYED ALL OVER I REMEMBER ROME INN IN 77 STEVIE RAY OPENED FOR MY BAND I STILL CANT BELEIVE IT. HE HAD NOT GOT HOT YET. I HAD A DIABLINGING CAR WRECK IN 96 AND HAVE BEEN IN AN D OUT OF A WHEELCHAIR SINCE .I STILL LOVE TO JAM WHEN I CAN. ANYONE AN OLD TIME AUSTIN PERSON? TELL ME A LITTLE CHRIS

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