Heading to Austin, Texas, soon for the Claris Engage conference? Are you looking to extend your stay so you can explore the best of Austin and the greater Hill Country? Drawing on my local knowledge and the expertise of my husband, Kurt, a native Texan, we’ve put together a list of recommendations for those looking to make the most of their stay and explore the vibrant offerings that Austin provides.
Claris chose wisely when they decided to host this year’s Claris Engage in the Hill Country gem of Austin. When I relocated here in 2009, I correctly perceived it as a vibrant and happening place. However, after settling in (and marrying a Texan), I’ve grown to also appreciate the fascinating history that intertwines the tech boom and natural geography shaping the unique character of the Hill Country. Join me for a short introduction about what makes Austin so special.
The Texas Hill Country, located below the Edwards Plateau, was settled thousands of years ago, largely due to the presence of an artesian aquifer. Evidence suggests that the hills west of Austin were formed during the same geologic event that created the Appalachian Mountains. This region, with its age-old terrain, conceals a substantial reservoir of water. Scientists at the Edwards Aquifer Authority have estimated that there is so much water in the aquifer west of Austin and San Antonio that the region’s millions of inhabitants could sustain themselves for one hundred years even in the absence of rainfall.
The central location of Barton Springs in the state led to Austin’s development as the capital early in the Republic’s history. From there, it made sense to establish the state’s leading public university nearby – The University of Texas at Austin. In the 1960s, both IBM and Texas Instruments chose to build locations in the Austin area in order to capitalize on the forward-thinking research being done at the university.
Then in 1983, Austin was chosen as the location of the Microelectronics and Computer Consortium. From that point forward, the city began to change. Growth accelerated when Dell took off in the 1990s as the fastest-growing computer company of the decade. Apple joined the landscape in that same timeframe, making their latest expansion in 2019 – the campus we will be in for Claris Engage 2024.
Our entire Portage Bay team is traveling to Austin for the week, and we are also glad to be a sponsor of the Claris Engage Community Party taking place on February 7th. Find us during the conference and say hi! Or block off some time for a longer discussion.
Another pivotal boost in Austin’s history was the formation of South by Southwest (SXSW) in 1987, created by Austin Chronicle owner Louis Black as an annual convergence of interactive technology, music, and film industries.
The conference grew at a rapid pace, alongside Dell and Apple, and more and more young people saw the city in its most shining phase of the year. Those who experienced Texas for the first time were amazed that Austin could be so grand, and that amazement still stands.
Austin has continued to transform itself into a mecca of food, events, music and outdoor activities, each with a wealth of history. For the twelfth year in a row, Austin is the fastest-growing metropolitan area. If this is your first visit to the area, I welcome you and invite you to savor all the delights the region has to offer.
Immerse yourself in the scenic landscapes of the Texas Hill Country, known for its rolling hills, wineries, and quaint towns. Travel an hour and a half west of Austin to Fredericksburg, to enjoy a plethora of wineries, along with Enchanted Rock. Don’t forget to stop for chocolate at Chocolates El Rey.
Discover the architectural and historical significance of the Texas State Capitol in Austin, a must-see landmark.
Savor world-famous Texas BBQ, renowned for its unique flavors and smoking techniques. I was actually vegetarian when I moved to Texas, so it was years before I partook in this local delicacy. Yum!
Texas Monthly’s BBQ editor is spot on!
Might as well visit these three Austin locations that are mentioned in the article:
About thirty minutes south of Austin you’ll find Lockhart, another epicenter of Central Texas BBQ.
Being home to many James Beard award-winning restaurants means there is no shortage of excellent food in Austin!
The Balcones Fault that runs just west of I-35 from North of Austin to South of San Antonio produces some of the largest artesian springs in the United States, housing pure, clear, and cold water. The most famous of these is Barton Springs. Even if you aren’t going to swim in 68-degree water, it’s a pleasure to walk or run around the Town Lake Hike and Bike Trail, a lovely, flat walking path hugging downtown with a view of the river and springs. Kurt proposed to me at Barton Springs, so I consider it extra special.
The aquifer must remain 95% full for the spring-fed rivers and creeks to flow. There are endangered species unique to each spring. The Endangered Species Act prevents aquifer overpumping, protecting this vital resource.
These springs, and others like them, attracted humans to this area thousands of years ago. Archaeological evidence shows that my personal favorite, the San Marcos Springs, have been continuously inhabited for at least 13,000 years.
Start your day with a delicious and quintessentially Texan breakfast taco, a local culinary staple. I had no idea breakfast tacos were “a thing” until someone introduced me to the food when I moved to Austin. My personal favorite is Tacodeli, but you really can’t go wrong.
Want to find other excellent breakfast taco spots?
I don’t make it to many concerts these days, but I have seen some of the best shows of my life in Austin. Live music can be found all over the city and your trip won’t be complete without experiencing Austin’s vibrant music scene. You’ll find live performances across various genres throughout the city.
Popular venues and show listings include:
Try your hand (and feet) at two-stepping, a traditional Texan dance, in one of the local dance halls.
Engage with Austin’s rich history by exploring its diverse cultural heritage and historical sites.
There is so much to explore in Austin! If you are looking for more ideas for guiding your trip, check out these helpful resources.
See you in Austin, y’all!
If you find yourself wanting to explore relocation or second home possibilities in Austin, don’t hesitate to reach out to Kurt. With years of real estate experience, he can help. KurtWaldhauser.com
If you are interested in working with someone locally in Austin, Texas, who can assist with your Claris FileMaker solution, send us a message or schedule a complimentary call. We are always excited to work with friendly Texans!
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