Today I’m going to answer 7 questions we’re frequently asked about Austin.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN AUSTIN?
Austin usually has hot summers and mild winters. July – September are just hot! Most every day is 90 + degrees, and depending on the year, we have a couple to several 100 + degree days. Winter temperatures occasionally drop below freezing but usually hover in the low 40s. Most years we have a couple days of ice on the roads, which kids love as a typical Monday school day is cancelled and becomes a play day.
WHAT ARE THE MUST-SEE AUSTIN SIGHTS?
Zilker Park has everything from kayaking to botanical gardens to a train ride. Near the University of Texas at Austin campus the Blanton Museum of Art and the Bob Bullock Museum impress not only visitors but locals too. The 22 acres around the Capitol are gorgeous and perfect for a picnic. Between March & November it’s bat season, and it’s the most phenomenal to stand on the Congress Street bridge and watch MILLIONS of Mexican-free tailed bats emerge for their evening flight. One of my favorite things is to rent a tiny boat on Lady Bird Lake and watch the bats take flight from the water.
WHAT ARE THE PEOPLE OF AUSTIN LIKE?
Austinites are known for being laid-back friendly and eclectic. We’re a very hip place to be.
WHAT LAKES ARE NEAR AUSTIN?
Within Austin there is Lady Bird Lake and Lake Austin. About a half hour drive from Austin is Lake Travis, one of six Highland Lakes along the Colorado River. Within 60 miles of Austin are Lake LBJ and Canyon Lake. There’s no better way to spend a sunny day that on the water. One of my favorite experiences was taking a paddle board out on Lady Bird Lake for a pilates class.
WHAT ARE SOME OF AUSTIN’S LARGEST ANNUAL EVENTS?
Austin Hosts the annual South By Southwest (SXSW) and Austin City Limits two of the largest and most popular festivals in the country. Formula One draws in massive crowds, and The Pecan Street Festival is another popular Austin event featuring hundreds of artists and craft. My favorite quirky festival is Eeyore’s Birthday Party (named after the character from Winnie the Pooh). It’s hosted in April and features a maypole drum circles. I used to walk my pups around each year, and we had constant smiles on our faces.
IS AUSTIN PRONE TO ANY NATURAL DISASTERS?
Located at the southern tip of Tornado Alley Austin does see the occasional tornado but they tend to be low strength. Because Austin is 200 miles from the Gulf of Mexico hurricanes don’t really effect the city at all. Flash floods can occur in the early summer months but overall nature is kind to Austin.
IS AUSTIN PET FRIENDLY?
Austin is a very pet-friendly city with hundreds of pet-friendly hotels stores parks and restaurants.
