Austin, TX

1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats fly out from under the bridge at sunset from March through November. It's one of those things that sounds weird until you see it—then it's incredible.

Activities

Ask for Stu, tell him MAC sent you

Restaurants

Can't go wrong with my namesake on a restaurant. Cute restaurant with great food.

Restaurants

Dive bar on the north side of the river, worth every penny.

Bars

Upscale BBQ with live music and fantastic cocktails. The brisket and fancy sides are worth every penny.

Restaurants

A legit Austin Tex-Mex staple. Multiple locations—they're all solid. Margs and queso are the move.

Restaurants

Johnny Cash–themed dive bar with a great patio. Cheap beers and good vibes.

Bars

Great seafood on South Congress with a killer patio. The oysters and lobster roll are standouts.

Restaurants

It's technically a hotel, but the lobby bar is the real draw. Great cocktails and people-watching on SoCo.

Bars

Legendary live music venue on South Congress. No cover most nights, incredible talent, and a vibe you can't replicate.

Bars

Solid Hilton property right downtown. Free happy hour and breakfast—hard to argue with that.

Hotels

Boutique hotel with a modern design-forward vibe. Great location for exploring downtown.

Hotels

Avocado margs and queso, amazing atmosphere inside and outside.

Restaurants

South Congress institution. Good tacos, great margs, and usually live music out back.

Restaurants

Another hotel-that's-really-a-bar situation. The courtyard is one of the most chill spots in Austin—grab a drink and stay a while.

Bars

Custom denim and Americana goods in a beautiful old gas station on South Congress.

Shops

Cute cafe and wine bar with a great brunch and natural wine list. Relaxed neighborhood feel.

Restaurants

Historic muni course right in town. No frills, just a good round of golf with Austin charm.

Golf

Beautiful Hill Country course at the Hyatt Lost Pines resort. Worth the drive east of town.

Golf

Another Austin Tex-Mex legend. The Bob Armstrong dip is famous for a reason.

Restaurants

Sit outside and have a burger, right behind Deep Eddy Cabaret.

Restaurants

Handmade boots and western wear. Try some on, grab a whiskey at the bar inside, and walk out looking like a proper Texan.

Shops

Nice semi-private course up in Cedar Park. Well-maintained and a fun layout.

Golf

The Yeti mothership. Even if you're not buying, the store is cool to walk around.

Shops