Austin: Tips

To Rent or Not to Rent Mass transit is one convenience Austin hasn’t yet embraced. If you’re staying downtown, cabs will get you where you want to go, but if you’re north or south of the city, you’ll want a car.

“Austin Casual” Be adventurous—wardrobe-wise, anything goes here. “Austin casual” is eclectic, usually vintage, not superstore-driven and kitschy.

No Smoking Austin’s restaurants, nightclubs and bars have been smoke-free since voters approved the no smoking ordinance in September 2005.

Music Musts Live music is to Austin like the blues are to Chicago—don’t miss two-steppin’ at the Broken Spoke (3201 S. Lamar; 512-442-6189; www.brokenspokeaustintx.com) and live bands at La Zona Rosa (612 W. 4th St.; 512-263-4146; www.lazonarosa.com)

Art Party One of the best ways to experience the local art scene is to check out the monthly party held at the Blanton Museum of Art on the first Friday of every month. While you’re there sample a Blantini cocktail.