Moving to Austin has been a whirlwind of discovery, with each day bringing a new hidden gem or local treasure to explore. Discovering Texas’s state of mind after moving to Austin isn’t just about finding new spots—it’s been a way to connect with the city’s vibrant culture, quirky spirit, and unique blend of urban and natural beauty.
Exploring Austin’s Unique Neighborhoods
After moving to Austin, one of the first things I did was to explore the different neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character. South Congress Avenue, known as “SoCo,” quickly became one of my favorite spots. Strolling down SoCo felt like stepping into an eclectic art gallery. Everywhere I looked, I saw quirky shops, vibrant street murals, and vintage boutiques that oozed personality. One of my favorite discoveries was Uncommon Objects, an antique store filled with oddities that make it easy to lose track of time browsing.
East Austin is another neighborhood I’ve come to love, especially for its vibrant street art and local galleries. On one of my walks, I stumbled upon the Hope Outdoor Gallery, a massive graffiti park where artists paint live, creating an ever-changing canvas of colors and messages. I realized quickly that each neighborhood in Austin offers its own slice of the city’s culture, making every outing an adventure.
Uncovering Austin’s Food Scene
Before moving, I’d heard that Austin’s food scene was legendary, but it wasn’t until I started exploring it myself that I truly understood why. The food trucks here are something else! There’s an entire park dedicated to them, each one offering its own unique twist on flavors from around the world. I first tasted Austin’s food truck scene at East Side King, where I tried their crispy Brussels sprouts. They were so good that I kept going back for more.
And, of course, no Austin food adventure would be complete without BBQ. One sunny Saturday, I found myself at La Barbecue, finally getting my hands on a brisket sandwich. The smoky, tender meat with just the right amount of spice was a flavor I’ll never forget.
Outdoor Adventures Await
Living in Austin means having natural beauty right at my doorstep, and I’ve quickly become hooked on exploring the outdoors here. Barton Springs Pool, a spring-fed swimming hole tucked away in Zilker Park, has been one of my favorite finds. The water is always refreshingly cool, and there’s something so peaceful about floating in the clear blue, surrounded by nature. I often take a book, dip in the springs, and let myself unwind in Austin’s tranquil outdoors.
Lady Bird Lake is another spot I’ve come to cherish. Renting a paddleboard one morning and seeing the city skyline from the water was a moment that made me fall even more in love with Austin. The lake is full of life, from turtles to kayakers, and offers a peaceful balance to the city’s energetic vibe. These outdoor escapes have become essential to my Austin experience, reminding me of the city’s perfect mix of urban and natural attractions.
How Did I Make Time To Explore Outdoor Treasuer?
After arriving in Austin, I was grateful to have Pro Alliance Services handle the moving details, which made settling down so much easier. Their team took care of everything, from unpacking to setting up essentials, allowing me to feel at home right away. Thanks to their help, I didn’t have to stress about organizing my new space and instead had time to explore Austin’s local treasures. With the logistics taken care of, I was free to wander Austin’s unique neighborhoods, discover vibrant food spots, and dive into the city’s lively arts and music scene from day one.
Hidden Arts and Music Venues
No Austin adventure would be complete without a dive into its famous music scene. Sure, places like Stubbs BBQ and Mohawk are well-known, but some of my best nights were spent in smaller, lesser-known venues. Because I like to avoid crowds in Texas. One evening, I wandered into The Hole in the Wall, a cozy dive bar with live music that’s been an Austin staple since the ’70s. I was surrounded by locals, listening to incredible musicians in an intimate setting that felt so authentically Austin.
Art in Austin isn’t limited to galleries, either. The city itself is like a living canvas. With places like The Cathedral—a coworking space and art gallery in a repurposed church—showcasing works by local female artists. Discovering these hidden venues has deepened my connection to Austin’s creative community. It reminded me why the city is celebrated as the Live Music Capital of the World.
Meeting Austin’s Friendly Locals
One of the things that’s made my transition to Austin so enjoyable is the friendliness of the people here. Almost everywhere I go, locals are ready to chat or share a tip on where to find the best coffee. One morning at Café Crème, the barista struck up a conversation and recommended a few off-the-beaten-path spots to explore. That interaction was just one of many that made me feel instantly welcome.
A Quick Guide to Austin’s Must-See Spots
Explore places where the history of Texas comes to life and meet locals where Austin’s spirit comes to life. Here are a few unique places I think everyone should add to their Austin bucket list:
- Zilker Botanical Garden – A peaceful escape filled with themed gardens.
- The Cathedral of Junk – An incredible backyard art installation made from recycled materials.
- Mount Bonnell – Perfect for catching a sunset over the city.
- Blanton Museum of Art – A spot to see diverse art collections in Austin’s heart.
Conclusion: The Joy of Discovering Local Treasures After a Move to Austin
Discovering local treasures after a move to Austin has been a journey of finding hidden gems, connecting with people, and embracing a city full of life. Each neighborhood, venue, and natural escape has added to my experience, making me feel truly at home. I have no doubt that Austin’s local treasures are endless, and I’m excited to keep exploring.
.” The fourth in the series will be on tour to Newfoundland in 2013. Owner of LoveToGo Writing she can be reached in Powell River, BC at 
It’s dusk, and I pull off onto the shoulder of the road, and capture a shot of the Route with the San Francisco Peaks of Flagstaff glimmering palely on the distant western horizon, and warble, “Get your kicks on Roohoot Sixty-Six…” as I get back behind the driving wheel.
Enter Allan Affeldt, an art connoisseur and business entrepreneur who was determined to preserve La Posada as a tribute to the men and women whose dreams and toil shaped its history, its architecture and its memories. He acquired the property in 1997 with the intention of restoring it to its former magnificence.
As the evening shadows grow long across the lawns of La Posada on my last evening in Arizona, I sit on a wooden rocker on their verandah, Margarita in hand, and listen to the long whistle of a freight train as it clatters past.
Further north in the Park is a flat plain speckled with the iconic Joshua trees. They are actually giant yuccas, with long spiky leaves, twisted gnarly branches, and bare trunks; tough trees ideally surviving in a harsh environment. Some are more than eight meters tall. Each stands as a lonely sentinel on its own patch of barren desert.
As sunset approaches, it’s time to rustle your way down the highway. A forest of wind turbines lines the approach to Palm Springs and all those golf courses.
Heritage House Museum also brims with original furnishings and rare artifacts. Preservationist Jesse Porter once hosted celebrities in this Caribbean-Colonial home and Poet Laureate Robert Frost wintered in its secluded garden cottage, now named for him. Amid these luxuriant gardens we listen to his poetry, almost as if Frost himself is reading…
Upstairs, an enormous ginger cat stretches out in the middle of Papa’s bed. “This tomcat descends from Papa’s first six-toed gypsy cat, a gift from a salvage captain,” says Bob. “Polydactyl cats look like they’re wearing mittens…that extra toe y’know…”
Ruth guides us through an accelerated history of Jell-O, pointing out that they were one of the first companies to use eye catching, full-colour advertisements in magazines. She indicates a series of oil paintings, depicting Norman Rockwell-esque scenes of early Americana-eager, bright-faced children clustered around elaborately molded Jell-O sculptures in glowing oranges, reds and yellows.
Downstairs, we find a non-Jell-O related display of fascinating memorabilia: locally-manufactured snake-oil remedies, vintage bicycles, buggies and automobiles.
Also below sea level is the Devil’s Golf Course. Its surface is nowhere near as flat as Badwater Basin’s and walking over the lumpy, salt-crusted terrain is difficult and treacherous. The name correctly implies no one but the Devil would play here and we decide to hike somewhere smoother.
When borax was mined here in the late 1800’s, water was scarce. Mule trains hauling ore out of the Valley also pulled their own water for their journey. In a feat of strength and tenacity, twenty mules pulled three wagons weighing almost 40 tons over 275 kilometers of hot, barren desert in a month long round trip. Although the industry was short-lived, the mule train became a Valley icon and some of that history is preserved at the Borax Museum in Furnace Creek.
There’ll be lots of palm to palm and heavy breathing going on when we tackle a few of San Francisco’s slopes!
Chinatown, clad in festive colours, offers everything from decorative dragons to delicious dim sum. A short stroll away is the square mile of North Beach where tantalizing Italian coffeehouses, bars and bakeries dish up delicacies, Bohemian style, and if shopping turns us on, Union Square is the place to roam.