Austin Free Fun Guide

Unlock Austin is a must destination for first-time visitors and long time residents. Packed with reviews and insider hints, tips and hard to find information. So sit back and take your tour of Austin Texas, it’s the next best thing to being here.


Best of Austin Lists

roof repair Austin

Top 10 Best Austin Roofers

Top Roofing Companies in Austin Updated for August 2023. Installing a new roof is one of the most significant, and costly, home improvement projects for an Austin homeowner. Whether you…

Top 10 Best Austin Carpet Cleaning

Best Carpet Cleaning in Austin Professional carpet cleaning involves the use of specialized equipment and cleaning agents to deep clean carpets and remove dirt, stains, and allergens. Unlike DIY cleaning…

fried chicken Austin

Top 10 Best Austin Fried Chicken

Best Fried Chicken in Austin Fried chicken is probably the most classic food ever made in the history of food. Most have a personal connection with fried chicken dating back…

Austin Divorce Lawyers

Top 10 Best Austin Divorce Lawyers

Best Divorce Attorneys in Austin Updated August 2023. Almost all divorce cases pose their unique conditions and challenges, but some cases of divorce can still run quicker compared to others-and…

Top 10 Best Round Rock Restaurants

Best Restaurants in Round Rock TX Gone are the days that Round Rock was somewhat more than a quiet suburban sister to Austin’s busy and thriving town. Over the last…

Best Gutters Austin

Top 10 Best Austin Gutters

Best Gutter Companies in Austin Searching for gutters isn’t the most fascinating nor the most exciting home improvement task. With so many choices available, the decision can feel frustrating, therefore…

Top 10 Best Austin Cheap Things To Do

Best Cheap Things To Do in Austin Traveling to Austin doesn’t have to break your budget. There are a bunch of free and cheap things to do in Austin, whether…

Top 10 Best Austin Dermatologists

Top Best Dermatologist in Austin Almost any person can benefit from seeing a dermatologist. A dermatologist can help teenagers and adults control acne breakouts, improve the look of their skin,…

Best Laser Hair Removal Austin

Top 10 Best Austin Laser Hair Removal

Best Laser Hair Removal in Austin Laser hair removal is a safe way to remove undesired facial or body hair while avoiding razor burn and the “shadow” effect that shaving…

top commercial roofers austin

Top 10 Best Austin Commercial Roofing

Best Commercial Roofers in Austin Though commercial facilities might have different forms and layouts, they do have one thing in common: a roof that is specially selected to offer excellent…

Top 10 Best Austin Pumpkin Patches

Best Pumpkin Patches in Austin The arrival of fall indicates a few things: the leaves changing color and of course, lots of pumpkins. There is no better way to celebrate…

Best Dentists Austin

Top 10 Best Austin Dentists

Best Dentists in Austin While having a pearly white smile is essential, there is much more to your oral health than just the shine of your teeth. Truly healthy teeth…

Best Austin Catering Companies

Top 10 Best Austin Catering Companies

Best Caterers in Austin Catering services coordinate the event preparation, creation, delivery, as well as presentation of food for clients. If you’ve ever gone to a wedding reception, birthday party,…

Austin Pool maintenance

Top 10 Best Austin Pool Cleaning Services

Best Pool Maintenance Service in Austin A swimming pool is a significant investment. If you want a pool that you can be proud of, that is always safe, and that…

Best Austin Family Photographers

Top 10 Best Austin Family Photographers

Best Family Photographers in Austin Family pictures have the power to take you back to an exact moment in time. Family pictures remind you of how you looked before and…

top Nanny Au Pair Austin

Top 10 Best Austin Nanny Services (Au Pair)

Best Nanny Agency in Austin Many parents find themselves in need of childcare, especially during the summer months. Choosing the right nanny or au pair is challenging. The choices can…

Vintage Clothing Austin

Austin’s Best Vintage Clothing Stores

The beauty of a vintage store is that the merchandise is forever changing. You may go in one day and find nothing attractive, but on another visit, you’ll find a…

top New Restaurants Austin

Top 10 Best Austin New Restaurants

Best New Restaurants in Austin While Austin is best recognized for Tex-Mex meal trucks and big juicy burgers, it’s also a spot for international flavors. Austin is thriving with brand-new…

Top 10 Best Austin Emergency Veterinarians

Best Emergency Veterinarians in Austin Emergency and critical care veterinarians are health specialists with advanced training in emergency medicine for animals. They’re qualified to carry out life-saving interventions for emergency…


Austin Locals Blog

Austin has a never-ending array of things to see and do. There is an outstanding collection of world-class museums, arts, amusement parks, recreational activities, fine dining, and outstanding night clubs all in one place. Austin is also the home of country music in Texas, the city where Willie Nelson and Doug Sahm got their start. There is a thriving music scene in the city, with almost every style of contemporary music available. Whether you are here on vacation with the family, a romantic getaway or just have some extra time while visiting on the business you will surely find something to please.

one year old birthday gift ideas

Top 10 Picks For A One Year Old’s Birthday

Gift Guide for a 1-Year-Olds You’ve spent months planning the perfect first birthday for your little one and closer to the date have had all your family and friends ask,…

Best Texas Motorcycle Roads

Top 10 Best Motorcycle Roads in Texas

Where are the best Texas motorcycle rides? A while back, we did a popular post on some great Motorcycle rides near Austin.  Well, now we’re taking it further and covering…

Eco Friendly Gift Wrapping

Eco Friendly Wrapping Ideas

My Tips for Eco-Friendly Wrapping Ideas Do you want to be more environmentally friendly with your gift wrapping in 2022? Then you’ve come to the right place! Christmas wrapping paper…

Lake LBJ

Things to do at Lake LBJ

Lake Lyndon B Johnson – Texas Hill Country Lake LBJ is named after former President Lyndon B. Johnson, a Texas native, and is one of several lakes along the Texas…

Barbecue Lockhart TX

Lockhart: Barbecue Capital of Texas?

Barbecue is a big deal in Texas.  Other parts of the country claim to have the best barbecue. North Carolina, Kansas City, and Memphis are all proud of their BBQ…

Family Vacation South Padre Island

South Padre Island Family Vacations

Family Things to do on South Padre Island South Padre Island is most often associated with spring break when thousands of college students descend on the beach and then cross…

swimsuits tweens

Best Tween Girls Swimsuits

Best Swimsuits for Tweens Guide Shopping for swim suits with Tweens is less than easy. Stuck in that space between being a kid and a teenager, Tweens are wanting to…

Holiday Gift Guide – Foodie Edition

Hi!  I am back for another installment of the Holiday Gift Guide.  Today, we will be focusing on gifts for the foodies in your life.  I am quite the foodie…

Holiday Gift Guide – Kids Edition

First, I apologize for not being as consistent as I would like to with the blog posts.  I have taken on a new project that I will share with you…

how often to replace roof

How Often Do You Replace a Roof?

If you asked most car owners if they would ever let their vehicle go without maintenance work and oil changes, the answer would almost inevitably be no. But if you…


Austin is a city that offers a unique blend of Southern hospitality, cosmopolitan flair, Old West charm, and modern sophistication. The food is just about the best in the state, with every cuisine represented, and the city’s outdoor attractions are no less than superb, with the river widening into a series of long lakes. You will find everything you need and desire regardless of how long you plan to stay. So come and enjoy the warm climate at any time of year and enjoy yourself.

Austin Community Events Calendar

Austin Travel

Travel in style or on the cheap. Everything you need to know about Austin Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) plus General Aviation Airports and FBO services throughout the Hill Country. How to get here and how to get around. Including limousine and exotic car rentals, Super Shuttle service, inexpensive bus, and train travel. Rental car locations, taxi service. Don’t miss Texas Road Maps for motorcycle tours and auto trips. If you’re visiting for a UT Football game or music festival, don’t miss the parking and traffic information. Plus many money and time-saving Austin, Texas Travel Tips, hints, cheats and shortcuts.

Austin Hotels

From the luxurious, world-class Four Seasons Hotel to the turn of the century charm of the Driskill Hotel, Austin has an abundance of quality hotels, motels, and resorts. Including Bed & Breakfast and Boutique Hotels. Read this section for more than 40 in-depth hotel reviews with information about neighborhood, location, price range, facilities, and best deals. All Austin hotels are categorized by their location to downtown, IH-35 corridor, Arboretum and airport.

Whether you’re on a budget or not, you should be able to find affordable accommodations in Austin at any time of the year. About Austin’s online reservations system offers over tons of hotels & resorts to choose from with largely discounted rates. You can view individual hotel web pages with pictures and information. Check rates, availability and make secure online reservations. All About Austin also offers the guaranteed lowest rates on car rentals anywhere in the city from major companies like Alamo & Thrifty. Our online services are easy to use and very secure. We provide quality service to all of our customers

Texas BBQ

Austin is the very heart of the famed Texas barbecue trail. When you think of great Austin restaurants, barbecue is what comes to mind. Including the world-renowned Salt Lick in Driftwood, Cooper’s Barbeque in Llano, Smitty’s Market in Lockhart and more in Austin, Texas. Complete reviews including menu items, price range, hours and best times to visit.

Restaurants in Austin

Other recommended Austin restaurants include great Tex Mex at Curra’s Grill and Chuy’s. Dirty Martin’s makes their burgers the same way since 1926 and is popular after UT Football games. If you want the ultimate elegant meal the Driskill Grill is known for fantastic food, a romantic atmosphere, and great service. It’s also expensive. Austin is a gastronomic thrill ride. That’s why the Wall Street Journal proclaimed Austin restaurants the “new dining destination.”

While visiting Austin you’ll never go hungry for quality food or shopping. Austin offers lots of great restaurants that will please anyone’s appetite. You can eat everything from seafood to sushi and do it with a fantastic view. Restaurants serving Italian, French, American, and Seafood can all be found close by. If shopping is what you are looking for you are in luck. Austin has everything from your department store chain to local gift shops. Shopping here is great for everyday items as well as the special gift items you are looking for.

Austin Golf Courses

CNN’s Golf.com rates Austin the #1 Golf City in America. I review 25 of the most popular courses in the Austin area. Resorts, municipal and public courses and my top 5 personal favorites. Address, directions, phone, website, fee range, course description, reservation, and rental information. Plus travel tips for each of the course neighborhoods. This is an Austin, Texas road map to a great golf experience.

Austin Music

Austin, Texas is the live music capital of the world. Over 200 stages, seven nights a week offering a wide array of music from jazz to punk. I list clubs by area, record stores, music stores, travel tips, a section for classic clubs and legendary Austin musicians who are no longer with us. Plus in-depth reviews of my personal favorite Austin, Texas late-night haunts and music venues. If you enjoy top tier live music in intimate, up close rooms, you will love Austin.

Austin Music Festivals

SXSW is the premier music festival on planet Earth. 1800 acts performing on 90 stages. Old Settlers Music Festival is a laid back, guitars-around-the-campfire experience. The ROT Biker Rally (Republic of Texas) is a live music-driven, beer-soaked party. Austin City Limits Festival (ACL) boasts multiple stages, star-studded talent and is a gathering of the tribes in the park. Reviews include traffic, parking and crowd tips. Plus more information about Austin restaurants, dress, weather, what to avoid, festival sites and more.

The information on the recommended reviews may not be current or accurate as fees and prices change. Restaurants, music venues, golf courses, rental companies, open close and change management often. Verify your plans in advance with the business or organization you plan to visit.