This week, my hometown will welcome people from all over the world for the eleventh annual Formula One Grand Prix here in Austin, Texas. While there is a lot to do around the Circuit of the Americas track itself, if you plan to extend your trip a little longer, whether that be before or after race weekend, here's a short things-to-do list of my top recommendations on what to see and do around the best city in Texas.
Texas Barbeque
If you take anything away from this article, I mean it wholeheartedly when I say Texas barbeque is the best. Our barbecue is unique because we'll likely use beef brisket as our primary protein. In contrast, other parts of the country will use pork. With the Barbecue Capital of Texas only a 40-minute drive South of Austin, there are plenty of options around town. P.S. Daniel Riccardo’s favorite place to get barbecue in Austin is Terry Black’s on Barton Springs Rd.
Stubb's Austin - Doubles as a live music venue
Photo Courtesy of @blacksbbq on Instagram
Live Music
Also known as the world's Live Music Capital, there's never a day in Austin when a show isn't happening. Yes, Queen with Adam Lambert and The Killers will be at the racetrack this weekend, but that shouldn't stop you from choosing a venue from this list and checking out what might be in store at the joint. P.S. The Jonas Brothers are playing their second show in Austin this year at the new Moody Center on the UT campus (after the race, of course.)
Photo Courtesy of Aiyana Franco
South Congress
As some may call it, SOCO is a lovely neighborhood in Austin popular amongst tourists and locals. Although the picture-perfect view of our state capitol from the street has stayed the same, South Congress has grown tremendously over the last few years. Boutiques, stores, and original Austin eateries line the street along with the legendary Continental Club. You'll also find the colony of Mexican Free-Tailed Bats a little further down the road under the Congress Bridge.
Jo's Coffee- Famous “I Love You So Much” mural
Photo Courtesy of Aiyana Franco
Austin Outdoors
Austin offers plenty of beautiful spaces for those who want to enjoy the outdoors. Auditorium Shores, located on the south shores of Lady Bird Lake, is a great park to chill and admire the Austin skyline or walk the nearby trail. The Texas State Capitol, one of the nation's most esteemed state capitols, offers stunning landscapes with historical monuments and runs tours throughout the entire week. Deep Eddy Pool, Texas's oldest natural swimming pool, and Barton Springs are two natural water swimming experiences that will take your breath away.
Photo Courtesy of Aiyana Franco
The University of Texas at Austin
With the fall semester in full swing, the Forty Acres is a beautiful visit for those wanting to know what the Longhorn life is like. Coming in third in the Big 12 Conference and #9 on the AP Poll this week, it's worth trying to catch a Longhorn football game at any point during the college football season if you can. Exploring the iconic tower, The Drag, and many museums that surround campus make for an entertaining afternoon. More music venues, historical restaurants, and shopping nearby make for a great campus experience and will show you why UT is regarded as one of the best and largest universities in the nation.
Photo Courtesy of Aiyana Franco
The Lenovo United States Grand Prix will be held at the Circuit of the Americas raceway from Oct. 20-22, 2023, in Austin, Texas. The all-female F1 Academy finale will air live during the USGP weekend, along with the only F1 sprint race in America.
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