What is it, about Austin?...


Austin is a place that has a special charm and energy!

It is unique and different from the rest of TX. We are on the edge of what is called the Hill country --- rolling hills, creeks and lakes with big old oak trees. Many people think of TX being hot, dry and flat. Well it is hot --- hotter than hell at times, especially since we are in a drought, but its not flat here. That is why them "Flatlander's" came to Austin. The flats of TX have raised some great musicians!



Austin is known as the Live Music Capitol of the world!

We have the late Blues Bar Owner Clifford Antones to thank for that. Well him and all of the Night life owners of club and bars all around Austin. 6th Street is the most famous area that tourist visit to experience the scene but there are many little known places off the beaten track that you could possibly experience a famous musician sitting in with the band. You never know who is going to show up and where or how long they will play. I spent many a night till dawn dancing to BB King, Willy Dixon, Bobby Blue Bland, Willie's band members, John Lee Hooker, oh and the days when Stevie Ray Vaughn used to pick with these greats and they would take the bottles off the tables and lock the doors. Because maybe one of those artists had some mojo that needed to be heard.



Our slogan is "Keep Austin Weird"!!!
Which means support home-grown local businesses from becoming extinct. The heart of Austin lies in the live music and its soul is the cool waters of Barton Springs. The Colorado river winds through Austin dividing S from N. The N is rapidly losing its charm and selling out to the highest bidder and strip mall after strip mall. The S is too but not at the same rate and small enclaves of "Austinacious" people are rooted in areas holding on as tight as possible to preserve the magic. It's hard to be a hippy surrounded by republicans! (Please take no offence, I knew a republican I like once.)



I am one of those and my name is Deborah Eidson

I've lived in Austin since 74' when it was a sleepy little town of students and politicians. ---Oh those were the days… I can tell you about the history of Austin's music scene, who they were before they had three names, (an insider joke), I would love to share with you stories about many great musicians who are in our hearts but not with us any more. Or about the old 6th street bar & restaurant scene and what happened to them and where they might be now, or just what it was like to live in Austin when it was hip, cheap and easy --- "Slacker Ville".



I own operate the "Lightsey Sage House"

A guest house in the area know as "78704" ---"Where more musician's per capita live than any other place in the world". This is a really cool and special place because it is close to both the heart and soul of Austin. I am less than 2 mi from Barton Springs and Zilker Park. Many concerts and events are held at Zilker - The Summer free concerts, The ACL fest (Austin City Limits fest) and where the Stones will be playing. The park is a hot walk or easy bus ride. A half block from the door will get you on a bus to the park.

Downtown, 6th St., and the Warehouse District, is a concentration of restaurants, bars, clubs, and nightly entertainment. It is similar to New Orleans Bourbon St. but much different. In Austin you can only consume alcohol from 10am -2am in an establishment that has a licence. Many streets and areas it is illegal to walk around with an open container (alcohol). You never, Never want to drive after drinking because it is so inexpensive and easy to get a taxi back to where you are staying. MADD (mother's against drunk driving) is very vocal here and it is a good thing.


A town that has something for every age...
The music is a big draw but there is much more. We are also known for our Bat population under congress bridge. People come from all over the world to see the bats leave the bridge at twig light. It is a spectacular sight! We have the TX museum of history, LBJ library, All of the UT museums, and State Capital to visit. This is the main campus for UT and 4 other collages in this town. That's why many taxi drivers have Phd's or a degree --not that its required. They come here for school and don't want to leave. Why not it is really beautiful, safe, clean, and a whole lot of fun, and it use to be inexpensive but that is one of the many changes.

We won't name them all but many famous politicians like LBJ, Ann Richards, Shrub made their name here. Lady bird Johnson created the National Wildflower Research Centre, TX Parks and Wildlife has its headquarters here. It has also has been the birth place of the original Whole Foods, and Dell computers, Amy's Ice Cream and many other corporations to name a few.

In the spring we have the SXSW film / music / interactive festival. That has become a orgy of music, and film debuts bringing record labels, movie producers, cutting edge computer TechNet's to check out new talent.




Thriving Nature!!!
There are 2 lakes in Town, Lake Travis and a many other lakes in the vicinity to enjoy swimming, fishing, boating and sailing on. There are beautiful hike and bike trails to explore, rock climbing, many nature preserves to hike, fresh water springs ---Barton Springs Pool, Deep Eddy Pool and Stacy Park are all great pools to knock out a few laps or cool off from the heat. There are many greenbelts, city parks, wild life preserves through the city some public and others private but all providing the necessary land to keep the habitat for several species of birds, salamanders and insects from becoming extinct and allowing an abundant thriving population of wildlife.



There is always something going on...

The city of Austin parks and recreation provides a lot of free and spectacular outdoor music and fireworks celebrations, almost any weekend there is the possibility of an art festival, street dance, free concert, marathon, ride for the roses, Halloween bash, Eyore's Birthday party, Christmas trail of lights, etc, etc, there is something going on that's for sure.



Famous TX Hospitality!!
But one of the most important aspects that make Austin so special and beautiful is the people. The open friendly, predominate easy going nature, friendly smiles, a community that is concerned and vocal about preserving their springs Aquifers, instigating green programs, and coming together to give a helping hand to neighbours that have experienced disasters. You walk down any street in Austin in any part of town and I guarantee some one will give you a welcoming smile because we are downright friendly here!!! I love Austin and I am guilty of being one of those graduates that came here to school and never left. I truly enjoy providing a comfortable space for visitors. So come and enjoy exploring Austin. Get Off the beaten path and have an authentic "Austantacious" experience at the "Lightsey Sage House" A delightfully refreshing Alternative to sterile hotels!



Contact us for more info