What should we do and where should we eat in Austin?

My husband is taking me to Austin for my birthday at the end of February. We've never been there before. I would like to know what we should do and where we should eat.

We're both young. I love music and the arts and shopping for unique things. Neither of us eat red meat, so we aren't big steak people, but we do like barbeque & Tex Mex. If you could reccomend an excellent Indian restaurant I would love it. It has to be genuine Indian food though (because my husband is from India and he's particular), and not just a trendy faux Indian restaurant like we have so many of here in Dallas.

Could you reccommend a good hotel as well?

If you can just answer one or two of these questions, please go ahead and suggest away. Thanks!

Well, you are going to have a wonderful weekend! I hardly know where to start......

First, check out the Chronicle..a free weekly newspaper outside of most stores that lists what is going on that week in Austin and has lots of great restaurant listings.

If you are in Austin for just a couple of days, then you should definitely stay either downtown or on South Congress(near to downtown).

DOWNTOWN:

Hotel: If you want to go all out...then, hands down, the place you should stay is The Driskill. This is a fabulous luxury hotel with a long history and unique Texas charm. You can get a room with a balcony overlooking the famed 6th street and walk to many great restaurants and music venues. A slightly cheaper recommendation for downtown would be the Stephen F. Austin which has a great location, old school charm, and a great downstairs bar.

Music:If staying downtown. Check out Antone's bar on 5th street. This is a famous music venue in Austin that has hosted many musical greats. There is also La Zona Rosa. Check out their websites to see who is playing. However, the great thing about Austin is that almost every bar has live music and it is usually good.

To Do: shop the great stores all around Lamar and 5th street, have a drink on the rolling back lawn of the Four Seasons and watch the millions of bats come out from under the Congress bridge at sunset. Not to be missed.

SOUTH CONGRESS:

Hotel: Check out Hotel San Jose. This is a modern, swanky, and small hotel that is somewhat "L.A." but with a healthy dose of Austin thrown in...it has a fun little pool and a great chill outdoor bar at night with a fire pit. Several celebrities have been known to stay here.

Music: you are a very short cab ride(or long walk) from downtown venues...but, also check out the hip Continental Club which is a great old Austin venue with a great list of bands.

To Do: South Congress has some of the best funky shops and cool stores that Austin has to offer. Definitely spend an afternoon walking its length!

I will leave restaurants for someone else to tackle, as I have gone on long enough! :)

Have a wonderful stay in Austin!