Austin, TX...things to do and see?

I'm going to Austin for a couple days. I'm driving down with my boyfriend. We leave Tuesday afternoon from Boston, MA. Thursday, I'm gonna be on my own for awhile. I'll have his car and can drive. What are some good sights to see? Some common ones and some uncommon ones. I'm a bit of a photographer, too. Any great photographic sights in the area? Any music or art museums or anything? Plus are there any good shopping places? Thanks!!

You are going to have a great time! There is so much to do in Austin that I am having a hard time deciding what to recommend! :)

As someone mentioned...The Chronicle(local weekly paper-available outside most stores) is a great resource for what is going on in Austin. It comes out every Thursday.

Definitely spend a day walking around downtown and around Zilker Park(which is right near the city center). Downtown, especially around 6th street between Congress and Red River, has lots of bars, restaurants and music venues...during the day or night there are a lot of colorful characters and sites to photograph. For a terrific music venue..try Antones or La Zona Rosa.

Zilker park is a large beautiful space right on Town Lake in the middle of Austin...with views of the skyline from most spots. Within and surrounding the borders of Zilker...you have Umlauf Sculpture Garden, The Botanical Garden, and Barton Springs(a must see, HUGE natural spring built into a swimming pool). THere are a lot of good Austin restaurants on Barton Springs Road...near the entrance to Zilker Park.

Also, check out South Congress Avenue. This section of Congress, south of the river is full of funky shops, cool restaurants, music venues(Continental Club), and eclectic people. Great photo ops!

For a GREAT and less well known mexican breakfast...a must in Austin...go to Cisco's on east 6th. It has been an institution with locals for decades...they have great migas and huevos rancheros.

For more nature and photo ops. check out the Lady Bird Johnson WIldflower Center, just south of town or Mount Bonnell with gorgeous views of Lake Austin. After you hike to the top and back down...have a cup of coffee on the water at Mozarts.

Ok, I think that this is enough for a few days! Have a wonderful trip!

-Kango Traveler

The Capitol Building is gorgeous. Also check out Zilker Park, the botanical gardens there are very nice, as is the Umlauf Sculpture Garden.
Sixth Street is known for music. When you get to town, keep your eyes peeled for the Austin Chronicle newspaper. It will tell you times/venues for all of the bands, comedy shows, festivals, etc.
For funky shopping, check out the SoCo area (South of the river on Congress Ave). There is also the 2nd Street area for shopping.

For some interesting shopping -- check out the Buffalo Exchange on Guadalupe accross from campus. Avoid Barton Creek Mall at all possible cost. Some other good restaraunts around Austin are JoVitas (mexican) Katz's Deli (New York Deli style) Opal Devines (great pub food) Mothers Cafe (vegetarian) and Kirby Lane cafe (great all nighter diner)
Have fun in Austin -- it is the greatest place ever!