Austin, Texas, Family Vacation

Austin is a city that prides itself on music. The self-proclaimed Live Music Capital of the World lives up to its name, with myriad unlikely establishments -- grocery stores, City Hall -- opening live-music venues on their properties. Thanks to a large German immigration in the 19th century, there's a Southwest-meets-Deutschland vibe here, most keenly illustrated at the local barbecue, where the staples are brisket, ribs, and sausage.

Austin doesn't have dramatically marked seasons. Spring, however, is particularly pleasant, and pretty when the wildflowers are in bloom. It's also the busiest tourist season, with September and October coming in a close second. Football being a religion here, you'll find crowds when the local arena or college team is playing at home.

Moderate temperatures average annually in the mid 60s, with the warmest weather -- many 90-plus or even 100-plus days -- in July, and the wettest usually in March. Spring temperatures in the 70s begin to creep up into the 80s by April, remaining balmy until the middle of fall, when winter temperatures drop back into the 50s and 60s. Get more weather info.

The area is served primarily by Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). Many travelers fly into neighboring San Antonio (SAT) and drive the 90 miles to the state capital.

The car remains the most convenient way to get around, however public transportation is provided by Capital Metro. Downtown, the free trolleys, called 'Dillos (short for Armadillos), have scheduled stops between the University of Texas and the city's major landmarks. Weekends, Tour of The Town buses touch on some of the attractions the 'Dillos miss.

While music festivals like South by Southwest in the spring and September's Austin City Limits bring throngs of adults to America's favorite college town, there are plenty of family-friendly events throughout the year.

• Star of Texas Fair & Rodeo (Feb.)
• Kite Festival (Mar.)
• O. Henry Pun-Off (May)
• Museums Day (Sept.)
• Longhorn football season opener (Sept.)
• Murder, Mayhem and Misadventure Tour (Oct.)
• Wurstfest (Oct.-Nov.)
• Texas Book Festival (Nov.)
• Trail of Lights (Dec.)

The Austin Convention and Vistors Bureau has tons of information on events and activities while the city government's website lists neighborhood guides and parks and recreations information.

• The armadillo is the state's official small mammal of Texas. The hard-shelled critters are about as common in Austin backyards as raccoons -- and just about as welcome.
• The state's official large mammal is the longhorn bull, which is also the University of Texas' mascot.
• Texas gets its nickname "The Lone Star State" from the design of its flag -- it only has one five-pointed star. Each point represents a letter in the state's name.