The 36th Annual PIM Conference

EXPLORE AUSTIN

To quote the Austin visitor’s guide, “It’s hip and trendy, yet in a vintage sort of way. It’s high-tech and laid-back. It’s politically charged and culturally rich. It’s eclectic by nature and creative by design. Most of all, it’s a place where people like to have a good time…”.

 

On Thursday evening, October 22, you will have an option to join in small groups to visit local Austin dinner and entertainment destinations, accompanied by McCombs faculty and staff members. We hope that this will introduce you to a slice of the Austin that we (and students) love - local restaurants, clubs, music venues and attractions considered “uniquely Austin”. You will have a chance to sign up during Wednesday and Thursday of the PIM conference.  You can also let us know now by email if you already know which tour you would like to go on - please email us. Once you get to Austin you’ll be able to confirm your selection or change it. If you have heard of an Austin activity or location, or have a personal interest that you would like us to add, let us know.

 

Please note that expenses for meals, entry fees and transportation are the responsibility of each individual participant. We have indicated beside each option whether estimated cost is inexpensive (<$25), moderate ($25-50) or expensive (>$50).

 

Read through the highlights of Austin and decide which part of Austin you would like to explore.

 

Live Music Capital of the World: Sixth Street – Warehouse District

Austin is known as "The Live Music Capital of the World". Discover dozens of bars, clubs, restaurants and live music venues on Sixth Street and in the Warehouse District. (See a map). Sixth Street offers more than seven blocks of music, drinks and entertainment, and is considered the heart of Austin’s live music scene – from jazz and blues to country, rock, hip-hop, and more. The Warehouse District is “the upscale cousin” to Sixth Street: a bit trendier, and a bit more pricey, but with the same abundance of live music and entertainment. (Inexpensive - moderate, dress code: casual)

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Local flavor - SoCo

Explore Austin's vibrant, creative and hip neighborhood known as "SoCo", South Congress Avenue. Enjoy the majestic view of the Texas State Capital framed by downtown Austin from atop the rising wide sweep of South Congress Avenue. Check out the costumes at Lucy in Desguise, try on cowboy boots at Allen's, browse the hip boutiques, dine at Guero's Tex Mex restaurant, and enjoy live music at Austin's famous Continental Club. (Moderate, dress code: casual)

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A Musical Pilgrimage - Threadgill's and the Broken Spoke

Enjoy chicken-fried steak and black-eyed peas at Threadgill's - an Austin "down-home" restaurant with a special place in music history. Home to live music nightly, Threadgill's is famous for cultivating well-known musicians including Janis Joplin. The evening ends at the legendary Broken Spoke  for traditional country music. (Inexpensive - moderate, dress code: casual)

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Keep Austin Weird

Explore Austin's unique identity as you visit favorite native shops and stores. Whole Foods Market is a globally expanding grocery store that features eight in-store restaurants. Bookpeople's funky selection reflects Austin tastes, and Waterloo Records is the city's best venue for buying local music. Finish your evening with Amy's ice cream, an Austin tradition. (Inexpensive - moderate, dress code: casual)

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Texas Tradition

Experience Texas tradition while dining in an elegant setting. Built in 1886 as the showplace of a Texas cattle baron, the historic Driskill Hotel is Austin’s grand old hotel.  Restored to its original opulence 10 years ago, its roots are evident in every aspect of the décor, from the carpet to the draperies to the cowhide-covered furniture.  Its restaurant, The Driskill Grill, has received numerous awards including the coveted Foder's Choice Award, Zagat's ranking of  "Extraordinary to Perfection", and The Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence. (Expensive, dress code: smart casual)

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Latin Night at Copa Bar & Grill Salsa Dance Lessons

Enjoy dinner at a fun Austin restaurant and then head to Copa Bar and Grill, located in the heart of Austin's downtown, for a Salsa Party with plenty of excitement and fun. Explore the bars and music venues in the Warehouse district to cool down.  (Inexpensive - moderate, dress code: casual)

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Jazz It Up

Enjoy dinner at one of Congress St.'s many restaurants, followed by jazz music at the Elephant Room, a popular choice for Austin music lovers, featuring a full bar, more than 20 drafts, and wine by the glass. (Moderate, dress code: casual)

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Nouveau Austin

Enjoy tapas at Malaga and wine tasting at Cru, then walk north to Jezebel, one of Austin's newer, edgier restaurants, where you can watch the chef preparing your meal via TV. (Moderate, dress code: smart casual to elegant)

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The County Line - Texas BBQ

Set in an old lake lodge, the County Line on the Lake is right on Bull Creek just off lake Austin, and has been well known for years as THE place in Austin to take out-of-town guests for Texas barbecue. Cocktails on the large redwood deck overlooking the water are a must. (Inexpensive - moderate, dress code: casual)

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Guy's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives - Magnolia Café, Austin

Have an American diner experience at the Magnolia Café on Congress Avenue. The restaurant was recently featured on Food Network's "Guys' Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives". Enjoy the majestic view of the Texas State Capital framed by downtown Austin from atop the rising wide sweep of South Congress Avenue. Check out the costumes at Lucy in Desguise, try on cowboy boots at Allen's, and browse the hip boutiques. (Inexpensive - moderate, dress code: casual)

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