Even music venues in Austin are weird… in a good way.

Austin is known both for its live music and its unique culture, and the latter is expressed in the city marketing slogan “Keep Austin Weird.” Here, “weird” wasn’t used just to mean “bizarre;” it is to reflect the city’s need to promote artistic expression.

Go to any bar in Texas on a Saturday night, and you’ll find modern country music, references to cowboy culture and domestic beers. But if you really want to have a good time and make a few memories in the meantime, visit one of the seven music venues below for all of the awesome weirdness that Austin has to offer.

Ginny’s Little Longhorn Saloon
Music: Country
What: With nightly live music, Ginny’s is an Austin favorite dive bar and music venue. Honky-tonk bands play all during the week, and on Sunday, Chicken S**t Bingo, or betting on where the chickens in the yard relieve themselves, is a fun pastime for the locals and visitors alike.
Where: 5434 Burnet Rd., Austin, TX 78756

The Mohawk
Music: Indie rock, local artists in various genres
What: The Mohawk features both an intimate indoor stage and a public outdoor stage. Advertised as the place for stout drinks, live music and original events, The Mohawk was crafted by people who love the city, the sound and the land equally.
Where: 917 Red River St., Austin, TX 78799

Broken Spoke
Music: Country
What: If you’re looking for a Texas Saturday night of years ago, Broken Spoke is the place to find it. Line dancing, two-stepping, long-necked beers and honky-tonk music abound in this dive bar and music venue.
Where: 3201 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78704

Sam’s Town Point
Music: Blues
What: This dive bar is often smoky and serves beer in a koozie, but there’s an undeniable charm to its comfortable atmosphere that South Austin patrons adore. Plus, the beer is cheap, the (fried) food is good and the owners live in on the grounds of the bar – one in a trailer next door and one in an apartment attached to the bar. Music lovers will appreciate the open mic night on Tuesday and blues jam on Wednesdays.
Where: 2115 Allred Dr., Austin, TX 78748

The Parish
Music: All genres
What: An intimate indoor live music venue, The Parish holds 450 people and has hosted music legends Pete Townshend and Perry Farrell, as well as independent artists Grizzly Bear and Yeasayer. Plus, patrons adore the sound system and stage visibility at The Parish.
Where: 214 E. 6th St., Austin, TX 78701

The Mean Eyed Cat
Music: All genres
What: Step foot inside the Mean Eyed Cat, and you’ll instantly discover the owners paid tribute through their venue to both Johnny Cash and “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” an odd combination that seems to work here. So grab a cold one and cozy up to the indoor stage or outdoor patio for live honky-tonk, bluegrass or rock music.
Where: 1621 West 5th St., Austin, TX 78703

The Scoot
Music: All genres
What: This beer joint has been open in some form since 1871, providing beer and music to East Austin residents for years. The music varies from old school punk bands on the outdoor stage to disc jockey battles inside, but a good time is practically unavoidable.
Where: 1308 E. 4th St., Austin, TX 78702

Whether you prefer biking, swimming, jogging, hiking, walking or playing sports in varying activity levels, Austin has the facilities to encourage you to go outside and play.

While it’s mostly known for having the most number of music venues per capita in the country, Austin is also a green city – and a green space enthusiast’s dream. The city is home to 250 parks, preserves and greenbelts. Youth summer programs, hiking and biking trails, tennis courts and golf courses are all available to residents and many are maintained by the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Check out the following for the best the city has to offer the Austin outdoor enthusiast.

Town Lake Metropolitan Park contains 10.1 miles of hiking and biking trails, 17 ball fields for baseball, soccer and rugby, volleyball courts, tennis courts and Barton Creek Pool, a 1,000-foot natural spring-fed pool. Catch a show along Auditorium Shores, or meet a friend at Fiesta Gardens or Festival Beach. If you need a break from work or school, relax at UMLAUF Sculpture Gardens, the Botanical Gardens, Austin Area Garden Center and the Zilker Hillside Theater.

If you prefer water sports, check out the Austin area lakes. Comprised of Lake Buchanan, Ink Lake, Lake LBJ, Marble Falls Lake, Lake Travis, Lake Austin and Town Lake, these seven lakes provide excellent bass fishing, boating, golf, water sports and camping opportunities. Lake Austin and Lake Travis offer restaurants and music on the water; Ink Lakes State Park has multiple hiking trails; and the Town Lake Bike Trail is an adventure suitable for the whole family.

For more hiking, the Trail of Trees in Austin offers a fun way of getting exercise while learning about Texas history at the same time, in the form of a variety of native and exotic trees adapted to Texas. Stacy Park Trail of Trees lists 30 species of trees, Zilker Park Trail of Trees offers 28 species of trees and Catherine Lamkin Arboretum Trail of Trees has 35 species of trees.

Just 30 miles west of Austin on FM 3238 is the 232-acre Hamilton Preserve, which includes Hamilton Pool, a spectacular swimming hole that’s a great place to picnic, hike and swim. The sparkling, clear pool and grotto were formed when the dome of an underground river collapsed due to massive erosion. A 45-foot waterfall splashes into the swimming hole surrounded by layers of rock, creating a truly breathtaking oasis in the middle of Texas.

The Austin area is also home to a number of state parks and natural areas. The 3,503-acre Bastrop State Park offers an 8.5-mile hiking trail in the Lost Pines region and is a great place for hiking, backpacking, camping and swimming. Buescher State Park is similar to Bastrop State Park but is generally less crowded. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is located between Fredericksburg and Llano and has the second-largest granite dome in the country, plus excellent hiking, rock climbing and backpacking facilities. Guadalupe River State Park is a 1,938-acre park with picnic facilities, campsites, a playground, a day-use group facility, swimming areas and more.

For those who want to try something new, consider playing at one of Austin’s five disc golf courses. A relatively inexpensive activity, disc golf is a game in which players throw a flying disc into a basket or at a target, and each player tries to end with the fewest number of throws of the disc. Most courses are free, and there are dozens of additional courses available outside the Austin area.

The arrival of spring in Austin means the University of Texas at Austin is gearing up for another stellar season of concerts, plays, solo shows, comedy acts and more on campus, including performances by Carrie Underwood, Van Morrison and Neil Young in 2010. From April through June, discover the best entertainment that UT Austin has to offer below. All venues are on the UT campus.

April
What: Steve Forbert
Where: The Texas Union
When: Sat., April 24 at 8 p.m.
Cost per ticket: $20

What: Van Morrison show
Where: Bass Concert Hall
When: Fri., April 30 at 8 p.m.
Cost per ticket: $85-$350 per ticket; some include parking

What: Bob Mould with Huskur Du and Sugar’s
Where: The Texas Union
When: Wed., April 28 and Thurs., April 29 at 8:30 p.m.
Cost per ticket: $20

May
What: A Chorus Line
Where: Bass Concert Hall
When: Tues., May 11 – Sat., May 15 at 8 p.m.; Sat., May 15 and Sun., May 16 at 2 p.m.; Sun., May 16 at 7:30 p.m.
Cost per ticket: $20-$69 per ticket; some include parking

What: Carrie Underwood with special guests Craig Morgan and Sons of Sylvia
Where: Frank Erwin Center
When: Wed., May 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Cost per ticket: $35-$55 per ticket

What: Rickey Smiley and Friends with special guests Ced Delanie, Special K and Lavar
Where: Frank Erwin Center
When: Fri., May 28 at 8 p.m.
Cost per ticket: $25-$50 per ticket

What: WWE Presents Monday Night Raw
Where: Frank Erwin Center
When: Mon., May 31 at 7:15 p.m.
Cost per ticket: $15-$60 per ticket

What: Barenaked Ladies in concert
Where: Bass Concert Hall
When: Mon., May 31 at 8 p.m.
Cost per ticket: $27.50-$47.50 per ticket

June
What: Neil Young (solo) with Bert Jansch opening
Where: Bass Concert Hall
When: Sat., June 5 at 8 p.m.
Cost per ticket: $59.50-$249.50 per ticket

What: “Star Wars” in Concert
Where: Frank Erwin Center
When: Sun., June 6 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Cost per ticket: $25-$65 per ticket

What: The Wizard of Oz
Where: Bass Concert Hall
When: June 11-13
Cost per ticket: TBD when tickets go on sale Thurs., April 29

What: José Carreras
Where: Bass Concert Hall
When: Sat., June 19 at 8 p.m.
Cost per ticket: $39-$99

Image: Masochismtango (flickr)

Austin Karaoke
6808 N Lamar Blvd.
Austin, TX 78752

With a relaxed atmosphere, Austin Karaoke caters to fun-loving karaoke singers who are looking for a no-frills place to sing their favorite songs. The private, sound proof karaoke rooms are equipped with a couple of flat TV screens, a few microphones and plenty of room to dance. The club’s BYOB policy is a sweet deal too for those who do not like to pay retail for over-priced bar drinks. So, if a huge room with coolers full of drinks where you can gather your closest friends to sing Karaoke is appealing to you, give Austin Karaoke a try.

National Karaoke League – Austin Division

Ego’s Lounge
510 S Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78704

The National Karaoke League is competitive team karaoke. It works like this: You sign up with a team (i.e. fun people who will sing and probably drink with you) and you compete in five rounds of karaoke each week. Some rounds are solo and some are group rounds (duets count). Everyone in the bar gets a ballot to vote on their favorite performances each round and at the end of the night the winners are announced. There are costumes, sets, choreographed dance moves and everyone’s favorite – beer. If you are serious about karaoke and are not shy about meeting new people, this is a great place to meet new friends, have some fun and let your inner rock star free.

New Seoul Karaoke Studio
500 Pampa Dr
Austin, TX 78752

This is the real deal when it comes to authentic Korean karaoke. New Seoul Karaoke Studio stays open late at night and serves Korean “junk food”. The song list is largely in Korean, but they have a large database of songs in English as well. If you are too embarrassed to stand in front of a room full of strangers, you will appreciate the Korean-style private karaoke rooms. They have various room sizes to accommodate one to a party of 20 or more. You have to call ahead if you want to reserve the big room for a party. With the ring of a button located in your room, a server will show up to take your order or answer questions. Do not be surprised to see strange accommodations in the rooms such as a bed, reading glasses or other props. Also, be prepared to crack up at the kooky videos playing while you sing.

The Highball
1142 S. Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78704

Bowling, ski ball and finally, karaoke: The Highball has it all. This is one of the few Karaoke places in Austin that is not BYOB, so be prepared to pay retail for bar drinks. If you love to dance, drink, play games and, of course, sing Karaoke, this is the place for you. You may find yourself in a private Karaoke room called “Paradise City,” an 80s hair metal themed room with leopard print carpet and walls. The Karaoke themed rooms range from 80s to 90s to sci-fi to get you in the mood for the perfect karaoke evening. The drinks are strong and inexpensive, and you can always expect attentive service.

Ego’s
510 S Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78704

Ego’s is the best karaoke dive bar in Austin –just ask the folks at the Austin Chronicle who rated it as such. This small bar is easy to miss if you are not familiar with the area. This fun, kitschy atmosphere will make you want to sing “Purple Rain” in front of all your friends after you belly up to the bar and order up some cheap and strong drinks to give you some liquid inspiration. Do not expect to find any fancy seats or décor. This place does not take itself too seriously like many other karaoke bars in town. Humor and fun are the keys to getting through your song selection. Their karaoke catalog is huge. If they don’t have your song, it probably doesn’t really exist anyway.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in Austin

If you live in Austin and like barbecue, you’re in luck – Austin is located in central Texas, which is also in the middle of four distinct style of barbecue. Plus, Austin’s neighbor, Lockhart, has four major barbecue joints that serve 250,000 people each year.

Whether you crave pork shoulder, pork ribs, beef brisket or German-style barbecued chicken, Texas has it all, served with thin, vinegary sauce, thick, sweet sauce or no sauce at all. After you’ve seen the Alamo and the Texas capital, take a Texas-inspired barbecue road trip through the following places.

Central Texas
German and Czech settlers inspired the barbecue found in central Texas, which heavily relies on ribs, brisket, sausage, beer-marinated chicken, a vinegar-based potato salad, pickles and baked beans. Cities with names like New Braunfels and Fredericksbrug might seem out of place in the Lone Star State, but they could be responsible for the South’s earliest barbecue influence. Look for the best central Texas has to offer here:
• Kruez Market, Lockhart
• Friesenhaus, New Braunfels
• Salt Lick, Driftwood
• Louie Mueller, Taylor
• Zimmerhanzel’s Bar-B-Que, Austin
• New Braunfels Smokehouse, New Braunfels
• Smitty’s Market, Lockhart
• Franklin Barbecue, Austin

East Texas
Similar to southeastern U.S. barbecue, barbecue in Houston, Dallas and Corpus Christi centers around pork shoulder and pork ribs smoked over hickory wood. The tomato-based sauce is sweet and thick. This barbecue style can be found throughout Texas, but look for the tastiest plates here:
• City Market, Luling
• Goode Co. Barbecue, Houston
• Angelo’s Barbecue, Fort Worth
• Dickey’s, Dallas
• Mike Anderson’s Barbecue, Dallas

West Texas
If your barbecue is a little pink in west Texas, don’t worry. That rose-colored ring in the meat is a west Texas signature mark of flavor and a sign of its being slow-cooked over mesquite wood in a pit. Commonly called “cowboy barbecue” because of its origin from Anglo cattle ranchers, this style is primarily beef brisket and shoulder with no sauce. Discover real west Texas barbecue at these restaurants:
• Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Q, Llano
• Pappy’s Barbecue, Monahans

South Texas
Primarily influenced by Mexican flavors, south Texas barbecue differs very little from the meat cooked by its south-of-the-border neighbors. This originates from the birthplace of the Texas ranching tradition, when Mexican farmhands were paid for their work with cheaper cuts of meat, such as skirt steak, the cow’s head (barbacoa) and cow tongue (lengua). Slow-roasting and smoking these meats tenderizes them, and then they can be folded into tortillas and served as tacos. Serve them up with pinto beans as a side, and condiments such as salsa, onions and jalapeňo peppers, and you’ve got the makings of an authentic Tex-Mex barbecue. As for where to find it, try these places:
• The Smokehouse, San Antonio
• The County Line, San Antonio
• Tom’s Ribs, San Antonio
• Rudy’s Barbecue, San Antonio
• Howard’s Barbecue, Corpus Christi

Image: Dustinj (flickr)

Austin Reggae Festival
Friday – Sunday, April 16-18
Auditorium Shores in Austin

Come get your reggae on at the Austin Reggae Festival. Featured artists include Easy Star All Stars (Friday, April 16), Mighty Diamonds (Saturday, April 17) and Sierra Leonne Refugee All Stars (Sunday, April 18). The 17th annual Austin Reggae Festival benefits the Capital Area Food Bank. Enjoy incredible music, tasty foods, arts and crafts, plus premium people-watching at one of the city’s most popular outdoor venues.

Austin Psych Fest
Saturday, April 24
The Mohawk in Austin

Founded in 2008, Austin Psych Fest was formed to honor the legacy of psychedelic rock music. Austin is considered the birth place of psychedelic rock. This festival showcases the best of vintage and modern artists presented with wild visual art and multi-media to accompany the “mind expanding” music. If you are not shy about exploring your artistic side, this is the concert for you. The Austin Psych Fest will be held at the Mohawk, a multi-stage, multi-level venue with a friendly, organized staff and great sound.

Lone Star State Jam
Saturday, April 24
Waterloo Park in Austin

Bring your picnic blankets and sunscreen. This all-day music festival features local artists from across the state of Texas including Kristen Kelly & Modern Day Drifters, Aaron Watson, Stoney Larue, Jack Ingram, Jason Boland & The Stragglers, Micky & the Motorcars, Honeybrownie, the Casey Donahew Band and the Eli Young Band. This music festival is held at Waterloo Park and is presented by Young Texans Against Cancer.

Texas Rockabilly Revival
Saturday and Sunday, May 7 -8
The Nutty Brown Amphitheatre in Austin, TX

The Revival is an annual music festival that celebrates the genres of Rockabilly, Country, Blues, Honky Tonk, Punk and Americana. Party with some old throwbacks and feel free to join perfect strangers as they dance the swing at any given point during the festival. If you like the look and sound of good stand up bass players, tight guitar riffs and a swing inducing jive, you don’t want to miss this Revival Festival. Artists include Asleep at the Wheel, The Supersuckers and Lee Rocker, well known from his days with the Stray Cats.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in Austin

How would you like to start game day off to the exciting beat of the marching band’s drums and French horns -from your driveway? If you know where to look, you could score a game day weekend rental home within walking distance of the college football stadium.

Many people are choosing to rent their homes out for big college football weekends. Some home owners, who have gotten quite good at being game day landlords, offer such generous accommodations that they make hotel rooms look like prison cells. Spacious backyards with a fire pits, Jacuzzis, free wi-fi, large kitchens, multiple flat screen TVs and even welcome baskets are some of the things you may find in your weekend home rental. The only thing missing is someone to turn down your bed. But seriously, who needs chocolate on the pillow when you rent a home that is just a five minute walk from the stadium?

Chris Brusznicki and his partner Jeff Polk run an event-based vacation rental site called Gamedayhousing.com. Their site offers a place where home owners can list their houses for rent during game weekend nationwide. Renters can browse the houses for rent listed by game. Chris, who graduated from Notre Dame in 2002, saw a need for this market when he was a Notre Dame student.

“For the big Notre Dame games, people were getting gauged on hotel rentals that can go for as much as $3,000. I saw a need for weekend housing and figured out that I could offer a better price with superior quality by renting out a home,” says Chris, co-founder of Gamedayhousing.com.

He adds, “I’ve listed some homes where you can see the stadium dome from the front porch of the house. For many Notre Dame fans, the view and atmosphere is the pinnacle of the college football experience. These people are getting together for 20-year reunions. The experience is very precious to them.” According to Chris, people book their game day houses up to two years in advance.

Of course renters are not the only people who profit from the home rental listing services. An increasing number of investors and home owners recognize the value of leasing their homes out for big event weekends. Mike Stockrahm, from South Bend, IN has been renting out his own house for game day weekends for over two years. “We’ve been averaging about 3 games per year, but we’d do more. The income is welcome since we use most of it to offset the maintenance needs of the house,” says Mike.

Mike says he uses game day weekends as a benchmark and a motivator to spruce up his house. “We painted the house this summer. I painted our old faded rattan patio furniture and bought new cushions to spruce up the back porch this year. We’re finishing a bathroom remodel with this year’s proceeds,” says Mike. Less than 2 miles away from the Notre Dame stadium, Mike’s four-bedroom house sleeps 10 people and runs about $1,800 per night.

Another great resource for renting or listing a home for the big game weekend is Rentals.com. As a vacation home rental listing site, Rentals.com has houses that are available for just one night or up to several months. If the college football game is just a part of your vacation experience, you may want to consider renting a house more centrally located near other activities. Rentals.com allows you to search for homes for rent based on other activities such as hiking, skiing, shopping or golf.

Bob Clouser, Director of Business Development of Rentals.com addresses the need for short-term housing options. “People are looking for alternatives to pricey hotels for their vacations, weekends, and even business trips,” says Bob.

Consider, for example, visiting Austin, Texas for the weekend. Hotels in downtown Austin run an average of $150-$275 per night. But if you are looking on a site like Rentals.com, you could come across a home rental listing like “Hancock Guest Nest Unique Urban Escape,” a studio loft located in the heart of Austin for a mere $100 per night. Hey Texas Longhorn fans, this house also happens to be located just a few miles from the football stadium!

April Lentini writes for apartmentguide.com

It’s early evening and you’ve just made it home to your Austin apartment from work. Dinner isn’t ready, but you’re starving! What are you to do?

1. Grab the pint-sized carton of ice cream out of the freezer? (It’s been a really rough day at work).
2. Grab a can of soda out of the fridge and those greasy potato chips from on top of the fridge?
3. Ignore the rumblings in your stomach for the moment, but double up on dinner tonight?

Hopefully, you won’t do any of the above…Just go to your pantry instead!

Healthy Snack Ideas

Photo By: Dr.Coop

Here are a few healthy snack ideas every apartment pantry should have…

1. Popcorn
2. Nuts
3. Whole Grain Crackers
4. Green Tea
5. Dried Fruit
6. Rice Cakes
7. String Cheese
8. Multigrain Cereal

Homemade Granola Recipe

• 8 oz old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 ½ oz raw sunflower seeds
• 3 oz sliced almonds
• 1 ½ oz wheat germ
• 6 oz honey
• 1 ¾ oz dark brown sugar
• 1 oz unsalted butter (plus extra for the pan)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 6 ½ oz chopped, dried fruit

~from Alton Brown and the Food Network

Photo By: Ianqui

Butter a 9 x9 glass baking dish. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread the oats, sunflower seeds, almonds, and wheat germ onto a sheet pan and toast in the oven for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally.

While the oats are toasting, dissolve brown sugar in a medium saucepan, over a medium heat with the honey, butter, vanilla extract and salt.

Remove the oat mixture from the oven. Turn the oven heat down to 300 degrees. Immediately add the oat mixture to the saucepan. Also, stir in the dried fruit. Once combined, transfer the mixture to the glass baking dish and press down for even distribution.

Bake in the oven at 300 degrees for 25 minutes and allow to cool completely once removed from the oven. Enjoy your healthy, yet tasty treat!

Why These Healthy Snacks Are Ideal

The great thing about these items is that there is little to no prep time and they don’t have to be refrigerated. This way, you’ll on hand to combat those midday snack attacks, have some of theses great foods in your briefcase, backpack, or purse.

Shop Smarter and Shop Healthier

Make sure you stock up on these healthy snacks when you go to the grocery store and don’t go unprepared…Make your list, print your coupons, and grab your reusable shopping bags. You’ll be on your way to a healthier you in no time.

Photo By: Fixlr

This is especially true in the city of Austin, where there is no shortage of ways to lend a hand to the less fortunate in our community. Below is a list of a few well known and not so well known holiday charities and some specific ways you can help them.

Photo By: Zorro-Art

Whether you volunteer your time or other resources, how will you give this holiday season?

AIDS Services of Austin
Mission: to respond to the HIV needs of the Austin area by providing services that enhance the health and well-being of individuals and the community in the face of an evolving epidemic.

Ways to Serve:

• Purchase an ASA holiday card
• Attend the Red Ribbon dinner at Zoot
• Financial contribution
• Visit with AIDS patients
• Office/clerical assistance
• Food donation or assistance
• Assist at community fairs

Photo By: HSWC

Austin Humane Society
Mission: the city’s largest no kill, non-profit animal adoption shelter dedicated to saving Austin’s homeless cats and dogs by educating our community about responsible pet ownership and reducing pet overpopulation.

Ways to Serve:

• Take care animals
• Office/clerical assistance
• Financial contribution
• Adopt a pet

El Buen Samaritano
Mission: to transform lives by engaging the strengths of working-poor Hispanic families to promote their successful participation in society.

Ways to Serve:

• Financial Contribution
• Daycare center (newborn to 5 years)
• Teach ESL or computer classes to older children and adults
• Office/clerical assistance
• Food donation or assistance
• Professional Services (ex. psychiatric or medical assistance)

Photo By: Gtarded

Make a Wish Foundation
Mission: to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.

Ways to Serve:

• Financial contribution
• Office/clerical assistance- translators, clerical work, professional help
• Donate Items- building supplies, computer equipment, hot tubs, frequent flyer miles, shopping sprees, and more

Photo By: Closelyobserved.com

Austin Groups for the Elderly
Mission: to empower caregivers, the elderly and their families through education, advocacy, resources and support.

Ways to Serve:

• Financial contribution- monthly support, scholarship, purchase a brick for their Legacy Walkway
• Donate Items- Wii controllers and games, medical equipment (wheel chairs, scooters, etc.), digital photo or video camera
• Teach seniors how to play video games
• Give a musical or theatric performance
• Office/clerical assistance
• Building Maintenance
• Help with Special Events
• Food donation or assistance

Photo By: Patrick Dentler

Austin Runners Club – If you’re just getting into running, this is a great club to join. To meet new people and start conditioning, the beginner runs held everyday of the week except Friday and Sunday are for you. If you consider yourself an advanced runner, you might be more interested in the longer runs held throughout the week at various locations. An individual club membership is only $25 per year. Not only does this membership include companionship and great workouts, it also includes discounts to local running related businesses.

Austin Cycling Association – Membership to the ACA is only $25 per year for an individual, and you get access to all of their ride maps and a one year subscription to Cycling News. Most of the rides are free; however, if the ride is specified as a fundraiser, a small entry fee is required. Don’t worry about you riding pace. Whether you think you’re too fast or too slow, it’s easy to find people or groups that ride at your speed.

Austin Sports and Social Club – If you’re new to Austin and you really want to meet new people, the Austin SSC may be the place for you. The club is open to anyone 21 years and up and offers team sports in bowling, dodgeball, football, soccer, softball, volleyball and more. There’s no membership fee; you just pay for the sports you sign up to play. All sports are co-ed and are designed for participants to meet new people and socialize as well as enjoy playing the game.

Hiking Trails – For the nature lovers, Austin offers some great hiking trails. Whether you’re a hard core hiker or you just want to go out for a stroll in the park, you’ll find something in the city that suits your needs. Almost all of Austin parks offer some kind of walking trail and most of them are paved. Some well known trials include the Onion Creek Trail Loop and the trail at Mary Moore Searight Park. Most trails are free, but some require a small fee of $5 or so.

Fitness in Austin isn’t impossible. In fact, Austin is one of the fittest cities in Texas, so you’re sure to find something to keep you healthy and active in the city. And, you might meet a new best friend or two along the way.