By Darragh Doiron

The News staff writer

A former News reporter had never visited Austin. She had a three-day holiday in the area and upon her return, announced she was moving to the city.

Austin has that effect on people.

With the motto Keep Austin Weird, it unites tree huggers, politicians, artistic types, musicians and movie stars.

I had the chance to accompany someone on a brief business trip to Austin and I managed to pack some fair amount of fun into the whirlwind tour.

A Goodwill store staffed by 20 somethings who appreciate the personality of vintage clothing, had decorated the store for Halloween. From the store window display, I’d first thought it was an upscale clothing boutique. I went in and perused kitchen decor like my mom used to have in the ‘70s. There were people on cell phones calling friends and saying things like “I can’t believe how cool this Goodwill store is.”

I had the pleasure of visiting not one, but two Central Markets, the mother ship of H-E-B stores. If you’ve been, you know. It’s grocery shopping as an art form, with samples at every corner. I sampled bread at an olive oil bar, Indian food at a cook station, a sip of wine, fresh-made guacamole, pumpkin butter, and breads beyond belief. After that, I couldn’t partake at any of the area’s fine Mexican and barbecue restaurants, even the taco Mecca that boasted a sign reading “Hippie Church.”

Down the highway, a roadside pecan stand advertised a 24-hour vending machine that made me curious enough to stop. A tempting pecan pie is the bottom-left choice in the machine. If I’d had about $17, I’d have tried to see it work.

On the way up I saw a sign for Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa and decided to check it out on the way back. Set way, far back from the highway, between the Colorado River and Bastrop, this resort offers a golf course that was part of the view, horseback riding and a lodge where you could sit all day in leather couches and enjoy the comings and goings. My favorite was the bar, adorned with a wall of albums by Texas musicians. Southeast Texas got their recognition.

You don’t even have to leave the road to catch a scenic view in Texas. The sun set on a beautiful fall afternoon that was blooming with whatever wildflowers pop up when the bluebonnets are resting.



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Here’s a few seasonal highlights of fun stuff to do in Austin, as posted by the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Fun, Fun Fun Fest

Nov. 7 through Nov. 8

This annual two-day music festival features live music and cool bands that showcase Austin's diverse musical landscape. Previous years have brought in bands such as Girl Talk, Spoon, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Black Angels and more. Waterloo Park, Austin,



From Out That Shadow: The Life and Legacy of Edgar Allan Poe

Through Jan. 4

Quoted as one of the most widely read American writers of the 19th century, Poe's influence on poetry and other genres of writing cannot be overlooked.  The extensive exhibit will chronicle the writer's life with manuscripts, books and pieces of art. Harry Ransom Center



Handcrafted Beer Tasting Tour

Through Dec. 31

Join Cannoli Joe’s every Thursday night from 6-9 p.m. for free beer tastings and live music performances. Cannoli Joe's, 4715 Highway 290 West