A car can help take you on your next adventure, but what happens once you finally reach your destination? At Carvana, we’ve grown accustomed to entering new markets and finding ways to weave ourselves into the fabric of the communities who have adopted the new way to buy a car. It’s one of the exciting elements of what we do.
With that, however, we also know that being the new kid in town isn’t always easy. Which is why our series of guides compiled by Carvana team members in our different markets aims to help both visitors and new residents find their bearings and experience the unique flavors, sights, and sounds that each of our markets has to offer. Our Guide to #CarvanaCountry road show rolls on, as we put the spotlight this week on the Live Music Capital of the World – Austin, Texas!
Red River District
Every other building in this district is a live music venue. The Red River district spans about three blocks and is the home of Austin mainstay, Stubb’s BBQ (which doubles as a restaurant and concert venue). While some of the venues are usually set up for ticketed events and larger acts, you won’t be hard pressed to find a local band playing at a venue for a small cover charge. If you’re ready for a night out away from 6th Street, check out the usually low-key Cheer Up Charlie’s, a LGBT-friendly bar/venue open to all. Barracuda is a must-do for anyone eager to hit the dance floor.
Ramen Tatsuya
Yes, you’ll probably have to line up for thissoup (especially in the winter), but it’s worth it. Hands down some of the best ramen we’ve personally ever had (rivaling even some Tokyo spots), Ramen Tatsuya has three locations around town and two spin-off restaurants – Kemuri Tatsuya (modeled after a Japanese izakaya) and Domo Alley-gato (Japanese curry).
North Loop
Just a few minutes drive north of downtown is Austin’s North Loop neighborhood. North Loop is one of the few enclaves that still feel like early-aughts Austin. Funky and a bit weird, North Loop Boulevard has a slew of vintage stores (Room Service is a favorite!), coffee shops, record stores, and small hyper-local bars.
Local Springs/Swimming Holes
One of the best things about Austin is how easy it is to find a swimming spot.Barton Springs Pool is an obvious choice and still highly-recommended (visit during the weekday and enter from Azie Morton Road for less tourist traffic). If you’re keen on traveling a bit outside of the city for a dip, there’s Hamilton Pool – a scenic grotto surrounded by slabs of limestone and waterfalls (just make a reservation!). Jacob’s Well is another easy drive; the mouth of the spring is 30 feet deep and has a fun jump-in-from-above Instagram photo opportunity.
George Washington Carver Museum
The CarverMuseum is located east of downtown in Austin’s historically black neighborhood that has since been heavily gentrified. The museum has a rotating schedule of special exhibits that highlight the art and history of the black community in Texas and beyond. A must-see exhibit highlights Juneteenth, making the Carver Museum the first museum in the nation to feature a permanent exhibit about the holiday that commemorates the abolition of slavery in Texas.
