The Philadelphia Union travel to Texas for their only scheduled match so far this year in the Lone Star State, facing Austin FC. This will mark Philadelphia’s second trip to Q2 Stadium and only the second time these two sides have faced each other in league play—and the third time overall if you want to count preseason friendlies.
With that said, let’s take a look at a few spots that were recommended to me. If you have any additional travel questions, feel free to reach out to me at my travel email: Kyle@madhatteradv.com.
Attractions
While Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World, there is more to the city than just music. Home to unique attractions, world-class museums, and beautiful outdoor spaces, Texas’ capital city has a soundtrack all its own and offers something for everyone. Below are a few attractions that you will definitely want to check out if you are in town.
ELISABET NEY MUSEUM
The Elisabet Ney Museum is the historic 1892 Austin studio of European-born sculptor and activist Elisabet Ney (1833-1907). It features her own work—large-scale, classical-style portraits of 19th-century European intellectuals, statesmen, and royalty, as well as Texas notables—and exhibitions of contemporary art, both on the grounds and inside the building. Admission is free.
Website: https://www.austintexas.gov/department/elisabet-ney-museum
AUSTIN NATURE & SCIENCE CENTER
Located on the western edge of Zilker Park, the Austin Nature and Science Center is dedicated to the exploration of the natural world. Since 1960, ANSC has provided nature exhibits, education programs, and recreation resources for countless visitors. Come see some local wildlife and learn about Austin’s ecosystem.
Website: https://www.austintexas.gov/ansc
ZILKER BOTANICAL GARDEN
Tucked away on 26 acres of Austin’s Zilker Metropolitan Park, Zilker Botanical Garden is a lush sanctuary of koi ponds, live oaks, and prickly cactuses of all shapes and sizes. Composed of multiple themed gardens, this natural retreat offers something new around every corner. Witness the colorful blooms of the Mabel Davis Rose Garden and explore the Isamu Taniguchi Japanese Garden, complete with a stone gate gifted by Austin’s sister city, Oita, Japan, a teahouse, and numerous Japanese maples.
Website: https://zilkergarden.org/
Austin Zoo
The mission of Austin Zoo is to assist animals in need through rescue, conservation, and education. Located on the southwest edge of Austin off Highway 290 West and Circle Drive, Austin Zoo is a pleasant Hill Country zoo where visitors from around the world can learn about animals up close, spend some time outdoors getting exercise, and have fun.
Website: https://austinzoo.org/
Museum of the Weird
Explore the mysterious and the unexplained! Monsters, zombies, mummies, shrunken heads, and the Fiji mermaid await you at the Museum of the Weird! It is one of the last “dime museums” popularized by P.T. Barnum in the 1800s.
Website: https://www.museumoftheweird.com/
Food and Entertainment
While in Austin, you must pay homage to the city’s diverse and expansive food culture. From soul food and Cajun cuisine to old-school barbecue and new-school food truck fare, Austin has tons of incredible dining spots. The city also has one of the largest craft beer scenes in the nation, and, of course, it’s the Live Music Capital of the World for a reason. The list below is just a sample of what to expect in Austin.
Lil’ Easy Fine Cajun Food & Bar
Lil’ Easy Fine Cajun Food & Bar stands out because it brings an authentic Louisiana neighborhood bar atmosphere to East Austin rather than simply serving Cajun-inspired dishes. The restaurant is housed in a converted gas station and was designed to feel like a laid-back New Orleans hangout, complete with a spacious patio, live music, and frozen cocktails.
Website: https://www.instagram.com/lileasyatx/?hl=en
Franklin Barbecue
Franklin Barbecue is a celebrated Texas barbecue restaurant on Austin’s East Side, widely known for its traditional smoked meats and especially its brisket. It has become one of the city’s signature dining destinations, earning a MICHELIN Guide Bib Gourmand distinction and a reputation that regularly draws visitors willing to wait in long lines for lunch.
Website: https://franklinbbq.com/
HOOVER’S COOKING
This place is an Austin staple! Locals pack this casual soul food joint. Southern specialties include pork chops, fried catfish, meatloaf, and crawfish étouffée. With good prices and generous portions, it is a must-visit.
Website: https://www.hooverscooking.com/
Stubb’s Bar-B-Q
Founder Christopher B. “Stubb” Stubblefield believed good food and good music belonged together. Musicians often performed for a meal before they became famous, helping establish Stubb’s as one of Austin’s legendary music venues. Artists such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Muddy Waters, and John Lee Hooker all became part of its legacy.
While there are better BBQ establishments on this list, Stubb’s sits here because of its historical significance.
Website: http://www.stubbsaustin.com/
SAVE THE WORLD BREWING CO.
Save The World Brewing Co. is America’s first and only 100% philanthropic brewery crafting artisan Belgian-style ales. It offers some of the best-quality beer around Austin and is a must-visit.
Website: https://www.stwbrewing.com/
MEANWHILE BREWING CO.
This 3.7-acre brewery located in Southeast Austin features a taproom, expansive beer garden, three food trucks, a turf soccer field, children’s playground, and live music stage. It offers a wide variety of some of the best beers in Austin and has around 16 taps going at a time, providing a great selection.
Website: https://www.meanwhilebeer.com/
Whisler’s
Whisler’s on East Sixth in Austin, Texas, stands out for its juxtaposition of a rustic 1917 stone-and-wood building with an upscale craft cocktail program. It features a multi-tiered layout, including a candlelit interior, a sprawling outdoor patio, an upstairs Oaxacan mezcal speakeasy, and onsite food from the award-winning Thai-Kun food truck.
Website: https://www.whislersatx.com/
There is so much to see and do in Austin that I hope this article encourages you to check out some other sights and sounds while in town.
Have you been to Austin before? Leave a comment and let me know some of your recommendations as well, and I will make sure to add them to my list for future articles.
Safe travels, and enjoy your time in Austin, Texas.
Main article photo credit: Emily Wallace-Sutton
The One Team We Agree On 
Leave a comment