Widely Weirder

The unofficial slogan of the Capital City is “Keep Austin Weird.” Even though a couple other local tour companies tout this motto by selling shirts, caps, and stickers, nobody but the Texpert actually offers a journey to the odd side of town. My KAW trip visits several exemplars of only-here places. Consider these highlights for your custom tour:

The Cathedral of Junk exhibits one man’s success at making beauty out of otherwise ugly, cast-off stuff. Behind Vince Hannemann’s ordinary suburban residence is a tunneled mountain of old banners, bicycles, bottles, bedsprings, and beaucoups of other dross. Reminiscent of Houston’s Orange Show, this eclectic folk-art collection boasts all colors.

Along South 1st Street in South Austin is an array of coffee houses, Tex-Mex cafés, and retail establishments worthy of weird attention. Roadhouse Relics carries “vintage modern” neon signs, foam sculptures, and bumper cars. Nearby are one of the city’s original Moonlight Towers and Casa Neverlandia, which together connect the past with what could be our future.

South Lamar also holds some delightful destinations. Its curves front more great eateries, but the most fun stop is at the South Austin Museum of Popular Culture and the adjacent Planet K. Outside on a long, roofed wall are shrines to Austin’s famous dead, such as Janis Joplin, Grey Ghost, and Jaxon. Inside stands a curious collection of poster art from the city’s live music performers. I met Henry Gonzalez, who’s presenting a retrospective on the Ritz Theater, soon to reopen as the downtown Alamo Draft House. Guests will want to see themselves photographed next to the agave automobile on their way into Planet K to procure candles, incense, comix, and other “family-oriented” items.

Red Wassenich accidentally coined “Keep Austin Weird” in the year 2000, and Texpert highly recommends his new book and website for more ideas for your KAW tour.  This KAW trip introduces you to some of the independent businesses that define Austin. Only Texpert offers you the inside scoop from yours truly – helping to keep Austin weird since 1971.

-HR

 

Wedding Party

The Captain’s daughter was getting married in Austin this weekend, so he treated his friends and family to a Downtown Tour Friday and Saturday. After a scrumptious lunch at Hula Hut, the first day’s contingent saw 6th Street, the Capitol grounds, UT, the Drag, LBJ Library, and Hyde Park. Saturday, another batch of the same group embarked on a similar tour, this one gaining access to the Capitol’s interior. They loved seeing the capacious legislative chambers, towering hallways, and spacious Extension. Lunch was sandwiches at Thundercloud, followed by a stop at Barton Springs, a stroll around Zilker Botanical Garden, and a cruise along South Congress. Good time!

-HR

 

Newcomer Orientation

Yesterday I got to introduce a new resident to Austin’s charms. From Chicago via Colorado, Dr. H and her parents enjoyed an overview of neighborhoods close to downtown south and west. Of special interest were SoCo, Travis Heights, Bouldin Creek, Zilker, Barton Hills, Clarksville, and Tarrytown. These three travelers, whom I met at the Driskill, most enjoyed seeing the city’s stately homes, Barton Springs, and the scenic drive along Lake Austin.

Despite the roiling dark clouds, the skies remained relatively rainless during this afternoon jaunt. The parents promised to keep in touch, and even graciously offered to contact my daughter on their return to Chicago.

-HR

 

Rain Again

Flash–Crack–Boom! Here comes another downpour, this from tropical depression Erin. We in Central Texas enjoyed several weeks of dry, hot conditions–normal for August–but woke up to precipitation once more. It’s expected to last most of today and perhaps into tomorrow. With luck, this rain will clean the air here, which has looked awfully dirty recently.

 

Hello, world of web!

Welcome to the Texpert web log! I’m Howie Richey, your host for all things Texan around Austin and environs. Read here new discoveries, recent tours, book reviews, quotable quotes, and things to make you laugh.

 

-HR