From SXSW to the thriving music scene, Austin wedges its way into the public eye. Even people from outside of the capitol city know a thing or two about it. These are 12 things that come to everyone’s mind when they think of Austin.

  1. Live music

Alex Wright/Flickr We are the Live Music Capital of the World, so naturally that’s one of the first things that comes to mind when people think about Austin. With the help of Austin City Limits, South by Southwest, and over 250 music venues, Austin definitely holds up its title.

  1. Barbecue

Matthew Slimmer/Flickr Brisket, ribs, and sausage: that’s all we need to boost our mood. In Austin, beef barbecue reigns supreme, and you haven’t lived until you’ve tried the food from Franklins, La BBQ, or The Salt Lick.

  1. The heat

David Ingram/Flickr Yes, the heat index really does reach up to 110, but somehow Austinites find a way to deal with it. You might see locals carrying umbrellas for shade or water misters to cool off. Nothing beats the heat better, though, than a dip in Barton Springs Pool.

  1. Gorgeous nature

mirsasha/Flickr From the glistening water of Lady Bird Lake to the shaded trails in the Barton Creek Greenbelt, there’s no doubt that Austin has natural beauty. These outdoor hiking spots also help make Austin a fit and healthy city.

  1. Two-stepping

The USO/Flickr It is still Texas, after all, and Austinites show their state pride in a truly Southern fashion: two stepping. Work up your “quick quick slow” pattern and head over to The Broken Spoke or the White Horse to dance the night away.

  1. Food trucks

Alaina McDavid/Flickr Austin has the fastest growing food truck industry in the U.S. These tasty trailers are so delicious that we come to them (instead of the other way around). Head over to one of Austin’s many food trailer parks and explore the delectable culinary creations.

  1. Keep Austin weird

David Ingram/Flickr Austinites are always eager to express themselves in the most vibrant and creative way possible. From our silly 5K races to the kooky Eeyore’s Birthday Party, Austin definitely has a fun and quirky culture.

  1. Longhorn football

Enoch Lai/Flickr When you tailgate in Austin, the events take on a life of their own. You’ll walk through a sea of burnt orange and white as excited spectators shout “Hook ’em!"``

  1. Street art

Andrew Nourse/Flickr Some look like doodles and some look like works of art, but they all have an interesting story. In Austin, you’ll find street art on almost every corner.

  1. Tacos

freecandy13/Flickr Austinites will eat tacos three times a day and not think twice. We think outside of the box with these recipes, too. It’s not uncommon to find fried avocados, smoky brisket, and scrambled eggs folded inside a warm corn tortilla.

  1. Festivals

Thomas Hawk/Flickr Austin City Limits, SXSW, and Bat Fest are only a handful of the festivals that sweep through this city. Austinites love to have fun, and we know how to celebrate.

  1. “I want to move there”

sbmeaper1/Flickr This city will tug on your heart strings and reel you in. There’s really something for everyone in Austin, and people are starting to catch on.

What are some things that come to your mind when you think about Austin, Texas?

Alex Wright/Flickr

We are the Live Music Capital of the World, so naturally that’s one of the first things that comes to mind when people think about Austin. With the help of Austin City Limits, South by Southwest, and over 250 music venues, Austin definitely holds up its title.

Matthew Slimmer/Flickr

Brisket, ribs, and sausage: that’s all we need to boost our mood. In Austin, beef barbecue reigns supreme, and you haven’t lived until you’ve tried the food from Franklins, La BBQ, or The Salt Lick.

David Ingram/Flickr

Yes, the heat index really does reach up to 110, but somehow Austinites find a way to deal with it. You might see locals carrying umbrellas for shade or water misters to cool off. Nothing beats the heat better, though, than a dip in Barton Springs Pool.

mirsasha/Flickr

From the glistening water of Lady Bird Lake to the shaded trails in the Barton Creek Greenbelt, there’s no doubt that Austin has natural beauty. These outdoor hiking spots also help make Austin a fit and healthy city.

The USO/Flickr

It is still Texas, after all, and Austinites show their state pride in a truly Southern fashion: two stepping. Work up your “quick quick slow” pattern and head over to The Broken Spoke or the White Horse to dance the night away.

Alaina McDavid/Flickr

Austin has the fastest growing food truck industry in the U.S. These tasty trailers are so delicious that we come to them (instead of the other way around). Head over to one of Austin’s many food trailer parks and explore the delectable culinary creations.

Austinites are always eager to express themselves in the most vibrant and creative way possible. From our silly 5K races to the kooky Eeyore’s Birthday Party, Austin definitely has a fun and quirky culture.

Enoch Lai/Flickr

When you tailgate in Austin, the events take on a life of their own. You’ll walk through a sea of burnt orange and white as excited spectators shout “Hook ’em!"``

Andrew Nourse/Flickr

Some look like doodles and some look like works of art, but they all have an interesting story. In Austin, you’ll find street art on almost every corner.

freecandy13/Flickr

Austinites will eat tacos three times a day and not think twice. We think outside of the box with these recipes, too. It’s not uncommon to find fried avocados, smoky brisket, and scrambled eggs folded inside a warm corn tortilla.

Thomas Hawk/Flickr

Austin City Limits, SXSW, and Bat Fest are only a handful of the festivals that sweep through this city. Austinites love to have fun, and we know how to celebrate.

sbmeaper1/Flickr

This city will tug on your heart strings and reel you in. There’s really something for everyone in Austin, and people are starting to catch on.

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