Plan a Scouting Trip to Austin

Are you thinking of coming for a visit? Maybe look around and see if you could live here? Here's what I would say to do for the best possible Austin experience:

1. Stay at a good hotel. For luxury lovers, try the Driscoll Hotel. For modern city dwellers, check out the San Jose Hotel on South Congress.

2. Go see a live music show. Pick up an Austin Chronicle, our local independent newspaper, or check out their website for recommendations.

3. Eat barbecue and Mexican food. I would go to Polvo's or El Chile for Mexican, Ruby's or Ironworks for barbecue.

4. Watch a movie at the Alamo Drafthouse downtown. Look for the location at the Ritz. You can either catch a current movie, but I'd recommend seeing one of their specialty shows. My favorite is Master Pancake Theatre, where they play an old movie and two guys with microphones make fun of it. Think of Mystery Science Theatre 3000. Audience participation is encouraged.

5. Visit the flagship Whole Foods store. My parents call it the Sacred Food Cathedral. Even if you are familiar with Whole Foods, you'll be blown away by this one. Two words: Chocolate. Fountain.

6. Go shopping on South Congress. See how nice and laid back we are here? Don't be shocked if we smile at you. We smile at everyone.

7. Eat breakfast tacos. My favorites are at El Chilito.

8. Go for a stroll along the Lady Bird Johnson Lake Hike and Bike Trail. Otherwise known as Town Lake Trail.

9. Walk in and around the State Capitol. One of the most magnificent buildings in the country that will ever house a painting of Davy Crockett.

10. Say the word "y'all" in a sentence. Y'all know you want to.