I've got a dirty secret. I'm a Texan.
I was born in Bryan, grew up in Dallas, and went to Rice University in Houston. Since then I've bounced back and forth between Texas and California, but whenever I can I try to make it back to Austin.
Over the next three weeks I'll be updating the OP blog daily with some of my favorite things to see, do, and eat while you're in Austin for the World Championships.
Where's the party at?
Two weeks from today a few of you are going to be waking up early and trying to get just a little more playtesting in before you start playing in the playoffs of the World Championship.
Most of you will probably be getting up a little slower. You probably stayed out too late, maybe had a little too much to drink, danced a little too hard, or even made a couple friends with some locals. As the host of the fifth largest university in the United States and a strong tradition of supporting live music, Austin has a huge number of bars and clubs catering to almost anyone's preferred nightlife.
Only two short blocks north of the Austin Convention Center is 6th Street. On weekend nights six blocks of 6th Street are closed to cars, and thousands of people come to drink and dance at the dozens of bars and clubs that make up the historic entertainment and nightlife district. One word of warning - the bouncers here have seen everything, so don't expect to get in anywhere with your cheap fake ID.
(CC) Larry D. Moore
If you're looking for a more relaxed evening, the Warehouse District is probably more your style. Four blocks west of the Convention Center along 4th Street, the Austin Warehouse District has some of the cities best restaurants, bars, and lounges. Sullivan's and Truluck's are both great places for a steak dinner if you feel like celebrating.
Speakeasy is one of my favorite places to hang out with friends. They have a great rooftop terrace if the weather is nice. Speakeasy of the beginning of one of my most memomorable birthdays, but that's a story for another time.
If you're a fan of good beer - and let's be honest, if you're not, you should be - Gingerman is a must-visit. They have an ever-changing selection of draught and bottled beer, and a great beer garden in the back perfect for a sunny afternoon. But if your idea of a good beer is Bud Lite or MGD, you should probably stay away.
Wherever you go, be sure to have a good time. If you've had too much of a good time, be sure to call a cab.
We'll be discussing these posts and other things to do in Austin in this thread. The local players have put together an awesome PDF of Austin info as well, so be sure to check that out.
See y'all tomorrow!
Ben