Let’s open with a disclaimer: Nothing about me screams “Texan.”

A freckled ginger born and bred in Western New York, I made a career jump nearly five years ago that led my family to the bright lights of Austin, Texas. I’m guessing most assumed it was destined to go off the rails. I’d spent more time in the Sabres’ press box than on a horse farm, and while I’m still in possession of a handful of ski caps, I’ve never owned a hat you can measure in gallons.

But something about Austin instantly entices, even if your accent has more Canadian influence than country twang.

Austin is in something of a sweet spot right now. There are escalating home prices, an influx of venture capital and cranes on seemingly every corner, but it hasn’t yet become as massive or sterile as fellow Lone Star cities Dallas or Houston. For now, Austin is still the capital, not just for state government, but for music, culture and some of the region’s best food.

IT STARTS WITH A SONG

When Willie Nelson sat in on the original taping of “Austin City Limits" in 1974, he couldn’t have possibly known he was essentially changing the city’s trajectory. The show became a hit on PBS, pushing Austin into the nation’s musical psyche and spawning a successful festival that now spans two entire weekends.

A handful of decades later, there’s music rattling through nearly every Austin neighborhood. Although the national focus has always been on the crowded, Bourbon Street-style fun of Austin’s Sixth Street, locals are more apt to be found in other enclaves.

For example, the Continental Club on South Congress still feels steeped in a bygone era, complete with a velvet curtain and a jam-packed calendar of blues, funk, rock and anything else that rattles the foundation. Pro tip: The Continental often schedules an early show around supper (6:30 p.m.-ish) that costs less but is still power-packed. For example, my wife and I were pleasantly surprised when a recent trip netted us an hour of Lou Ann Barton, one of the founding members of Double Trouble, who possesses a voice that will knock you from your barstool. Tickets for that show? Ten bucks apiece. 

Other great spots to see and hear some live music include Antone’s Nightclub on Fifth Street, Cheer Up Charlie’s on Red River and the Broken Spoke on South Lamar, which was one of Austin’s original country music haunts, although it’s quickly being upstaged by emerging condos.

And then there’s Sixth Street. Be forewarned, this is not for the fainthearted. Sixth Street is chaotic, with loud music blaring from windows, bouncers trying to entice tourists with drink specials, and a steady stream of frat-like frivolity. With the right mentality and good planning, however, Sixth Street can be a blast. Among the spots you should consider venturing to: the multileveled stages of Maggie Mae’s (including a great view of the insanity below from the rooftop), the slapstick vaudeville stylings of Esther’s Follies, the romping fun of Pete’s Dueling Pianos and the grungy fun of Casino El Camino, which is akin to the Old Pink or the Bug Jar in Western New York.

GOT TIME FOR A PARTY?

One of the things that differentiates Austin from cities of similar size is its affection for a party. For example, the aforementioned Austin City Limits has become a massive festival, bringing in major names to the city’s famous Zilker Park over six days and two weekends. Paul McCartney was the headliner in October of this year. Previously, Jay-Z, The Killers, Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers and more have brought their acts to the downtown stage. Next to the park, the naturally fed Barton Springs pool gives concert-goers a chance to take a quick dip if they’re overheating.

But that’s only the beginning. South by Southwest rolls through each March, and it’s not as much a festival as it is a full city takeover. This is essentially five festivals rolled into one – film, interactive, music, gaming and now comedy, and the events overlap over the course of three weeks. Major players such as Google or Facebook will rent a restaurant or storefront for the duration of the festival and offer a glimpse at upcoming product lines or innovations. Also, you’re bound to stumble into a host of stars if you just walk the streets during this stretch. My wife and I took a day off last year and spotted Jim Gaffigan, Tracy Morgan, Emily Blunt and Judd Apatow before spending the afternoon with world champion air guitarist Justin “Nordic Thunder” Howard. (Yes, that’s really a thing.)

And if a quiet party is more your style, the recently completed Austin Public Library was recently named one of Time Magazine’s Greatest Places in the World.

AND DESSERT ...

Finally, there’s the food. Barbecue is still king in Austin, and folks will start lining up at 6 a.m. to grab some brisket and sausage from Franklin’s on 11th Street when it opens at 11 a.m. Seriously, the line is often forming five hours before the place opens, and once they’re out, the joint closes.

La Barbecue on East Cesar Chavez is starting to get similar reviews, and spots like County Line, Terry Black’s and Stiles Switch also bring fans from miles around.

Tacos, too, are in abundance, with local franchise Torchy’s Tacos now sprouting wings throughout the Southwest. While tacos are great for lunch or dinner, what sets Austin’s taco scene apart is the breakfast tacos, typically with puffy tortillas and savory meats mixed with eggs and sauce. It’s hard to believe the bustling workforce gets anything done after consistently chowing down on these.

Come to think of it, growing up in a land of pizza, wings and garbage plates might have been the best training for moving to Austin. The climate might be a bit different, but rallying around great food, good music and football (Hook ’em, Horns!) has made me feel right at home.

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