Tackling the Globe…

The Live Music Capital of the World–and home to the annual Austin City Limits–Texas’ capital could easily be considered its heartbeat, with more worthy restaurants, bars and things to do than you’ll have time to accomplish in a single visit.

When to Go: Fall and spring see the mildest temperatures, hitting between 70 and 80 degrees most days. Though be wary of the exuberant University of Texas fans who keep the hotels booked to capacity on all home game weekends. Summer is unbearably hot and muggy, with temperatures rising as high as 110. And even in the dead of winter, days typically reach low 60’s and hover in the mid-40’s once the sun goes down.

Where to Stay: The stately old hotel, the Driskill, is by far the fanciest establishment within the city’s confines. Built in 1886 as the old stomping grounds for a cattle baron, the hotel has been transformed into a historic palace that will forever be a city monument in and of itself. A touch of old elegance–original art, oil paintings, antique furniture, delicate drapery–mixed with modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, DVD players, iPod docks, wireless Internet, and Molton Brown bath products make this unique dame a can’t-miss spot. Some of the 189 rooms have vaulted ceilings, whirpools, fireplaces and sprawling balconies. Even if you decide to stay elsewhere, opt for a drink and dinner at the Driskill Bar or breakfast at the 1886 Cafe & Bakery.

Those looking for an even more relaxing retreat flock outside of the city to Barton Creek Resort & Spa–and with good reason: Everything you could possibly need is located on the 4,000 acres of greenery. Top-of-the-line rooms, four golf courses, a state-of-the-art gym, an exquisite dining room, a coffee bar, gift shop and even 18 holes of putt-putt make Barton Creek Texas’ premier resort. Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey loved it so much, they held their wedding reception here. (An added bonus: You just might catch Andy Roddick hitting a ball around on one of the 11 illuminated tennis courts.)

At the very least, venture out to Barton Creek’s spa and indulge in a treatment like the Cooling Cucumber and Green Tea Facial, Strawberry Lemonade Pedicure, Mexican Chocolate Cayenne Scrub or a Hot Stone Massage. You won’t be sorry you did (even if your credit card might). The swimming pool-size hot tub alone makes this spa a gem. The Hotel San Jose is another favorite affordable accommodation option, with its rustic, yet artsy rooms, warm-and-cozy communal feel prime location in SoCo. Around the corner from the Driskill with a view of the Capitol sits the InterContinental Stephen F. Austin, perfect for business travelers and those who prefer a bit of luxury during their getaways.

Where to Eat: Ranch 616 is a locals’ favorite and the perfect starting point for happy hour, with its roomy outdoor patio, especially now that it boasts “the official drink of Austin,” the Fire in the Hole. Appetizers like fried asparagus, frogs legs and crispy oysters with chipotle tartar are the perfect complement to the shot of Paula’s Orange Liquor, lime juice, cayenne and chili powder taken from a jalapeño and chased by a Lone Star beer.

Guero’s Taco Bar is one of the most popular joints in town, featuring authentic Tex-Mex and frequently drawing celebrity regulars like Matthew McConaughey, Lance Armstrong and the Wilson Brothers, and Hudson’s on the Bend is likely the nicest. A little outside of town, Salt Lick is the best place to go for some tried-and-true Texas BBQ.

If you want to satsify a sweet craving, you have two options that should trump the rest. Hey Cupcake resides in an Airstream trailer on the east side of South Congress and serves up freshly baked treats just out of the oven, while Texas chain Amy’s Ice Creams has several locations scattered about the city.

What to Do: Austin isn’t lacking in boutiques and shopping centers. While 2nd Street and the University of Austin’s Guadalupe stretch are both dotted with one-off shops, SoCo–or the eclecic South of Congress neighborhood–offers the best variety. If it’s authentic cowboy boots for which you search, try Heritage or Allen’s, both of which sell a mix of vintage and fancy designer varieties.

Outlet aficionados won’t want to miss nearby San Marcos’ Prime Outlets–the godfather of all factory malls–located just 30 miles south of the city on I-35, which not only houses all the outlet regulars (J. Crew, Banana Republic, Coach, Nine West, Gap), but loads of designers (Michael Kors, Escada, Kate Spade, Catherine Malandrino, Gucci, Marc Jacobs) and home stores (Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel), too. It will take you hours–if not days–to cover the whole grounds.

Late night pub crawlers won’t be the slightest bit disappointed in Austin’s bar scene, which seems to be hopping no matter the night of the week. Sixth Street is usually where it’s at, while outdoor bars and music venues like Continental Club are a dime a dozen all along South Congress Avenue. There’s also more than likely always something happening north of the center on the UT campus, which is home to more than 50,000 students.

Alamo Drafthouse–where you can grab a bite to eat while catching a flick, sometimes new, other times an oldie but goody–is a popular hangout for Austinites, and now boasts four locations around town. And a trip out to two city staples, BookPeople and the 80,000-square-foot Whole Foods flagship store (complete with 14 restaurants and cooking classes on-site), which are across-the-street-neighbors, isn’t to be missed.

And of course no trip to Texas is complete without a glimpse of the State Capitol, which is more impressive than the national one (and towers 14 feet higher, as well).

(Photos by Me, the Austin CVB, and Barton Creek Resort & Spa)