Winter Travel Bargains: Austin, Texas

Every Spring, Austin, Texas welcomes hordes of music, comedy and film buffs, who flock to this indie capital for the annual South by Southwest festival. But the great thing about Austin is that it offers great live music, arts and culture all year round. Plus you can't beat the heat in Texas, which is a welcome reprieve for many come winter.

WHERE TO STAY: Located on Congress Street, the Austin Motel, with its individually decorated rooms, is a landmark in the hip south-of-the-river neighborhood called "So-Co." It's one of Austin's few neighborhoods that does not require a car to get around, which offers another great way to save money. For more about the historical hotel, check out its website: www.austinmotel.com.

WHAT TO DO: At night in So-Co, head across the street from the Austin Motel to the Continental Club which according to locals features the best live music in town.  Around the city, you'll find multiple Alamo Drafthouses, movie theaters with a full dinner menu and table service. (Austin's user-friendly website, www.austintexas.org, helps you find up-to-date info on what's playing where.) According to one born and raised Austinite, Kathleen Nacozy, "4th Street is full of bars for the older folks and 6th street for the younger, or at least, wilder ones." During the day, you can enjoy the Barton Springs pool, in Zilker Park, a natural spring fed pool, which is part of the Colorado River, and open annually. The Austin official municipal's website, www.ci.austin.tx.us, has more info about the parks rules and regulations. From December 14th until Christmas Eve enjoy Austin's famed winter Armadillo Bazaar with live music and local artists: Its website, www.armadillobazaar.com, has a full events calendar.

WHERE TO EAT: Well, there is the Austin Whole Foods, the flagship store, which features a full food court, coffee bars, and even live music concerts. Most locals agree that the best tacos can be found at Torchy's Tacos, while others swear by the tortilla soup at Baby Acapulco. After you do your own taco taste test, you can also check out what foodie Kathleen Nacozy recommends for the best down-home Texas barbecue at Green Mesquite. Also Katz Deli is open 24 hours a day, even on Christmas -- staying true to its motto "Katz Never Kloses."