Do It Up Big in Austin!!
Texas ain't just for cowboys anymore. Austin, long known for cattle and oil, has become a swinging metropolitan area very welcoming to lesbians and gays. This city is home to major computer companies such as Dell and is also base for 48,000 University of Texas students.
Austin gay and lesbian singles find plenty of activities and action around Red River Street, 4th Street and the Downtown area. Several popular night spots are Charlie's Austin, near the capital downtown; Barbarella, a video bar; and Chain Drive, touted to be Austin's only place for leather and bears. The Warehouse District is home to Kiss and Fly with three levels of entertainment, six full service bars and the largest dance floor in the district. It is the destination for gay singles. Thursday night is Strip Top, an amateur co-ed strip off while Sunday night features the "Fly Girls," the hottest female impersonation show in town.
Looking to do some shopping? South Congress Avenue, the area south of Lady Bird Lake, is known for its funky stores, coffee shops, and restaurants. Into books? Austin has more bookstores per capita than anywhere else in the country. Like the out-of-doors? Zilker Botanical Garden has often been called "the jewel in the heart of Austin." It provides a wonderful outdoor opportunity with 30 acres of gardens, waterfalls, and ponds brimming with Koi.
"Keep Austin Weird" is a popular motto you'll find on t-shirts because Austinites are proud of the diversity and eccentricity found here and like to support local businesses. Because of the friendly spirit that abounds throughout the area, lesbians and gays find the welcome mat out at hotels and motels, particularly in the downtown area. Keep in mind Hotel San Jose, a chic bungalow-style hotel where artist and musician stay right in the middle of Austin. The decor alone is worth a visit.There are plenty of gay-friendly restaurants and trailer food is a great way to sample the variety available.
For gay singles living and traveling in the Austin area there are many great things to do and see. Austin is considered the most liberal city in Texas, and one of the most liberal cities in the South. While there are clubs and events that are geared primarily to the gay population, Austin is the kind of place where you will feel welcome almost anywhere you go.
If you are looking for things to do in Austin, one of the first things to do is pick up on Austin Chronicle—they are everywhere. Check the events section for activities and events geared towards the GLBT population. There are always events geared towards Austin lesbian singles, since the writers are women.
For Austin gay dating, some of the more popular clubs are Oilcan Harrys, Rusty Spurs Dance Hall and Saloon, and Rain on 4th. All of these clubs are downtown and not too far from each other. For a listing of all the gay friendly clubs and locations in Austin it's best to check the internet. And don't forget 6th Street. 6th Street is downtown. The street is the main entertainment district and lined with numerous bars and dance clubs to drink, dance and listen to music.
If you are in Austin June 3rd and 4th you can go to Austin's Gay Pride Parade. Besides the parade, which ends in the gay friendly warehouse district, there are many other events leading up to the parade.
Do you want to enjoy the great outdoors, if so, visit Hippie Hollow, Austin's only clothing optional beach. The beach is located on the banks of Lake Travis, about a half hour drive northwest of Austin. For big events at Hippie Hollow, check out Splash weekends, they are held in early May and around Labor day.
For more information about what's going on in Austin the website austin.therepubliq.com has pretty much all the information you will need to know. Another great website, manofaustin.com, gives you a feel for the local scene, obviously has a more male focus.
Even though Austin doesn't have a large amount of gay bars and clubs, this integrated, progressive city will provide you with endless opportunities, whether you want to party the night away or just spend relaxing days exploring the city.
At the core of the entertainment world stands this fascinating place called Austin in the state of Texas which calls itself the ultimate destination for gays and lesbians. It is not just the celebrities who hang out in the most recognized clubs and bars here, but people who maintain active life-style which form a large part of Austin, gather at these places. The city has been a paradise for visitors and residents to go for live music and other festivals happening all around the year.
Gays and lesbians visiting Austin take initial interest in downtown Warehouse district area related to the impressive fact that the best known bars and nightclubs adorn every nook and corner of the street here. These clubs are the fruitful effort of some enthusiastic individuals in the entertainment industry to cater to their customers' needs who are the driving forces. Olican Harry located in this area is one such busiest bar with dance floor and other impeccable facilities and services. Other bars include Charlie's Austin, Rain, Kiss and Fly Austin, Bout Time, Lipstick24 and El Patron. These bars offer something for everyone to spend the night mingling with others, dancing in line, and waltzing.
The expansion of the area in recent years presents a challenge to other business owners who want to establish themselves in downtown as well. Not far away from the clubs are restaurants that serve authentic food to people from gay and lesbian communities all over the world. The setup and success of these eateries is motivated primarily not by money but rather by a desire to create something that the community would find valuable. Matt's El Rancho, El Sol Y La Luna, South Congress Cafe, Santa Rita, Russells Bistro, Zocalo Cafe, Trulucks Seafood, The Driskill Grill, Roppolo's Pizzeria, Sushi Zushi are some gay friendly restaurants to name a few.
Hotels, inns and suites such as Radisson Town Lake, Hampton Inn, Colorado River, that are perfectly appealing with price tailored to one's budget are sprinkled in and around Warehouse district. Austin gay dating couples and Austin lesbian singles need not stagnate in downtown Warehouse alone, there are many festivals and events happening all year round, ranging from the typical "Superbowl 45 The Party" at Midtowne Spa, "Austin Gay Pride Festival" to "The Monster Ball" at Frank Erwin Center. Great food, feeling of doing something interesting and exciting besides the social part are all clustered as package in one place in Austin. Night life for gays and lesbian singles and couples can't get better than this.
Austin is fast becoming a favorite destination for gay men and women. Check it out and find fun in this friendly, open, warmhearted Texas town. You might want to time your visit to enjoy one of the annual events such as the Gay Rodeo or Austin Gay & Lesbian International Film Festival. You can get updated information from the Austin Gay Community Center by calling 1-512-708-1515.