I will be coming from Canada for Summit in July. My husband and I are planning on making this a two-week get away. We are arriving in Austin a week before Summit. We would like to stay somewhere other than the conference hotel for that week. I was hoping some members who are familiar with the area might have some recommendations for what part of Austin would give us a different perspective from the downtown. Any information would be much appreciated. TIA.

Our company held our annual Sales Meeting in Austin in January and stayed at the Westin at the Domain -fun area with shopping and lots of dining within walking distance. Our attendees really enjoyed it.

My daughter lives north of Austin and I have really enjoyed the Pflugerville/Round Rock area. They are nice suburbs that have plenty of shopping and dining options in a laid back environment. Fredricksburg is also a nice small town to visit about 40 minutes from Austin.

Austin is famed for it's music, food and nightlife...Sixth Street is a must see. There is also the Bob Bullock museum with history of Texas. Watching the bats (yes, bats) at dusk exit the Congress Street bridge on Lady Bird Lake is really cool but kindo of freaky too. McKinney Falls is a great water spot. Barton Springs, and the Arboretum are beautiful... there is so much to do in the Austin area. Check this for local events https://www.austintexas.org/events/june-and-july/

Fredricksburg/Kerrville is a great place to visit not far from there. I would recommend those areas too. We do a lot of AirBNB for our personal travel because it just seems more laid back and relaxing than a hotel. If you prefer a hotel we've stayed at the Inn of the Hills hotel in Kerrville and it was nice. I will also say if you like antiqueing, Round Top is the place to do that... not sure you could haul it back with you easily though.

Good luck planning and safe travels to Summit!

Coming from a Texan: Fredericksburg is a wonderful place to visit that is very close to Austin. My husband and I have been several times over the past few years, we love it! It is a cute town with lots of shopping and great places to eat. Also several wineries to tour, the beautiful Enchanted Rock to climb, and close enough to drive into San Antonio (check-out The Riverwalk), Kerrville, or Austin for a day trip. The Hill Country is beautiful and very relaxing. We use Absolute Charm for renting a cabin/cottage - highly recommend them. https://www.absolutecharm.com/

Good Luck Planning!

Thanks for this. We will definitely check out this area. Especially for the wineries!