Catch us telling these facts to anyone who will listen. | Photo by @austindotcom
Did you know Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World?
Nah, just kidding. If you know us, you know we’re here for the deep cuts — and there are plenty of interesting factoids to go around. As connoisseurs of the quirky and unconventional, we put together a list of Austin’s history, oddest characteristics, and more.Maybe you’ve lived here your whole life and know some of this, or maybe you’ll learn something new. 🧠
Either way, test your local knowledge with these interesting facts.
The Austin area is the sole home to the Barton Springs salamander, an endangered species that dwells in the Barton Springs portion of the Edwards Aquifer. Likewise, the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler only nests in juniper-oak woodlands found in Central Texas.
Ever wondered why so many places around town use the name Waterloo? The city was named Waterloo up until March 1839, when it was named after Stephen F. Austin. Back then, Austin only had ~856 residents.
More than 30 million domestic travelers visit Austin annually, and events like ACL Music Festival, SXSW, and the Formula 1 U.S. Grand Prix contribute millions of dollars to the economy each year.
Everything really is bigger in Texas — Austin’s capitol building is the largest in the United States, including the US capitol.
The exact origin of the humble breakfast taco is unknown, but most sources trace the invention of the phrase “breakfast taco” to Austin. Regardless of whether the original creator lived within city limits, it is certain that the Austin staple was created by marrying Mexican culture with Anglo-Germanic ingredients in Texas.
Austin is the only place you can still see moontowers, or, 165-ft-tall predecessors to street lamps that emitted a 3,000 ft diameter of light. The towers were erected in the late 19th century, when less than 50% of Austinites had electricity in their homes, so moontowers gave residents freedom to roam at night for the first time.
Austin Food & Wine Festival 2022 | Friday, Nov. 4 | Times vary | Austin Food & Wine Festival, 900 W. Riverside Dr. | $115+ | Sip, savor, mix, and mingle your way through some of Austin’s best grub.
Saturday, Nov. 5
A Conversation with Nelson DeMille | Saturday, Nov. 5 | 10:30 a.m. | Central Presbyterian Church, 200 E. 8th St. | $37 | The Texas Book Festival is sitting down with the New York Times best-selling author just in time for the release of his newest book, “The Maze.”
Dumpster Fire 2 | Saturday, Nov. 5-Sunday, Nov. 6 | 7 p.m. | dadaLab, 2824 Real St. | $15 | This percussion ensemble of humans and robots will perform beats on two dumpsters.
Hill Country Galleria Ice Rink Grand Opening | Saturday, Nov. 5 | 5-9 p.m. | Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd., Bee Cave | $15 | Get your skates on for the grand opening of the new outdoor ice skating rink and concert.
Music in the Moon Lounge | Sat., Nov. 5 | 7 p.m. | Pease Park Conservancy, 1609 Shoal Creek Blvd. | Join in for a night of music featuring the acoustic stylings of Ivy Roots.
Sunday, November 6
AWOLNATION | Sun., Nov. 6 | 6 p.m. | Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater, 801 Red River St. | $35+ | Badflower and The Mysterines will open up for AWOLNATION’s “Falling Forward Tour.”
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
A long-awaited restoration of the East Austin Colony Park community is moving forward with construction in what the City Economic Development Department said will be the largest redevelopment of city-owned land since the Mueller project. The project is expected to cost $257 million. 🏘 (KXAN)
After leasing all the office space in the developing highrise Sixth and Guadalupe tower, Meta announced it will not occupy all the space in the building. Instead, Meta plans to sublease 589,000 sqft. (Austin Business Journal)
Sports
Austin FC midfielder and Designated Player Sebastian Driussi has been named a member of the 2022 MLS Best XI, a prestigious award that recognizes top players in the league. Driussi tied for second-most goals scored and was selected MLS Player of the Month in 2022. ⚽️
Opening
Famed local creamery Amy’s Ice Creams is expanding to Round Rock and Dripping Springs sometime next year. The chain currently has 15 locations in Austin, one in Houston, and one in San Antonio. 🍦 (Austin Business Journal)
Slide to the Rainey Street district. New bar, restaurant, and high-tech shuffleboard hub Electric Shuffle opens today, Nov. 4, at 91 Red River St. (Austin American-Statesman)
Health
Today is the last day for Austin Public Health’s latest free COVID-19 vaccine drive, which includes booster shots. Head to the Consulate General of Mexico from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., La Mexicana Market at Rundberg from 5:30-8:30 p.m., or La Mexicana Market at Stassney from 5:30-8:30 p.m. to get poked.
Announced
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Travel
Two words:Pineapple cottage. This Hakalau, Hawaii Vrbo has sweeping ocean views, an outdoor hanging bed for lounging, and is on a fruit farm (think: lemons, oranges, lychee and pineapple at your fingertips). Book as a January getaway or as the best holiday gift ever for only $175 avg/night. 🍍*
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THE WRAP
Today’s issue was written by Figi.
Editor’s pick: Now that Halloween is over, I’m looking forward to Thanksgiving feasts. My family typically makes a hybrid of traditional Thanksgiving food and Mexican food, so I’m curious: what does your family eat on Thanksgiving?
Thanks for letting me know — I might use your answers in an upcoming story.
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