Discovery Series Ornament – Austin
With the overwhelming amount of releases from the latest collection of Starbucks mugs, it’s not easy to keep track of all of them. My pattern for adding them to the site is that I pick the unexpected ones first. Discovery Series Ornament – Austin is a good example since this city didn’t have an ornament before.
Austin, the capital of Texas, has a rich history that reflects its transformation from a frontier settlement to a vibrant cultural hub. Originally inhabited by Tonkawa, Comanche, and Lipan Apache tribes, the area was first settled by European Americans in the 1830s, when pioneers established the village of Waterloo along the Colorado River. In 1839, the Republic of Texas chose the site as its permanent capital, renaming it Austin in honor of Stephen F. Austin, the “Father of Texas.” Over the years, Austin evolved into a center for politics, education, and innovation, fueled by the establishment of the University of Texas in 1883. Its location at the crossroads of the Hill Country and fertile plains made it a key site for trade and development, setting the stage for its rise as a modern metropolis with deep historical roots.
Austin is famously known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” thanks to its unrivaled number of live music venues and vibrant performance culture. Music lovers can experience performances in genres ranging from country and blues to rock and indie at iconic spots like the Continental Club and Stubb’s BBQ. Major events such as the Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL) and South by Southwest (SXSW) attract international artists and fans, solidifying Austin’s reputation as a global music hub.
Austin’s food truck scene is a vibrant and essential part of the city’s culinary identity, offering a wide variety of cuisines and creative dishes. From classic tacos and barbecue to international flavors like Thai, Indian, and Venezuelan, these mobile kitchens provide something for every palate. Iconic food truck parks like South Congress and The Picnic make it easy to explore Austin’s delicious and innovative street food culture.
The best place to see bats in Austin is the Congress Avenue Bridge (officially the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge). From March to October, over 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from beneath the bridge at sunset, creating a spectacular sight as they take to the skies. For the best views, you can stand along the bridge, watch from the banks of Lady Bird Lake, or take a bat-watching boat tour for an unforgettable perspective.
