Spring Break!

Mid-terms strike again. My Finance Law mid-term kept me out of the state history museum for the second day in a row. But test week is over and it is time for Spring Break! I'll be in Miami, Atlanta, and New Orleans the next couple of weeks so I will be sure to keep you updated. And for all of those waiting for the scoop on the Bob Bullock State History Museum, it is at the top of my to-do list when I get home. So for now, I'll leave you with one of my favorite country music videos to help set the mood for the next couple of weeks.

Have a great Spring Break!

Remember the Alamo!

Today marks the 175th birthday of the great state of Texas. What a glorious day for all the lucky few who are blessed to call Texas home. I had originally planned on spending my afternoon at the Texas State History Museum, but one of my teachers decided to give an exam on this sacred day. What a jerk. Anyways, I'll be headed that way tomorrow and will be back with a full report. But I needed to make a post on this tremendous occasion. So I figured what better way to commemorate Texas' 175th birthday by honoring all of the great heros of this land.

First and foremost, the father of Texas, Stephen F. Austin. Yes, the same Austin my hometown is named after. Arriving in Texas on August 12, 1821, he quickly became a leader in what was then known as "Tejas". It is he who is responsible for the settlement of Texas by promoting the land to other settlers. He also served as somewhat of a diplomat between Texas and Mexico before, during, and after the Texas Revolution.

Secondly, our first and third president, Sam Houston. In addition to his presidency, he served as the Major General of the Texas army in their fight for freedom. It was under his fine leadership that the Texans won the decisive battle at San Jacinto in under 18 minutes, capturing General Santa Ana and forcing him to sign the Treaty of Velasco, granting Texas their independence. His name will live on forever, with the great city of Houston bearing his name.

And last, but certainly not least, I would like to honor Colonel William B. Travis, Davy Crockett, James Bowie, and the 179 other men who selflessly gave their lives in the Battle of the Alamo. It was their heroics that gave General Houston the time he need to assemble an army and ultimately claim freedom from Mexico.

God Bless Texas!

One Month of the Good Life in Austin, TX

Wow. One month. Who would have though? Certainly not me. Even as I write this post, I second guess why I'm doing this. But there is something strangely attractive about putting my thoughts and opinions out there for the whole world to see. Not only has this whole experience been extremely therapeutic, but it has also pushed me to go out and try new and exciting things in my hometown. While I'm not quite ready to say blogging has turned my life around, I will say that life on the inside of the blog-o-sphere IS a little bit sweeter.

So I believe there are a few people I need to thank for helping me and pushing me to become a blogger. First and foremost, thanks to my good friend Caroline Engeman who pushed me to actually take that leap of faith in the wild world of blogging. Secondly, I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to read at least one of my posts. It really is a cool feeling every time I check back in and see that little counter at the bottom of the page climbing! And finally, I need to thank my favorite radio station, 98.1 KVET, for the inspiration behind this blog. I can't even begin to count the times I have been driving around town and hear - "Ain't it a great day to be alive in Austin, Texas?". I used to think only a lucky few got to experience the truth behind this statement, but now I get a chance to share it with everyone across the globe!

So settle in and buckle up! This is only the beginning!

Take Me Out To The Ball Game!

For those of you who may not know me, I consider baseball's opening day one of the most depressing days of the year. It means I have to endure seven months of baseball highlights, fantasy baseball talks, and a constant reminder of how far away football season is. (Only 198 days, 3 hours, 56 minutes, and 11 seconds!)

But this years opening day at UFCU Disch-Falk Field was different. With Partly cloudy skies and highs in the upper 70's, you would have to be un-American to enjoy the matchup between the Maryland Terrapins and the Texas Longhorns. And if you don't like America, you can just get out.

But a day at the ballpark to see the Horns play ball is unlike any other ballpark in America. It really is an experience unique to Austin. A lot of local restaurants such as Pok-E-Jo's and Amy's Ice Cream set up shop for all the fans to enjoy, the 7th inning stretch is the Cotton-Eyed Joe, and it always helps when the home town team wins as much as Texas does! It all comes together at the intersection MLK and I-35 for a baseball experience even I can't pass up!

Thats it for now! Check back tomorrow for a very special one month anniversary of "Where Else But Austin!" post!

Where Else But Charleston?

I'm back! And what a weekend getaway I had! For being on the top of my list of places to see in the United States, Charleston, SC did not disappoint! First of all, I need to give a shout out to Mary Catharine Doherty and Christa Tilley for being such great tour guides. Without them showing me all the great places and things to do in Charleston, I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much.

For starters, a city with history like Charleston has a special allure that is hard to find anywhere else in this country. If you are a history buff like me, seeing all of the historic sites like Battery Park (a very significant location during the Civil War) was really cool. But it isn't just the historical sites that make it special. You get a feeling that each and every home has a special story of its own to tell. History just oozes out of every nook and cranny of this city. Very Cool.

I was also very impressed with the nightlife of Charleston. With the variety of bars, clubs, and lounges, it was easy to find something to fit my mood. But what really surprised me was the amount of live music. Being from the Live Music Capital of the World, I will be the first to admit that I am pretty spoiled and often find myself complaining if I don't get enough. With a population of only about 125,000 people, I was shocked at how many places could cater to my addiction to live music. One band in particular, American Aquarium, caught my attention. I highly recommend checking them out in Austin when they come visit for SXSW. This is a video of them performing at the Pour House in Charleston!

But what really got me about Charleston in the food. If you don't already know this about me - I love food. Especially good food. And Charleston has some really, really good food. A lot of what I ate was southern staples like fried green tomatoes and poached eggs, all of which was new to me.

But if home cooking doesn't really strike your fancy, they have about every other kind of restaurant you can imagine. One of my favorites was a steakhouse where I had one of the most unique cuts of meat I had ever seen - a bone-in filet mignon. And if you have ever had a bone-in ribeye and compared it to a regular ribeye, you know what kind of flavor leaving the bone in can add. Adding that flavor to my favorite cut of meat made it absolutely heavenly.

I'm sure I missed a few things about Charleston that really make it great - So I highly recommend checking it out for yourself and experiencing everything it has to offer!

That is all for this weekend. Check back soon!

Take Me Out To the Dance Hall (1)

Woke up this morning with Texas on my mind (2), and this blog post came upon me wave on wave (3). If you're looking for a place to strap on your boots, show off that shiny new belt buckle, and hear some of Texas' finest sing some songs about Texas (4), The Old Coupland Inn and Dancehall should be at the top of your list. This place will make you feel like way back Texas (5) from the moment you step through the door.

It feels just like it should (6) walking in and seeing hundreds of dancing couples ranging from ages 1-100. It's almost as if Coupland's has a threadbare gypsy soul (7) of its own, filled with all the great performers and dancers who have graced those old wooden floors. And when my favorite artist comes to town, it's a show even Jon Wayne and Jesus (8) wouldn't miss.

Incase you hadn't picked up on the 8 songs references throughout this post; last night's performer was the man, the legend, Mr. Pat Green. I don't think there is anything closer to being 100% Texan than experiencing a live Pat Green concert deep in the heart of my great state. Because there are no words to describe such an affair, I have added a small clip of one of his favorites (Thanks to Wade Swofford for the help on this one). However, the best part is left out because a video does not do it justice.



Well that will wrap up this weekend. Stay tuned for another post mid week and be sure to check back after next weekend for a special edition - "Where Else But Charleston?"!

POD - Blackberry

A Little Bit of Back Roads Driving

Incase you have been living under a rock for the past week; the great snow-mageddon of 2011 has hit Austin in full force. Yes, I know it hasn't been as bad as other places around the country. But hey - there is a reason I went to Miami for four years. I am a wimp when it comes to cold weather. And unfortunately, I'd rather be in bed watching movies and staying warm than... well... basically anything else when it is that cold outside. Ipso facto, I haven't had too much to blog about recently.

So after brainstorming some of the things in Austin I love no matter the weather outside, I came up with a great idea - Loop 360! If there was ever a road to bring back the age old tradition of a Sunday drive - This would be it. With breathtaking views of the Austin Skyline and the Texas Hill Country, Capital of Texas Highway is easily my favorite drive in the ENTIRE country. And the best part is I can stay in my warm car while I enjoy it!

If you want to see only best parts of the drive, I recommend skipping ahead to about 1:30-1:45 in and go until you see the Pennybacker Bridge (A post about this bridge to come later).

While I do love driving down 360, in the end it is still just a road and there isn't too much else to say about it. So that is going to do it for today's post. But check back tomorrow for a two-for-one post on one of my favorite musical acts of all time (Hint - see the title of this post) and a new live music venue in Austin!

Bow Ties and Country Music

The W Austin Hotel and Residences - Swanky, Upscale, Modern, and Rich.

Rebels Honky Tonk - Country, Low-Key, Relaxed, Comfort.

Now if you know me, you will know I am a big fan of both of these places. But why am I blogging about places that you can also find outside of Austin? The answer is simple - one 30 second walk across the street. Yes, let this sink in. One of Austin's swankiest lounges and one of the top dance halls are across the street from each other.

Where else in the world can you rub shoulders with some of Austin's top young professionals in an upscale W lounge, take a 30 second walk across the street, and find yourself on top of a mechanical bull? Only in Austin.

I truly feel that dynamics like these are what has led to such a unique culture here in my hometown. No matter what you are wearing, whether it be a navy blazer or a Stetson crown, everyone is always happy to welcome you to the party, no matter where that party might be.

POD - Cinnamon Peach Pecan

A Little Frost in the Ausitn Skyline

The Frost Bank Tower. A symbol of how far Austin has come from being a small college town that it once was to what it is today. It is home to many important companies in Austin including Morgan Stanley and Ernst & Young. It's construction marked the beginning to the second skyscraper boom in Austin which led to The Austonian, The 360, The W, and many more in development or planning. Completed in 2003, it was the first skyscraper to be built after the attacks of 9/11.

One of my favorite facts (or as some Longhorn fans like to call it, a "rumor") is that the building was designed by an architect who graduated from Rice University. As you may or may not know, the Rice mascot is an owl. If you look closely at night from the right angle, the tower strongly resembles an owl with the Frost Bank logo as the eyes...

Now here is where the story splits depending on where you went to school. For everyone who didn't go to Texas, it is said that the tower was built to "always watch over its little brother, the UT Tower." Believe what you may, but the Frost Tower will continue to stand as reminder of where Austin has been and where it is headed.

That will do it for today! Check back Saturday for another update.

You know I like my ______ fried and a cold ______ on a ______ night!

If you guessed avocado, mexican martini, and Monday - You win!

Trudy's is one of my favorite spots to hit on Monday nights. Since 1977 they have been serving up one of my all-time favorite dishes - The Stuffed Avocado. If you could take everything good about Tex-Mex cuisine and put it into one dish - this would be it. Avocados, pulled chicken, cheese, rice, beans, and top it all of with either queso, hot sauce, or the popular suiza sauce, here it is. Not to mention the fact that a lot of it ends up getting breaded and fried. YUM! If the description alone doesn't get your taste buds buzzing, maybe a picture will (pictured with suiza sauce).

But the food isn't even the half of why I (and every other University of Texas student) often find myself at Trudy's on a Monday night. Their world famous Mexican Martini's are on special for only $5. What a steal! This treat of tequila will normally run you close to $10 or sometimes more depending on the quality of tequila you choose. And to give you an idea of how "good" these really are, you are immediately cut off after your second one. They don't mess around!

If you are from Texas, you might be thinking "Oh, I'm sure this is just like any other Tex-Mex place I can find down the street from me." NOT SO FAST MY FRIEND. What really stands out to me about Trudy's and really gives it a true Austin vibe is their display of local art on the wall, all of which is for sale. I've always enjoyed walking in and seeing the new pieces up on display, thinking to myself I'll finally buy one. One of my favorites that has been up for a while now (and calling my name to buy) is a rendering of a classic nintendo game "Mike Tyson's Punch Out" and how IMPOSSIBLE that game was to beat.

And there goes my cover of how much of a video game geek I am... Oh well...

So, if you are looking for a great way to wind down your monday with fun college crowd, I highly recommend checking out Trudy's on 30th! That's it for today, come back again soon!

The People Make it Great

What really makes this city great are the nearly 800,000 people who call Austin "Home". Because of this, I would not be doing justice to this blog without including a profile of a few people who have helped shape this city into what it is today.

My first profile comes from one of my favorite artists and photographers - Trey Ratcliff. One of my favorite works of his can be seen right above the "About Me" section of this blog.

What really makes his work unique is a technique called HDR photography. While I don't have the slightest clue what it stands for, how it works, or what you need to do it; I do know the results are INCREDIBLE. If you are interested in how it works he has a great FREE tutorial on his website.

As an avid traveler, I really enjoy looking over his work from all the places he has photographed. I've been to some of the places myself, but looking at them through the lens of Trey reveals something hidden to the naked eye. But my favorite part about Trey's work is all the pictures he has taken of Austin. I've included a few of my favorites below, but I highly recommend checking out his blog/website where you can see all of his work at www.stuckincustoms.com.

That's all for now!  Check back again soon!

Wake you up at 9?

I don't know too many places in the entire world that can serve as THE late night dining option for fun loving college students AND my family's favorite place to eat brunch Sunday after church. Only in Austin. And it goes by the name of Kerby Lane Cafe.

I can't even begin to describe the heavenly array of flavors that can be found at this fine establishment. Everything great about Austin, you can find on the menu. If "Keeping Austin Weird" is your thing, try the Veggie Chorizo Sloppy Joe. Maybe you are in the mood for something a little south of the border? "Chicken Enchiladas Verde" has your name written all over it. Maybe some breakfast at 2:30 in the morning? "Migas Tacos" is one of my favorites. Or, if you are feeling pretty plain jane (or are named Scotty Hajek), an order of plain queso and sweet potato fries will be right up your alley. Here are a few pictures to tickle your taste buds.

But it is not just the food that makes this place great. One of my favorite stories to illustrate exactly the kind of service and friendliness you can find here comes from Mr. plain queso and sweet potato fries himself, Scotty Hajek. After placing an order for pick-up (This normally involves him simply saying his name, what he wants to order is assumed) he took a quick walk down the street to pick his food up. The only problem was once he arrived, he realized he had left his wallet at the apartment. Not to worry though, they simply opened a tab for him and told him he could pay for it next time he was in. Hard to find service like that.

But one of the most truly unique features I have found about Kerby is their "Pancake of the Day". And in order to fully do justice to some of the absolutely ridiculous flavors I have seen here, I am going to include what the POD was in each post that included a trip to this palace of pancakes. So... as promised.

POD - Raspberry.

Anyways, thats it for today! Check back again soon!

The Live Music Capital of the World

I figured I needed to start this blog with a post about live music, seeing as Austin is known as the "Live Music Capital of the World".

Because I still like to consider myself a student, I often find myself on 6th street on Thursdays for what many call "College Night". While I will eventually get around to covering some of my favorite spots on 6th, today I want to focus on one of the live music acts you can find every Thursday at Maggie Mae's - Curtis Grimes.

I got a little worried when I first heard he is one of the only people to play country music on East Sixth. But once I got a chance to see him, I quickly understood why. I don't know too many entertainers who can put on a show for a college crowd like he can. Not only is his music awesome, but he is also a great entertainer. I've seen him pull people on stage to help sing, share a drink or two in between sets, and even give out free dance lessons to those he notices struggling a little bit.

The balance is perfect between his own music and cover songs - about 30/70. His sets are always great, playing everything from Carry On to Chicken Fried so you can always sing along.  But the best part is he is always open to requests! If you want to check out some of his stuff, head on over to his facebook page and listen to some of his singles including my personal favorite - "Rain".

Well, I guess this concludes my first post! Check back later this weekend for more great things about Austin!

The Greatest City in the World

Austin, Texas. What a great place to call home.

“There’s a freedom you begin to feel the closer you get to Austin, Texas.”
– Willie Nelson


For those of you who may not know who I am, my name is Will Swofford and I am currently a graduate student at the University of Texas. I was born in raised in this great city and have lived here for most of my life. I spent four years as an undergraduate at the University of Miami, and while these were some of the best years of my life, I often found myself missing all of the great things about Austin.


The first chance I had to move back to Austin came when I got accepted into the University of Texas' Masters of Public Accounting program. Needless to say, I couldn't have accepted quick enough. Now that I am back home, I figured I needed to share all the great things about my city with everyone who has not had the opportunity to experience what a great city it really is. I hope by reading this, you can get at least a small taste of the good life here, deep in the heart of Texas! Or, if you already live here, perhaps something new to go try out for yourself!