What does Austin mean?

by Roger Graham
What does Austin mean? It means amazing food and friendly people. It means safe, green outdoor spaces. The city attracts people from all over the world. They come for the weather. They come to improve their careers. They come here for the rewarding educational opportunities. These are also the reasons that I came to Austin. This city is known as one of the great cultural cities on Earth, especially when it comes to music and film. Among the many festivals that the city has, two of the biggest are SXSW (South By Southwest) and ACL (Austin City Limits).

One of my favorite memories of Austin was the first time that I attended Austin City Limits music festival. It takes place in Zilker Park, which is near downtown Austin. There were hundreds of bands playing during the weekend. I did not know many of them, but that did not matter. My friends and I went to all six different stages in the park where musicians were performing. 

Local restaurants served food in the park, and, of course, you could buy plenty of souvenirs and sample local beer. At the end of the weekend, I was exhausted after three days of music, food and sun. I had discovered several bands that are now my favorites. This is just one of the many unique cultural experiences that Austin has to offer. It is a city that provides endless chances to explore, meet new people and surprise yourself. - Roger