Austin, known for its eccentricity paired with true Texas flavor, is a must-visit city while passing through the Lone Star State. One of the best times to visit ATX is in the spring, as the weather transitions from its chilly “winter” to its sunshine-filled, warm-breezed springtime. Whether you’re interesting in partaking in some of the bigger known activities that go on during this time, or you’re hoping to explore some of the lesser known, the city of Austin has a tremendous amount of excitement to offer.

Let’s start with the quintessential event known as South By Southwest.  For those who didn’t know, the city of Austin lives and breathes music. It is home to musicians from every corner of the earth, playing every genre of music on any given night of the week. As part of a huge festival including interactive and film as well, the week of March 12th through the 16th is a time for artists from all over the world and Austin to strut their stuff. During the week of SXSW, it is impossible to walk the streets of downtown Austin without catching music permeating from the bars, the sidewalks, on rooftops, and out of personal homes.

The Pecan Street Art Festival, held the weekend of May 3rd-4th, is a free arts and crafts festival held on the historical 6th street in downtown Austin. The festival features over 275 artisan vendors from all over the world who display and sell homemade art and craft work. The fare including paintings, sculpture, woodwork, mixed media, metalwork, photography, apparel, digital prints, glass art, stonework, pottery, knitting, ceramics, candles, fine art, one-off furniture, jewelry, home decor, leather goods, and so much more.

Though Austin is home to slew of gorgeous scenic sights, Hamilton Pool is a must-see. The natural pool was created when the dome of an underground river collapsed due to massive erosion thousands of years ago. Depending on what part of spring you’ll be visiting, you may even be able to take a dip. It is surrounded by large slabs of limestone and large stalactites that grow from the ceiling high above. The ceiling and surrounding cliffs of the grotto are home to moss, maidenhair fern, and cliff swallows. There is a small fee of $10 to park and the preserve is open throughout the year. Swimming conditions vary, so it is best to check the Travis Parks Department if you have swimming in mind.

Without even mentioning the dozen of quirky shops, tasty food trucks, dog-friendly bars, and kind locals, Austin boasts the nickname, “the heart of Texas,” because its spirit, beauty, and individuality are not to be missed when you are living in our Austin corporate housing.