Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 800-310-3378, 512-478-4795;
www.austinfilmfestival.com
)
Hollywood and independent filmmakers
and screenwriters flock to this multiday event held at various venues in mid-October.
Formula 1 Grand Prix
(
www.formula1.com
)
A brand-spanking-new racetrack means a city besieged by F1 fans during
this high-octane weekend in November.
RACE
Sleeping
There's no shortage of rooms, until major events come to town, such as SXSW, the For-
mula 1 Grand Prix, the ACL festival and the Thanksgiving Day football game between
UT and Texas A&M. At these peak times prices skyrocket and rooms are booked months
in advance. At other times, choose accommodations as close to downtown as you can af-
ford.
WHAT THE…? MOONLIGHT TOWERS
Keep an eye out for Austin's moonlight towers. All the rage in the late 1800s, these 165ft-tall street lamps were
designed to give off the light of a full moon. Austin is the only city in which these historic triangular metal towers
topped by a halo of six large bulbs still operate. Fifteen burn bright around the city: how many can you spot?
Chains litter I-35, and while they may not offer the best Austin experience, there are
deals to be had through online travel discounters.
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4
Central Austin & Downtown
For the most part, downtown hotels come with downtown prices, but they do keep you
close to the action.
Firehouse Hostel
( 512-201-2522;
www.firehousehostel.com
;
605 Brazos St; dm $29-32, r $70-90, ste $120-145; )
A
hostel in downtown Austin? Finally! And a pretty darned spiffy one, at that. Opened in
HOSTEL
$
