Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas or the Hill Country, as the area is so aptly nicknamed-because in a mostly dry and flat state, it's flush with lush green, rolling hills-is one bump in the road you want to hit. Seriously, Austin is so hot right now. Why? Is it because it's the textbook definition of a warm weather destination? Is it because its future is so bright it has got to wear shades? Or, ironically, is it because it's just so cool? The answers to those questions are, in order, yes, yes, and H-E double hockey sticks yes!

Austin is ideally located in the middle of all the action. To the north there's Dallas, home of the Cowboys and the grassy knoll. To the south there's San Antonio, home of the Spurs, the River Walk, Sea World, and the Alamo. And to the southeast there're Houston, one of the largest cities in the world, and Galveston, a majestic beach town.

Austin is a very outgoing community. Lake Travis and Town Lake are two big destinations for water sports lovers, and for land lovers there're parks galore-most notably Zilker Park. Untraditionally traditional tourist attractions include Segway and Duck tours around the city, and events such as Eeyore's Birthday Party. Traditionally traditional stops include the State Capitol, Governor's Mansion, Texas State History Museum, and one of the largest schools in the U.S., The University of Texas. In addition to being the state capital, Austin is also considered the Live Music Capital of the World (would you expect anything less from the home of Willie Nelson?) For cinema and music lovers, there're the South by Southwest Festival, Austin City Limits Festival, and Austin Film Festival. There're also the historic Paramount Theater, which shows classic films all summer long, and the world famous Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas, which offer restaurant style food and adult beverage service during their diverse array of film showings.

So, what's not to love about Austin? Nothing-and that may be Austin's only flaw. What I mean by that is that Austin's deluge of popularity is, unfortunately, somewhat watering down its local flavor (a la the transition of Las Vegas from its depiction in the film "Casino" to the more family friendly version of today). Which is not necessarily a bad thing from a destination vacation point of view; it just means, like all things with time, Austin's changing. Now, don't get me wrong, Austin will always nurture its charm, but as one of the fastest growing cities in the world, it may lose some of its laid-back nature. So, if you want to catch this version of Austin, you need to get in while you can still fit in, because this no longer so hidden gem is a diamond in the rough no more, but instead is on the fast track to having breakfast at Tiffany's (but if there's any justice, it'll continue to get its just dessert at Tiff's Treats, Amy's Ice Creams, and Hey Cupcake!)