Top 10 Off-the-Beaten Path Sites in Austin, Texas

Austin is known for being a "Keeping it Weird" city. That attests to its independent, liberal atmosphere. Whether you're visiting for a day or an extended period of time, these are the top ten off-the-beaten path spots that will give you a feel for the genuine Austin way of life.

1. Disc Golf at Pease Park
Austin is known for its outdoors scene which includes biking, walking trails, canoeing, kayaking, and the list can go on and on. One of the most popular sports in this laid-back, vibrant city is disc golf. The idea is like regular golf, but you use discs thrown or putted into chained goals to score. There are over 25 disc golf courses in and around the Austin area. My favorite has always been Pease Park near the University of Texas campus. The holes are challenging and the course has nice shading and obstacles to test your skill level. It's relatively cheap--all you need is a disc (you can buy them at REI or Academy for $15 and up), some good friends, and if you want--a cooler of beer to tote along with you on a sunny day. If you've never played before, you should try this in Austin and you'll soon get hooked!

2. Star Seeds Cafe
Star Seeds Cafe has long been an underground favorite for late night dwellers and drinkers who yearn for a plateful of migas or breakfast tacos in the wee hours of the morning. It's a small, 24-hour hole in the wall joint off I-35 with a diner atmosphere. They're famous for their chicken wraps, burgers, chicken fried steak, and of course their breakfast items.

3. Austin Roller Derby
Even though the subdued movie, Whip It, tried to highlight the cult following of roller derby in Austin, it didn't do it justice. It really is a spectacle of wheels, short skirts, and blood that you have to see in person. Check out www.txrd.com for upcoming schedules and locations.

4. Magnolia's Cafe
Along the same lines as Star Seeds Cafe, Magnolia's is a local favorite for its 24-hour breakfast, fresh salad and sandwich choices, as well as famous Tex-Mex specials like their Cabo San Lucas. They have two locations-one on South Congress and the other on Lake Austin Boulevard.

5. Dim Sum at Shanghai Restaurant
Austin is known for its eclectic melting pot of cultures. This is exemplified in its thriving Asian community. If you're a fan of dimsum (a light brunch of dumplings usually served from pushcarts), you should check out Shanghai Restaurant. They serve freshly prepared dimsum favorites such as shrimp dumplings (ha-kow), pork dumplings (shu-mai), barbeque pork buns, and sesame balls. If you have time, check out the local Asian markets as well that offer a wide variety of exotic fruits and snacks.

6. Spider House Coffee House and Bar
The Spider House is a great venue for locals who want to drink in some of the art scene. Depending on what night you go on, you could walk into a live music concert, a movie showing, a bustling coffee house, an open mic night, or a cocktail party. But no matter when, the Spider House is where the party is.

7. Dreamers DVD
If you're a fan of things weird, exotic, and spontaneously fun, take a trip to Dreamers. Dreamers is an "adult" store for specialty goods and movies. It's a fun trip for couples to explore the different toys and novelties that can spice things up.

8. Players Burgers
When I attended the University of Texas, there wasn't a week that went by without a Players burger, fries, and strawberry milkshake combo from this institution located adjacent to the campus. They serve quality food in a fun atmosphere that includes a huge, big screen tv to watch your favorite sports games.

9. Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds
This is a store you can truly get lost in. Located on the famous South Congress strip, Lucy's offers great retro throwback outfits, crazy grunge separates, and any costume to fit your occasion. This is a local Austin favorite during Halloween, but its open year round. It's a great thrift shop to spend hours in. You never know when you might stumble across a treasure you can't live without.

10. Alamo Drafthouse
Many people have tried to replicate this concept of a movie theater while eating and drinking, but Alamo Drafthouse has a style all its own that can't be duplicated. The Alamo Drafthouse boasts a delicious menu, diverse beverage choices (including beer and wine), and great movies. They not only show current Hollywood blockbusters, they are known for their special screenings of classics and independent films. Check out their website for special events like Spike and Mike's Sick and Twisted Animation Show and free midnight movies. With four locations in Austin, you're not far from a good time at the Alamo.