24 Things Buzzfeed Didn't Mention That Austinites ALSO Love

Austin

24 Things Buzzfeed Didn't Mention That Austinites ALSO Love

KUT 90.5 | By Mone Miller

Published July 19, 2013 at 7:45 AM CDT

Buzzfeed this week rounded up a list of "." While no list, no matter how long, will include all the things every Austin-dweller enjoys, Buzzfeed's list left off more than a few local favorites.

1) All Animal Shelters

Buzzfeed commenters don't deny that Austinites love rescuing shelter dogs. But that there's more than one place to get a four-legged friend. Besides Austin Pets Alive, Austinites can pick up a new furry family member at the , and plenty more places.

And let's not forget about CATS! Here's Quincy the shop cat at All About Music.

2) Supporting Local Businesses

Austin is home to some cool local businesses 鈥� just ask any Austinite. Some of these businesses have spawned chains and even branched out nationwide. Heard of the ? Other local businesses such as Waterloo Records are still all ours. And who doesn't love a record store that doubles as a live music venue?

Waterloo heavily features music from local artists.

3) South by Southwest

OK, so we might complain about who visit during March. And we might even rent out our homes so that we can make a few bucks and avoid the extra traffic. But like it or not, "South by" helped put Austin's music scene on the map. And as , Austinites love the free beer and events SXSW brings.

This HDR shot of SXSW 2012 maaaaaybe begins to capture the insanity downtown.

4) More Breakfast Tacos

Torchy's, ... Sure, we all have our breakfast taco favorites. And it's apparent from the laments left by Buzzfeed commenters that more than a few great spots were left off the list. on Airport Boulevard deserves a special shoutout.

Simple perfection, starting at 85 cents a pop.

5) Diners

We don't just eat tacos 鈥� or barbecue for that matter. We also enjoy anything that we can eat in the wee hours. , , and are open all day and night. And if you鈥檝e never been to one of these Austin eateries after midnight, you鈥檝e never really been at all.

Magnolia's is one of the popular 24-hour restaurants in town.

6) The Drag

Also known as Guadalupe. Also pronounced "guad-a-loop." It's right across from the University of Texas at Austin. Grab some UT gear at the Co-op, eat at one of dozens of restaurants, dodge a drag-rat. Lather, rinse, repeat.

The Drag, located on Guadalupe, has restaurants and shopping right on campus.

7) Mount Bonnell

If you鈥檙e looking for a peaceful, beautiful place to escape in Austin, is one of them. It overlooks Lake Austin and you might have it all to yourself.

Mount Bonnell offers one of the most beautiful views in the city.

8) Complaining

Every Austinite has a story about the good ol鈥� days when they arrived 鈥� even if it was last week. So from sneering at people who are moving here to complaining about I-35, we love grousing.

This sign posted outside of Beerland over SXSW 2010 went, as the kids say, "viral." (We've edited some of the language.)

9) Democrats

The People's Republic of Austin. The blue island in the red sea. The blueberry in the tomato soup. Take your pick, but liberals tend to flock here.

Yes, this was a real thing outside the Alamo Drafthouse.

10) Claiming people who aren鈥檛 actually from Austin

Willie Nelson and Stevie Ray Vaughn are iconic musicians who played in Austin a lot, but technically they鈥檙e not from here.

Stevie Ray at sunrise on Lady Bird Lake.

11) Protecting the Environment

Recycling is growing and trying to keep up with the population increase. If you鈥檙e interested in volunteering, has some opportunities. You can take it a step further at .

Pretty much your typical Austin recycling bin.

12) Bookstores

always has an author, speaker or event going on. has a great selection of old favorites. And don't forget Texas-born .

Local bookstore Book People regularly hosts authors and community events.

13) Restaurants on the Lake

Let鈥檚 eat: , , and offer dining right on the water. ?

Austinites love getting a view of the lake while enjoying their favorite local cuisine.

14) East Sixth Street

Dirty Sixth has its crowds, but east of the highway is an increasingly popular alternative for going out filled with bars, restaurants, food trailers and much more.

Austinites can escape the usual crowds at eastside lounges like Rio Rita.

15) Gluten-Free Eating

Who's this Gluten guy, and why does he get to eat for free everywhere in Austin? Austin is health conscious and many restaurants offer gluten-free options - from breads to deserts.

Like this gluten-free mascarpone cheesecake from Enoteca on South Congress.

16) A Love/Hate Relationship with Texas

Texans are incredibly proud of their state, but sometimes you can鈥檛 just say that you are from Texas. You鈥檙e from Austin, Texas.

Texans are proud of their state, Austinites included.

17) Thundercloud Subs

Long before Austin was the foodie capital it is now, there was . I'll take a California Club, both types of cheese and extra Thundersauce, please. (Disclaimer: Thundercloud is a KUT sponsor.)

This local eatery offers a tasty alternative to your usual sandwich.

18) Chicken Poop Bingo

Yes, it's exactly like it sounds. At .

19) The Bullock Museum

If you grew up here (in the 1990s, at least), you probably went to once or twice as a kid. If you still live here, you've probably been recently to catch a movie at the IMAX theater. (It's one of the real, full-size screens.)

The Bob Bullock Museum features popular films in its full-size IMAX theater.

20) Kids

Just as you can take your dog anywhere, you can pretty much do the same with a child. Austin has always been a family-friendly city.

At Zilker Park, parents can take their kids to ride the train.

21) Farmers Markets

North, south, east and west, there are plenty of farmers markets dotted over Austin. Craft foods sit alongside fresh fruits and veggies. Getting hungry yet?