Like a kid with a holiday crush, a visit to Austin will leave you dreaming of the day you will once again meander through the streets, taco in hand, before getting down to some live music taking place on the daily – only a part of what’s on offer in the live music capital of the world. This vibrant city in the American Southwest will leave you humming a very sweet tune.

See …
On a hazy, sun-bleached day, there is no better place than Barton Springs – a resplendent swimming hole in Austin’s Zilker Park that is fed from natural underground springs. Put aside a morning or afternoon to swim, hang by the pool and take in the splendour of this idyllic wonderland.

Stay …
Hotel Saint Cecilia is achingly cool, but in an easygoing, all-inclusive kind of way. Created in honour of the patron saint of music and poetry, Saint Cecilia looks to the 60s and 70s golden age of rock and beat poetry. From the handmade organic beds and custom kimono robes right down to the vintage LPs for use on the in-room turntables, every last detail has been mindfully curated to elevate the experience. And if that wasn’t enough, the hotel is canine friendly too.

Take…
Austin has several neighbourhood enclaves that are best explored on foot, so prepare to spend a fair amount of time outdoors. Pack a lightweight shirt from Steven Alan to wear with your favourite vintage Levi's, a simple sneaker that can translate into nighttime casual and potentially out onto the dance floor – my pick: the slip-on platform from Opening Ceremony – a straw wide-brim hat from Lack of Color and sunglasses from Jacques Marie Mage. And for the moments in between, settle into a page-turner such as The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls.

Taste …
Located in East Austin off Cesar Chavez, Juan In A Million is a must. With all the hallmarks of a family-run restaurant, this authentic Mexican eatery has dished up traditional fare for more than 30 years. Go for the Don Juan Taco, stay for the warm handshake and smile Juan himself bestows upon guests. A notable mention goes to Elizabeth St Café for Vietnamese fusion.

Shop …
In theme with the ‘Keep Austin Weird’ aesthetic, South Congress boasts a fantastically random selection of boutiques. Walk along South Congress Avenue for curated antique stores, namely Uncommon Objects, quirky costume shops and enough vintage to appease the retro inclined. For the latter, a visit to Feathers for its hand-selected vintage clothing, home décor and drool-worthy array of artisan jewellery.