Best of Austin 2010

Architecture & Lodging

photo by Jana Birchum

In addition to offering hostel basics and friendly service on a rolling knoll along the shore of Lady Bird Lake, Hostelling International – Austin awards travel scholarships to those globetrotting with a purpose. This local outpost of the international nonprofit also does its best to green up your travels by using solar power and encouraging recycling and lake cleanup.

Standing regal since 1886, this classy (undeniably Texan) hotel provides inspiring atmosphere not only in the bedrooms but also in the only places more private – the bathrooms. In the blend of dark and light marble, arches, pillars, and elegant drapery, you will find a welcome break from the Sixth Street excitement.

Austin Folk House built a solid fan base for surprisingly affordable and cozy central accommodations and raved-over breakfasts, garnering "Best of Austin" win No. 5. The Kimber Modern swings the gamut toward the übermodern, where spoil-yourself luxury and sleek architecture collide to create a premier boutique destination. The common denominator in both locations? Austin's finest proprietors.

photo by Shelley Hiam

Her flared top makes us think of Cybill Shepherd in the late Sixties, on her back at a slumber party, kicking up a bell-bottomed leg to Jack LaLanne on TV. The Robert Mueller Airport Air Traffic Control Tower is nothing if not nostalgic. Christened along with the rest of the then-updated terminal in 1961 by one LBJ himself, the tower earned accolades from architectural Mad Men-types of the era. We're tickled teal and turquoise to learn that the Mueller Development powers-that-be intend to preserve the old gal and even restore her to the multihued range of blues of her first unveiling. What will she become? No decision has yet been made. But as far as we're concerned, "treasured landmark" is a great place to start.

photo by John Anderson

Where else but in East Austin could you find not only a double-decker bus converted into a food eatery, but also one proudly emblazoned with the scowly mug of the late, lamented punk rock godhead Joe Strummer? Bus owner Tim Lasater serves up mammoth cheesesteaks and assorted Austinlicious pub grub, but it's the stenciled Strummer and the Clash quote beside it that make this a photo-op destination as well as a helluva place to fill up before running riot. Don't be crude and feckless. You been drinking brew for breakfast? Either way, Rudie, (and you) can't fail.

Both inviting and breathtaking, the second-story view from the Long Center is top-notch. The open-air access to Downtown lights only adds to its charm. Patrons may enjoy the view during intermission or playfully pose for photographs with the city view over their shoulders. It's easy to see why so many Long Center visitors rightfully dub the City Terrace Austin's new front porch.

Making improvements on our state's symbol of political power? How is that possible? Every visitor to our city gets a tour and is awed by the oversized door hinges, the elaborate chandeliers, the dizzying rotunda, and the eerie George W. Bush portrait. The current face-lift can't hurt, but we think you're beautiful however you are.

Even on a tight budget, council knew better than to turn off the Christmas illuminations at Zilker Park. The Trail of Lights may have become the more modest Zilker Tree Holiday Festival, but you can still stand beneath the giant cone of lights and spin, spin, spin into winter.

It's the perfect place, if you can reserve early enough to edge out the canny out-of-towners, to spend a night away from home in the heart of your very own city: Liz Lambert's boutique hotel where Buddhist simplicity meets retro elegance in sweetly executed Lake|Flato reconstruction, where the attentive staff is likely to include a part-time bookbinder or oft-touring accordionist, where all the quirks and splendors of South Congress wait just beyond your suite's door.

Hotel San José (l), Hotel Saint Cecilia

photo by Todd V. Wolfson (l), John Anderson

The only problems with San Antonio's Hotel Havana and the Thunderbird hotel in Marfa? They're not in Austin, of course. To the righteous go to the spoils, fortunately, so locals sidle up happily to Capital City hotelier Liz Lambert's two local flagships: the MOMA-style modernity of South Congress Avenue's Hotel San José, and the off-strip rock & roll chic of Hotel Saint Cecilia. The swimming pools at both are sleek blue retro-mod respites from the buzz beyond the hedges, perfect for lounging, tanning, and soaking in the Austin of it all.

Well, what else would you expect from the Four Seasons? The expertly trained staff is at your beck and call, eager to cater to your every whim and fancy. If they don't have what you want, they know where to get it for you fast. Any special need? Let them know, and it will be in your room upon check-in. It's the staff that makes the Four Seasons tick like clockwork. Check it out by checking in.

"So Close Yet So Far Out." The landmark neon sign for the Austin Motel has appropriately marked the beginning of Austin's SoCo strip since Mom and Pop Stewart built the now-iconic mom-and-pop back in 1938. Equally beloved for its old-school American charm, the Austin Motel's ridiculously phallic sign – or at least a Photoshop'd version of it – was also used for the cover of Honky's 2005 album, Balls Out Inn.

photo by John Anderson

When the Movie Store closed earlier this year, there was double sadness. First, because another mom-and-pop video store had gone, but second, because this could have spelled doom for an iconic mural. A mash-up of every sci-fi classic film, from Flash Gordon to Gojira, the fear was that it would fall prey to itinerant taggers or just a can of whitewash. Yet who could be better guardians of the intergalactic glory than an art gallery named after a vintage 3-D monster flick?

photo by Jana Birchum

Remember that saying about everything being bigger in Texas? The Austonian is not only the tallest building in Austin but also the tallest all-residential building west of the Mississippi River. The 56-story luxury condo development now dominates the Downtown skyline – even if it does look like a monolithic USB drive.

Like a fabled ivory tower, Spring is located in yet still removed from Downtown. Tall and narrow, not eating up too much skyline, a building like Spring is a rarity in the U.S. It is what is called a "point tower," with one central elevator core. Virtually a world unto its own, Spring is a lush and luxe oasis just steps from one of Austin's busiest intersections (Fifth & Lamar). From the development team of Perry Lorenz and Larry Warshaw (Nokonah, the Pedernales, Saltillo Lofts, etc.), Spring's stylishly designed units all offer a spectacular view of the city – some of them appear to give complete panoramas that send the senses soaring into the stratosphere.

Architects are fond of the principle, "First we shape our buildings, then our buildings shape us." That's as true of public places as it is of homesteads, and when we don't have welcoming places to come together, the spirit of community frays around the edges – of households, neighborhoods, and cities. The folks who founded 5604 Manor – Workers Defense Project, Third Coast Activist Resource Center, and Third Coast Workers for Cooperation – are specialists in collaboration, and they know that activist fish are only so alive as the water they swim in. The building houses WDP, its allies, and a meeting/performance space (complete with kitchen), and the grounds feature a family playscape and (eventually) a community garden. Indeed, 5604 embodies its reason for being: "Community is an experience, not just an idea."

photo by Jana Birchum

Ever wanted to have the Lady Bird Lake Trail all to yourself? Well, there's at least one way to feel like the lakeside is there for you and you alone: Just east of Lamar Beach sits a large gazebo draped in the spring with wisteria. Dedicated in 1970 by Women in Construction, the pavilion was part of the initial Town Lake Park (now Butler Park) beautification project back in the day. According to Parks and Recreation, it is due for a bit of a face-lift within the next year. Didn't even know it was there? Don't worry, you're not alone. That's what makes this spot the perfect place to relax by the lake and watch the hustle and bustle – and all those runners – go by.

photo by Jana Birchum

Relational Aesthetics is that nebulous, highly intellectual, international art movement that makes art out of meals, chance meetings, and art world elite glad-handing. Relational Aesthetics has come to Austin, sans obtuseness. Commissioned by Austin's Art in Public Places, Open Room Austin by R&R Studios (Miami artist team Rosario Marquardt and Roberto Behar), is a large metal picnic-style table, complete with a laser-cut "lace" tablecloth, surrounded by a group of treelike lamps. It's meant to be used for meet-ups, dinners, family reunions, and impromptu table dances to the latest Robyn single (what?!). In truth, it's more like an adult-friendly design playground. In other words, this "social sculpture" is fun. Fun! Art! Imagine. We look forward to the artworks and events that are inspired by this new addition to Sand Beach Park. Fuck the 360 Bridge and Mount Bonnell – with a view of the lake and the defunct power plant, we suggest this as the location of your next hot date. It worked for us.

photo by Sandy Carson

Many first encounter the large knit covering on the pipe outside of the Alamo Drafthouse on South Lamar and think, "What a great way to keep that poor thing warm!" So many of our readers name-checked Knitta's reworking of artist Carl Trominski's blue reflector signs, Moments, under the railroad overpass on Lamar. Having knitted coverings over sneakers, scooters, and shop signs around Austin and across the globe, Magda Sayeg brings us the soft and fuzzy side of graffiti and attack art.

photo by Shelley Hiam

When their unofficial campus gathering space of the 1980s and ’90s was shut down, black UT students demonstrated and protested publicly. Out of this contested history, the Malcolm X Lounge emerged. Dedicated to providing resources for black students as well as a place to relax and commune, the lounge may be the most radical room on the 40 Acres. It's located in a far corner of the Jester Center, under the Warfield Center for African & African American Studies and past some laconic cafeterias and fast-food joints. A respite for people of color, the lounge is open to all students. Respect: By any means necessary, y'all.

"So Close Yet So Far Out." The landmark neon sign for the Austin Motel has appropriately marked the beginning of Austin's SoCo strip since Mom and Pop Stewart built the now-iconic mom-and-pop back in 1938. Equally beloved for its old-school American charm, the Austin Motel's ridiculously phallic sign – or at least a Photoshop'd version of it – was also used for the cover of Honky's 2005 album, Balls Out Inn.

photo by Shelley Hiam

The Austin skyline's changing rapidly, but who'd have thought the water tower at 51st Street would be joining its ranks? The tower, part of Austin Water's reclaimed-water effort, is an unlikely landmark, but when flying into Austin-Bergstrom at night, its ring of red lights at the top is one of the city's first visible icons. Airborne, you have a better view of the 48 photovoltaic panels powering the 170-million gallon tower, not to mention its scaffoldinglike design and the tank's slo-mo swoosh. Designed to deliver reclaimed water to Mueller, UT, and beyond for irrigation, cooling and more, it's 99% complete and will plug into campus at the first of the year – but it's already making an impact.

photo by John Anderson

No, that giant pink cupcake you’re seeing as you walk down South Congress is not a heat mirage; it’s just Hey Cupcake! These cupcake masters opened one of Austin's first food trailers and operate out of a sleek vintage Airstream with a large pink-and-yellow sprinkled cupcake on top – an architectural feat of candy-land goodness.

You've just been on an hour-and-a-half ride through East Austin in the middle of summer. You're sweaty, stinky, and surrounded by fellow bicyclists in a similar predicament. What's the solution? Well, how about a giant inflatable water slide set amid East Fifth's Scoot Inn & Biergarten that looks part bouncing tent, part water park, and all fun? Welcome to Social Cycling Austin. Whether it's the Monday Night Heavy Metal Ride, the Thursday Night Social Ride – with trips to Barton Springs, water balloon fights, and lots of beer – or any of their other impromptu events, this group of two-wheeled crazies always puts on a good show.

A tie? Between Gail Chovan's original pinnacle of monochromatic couture and taste (hint: Blackmail) and the international chain of elegant, upscale furnishings; decor; and odor-enhancing ointments (take a guess) and the wonders of come-hither design they work in their respective shops' windows? We reckon the tie must be at least three layers of black lace and organdy, scented with myrrh and Dalai Lama-blessed citrus leaves, and well worth bending your fashion budget for.