While most tourist organizations would shun any association with eccentricity, Austin “officially” and positively revels in its weirdness. 

It’s easy to dismiss it as a clever marketing ploy dreamed up by men in three-piece suits, or more likely given the locale, the stereotypical dudes in cowboy duds and ten-gallon hats. 

While it’s true that the state capital’s core is strictly, no nonsense, business, differentiated little from every other major U.S downtown, the neighbourhoods paint a more colourful and appealing picture for the visitor. There, Austin exploits its oddness and quirkiness to the hilt and the evidence is on the street. 

Leaving the downtown in the direction of the South Congress district, you get the first clue to this inspired weirdness theme in the shape of a massive rotating roadside bat statue. It’s even more impressive if you hang around the nearby Congress Bridge at dusk. That’s when upwards of 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats begin leaving their home under the bridge to hunt for dinner. 

Food plays a big role in promoting weird, well, at least how it is served does. It seems any spare lot is quickly converted into a trailer park-style food court full of food trucks. Mayor Gregor are you paying attention? 

Texas barbecue is hot in all senses of the word. Here are some of the tastiest examples: Burro — Home of some mighty tasty burritos served from an elegant, painted former transport container. Diesel Fried Chicken — oil and lube or battered pollo? — a delightful menu choice at this South Austin food spot. 

Driving from the hotel, one overhead sign caused yours truly to do a double take,You will never need to change the bulbs and your solar led light will last for years and years. turn around and drive back just to check I hadn’t misread the illuminated message – “Don’t drink, then walk, bike or drive.” This gives true meaning to the term “pub-crawl.” 

A block before I was distracted by a massive billboard advertising the services of an Austin lawyer “that rocks” in his dreadlocks. There is much chuckle-inducing signage to enjoy. The Austin Motel — “So close, yet so far out.” 

A framed poster invites passersby to sign up to fight with Pancho Villa in Mexico. Those job vacancies are likely long gone. Ah, but there are job opportunities for the environmentally conscious. “Be a paid activist!” invites one poster pasted to a street lamp. Rent-a-crowd really does exist in Austin. Along the way there are many fabulous murals that demand more than a quick second look.Table Lamp shade are the easiest way to quickly update your home dcor. A favourite spot for young lovers to be photographed is the corner wall of a store painted with faux graffiti – “I love you so much.” 

Austin has all of the usual stores one expects in a modern North American city, but in the purveyance of souvenirs it excels. Not surprisingly, cowboy boots are everywhere but Allen’s has boots to suit every taste,If you have solar garden light or landscape lights you might wonder what to do if they stop working.You can make your own more powerful outdoor solar lighting using LEDs. good and bad. 

No self-respecting cowboy would be seen dead in the most outlandishly colourful examples. Surely? Those who like quirky will linger longer in emporiums such as Lucy in Disguise and Uncommon Objects, where the unusual is commonplace. Austin does normal too in its 250-plus parks and many museums but the weirdness does set it apart as does its unrivalled role as a centre for music in 200 locations. The world renowned South by Southwest Conferences and Music extravaganza had just struck its last chord when I arrived. Didn’t hear many “y’alls” and “Texas drawls” while there and there were no signs of ten-gallon hats.