There are so many great things to do in Austin, but as our hotel block is downtown, that's where we've focused our recommendations.

Great places to eat in downtown include: Moonshine Grill, Roaring Fork, Gus's Fried Chicken, Coopers BBQ, 1886 Cafe and Bakery in the historic (and haunted) Driskill Hotel, G'Raj Mahal, and Second Bar + Kitchen. Across the highway on East Cesar Chavez Street are more great restaurants such as Juan in a Million, La Barbecue, and Bufalina Pizza. For a fun dessert, visit Voodoo Doughnuts on 6th or the Austin classic, Amy's Ice Cream! There are two food groups in Texas, Mexican and BBQ, and we highly recommend that you indulge in both while you're here.

Food Trucks are a must when you visit Austin and there are several food truck parks in the downtown area, notably on Rainey Street and south of Lady Bird Lake/Town Lake.

For a night you won't forget (and may not remember), visit the legendary 6th Street or the more laid-back bungalows-turned-bars Rainey Street. On Rainey we recommend Lustre Pearl, Container Bar (going back to Katie's law school days!), or Icenhauer's. Word of warning on 6th Street - part of it is referred to as Dirty 6th because it's packed, there can be dancing (on everything), and your shoes will stick to the floor. But don't let that discourage you from doing some research and enjoying some of the great spots 6th has to offer!

Live music: Austin is the live music capitol of the world, and for good reason! Many places in the downtown area have live music on any given night, just follow your ears! Some notable places are the Elephant Room for jazz (get there early or there will be a line), the Continental Club on South Congress, the Historic Scoot Inn and the White Horse on the east side, and the Little Longhorn Saloon (Ginny's) if you're up for a drive. Ginny's is where Katie and Jake went often when they first started dating.

Things to do: Enjoy an afternoon on the grounds of the Capitol underneath the live oaks, watch the world's largest urban colony of bats (1.5 million strong) leave their roost in search of an evening meal from the South Congress bridge, catch a show at Esther's Follies, or visit Peter Pan Mini Golf where Katie spent many a childhood hour!

San Marcos has grown and changed since Katie was little, but many of its classic institutions remain.

Katie's family was a Herbert's family (as opposed to a Garcia's family - those were the two Mexican food options), but now frequent both for some great Mexican food! Other great places include Grins, the Saltgrass, and Italian Garden. There are also a few new breweries in the downtown area!

At Aquarena Springs you can take a glass bottom boat tour to see the springs that make up the headwaters of the San Marcos River; Texas State has a research center there where you can view the Texas Blind Salamander, a vulnerable species only found in the aquifer beneath San Marcos, and other cool things!

Texas State University has a collection of southwestern artifacts in the Wittliff Collection which you can visit free of charge.

San Marcos is also home to the Outlet Malls (there are two right next to each other) which is consistently one of the largest attractions in the state.