Photo Story: Austin Locals Meet Austin Locales
Austin artists might travel all over to perform their music, but their album art still feels a lot like home. We pair up hot tourist spots around Austin with album covers from some local favorites.
Photos by Rudi Noelle Klarmann
UT AUSTIN: CAROUSEL BY CARSON MCHONE
Image courtesy of Carson McHone Music
Carson McHone’s Carousel isn’t the only thing around town sporting burnt orange. A trip through Austin just doesn’t feel the same without stopping by UT. Be it for a football game or a stop by the charming turtle pond, school pride is an essential facet of Austin culture. Hook ‘em!
LBJ PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY: GOOD LUCK HAVE FUN BY MOTHER FALCON
Image courtesy of Universal Music Classics
Mother Falcon’s Good Luck Have Fun shares a striking resemblance to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library. There are only 14 presidential libraries, with one located in Austin. Featuring a replica oval office, lots of timely memorabilia, and an animatronic LBJ himself, this is a great spot to stop by and learn a little history if you’ve got some extra time.
JO’S COFFEE: THE WARNING BY QUIET COMPANY
Image courtesy of Quiet Company
Quiet Company’s The Warning and Jo’s Coffee sure do know their complementary colors, and they make it look good too. Austin is no stranger to artistic graffiti and murals, making local shops like Jo’s Coffee popular with tourists. Make sure you keep your ears open year ‘round, though, because they have lots of fun annual events, like Jo's Annual Chili Cook-Off.
the texas capitol: do no harm by the deers
Image courtesy of Keeled Scales
The Deer’s Do No Harm and the Texas Capitol building both feature some stunning architecture. Although there’s not a ton to do there (it’s more of a sight-seeing attraction than anything else), it tells some of Texas’s history and offers the chance for some gorgeous selfie shots.
mozart’s coffee roasters: world as a waiting room by white denim
Image courtesy of Radio Milk Records
White Denim’s World as a Waiting Room and Mozart’s Coffee Roasters both emit warm, tingly feelings inside — and not just because of the coffee. Mozart’s offers all sorts of sweets and treats to be enjoyed right off of Lake Austin (not to mention there’s free WiFi for all you students out there). While you can sit down and snack year round, they’re especially well known for their winter lights display, which you won’t wanna miss.
mount bonnell: north of despair by wood & wire
Image courtesy of Blue Corn Music
Wood & Wire’s North of Despair flows through our ears like the Colorado River flows through Austin, and what better place to see it than from the top of Mount Bonnell? Only a short hike from the side of the road, Mount Bonnell offers a gorgeous overlook from the top of Austin where you can see downtown, the 360 Bridge, and more. Also a fan favorite date spot, there’s nothing better than watching the sunset with a picnic while you look down upon a stunning city.
PETER PAN MINI GOLF: DON’T LET ME DIE IN WACO BY CROY AND THE BOYS
Image courtesy of Croy and the Boys
Croy and the Boys’ Don’t Let Me Die in Waco and Peter Pan Mini Golf both have us wishing we could be somewhere else. Peter Pan Mini Golf features two old school courses with fun sculptures and designs for everyone, regardless of age. Not to mention, they’re a family-run business — and supporting locals is always encouraged.
SIXTH STREET: CAN’T WAKE UP BY SHAKEY GRAVES
Image courtesy of Dualtone Music Group
Shakey Graves’ Can’t Wake Up and Sixth Street both show us what it’s like to walk the streets of the city at night. Historic for entertainment and its rowdy nightlife, Sixth Street offers the opportunity to party all night long or jam to live music for a relaxing evening.