Austin could very well be the nation’s food truck capital. Slinging barbecue, tacos, Indian and all sorts of culinary fusions, these mobile restaurants continue to earn rave reviews from foodies, cooking magazines, and hungry stomachs from across the country. By going online and mapping out where the trucks are gathered each day, a visitor could easily a-la-carte their way through a whole Austin vacation and inspire envy back home. Insider tip: For authentic Tex-Mex tacos and handmade tortillas, the best contender is Veracruz All Natural.
Austin a world-class city, but it’s surrounded by one of the best wine regions in the country. With rolling hills and dense forests, it offers a completely different experience from the famed coastal meccas of California—absolutely worth the exploration. Insider tip: Wine Road 290 stretches 30 miles. With more than 15 wineries and tasting rooms, it’s an excellent primer to what Texan wines are all about.