I always look forward to coming down to Austin for SXSW, but this year I'm not going to be able to make it. The whole festival is awesome - I've got friends involved in both the music and film categories. In fact a guy from my office has a documentary short in competition. It's called "Airtime Rights" and it's about Monroe, the man who lives (yes really) at my office.

Since Pamie will be speaking at the interactive conference, I figure some of you folks will probably be planning to attend. So other than Pamie - what are the must-see attractions gonna be at SXSW this year? And what do people from out of town need to check out while they're in Austin?

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2000

Answers

Um, I don't have an answer to Sarah's question, but this might be better to post here, rather than start a new thread.

Would it be Über-dorky of me if I took my camera to SxSW Interactive? I know a lot of web celebs (including our beloved Pamie) are going to be there and I'm looking forward to meeting them.

Or is that just too creepy-stalkerish?

Hm, I think I'm already an Über-dork for even asking this....

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2000

Pamela,

Look for me clinging underneath Pamie's car, and I'll tell you what I think then.

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2000

SXSW is way too expensive for me to go. Also, my mom is swooping into town during the opening weekend of the multimedia conference, so I couldn't see the cool panels even if I wanted.

While you're in Austin ... try to find non-downtown places to eat, like Shady Grove or a good barbecue place (we have several) or a good Tex-Mex place (we have many). When you are downtown, Town Lake is a nice place for your early-morning walk.

I can never think of one or two "must-sees" for visitors to Austin. There are lots of different bits of things that different types of people would enjoy. Maybe the best advice is to get out a bit and look around. Hopefully the bluebonnets will be in bloom, they're everywhere and quite a lovely sight.

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2000

the conference is gonna be at the convention center downtown -- there's a cool place called Mongolian BBQ right next door. Also Stubbs is within walking distance, as is a lot of stuff on 6th Street.

As for other places in town, I really like Hula Hut's -- the food is just okay, but the view of the lake is fantastic. There's also Mt. Bonnell, the Warehouse district... like they said, it just depends on what you like to do. If you like salsa dancing, check out Miguel's la Bodega Wed-Saturday on 5th and Colorado.

As for the conference itself, there's quite a bit of stuff on content - - like how to get Web published, how to start a site, online journals. I'm pretty excited about the Interactive stuff. Oh, and Tenacious D. are performing during the music portion. Can't wait.

o.

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2000

I used to live near Austin and miss it a whole lot. SXSW is a great time to plan a visit there. My suggestions for dining: Z-Tejas Grill or Chuy's for great Mexican food, Kerbey Lane Cafe or Magnolia Cafe (open 24 hrs). Hula Hut *does* have the best scenery, though.

Sixth Street is the mini Bourbon Street: fun. If you're looking for cool Mexican inspired souveniers of your trip, go to Tesoros Trading Co. to get them. I'm a bookstore freak, and they don't get any better than the independently owned three story "Book People" on 6th St. and Lamar St. Go to www.austin360.com or www.austin.citysearch.com for helpful Austin info. Damn, now I'm homesick.

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2000

what about the ORIGINAL tamale house on 51st??? the only place you can watch underpaid cooks make really good, really cheap food. i also recommend the draught house pub (medical arts) to get away from pretentious austinites.

oh, and kim phung near lamar and 183 has the BEST and CHEAPEST tofu fried rice dish... *drool*

-- Anonymous, February 25, 2000

It's "Draught Horse" actually. Try their vanilla porter. Smooth.

-- Anonymous, February 27, 2000

you know, i ALWAYS say the name (and, type it wrong), too. my hubby loves the young's double chocolate stout. :)

-- Anonymous, February 28, 2000

Is there a list anywhere of online journalers who will be at SXSW?

-- Anonymous, February 28, 2000

to all of you coming to our beautiful lil' town: there are highly explosive bombs in every Starbucks across the city! do not enter! walk around the corner to a near by mom and pop coffee shop, always a safe bet when there are terrorist threats. and keep your stinky 'butts to yourself! if you drop one cigarette butt on sacred Austin ground you will have one mean spirited agro cruiser chick on your ass. sorry to get so P.C. and hostile on your web site pami, i've seen a lot of bad sh*t go down during sxsw.

-- Anonymous, February 28, 2000

there's a nifty 'blog about 'bloggers who are going to SXSW at sxswb.com. i'm going.

-- Anonymous, March 02, 2000