Discover Austin is a series about the culture of Central Texas. It covers a broad array of different places, restaurants, people, and more. All of the episodes are below, but you can also look at just the Discover Austin Eats episodes and Discover Austin Road Trip episodes.
Discover Austin - All Episodes
Discover Austin: Famous Texans (Episode 85)
If you're new to Texas, you should know that Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin are two of the most prominent individuals in Texas history and they're highlighted in this episode of Discover Austin.
Discover Austin: The El Arroyo Sign (Episode 84)
El Arroyo, in downtown Austin, is a great Tex Mex restaurant and home to a famously funny marquee sign.
Discover Austin: Food Trucks 3 (Episode 83)
Radio Coffee & Beer is the latest stop for Discover Austin Eats. It's home to Veracruz All Natural and Dee Dee, both great options for food to have alongside your coffee or beer.
Discover Austin: Zilker Park (Episode 82)
Zilker Park plays host to many Austin events each year, but even when it isn't packed with people rockin' out at ACL or flying kites at the longest running kite festival in the U.S., Zilker Park is a gathering place for residents and visitors alike.
Discover Austin: ATX Quick Burgers (Episode 81)
It's burger taste test time! Michael Zook and I have gathered five, locally owned, quick burgers for a taste comparison. In the line-up is P. Terry's, Top Notch Hamburgers, Dan's Hamburgers, Might Fine Burgers, and Hat Creek Burger Company.
Discover Austin: Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch (Episode 80)
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is not only a giraffe and rhino conservation facility, it offers visitors the opportunity to get up-close to animals from around the world. Join me as I feed native, exotic, & endangered animals right from my car as I drive-thru the safari.
Discover Austin: UMLAUF Sculpture Garden (Episode 79)
Charles Umlauf is a renowned sculptor who taught at the University of Texas for 40 years. You can now visit many of his sculptures at the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum, our latest stop on Discover Austin.
Discover Austin: Food Trucks, Part 2 (Episode 78)
Michael and I enjoyed visiting food trucks for the last Eats episode of Discover Austin so much that we decided to do it again! This time, we're stopping in at Bombay Dhaba, Austin Dosa, and Churro Co.
Discover Austin: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (Episode 77)
Lady Bird Johnson was an advocate for the beautification of our nation and highways, so it should come as no surprise that the botanical garden of Texas bears her name. I visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in this episode of Discover Austin.
Discover Austin: Food Trucks (Episode 76)
Food trucks are abundant throughout Austin so Michael Zook and I thought we'd create a three course meal by visiting multiple food trucks for this Eats episode of Discover Austin. Mighty Cone, Luke's Inside Out, and Manolis are all worth a visit!
Discover Austin: Kollet Originals (Episode 75)
In this episode of Discover Austin, I visit with local artist Kollet Hardeman. She’s cool, her artwork is cool, and she’s someone you should know.
Discover Austin: JewBoy Burger Update (Episode 74)
Back in episode 30, Michael Zook and I visited JewBoy Burgers at their food truck. They're now in a permanent location at 5111 Airport Boulevard which allowed them to expand their menu and it gave us an excuse to go eat burgers again!
Discover Austin: Asia Market Eatery (Episode 73)
Michael Zook took me to Asia Market, where I thought we were visiting the supermarket, but in fact they've got a wonderful restaurant tucked in the back.
Discover Austin: Volente Beach (Episode 72)
Located along the shores of Lake Travis, Volente Beach Resort and Waterpark is a great destination when the weather is hot! You should definitely take some time to visit this summer!
Discover Austin: The River Walk (Episode 71)
We're visiting San Antonio's famous River Walk for this road trip edition of Discover Austin.
Discover Austin: Big Top Candy Shop (Episode 70)
I felt like a kid in a candy shop for this episode of Discover Austin, because, well, I'm at Big Top Candy Shop! Located on South Congress, Big Top Candy Shop offers classic candy, ice cream, a soda fountain, and so much more.
Discover Austin: Waterloo (Episode 69)
You've likely seen Waterloo associated with establishments all across Austin although you might not know why. This episode of Discover Austin explains the connection.Â
Discover Austin: The Driskill (Episode 68)
The Driskill Hotel has a long-standing roll in Austin. They allowed me to visit so I can share it's rich history with you for this episode of Discover Austin.
Discover Austin: Home Slice Pizza (Episode 67)
Home Slice Pizza’s north location doesn’t just have great pizza. Michael Zook wanted me to try their wings and their Italian sub too. Don’t worry, we also had pizza for this Eats episode of Discover Austin.
Discover Austin: The Alamo (Extended Version)
This road trip episode of Discover Austin is different than most. Usually I narrate as the video shows our subject. When I went to the Alamo, the director of Education, Sherri Driscoll, was a gracious host and has a huge depth of knowledge. After she shared the history of the Alamo, I decided to scrap the original script I had and just have the Alamo history be the narration for this episode. As it turns out, though, Sherri shared a lot of history with me so we created an extended length version for you
Discover Austin: The Alamo (Episode 66)
This road trip episode of Discover Austin is different than most. Usually I narrate as the video shows our subject. When I went to the Alamo, the Director of Education, Sherri Driscoll, was a gracious host and has a huge depth of knowledge. After she shared the history of the Alamo, I decided to scrap the original script I had and just have the Alamo history be the narration for this episode.
Discover Austin: The Treaty Oak (Episode 65)
The majestic Treaty Oak is beautiful and historic. Learn all about it in this episode of Discover Austin.
Discover Austin: Dinosaur Park (Episode 64)
If you're a fan of dinosaurs then this episode of Discover Austin is just for you! Heading southeast of the airport on Highway 71 (approximately 570 Diplodocuses past the airport) you'll find the Dinosaur Park, home to more than 30 life-size dinosaurs.
Discover Austin: BBQ Fest (Episode 63)
A festival dedicated to barbecue? Yes, please! I recently attended this year's BBQ Fest, and stuffed myself full of barbecue, for this episode of Discover Austin.
Discover Austin: Gristmill River Restaurant (Episode 62)
For this Eats episode of Discover Austin, I had food blogger, Michael Zook, take a road trip to the historic district of Gruene, Texas to have lunch at the Gristmill River Restaurant.
Discover Austin: Homecoming Mums (Episode 61)
If you aren't from Texas, it's likely you've never heard of a Homecoming Mum. So, for this episode of Discover Austin we're discussing everything you should know about this big Texas tradition.
Discover Austin: Uncommon Objects (Episode 60)
For our latest episode of Discover Austin, I went to Uncommon Objects to browse their collection of unique items. Whether you're looking for something antique or perhaps a taxidermy critter, Uncommon Objects is a good place to begin your search.
Discover Austin: Amy's Ice Creams (Episode 59)
Amy's Ice Creams is a homegrown Austin success story so I was very excited to visit them for this episode - and of course, to eat some ice cream.
Discover Austin: Odd Duck (Episode 58)
This week, we welcome back Michael Zook to have one of his favorite burgers in Austin. We're headed to Odd Duck for this episode of Discover Austin.
Discover Austin: Public Art (Episode 57)
All over the city of Austin you'll find public art. Some is obvious while others are "hidden in plain sight." I invite you to head out and discover your favorite pieces.
Discover Austin: Gruene Historic District (Episode 56)
Just an hour south of Austin, along the Guadelupe River, sits a cluster of buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s. We're in the historic district of Gruene for this road trip episode of Discover Austin.
Discover Austin: Hamilton Pool (Episode 55)
If you’ve never been to Hamilton Pool, you are missing out on one of Central Texas’ most beautiful sites. It’s a great place to spend a few hours and get away from your normal routine.
Discover Austin: Snow's BBQ (Episode 54)
Michael Zook returns to enjoy Snow's BBQ for this episode of Discover Austin. Traveling just an hour east of Austin gets you the 2017 winner of the Best BBQ in Texas according to the Texas Monthly.
Discover Austin: Circuit of the Americas (Episode 53)
Let's race out to the Circuit of the Americas for this episode of Discover Austin.
Discover Austin: Governor's Mansion (Episode 52)
I recently toured the Texas Governor's mansion, just a few steps from the Capitol, for this episode of Discover Austin.
Discover Austin: Red Bud Isle Park (Episode 51)
Red Bud Isle Park is not specifically a dog park but a designated off-leash area. Keep in mind, you don't have to bring a dog to enjoy the park or to watch the dogs swim and play.
Discover Austin: Blues on the Green (Episode 50)
Blues on the Green has been bringing blues (and other genres of music) to Austin since 1990. It’s laid back, family friendly, and the city's largest free concert series!
Discover Austin: Quality Seafood (Episode 49)
Quality Seafood has been an Austin staple since 1938. Their goal has always been to supply Central Texans with the freshest seafood possible and, still today, they're doing exactly that.
Discover Austin: R.O.T. Rally (Episode 48)
This episode of Discover Austin is all about the Republic of Texas Rally, the largest biker event in Texas. Whether you ride a motorcycle or not, ROT Rally is an event to be experienced.
Discover Austin: Zilker Botanical Garden (Episode 47)
This tranquil installment of Discover Austin takes us to the Zilker Botanical Garden with several themed gardens and include both native and exotic plants.
Discover Austin: The Domain (Episode 46)
For this episode of Discover Austin, I visited the Domain in north Austin, a mixed-use development comprised of shops, restaurants, residential living, and office space. It sits on land once owned by IBM and its name stems from what was originally planned for that land.
Discover Austin: Din Ho Chinese BBQ (Episode 45)
While Chinese food and barbecue don't seem like they should be paired together, Din Ho Chinese BBQ is here to prove that they should! Local food blogger, Michael Zook and I went to enjoy their specialty dishes for this episode of Discover Austin Eats.
Discover Austin: Esther's Follies (Episode 44)
Whether you're in town for the weekend, or you've been here for years, spend an evening at the theater with Esther's Follies, a fast-paced variety show that's been a staple on 6th Street since 1977.
Discover Austin: Keep Austin Weird (Episode 43)
"Keep Austin Weird" has been around for some time now, but where did it originate? This Discover Austin episode explores who first uttered the iconic phrase and what it went on to represent for our city.
Discover Austin: The Round Rock (Episode 42)
I'm in the suburb of Round Rock, located to the north of Austin. The origin of the city's name is very literal, find out exactly where it comes from in this episode of Discover Austin.
Discover Austin: The Bats (Episode 41)
The Congress Avenue bridge is home to the largest colony of Mexican Free-Tailed bats in North America. Join the spectators lining the bridge to observe the bats emerge as they begin their search for insects on this episode of Discover Austin.
Discover Austin: Kite Fest (Episode 40)
For this episode of Discover Austin, we hit Zilker Park to attend the country's longest running kite festival. Grab the kids (as well as the dog!) and head to Zilker next March to see kites of all shapes and sizes fill the sky over Zilker for the annual ABC Kite Fest.
Discover Austin: Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que (Episode 39)
Austin food blogger, Michael Zook knows the best spots to eat even when we're 700 miles from Austin! When we found ourselves in Kansas City a few weeks ago, we took the opportunity to get barbecue at Joe's Kansas City and film a special road trip edition of Discover Austin Eats.
Discover Austin: Blue Bell (Episode 38)
For this road trip episode, Discover Austin headed east to Brenham, Texas. Here I visited the Blue Bell Creameries with Johanna Fatheree, a native of Brenham and Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Advantage.
Discover Austin: Mayfield Park (Episode 37)
Mayfield Park and Preserve is home to a group of peafowl. Mating season begins in February, meaning the males have grown their full plumage. Head out to see the peacocks strut their stuff in the spring or head out in July to collect the feathers they drop at the end of mating season.
Discover Austin: The HEB Center (Episode 36)
The HEB Center calls Cedar Park home. For this Discover Austin episode we attended a Texas Stars hockey game. You can also catch the Austin Spurs at the arena regularly, as well as a number of other events including plenty of family shows.
Discover Austin: Holy Roller (Episode 35)
*Unfortunately, the Holy Roller is now closed.* When I asked local food blogger, Michael Zook, where we should go to brunch, without hesitation he suggested Holy Roller in downtown Austin. And now, I will recommend you visit because it was spectacular!
Discover Austin: The Drag (Episode 34)
This episode of Discover Austin pays homage to The Drag at the University of Texas. A beloved stretch of Gaudalupe Street, across from campus, that has served the students of UT for decades.
Discover Austin: Lyndon B. Johnson Ranch (Episode 33)
At the Lyndon B. Johnson National Park, you can visit landmarks from President Johnson's entire life.
Discover Austin: Talk Like A Texan (Episode 32)
This Discover Austin episode is unlike most. We aren't visiting an attraction or event, instead I'm going to teach you how to Talk Like a Texan.
Discover Austin: Quick Visits (Episode 31)
Lets step away from the main attractions here in Austin for this episode of Discover Austin. Our city if full of hidden gems that you can easily visit in an afternoon. Here, we'll stop at three of those places; Sparky Park, the Larry Monroe Memorial Bridge, and Fairy Alley.
Discover Austin: JewBoy Burgers (Episode 30)
On this episode of Discover Austin, Michael Zook and I head over to JewBoy Burgers at the food truck park at 5000 Burnet Road in Austin.  Mo makes up some wonderful burgers and provides a great experience. So cancel those plans with your vegan friend and head over to JewBoy Burgers instead!
Discover Austin: Wurstfest (Episode 29)
Do you like sausage? Or beer? Well, then Wurstfest is for you! This German heritage festival is a must-see event in New Braunfels. Check it out on this road trip episode of Discover Austin.
Discover Austin: Trail of Lights (Episode 28)
In this episode of Discover Austin, I visit in the long-running Trail of Lights. For a couple weeks each December, Zilker Park is transformed into a spectacular light display. In addition to the lights, you can visit with Santa, enjoy live (often local) entertainment, food trucks, and more.
Discover Austin: Decorating the Cedar Trees (Episode 27)
This festive episode of Discover Austin is all about decorating the cedar trees along Loop 360.Â
Discover Austin: Via 313 (Episode 26)
This episode of Discover Austin features Michael Zook, local food blogger, as we visit Via 313 for Detroit-style pizza. If you haven't tried it, you will not be disappointed!
Discover Austin: Hill Country Wineries (Episode 25)
This road trip episode of Discover Austin is all about Texas Wineries. You may not know, Texas ranks number two in wine tourism, behind only Napa Valley.
Discover Austin: Mount Bonnell (Episode 24)
In this episode of Discover Austin we visit Mount Bonnell in Covert Park, above Lake Austin for panoramic views of the city and beautiful hill country.
Discover Austin: Friday Night Lights (Episode 23)
The focus of this Discover Austin episode isn't exclusive to Austin or even central Texas. This episode covers Friday Night Lights, which all Texans know about!
Discover Austin: Chicken Fried Steak (Episode 22)
This Discover Austin episode, once again, includes local food blogger, Michael Zook. We are headed to Mouton's Bistro for Chicken Fried Steak, a typical Texas dish. I mentioned it in episode 17 when we went to the Broken Spoke and I promised to feature the dish in future episode.
Discover Austin: ACL Festival (Episode 21)
In this episode of Discover Austin, we head to Zilker Park for the Austin City Limits Music Festival. Six days over two weekends, over 400,000 of your "closest friends," and all the live music you can imagine makes ACL an experience not to be missed.
Discover Austin: The Stevie Ray Vaughan Statue (Episode 20)
In this episode of Discover Austin, I'm at the Stevie Ray Vaughan statue on the south shore of Lady Bird Lake.
Discover Austin: Road Trip to Enchanted Rock (Episode 19)
In this episode of Discover Austin, we hit the road again to hike Enchanted Rock. Located west of Austin, Enchanted Rock State Park offers a multitude of outdoor activities for visitors of all ages.
Discover Austin: Breakfast Tacos (Episode 18)
In this episode of Discover Austin, we debut the Discover Austin Eats edition and meet up with local food blogger, Michael Zook, to enjoy and discuss breakfast tacos.
Discover Austin: The Broken Spoke (Episode 17)
For this episode of Discover Austin, I'm two-steppin around the dance floor at the iconic Broken Spoke.
Discover Austin: Cathedral of Junk (Episode 16)
For this episode of Discover Austin, we're in south Austin. Here stands a creation like nothing you've ever seen! A three-story sculpture made with thousands of pieces of recycled materials, known as the Cathedral of Junk.
Discover Austin: Dell Diamond (Episode 15)
Play ball! It time to take in a baseball game at Dell Diamond. The park is home to the Round Rock Express and is a great place to spend a summer evening with your family and friends.
Discover Austin: Road Trip to Fredericksburg (Episode 14)
We take our first road trip for this episode of Discover Austin! Join me in Fredericksburg as we explore the Texas Hill Country.
Discover Austin: Peter Pan Mini-Golf (Episode 13)
In this Discover Austin episode we fly to "the second star on the right and straight on 'til morning"...just kidding, we're at Barton Springs and Lamar at Peter Pan Mini Golf.
Discover Austin: Moonlight Towers (Episode 12)
In this episode of Discover Austin, we explore the city's first form nighttime illumination, the Moonlight Towers.
Discover Austin: Road Peculiarities (Episode 11)
This episode of Discover Austin spans the entire city. Newcomers to Central Texas can get confused by the unusual, and sometimes many, names for our roadways.
Discover Austin: Nau's Enfield Drug (Episode 10)
This episode of Discover Austin takes us to Nau's Enfield Drug for a tasty milkshake and nostalgia.
Discover Austin: Lady Bird Lake (Episode 9)
In this episode of Discover Austin, I spend a beautiful day at Lady Bird Lake.
Discover Austin: Bluebonnets (Episode 8)
In this Discover Austin episode, we learn about our beautiful state flower. The bluebonnets bloom each spring here in central Texas and people go nuts for them!
Discover Austin: Franklin Barbecue (Episode 7)
This week, Discover Austin gets us out into the city before the sun to secure a spot in line for the coveted Franklin Barbecue. Not to worry, it's totally worth it!
Discover Austin: Inner Space Cavern (Episode 6)
In this episode of Discover Austin, we head underground to explore the Inner Space Cavern. The cave offers tours to all levels of explorers, from the beginner Adventure Tour to the extreme Wild Cave Tour where a guide takes you to undeveloped portions of the cave.
Discover Austin: The Willie Nelson Statue (Episode 5)
Willie Nelson is so beloved in Austin that he has his own statue. Located downtown, stop by anytime to snap a photo with the bronze likeness of the legend.
Discover Austin: The Capitol Building (Episode 4)
In this week's Discover Austin episode, we get some insight on the Texas Capitol. If you haven't visited, I recommend taking a tour or just wander the grounds. It really is a beautiful building nestled between downtown and the UT campus.
Discover Austin: Round Rock Donuts (Episode 3)
Round Rock Donuts is a staple in the Austin area. This is one donut you don't want to pass up, so make this a cheat day if you're on a diet!
Discover Austin: Pennybacker Bridge (Episode 2)
In this episode of Discover Austin, we take a look at Austin's most recognizable bridge, the Pennybacker Bridge. Which perspective is your favorite? Viewing the bridge from below on Lake Austin or from above by climbing the bluffs along Loop 360?
Discover Austin: Iconic Murals (Episode 1)
In this inaugural episode of Discover Austin, we take a look at several iconic murals around Austin.
Discover Austin: Washington-on-the-Brazos
Discover Austin has visited several historic sites and for this episode, I'm heading to Washington-on-the-Brazos, the location where the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed.
Discover Austin: Food Trucks 4 (Episode 87)
Michael Zook and I stopped by LeRoy Lewis Barbecue and Pueblo Viejo, located at Cosmic Coffee & Beer, for this Eats episode of Discover Austin.
