"Keep Austin Weird." That's the slogan you'll see written all over the city. And weird it is - weird in the coolest of ways, cool without even trying. Located in Travis County, Austin  is the liberal state capital in a sea of conservative Texas cowboys.

Moved by music, it's easy to see why SXSW and ACL are two of the best festivals in the country. If you're looking to thrift, bring an extra suitcase or get ready to pay overweight baggage fees. Come hungry because the BBQ and Tex-Mex will not disappoint. Don't expect a lot of pretension, but do anticipate some good ole southern hospitality everywhere you go. Austin is awesome, and everyone should take a trip to this funky American city in their lifetime (or once a year, which is my new game plan). I chilled there for nine glorious days and did everything from unsuccessfully floating a river in the rain to eating fried pigs ears during a five-course dinner with beer tasting. It was difficult to choose just 10, but here are my favorite places to see, do, shop and eat in Austin.