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5 to Try: Martini Bars in Austin

As far as virile, potent cocktails go, the martini is hard to beat. Its contents are simple: liquor, chilled, gin or vodka with a hint of vermouth or dressed up with a twist or an olive. But to Austin's creative mixologists, the drink can be limiting. Bartenders here are bursting to concoct fresh new flavor combinations that deliver the kick that only chilled liquor can. These are martinis that James Bond would cock an eyebrow at, and not the green-apple-flavored-tinis that already enjoyed their moment of popularity. Behold the new martini. (Photo: Shutterstock/SergioZ)

5 Days of Freebies in Austin

Ah, Austin, a tightwad's fantasy come true. A complete breakfast in taco form can be had for $1.50, free concerts and shows can be sought out and enjoyed year-round, and the natural landmarks, swimming holes and parks can be lounged in for almost nothing. Bounty this good and plentiful should be worshiped and prized, which is why people that live here year-round talk about how great it is all the time. Block out a scheduling including art, movies, food and concerts with this handy guide to freebies in Austin.

Best of Citysearch Spas in Austin

It's time to get pampered. We're kicking off our Best of Citysearch campaign to seek out your favorite places for relaxing spa treatments, drop-dead gorgeous hairstyles and bronze-worthy tans. If you have a few in mind, just go to that business listing on our site, click on the "Nominate for Best of Citysearch" tab and vote! To get you in the spirit, here are a few of my personal favorites.

Now in Austin: New Bars & Clubs

Your friends call you the social director of the group. Your job: Sniffing out the hottest bars (and clubs, if that's your scene) in town for nights of dancing and debauchery. From low-key neighborhood taps to pretty people lounges, we've got you covered with our list of the best new spots for boozing in Austin.

6 Dark Bars in Austin

No one wants their favorite watering hole to be lit like a dentist's office. Just as libations help make other people seem more attractive (the beer goggle effect), dim (or no) lighting changes the vibe to something slinky. Instantly, it becomes nighttime, when more adult events go on, including canoodling and the like. This is one list that does not include the clean, well-lighted places Hemingway went on about--and we'd bet Hemingway would like most of these joints for their low lighting.

Austin's Best Sports Bars

Oh, is it football/basketball/baseball season? Perhaps this wasn't obvious, what with the clues including hordes of tailgaters flocking to surround the stadium at UT, shouts of "Oklahoma sucks!" at the bar on Saturday nights, or everyone in the neighborhood screaming at once at that play they just saw. While almost every bar that has a television is likely to show a sporting event once in a while, here are a few watering holes that are dedicated to provide Austinites with a friendly place to watch and root for their favorite team all year long.

Austin Thanksgiving Planner 2009

Ah, Thanksgiving, the holiday that kick-starts seasonal binge-eating and the crushing holiday travel season. Austinites who eschew skipping town have many options: Assemble and cook a meal at home for local family and friends, or bag that and go out to eat. (Look ma, no dishes to wash!) Find out what Austin restaurants are hosting Thanksgiving dinner and preparing catering meals for that no-fuss holiday meal.

5 Austin Boutiques for Fall Shopping

This season, tightened budgets and saving are in. Good thing everyone knows that looking good doing the above life-affirming things is essential. Updating your wardrobe can be done simply and on the cheap with the integration of a few key pieces. With a new emphasis on defined shoulders and the continued fixation on a nipped-in waist, the new silhouette is slim. Add these musts to your closet for that fresh fall look.

5 to Try: Pecan Dishes in Austin

In the Southern states, fall means slightly cooler weather, and the proper seasonal debut of pecans. Sure, pumpkins have their place, but they aren't nearly as versatile and as easy to get (or carry) as the humble brown pecan. Many Austin homes have pecan trees in their yards that yield lawnmower-busting piles of the tasty nut. If you aren't one of these lucky folks, don't worry. Many restaurants incorporate pecans into their dishes, from savory to sweet. Go get some. (Photo: Shutterstock/Michael C. Gray)

South Lamar Street Hangouts

Back in the day, South Austin was known for its auto mechanics, and how residents from north of the river called people residing in this zip code, "Bubbas." While there are still loads of auto shops and the

Bubba label persists, South Lamar now supports a slew of lovely eateries and independent businesses that can only be considered cool--old meets new, cute. If it's been a while since the last time you went

to South Austin, here's another tip: Calling it "SoLa" may induce cringes.