There’s a lot to love about Austin. And whether you’re a fifth-generation Austinite or you just got to this taco-and-barbecue capital of the universe, you’re part of this place. Austin is a gem of a city – it’s also politically complicated, insanely hot, and everything’s more expensive than it was 5 minutes ago. It’s also so full of really gifted musicians, of all kinds. Every day, on City Cast Austin, you’ll hear from the team highlighting what makes this beautiful, complex city so wonderfully weird– and how we might make it just a little bit better. Get in touch with us at austin@citycast.fm.

Executive Producer

An Austin hidden gem:

Honestly, the state Capitol. It's a beautiful, pink granite building on gorgeous grounds dotted with interesting sculptures in the middle of the city, and can truly be a respite on a hot summer day touring downtown. The gift store in the basement is truly a gem, and the Capitol Grille isn't bad, either. Docents throughout the building are well-trained and friendly, and going while lawmakers are in session — for six months every-other year — or while the halls are decked for the holidays is a special treat.

A hometown hero:

Camila Alves — created and cultivates online women's community, Women of Today; lives (and often posts) with her mother-in-law; from Brazil, moved to Austin from California during the pandemic; funny; cooks and shares doable recipes; oh and she's also married to Matthew McConaughey, with whom she participates in multiple fundraisers/advocacy efforts.

A tourist trap that's worth it:

Barton Springs (especially before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m., when admission is free)

City Cast Austin Host

An Austin hidden gem:

MYEC- (Millennium Youth and Entertainment Complex) is a totally underutilized entertainment space in East Austin. The misconception is that it's only for kids, but they have bowling, a roller skating rink, and a movie theater open to all. And they can host large events!

A hometown hero:

Leslie Cochran. Leslie was the epitome of Weird Austin. He's a shining example of what Austin used to be and how community can support even the strangest artists. Look him up! He was a trip!

A tourist trap that's worth it:

Seeing the bats under Congress bridge. It's weird and sometimes smelly, but it's worth the wait!

Elissa Castles

Producer

An Austin hidden gem:

Sam's Town Point. Sure, Donn's Depot and The Broken Spoke are great but have you ever had a random dog jump into your lap while Sentimental Family Band plays a set in what feels like a rundown dance hall from the 70's (that might also double as someone's living room)? The floor's a little slanted, the lights are kept low, and the drinks are cheap. Sam's isn't trying to be anything other than what it is: a longtime local spot where you can take a twirl on the dance floor or tap your foot from a table in the back. Bonus: There's free pool.

Let's eat here:

We just finished a swim at Barton Springs or Deep Eddy and I'm taking you to Sno Beach. I'm ordering a small tiger's blood with cream and asking for bites of your sour grape. If we're still hungry after our sugar and ice appetizer, we're getting Turkish Delite sandwiches from Thundercloud.

A hometown hero:

Molly Ivins was a tall, fiery, award-winning journalist best known for her humorous and unrelenting commentary on Texas politics. She elbowed her way into many a good ol' boy club and eventually became co-editor of The Texas Observer. She was fearless, bold and sliced her critics with her razor sharp wit. Her social circle included Texas legends like Ann Richards, Bob Bullock and Willie Nelson. Though she was raised in Houston, Ivins spent her later years in Austin and I believe really helped to shape Austin's reputation as a free-thinking blue dot in a deep red state. If you haven't seen the Molly Ivins documentary "Raise Hell"--stop what you're doing and watch it!

Kelsey Bradshaw

Hey Austin Editor

An Austin hidden gem:

Austin Creative Reuse. I'll never miss an opportunity to promote this place. It's a craft thrift store! I bring leftover fabric from my sewing projects here, but they have everything including yarn, school supplies, beads, tiles, paint, and more. Prices are close to garage sale prices!

A hometown hero:

KXAN Meteorologist Jim Spencer is one of my favorite people in Austin. Maybe you don't watch TV news anymore, but you should tune in for Jim. He's an old school weather fanatic and I trust his forecasts.

Best pop culture about Austin:

"911 Lonestar" is a hilariously bad take on Austin. If you're looking for a laugh, this is it!