Austin TX

Why is Austin one of my favorite cities in the US? Visit any random weekend in the spring and you'll find out. I happened upon two solid events the past few days: a classic car and hot rod convention (www.lonestarroundup.com) and the Louisiana Swamp Thing and Crawfish Festival. During the Lonestar Roundup, South Congress Ave serves as a parade route for ridiculous rides from vintage Corvettes and Thunderbirds to off-the-wall low riders and custom vehicles to Clark Griswold's wagon from National Lampoon's Vacation (see the photo; even the dead grandmother is there on the roof.) Throw in phenomenal food, music, and best people-watching west of the Mississippi and we have a winner. I happened upon a parking spot right in the middle of the action sandwiched between the parade route and an outdoor music venue. So what did we do? Tailgate of course.

You also can't go wrong with New Orleans music and Cajun cuisine at the Louisiana Swamp Thing.

Don't forget Sunday brunch at South Congress Cafe. The carrot cake french toast is not to be missed.