Austin might be known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” but rockin’ music venues aren’t the only things this town has plenty of. Texas’s capital city is also home to dozens of murals. It’s a hotbed of differing cultures and talented artists coming together to create vibrant and impressive wall art. Here’s a road trip covering some of our favorite murals across town.

Here’s the Map!

Downtown Austin/Campus

Jeremiah the Innocent – 21st & Guadalupe St. (Thai, How Are You?)

This Austin fave smiles at onlookers from the side of a building that was once a record store called Sound Exchange, but has since been turned into a Thai food restaurant. Painted in 1993 by county music artist David Johnston, it’s a celebration of mental health and keeping old Austin alive.

Historic 6th Street Mural – 6th St. & 1-35 SB Access Road

Right off of the Southbound Interstate 35 access road, this mural boasts all the things that make Austin great, from its history to its rockin’ music scene. It’s an essential stop for all Austin newbies and makes for a great Insta-worthy photo op.

“Howdy Austin” Mural  – 601 W 6th St., Austin, TX (Parlor & Yard)

This mural on the side of Parlor & Yard in downtown was the winning mural from a 2016 contest hosted by RideAustin in 2016. If you look closely in each of the letters, you’ll find a little bit of everything Austin from the saying “Keep Austin Weird” to bicycles, stand up paddle boards and the Pennybacker Bridge.

South Austin

Greetings from Austin – S. 1st & Annie St. (Roadhouse Relics)

This South Austin mural might just be the most iconic one in town and it’s a must-see on any trip through Austin. Since it was painted by Roadhouse Relics owner and artist Todd Sanders in 1998, the “postcard” bearing significant spots in town has become a beloved part of South Austin and is almost always packed with folks waiting for a snapshot.

Before I die… – 206 E Elizabeth St.

This mural is a more recent addition to Austin’s public art scene, but unlike other murals in town, YOU are encouraged to leave your mark. It’s part of a global art movement that started in New Orleans, and was brought to Austin in 2013 by Vicki Faust, owner of the Art Barn. Stop by to scribble what you desire to accomplish before you die and get a picture with the chalkboard covered in the thoughts and dreams of hundreds of other Austinites.

Willie for President -1415 S Congress Ave.

Maybe your dream is to get a picture with Willie Nelson while in Austin. But since we all know photos with Willie are hard to come by, this psychedelic mural on South Congress store STAG Provisions is the answer. It’s worth a visit just for a selfie with the Red Headed Stranger!

i love you so much -1300 S. Congress (Jo’s Coffee)

This iconic Austin mural has inspired countless others around the state, and been the backdrop for dozens of proposals and pregnancy announcements, but it wasn’t actually a pre-planned art piece at all. In fact few people know that the artwork was a spur-of-the-moment apology in 2010 by musician Amy Cook after she and Jo’s Coffee owner and partner Liz Lambert got in a fight. Yet since it was written, it’s become so beloved by the town that each time it’s vandalized, the original artist is brought back to rewrite it.

East Austin

La Loteria Mural – 1619 E Cesar Chavez (Cycleast/Flat Track Coffee) 

This intricate mural is based off the Mexican card game of the same name and features historic moments from East Austin’s past, as well as an incredible portrait of Selena Quintanilla. First painted in 1989 as a tribute to the neighborhood’s Latino community, it was painted over in 2015 for a SXSW art project. The community fought to bring it back, and now the mural stands brighter and more colorful than ever after being repainted in 2015.

Let’s Band Together – 1816 E 6th St. (Whisler’s) 

And of course, as we near the end of this road trip, we gotta have another mural that pays homage to Austin’s love for live music. The artwork, which features a beating heart formed by musical instruments was created by famous local street artist known as El Federico who made the designs using his own handcrafted wooden stencils. Frederico also created multiple other must-see murals around town “Virgen de Guadalupe” covering Tesoro’s wall on South Congress and the “Til Death Do us Part” mural outside of the Mexic-Arte Museum.

You’re my Butter Half – 2000 E. MLK Jr. Blvd. (United Way for Greater Austin) 

This mural and Austin go together like…well, bread and butter. The bright mural featuring the iconic duo was painted on the side of the United Way of Greater Austin building in 2012 and makes for a perfect photo op without the issue of dodging traffic that many of the other murals in town have. Say “cheese” with a loved one or best friend.

We know your dad loves the tie, 6-pack of beers or grill accessories you usually get him for Father’s Day, but this year take it one step further by taking him on a Texas adventure. Here are 4 dad-approved day trips (dad trips?) to give him a great time and show him just how much you love him!

 Dallas: The Beer & BBQ Fanatic Trip

Does dad love the two B’s of Texas cuisine: Beer and Barbecue? Than this trip through Dallas is just for him! Because any great Father’s Day trip begins and ends with beer, start at DFW M’Antiques, where dad can sip FREE BEER while perusing a store full of random man things like antique pocket watches, vintage Lone Star Beer memorabilia and even javelins. Then, when it’s time for food (or dad has purchased dozens of items he doesn’t really need — whichever happens first), head to Pecan Lodge for a heaping plate of some of Dallas’s best ‘cue. The crazy long line will give you and dad time to bond — and, not to mention, bragging rights later!

Treat dad to a slice of pie next door at Emporium Pies, then you’re on to Deep Ellum Brewing Co. for a tour of the brewery (buy tour tickets here). End the trip with a flight of their signature brews and a toast to dad (see I told you there’d be more beer.) Is dad more of a cider drinker? Check out Bishop Cider Co. instead. MAP

Austin: The Rockstar Dad Trip

If your dad’s a rock-and-roll, music-loving old soul then you have to take him to the Live Music Capital of the World. Now if it’s a weekday, you’ve gotta start off with a tour of the famous Moody Theater, home to the ACL Live TV show — and the Willie Nelson statue out front. Weekend trippers can learn all about Texas artists at the Texas Music Museum. Follow the music across Lady Bird Lake to South Austin Music, a historic 1986 music shop frequented by local rockers where dad can spend the afternoon jamming away on classic guitars. Check out the massive mural on the side featuring over 30 Austin musicians.

Give dad a dinner fit for a rockstar at Stubbs Bar-B-Q (an Obama fave), where tender ‘que is served with a side of live music by local bands. Its old Lubbock location was host to legends like Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson. Finish the night with either a country show and a beer at the historic Broken Spoke or a rock show and classic cocktails at the iconic Continental Club — dad’s choice. MAP

Houston: The Extreme Dad Trip

If your dad is the kind of man who doesn’t do anything small-scale, then take him on this tour of Houston that includes wild animals and extreme sports. Your first stop is in Needville (near Richmond) for a gator tour at Brazos Bend State Park. Take in the diverse nature of this park, but keep your eyes peeled for the American alligators like to chill out on the trails.

Since not just any meal will do, you’re on to Houston’s Little India District to dine at Himalaya Restaurant, one of the most famous Indian restaurants in Texas with cuisine that seriously packs a flavorful punch. And since you obviously can’t skip dessert, hit up the Chocolate Bar for a sweets shop with Frito brittle and 1 pound chocolate bars that puts Willy Wonka to shame. If you’re not too full to walk at this point, finish your trip at the Texas Rock Gym, an indoor climbing gym with over 14,000 sq. ft. of climbing wall! It’s honestly the best way to make sure your dad’s day rocks (dad joke intended…) MAP

San Antonio: The History Buff Trip

Is your dad basically Indiana Jones because he’s a history buff who loves exploring? Then take him on this San Antonio adventure, and don’t worry — there aren’t any giant boulders on this trip, just giant cinnamon rolls. This city is full of history, but you gotta start at the most iconic of all, the Alamo. Take dad on a guided tour of the mission or dive even deeper into the past by attending one of the mission’s daily History Talks. Across the street, find the San Fernando Cathedral where Juan Seguín hid the remains of the Texas heroes after the Revolution.

Y’all’s next stop is a bit newer than the rest — we’re talking 2002 instead of the 1800s — but Lulu’s Cafe & Bakery has landed itself a spot in the history books with its 3-pound cinnamon rolls. Grab a home-cooked lunch (or just dessert — we won’t judge), and then work it all off with a few rounds of golf at Cool Crest Miniature Golf, opened since 1929. Finally, head to the Main Plaza at 9 p.m. for “San Antonio: The Saga,” a colorful lights show that projects the town’s history on the San Fernando Cathedral. MAP

Find even more dad-worthy road trips here.

It’s Spring Break, which means it’s time for trippin’ — and Chevy’s created the ULTIMATE Spring Break Road Trip!

Chevy has enlisted the help of scientist, Randy Olson, to calculate the best road trip route across Texas through some of the most well-known family friendly attractions — now that’s our kind of science! 

The entire Texas route will take you more than 15 hours to drive, and covers over 900 miles, but winds its way through tons of fun including The Alamo, Space Center Houston, Schlitterbahn and the Fort Worth Zoo!

If you’re up for the challenge of a “science-backed” road trip through Texas, click here for the route.

Happy Spring Break Trippin’!

We’re partnering up with the Austin Area Chevy Dealers to bring you a Austin Area Christmas Lights Trail just in time for Christmas! Grab some hot cocoa, blast your favorite Christmas carols and hop on this road trip full of Holiday cheer!

HERE’S THE MAP:

Holiday Lights on The Square – Georgetown, TX

At Christmastime, the Georgetown Square lights up with red and green, and it’s quite a sight to see! Stop by to see tons of twinkling lights and epic window displays, and take a photo with the giant tree on the courthouse lawn! Wave to the folks at Don Hewlett Chevrolet as you pass by!

Hometown Holiday – Round Rock, TX

Near Henna Chevrolet, the town of Round Rock is all lit up for Hometown Holidays. Every night from 6-9 p.m. until Dec. 31, stop by Downtown to see the streets dazzling with lights and the water tower draped with lights to form a Texas-sized Christmas tree.

Walkway of Lights – Marble Falls, TX

Visit Marble Falls to see the colorful reflection of Christmas lights in the Colorado River! Across town from Chevrolet Buick Marble Falls at Lakeside Park, is a magical land of over two million lights, fun characters and light arches galore! The Walkway of Lights is open nightly from 6-10 p.m. until Jan. 1.

Lights Spectacular – Johnson City, TX

Johnson City really knows how to get into the Christmas spirit! The entire town is transformed into a Holiday wonderland with lights covering the Blanco County Courthouse, the city park and the Pedernales Electric Co-Op each night from 6 p.m. to midnight until Jan. 1.

Austin Trail of Lights – Austin, TX

Keep Christmas WEIRD with a visit to the Austin Trail of Lights at Zilker Park each night from 7-10 p.m. until Dec. 23. Local businesses have set up Holiday scenes and awesome lights displays including a bat cave and a Rudolph the red-nosed giant jackalope! Be sure and stop by to wish the folks at Capitol Chevrolet a “Merry Christmas!”