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Celebrating Austin and Georgetown: Spotlight on Texas Travel Awards 2025
The vibrant cities of Austin and Georgetown have once again proven their mettle as leading travel destinations by securing an impressive total of six accolades in the prestigious 2025 Texas Travel Awards. Organized by the publishers of Austin Monthly and Texas Music, these awards not only reflect the unique allure of these cities but also recognize their relentless effort to provide unforgettable experiences for residents and visitors alike.
A Distinction Worth Celebrating: The Awards Structure
The Texas Travel Awards follow a two-tier structure that distinguishes between statewide best attractions and best attractions based on population. The latter is further divided into different market sizes, which ensures fair competition and recognition across Texas. In this year’s awards, Austin showed a slight decline, taking home four awards—a dip from five in 2024, and three the year prior. This trend highlights the competitive nature of the city’s thriving cultural and entertainment scene.
Major Highlights from Austin
Among the awards, the standout title for the best "big market" live music venue was rightfully given to Geraldine's, a charming restaurant and bar nestled within the Hotel Van Zandt. This local gem, situated in Austin's Historic Rainey Street District, delights patrons with live music every day of the week, embodying the city’s rich musical heritage and lively atmosphere.
Additionally, the popularity of Zanzibar, known for its breathtaking views of downtown Austin coupled with a tropical ambiance, earned it recognition as the "best big market Instagrammable spot". This venue captures the essence of Austin's lifestyle— vibrant, lively, and perfect for sharing unforgettable moments through social media.
Further reinforcing Austin’s image as an innovative city, the Waterloo Greenway was awarded for being the best revitalization project. This ambitious initiative aims to reimagine the area around Waller Creek, promoting environmental sustainability and accessibility while connecting the park to Lady Bird Lake.
Georgetown Shines with Three Awards
Just 30 miles from Austin, Georgetown made waves in the award circuit by securing three significant accolades. Among them, the campaign titled We Call It Georgetown received the award for the best small/mid market destination marketing campaign. This initiative exemplifies how Georgetown showcases its charm and appeal, ensuring that visitors experience its local warmth and friendliness without any hassle.
Adding to Georgetown’s accolades, the newly opened Brass Peacock captured the title of the best small/mid market bar. This delightful speakeasy is tucked away beneath City Post Chophouse, offering patrons a nostalgic trip back to the Prohibition era, complete with jazz nights and expertly crafted cocktails that enchant those choosing to dress in upscale cocktail attire.
Finally, Georgetown's Two Step Inn country festival earned the title of the best small/mid market music festival. This year's festival attracted music lovers for performances from notable artists like Alan Jackson and Miranda Lambert, showcasing Georgetown's role in Texas's vibrant music scene.
The Bigger Picture: Travel Trends in Austin and Georgetown
The Texas Travel Awards serve as a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of these deliciously diverse cities. Both Austin and Georgetown are at the forefront of travel and tourism, with efforts to continuously enhance their cultural and entertainment offerings. The recognition from this annual event further solidifies their positions as major travel destinations in Texas.
As we move forward, the importance of these awards lies not just in the titles but in the motivation they provide to locals and business owners alike, encouraging further innovations that define the local experience and the Austin lifestyle that so many embrace.
Embrace the Austin Lifestyle Today!
As spring approaches, consider exploring what makes Austin and Georgetown truly special by visiting their award-winning venues. Whether it's enjoying a live music night at Geraldine's, snapping a picture at Zanzibar, or indulging in cocktails at the Brass Peacock, each experience contributes to the vibrant tapestry of these communities. Collectively, these places not only enhance the Austin lifestyle but also create lasting memories for everyone.
So, why wait? Dive into the excitement that these Texas gems have to offer!
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