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The pedicabs comfortably fit two people, but it's best to ask the driver if you want to add more. Commercial shuttle fares vary, depending if you want a one-way or round-trip ride. A five-minute cab ride is often worth it to avoid blisters from high heels, and taxis are plentiful most days of the week. There are also free trolley cars that run late Thursday through Sunday for a safe ride after late night downtown partying. Capital Metro also operates a free historic trolley car, called 'Dillo' as a nickname for armadillo. Buy passes and fare cards and pick up free bus schedules and route maps at the Capital Metro Transit Store (323 Congress Ave), and at most major supermarkets like H-E-B and Randall's. This is a city with numerous people who like to walk, and they get very upset if they are forced into oncoming traffic just to cross the street.

Licensed by the city of Austin, cyclists work for tips from customers. Cyclists are also in abundance here, thanks to Austin resident Lance Armstrong, so take care when driving and watch for bike riders. Rush hour: Rush hours in Austin can be challenging on the major north-south thoroughfares, Interstate 35 and Mopac (so-named because it parallels the old Missouri-Pacific railroad line). Rush hours are typically 6 to 9 am and 4 to 7 pm weekdays. And even if it is a little toasty, not to worry too much, since there are misters outside to keep cool. When people think of Austin, they think "hip, cool music not like Texas." The city nurtures and celebrates creativity, entrepreneurship, and independence, yet it's a comfortable existence that's easy to love. If you don't like standing when you scrub down, you can opt to rest easy in 21 inches of warm water in Kohler's Kallista Archeo bathtub. If you can pull your own weight, try the Gus Fruh, Loop 360, and Spyglass access points along the trail. Be prepared, especially if you're heading north of the city, since delays can range anywhere from 35 minutes to an hour. Go to the airport's lower level, where buses depart every 40 minutes.

Shuttle buses to hotels are no charge for guests. More hotels are also in the works as the city continues to attract more and more tourists, business and convention travel, including a massive Marriott hotel complex proposed for the block surrounded by Congress Avenue and Second, Third, and Brazos streets. Once you get downtown from the airport, you'll soon discover that, like many cities, Austin's streets have a naming convention all their own. Pros like Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Fred Couples all have signature courses here. Check out a Texas Longhorns game while you're here. Rules of the road: If you're driving, grab a map at the airport before you head out. Public transportation:Capital Metro, the city's bus system, is another option to get from the airport to Austin. Directions to downtown from the airport are well marked; East 7th Street will take you straight into downtown and is an easy route to follow. For serious runners in need of a long run, the 10.1-mile loop is great, but it's a good idea to run with a friend since part of the trail is in a more remote area of east Austin, taking you over Longhorn Dam and across Town Lake at several points.

There's also Pete's Dueling Piano Bar (421 East 6th), where Texas heritage is celebrated, bawdiness applies, and fun is a requirement. The city promotes the music with free noon concerts each Friday, and nearly every restaurant and bar in town has a band playing most nights. Austin is a walkable city. Austin is a generally easy city when it comes to driving around town, but recent construction means you might be navigating traffic and the occasional alternate route. The Mobil Three-Star Omni Austin Hotel (700 San Jacinto Blvd) was recently renovated. This 48-room hotel and restaurant with its indulgent massages, 310-thread count sheets, and top cuisine is another favorite. The trail is one reason the city's been named one of the "Top 25 Running Cities" by Runner's World magazine. Public transportation: Capital Metro, the city's bus system, is one of the best ways to get around town. There are several routes, and they all hit popular downtown-area tourist attractions, like the State Capitol, the Lyndon B Johnson Public Library, Barton Springs, and more.