THE Austin Photographers Blog

14 Fun Facts About Austin, TX : How Well Do You

Know Your City?

The vibrant city of Austin has quickly become a hot spot for those seeking year-round warm

weather, an energetic atmosphere, delicious food, and more. So if you've just moved to Austin

and you're looking to learn more about this fascinating city, you've come to the right place.

Check out these 14 fun facts about Austin, Texas.

1. Austin didn't have a professional sports team until 2021

Austin was the largest U.S. city without a professional sports team up until they got Austin FC.

They made their debut in the 2021 MLS season.

2. Austin has one of the largest concentrations of award-

winning craft breweries in the country

“With well over 50 local breweries. In 2019, Austin was named the "Top Beer Destination in the

World";. -City Brew Tours

3. Austin was originally named Waterloo

Austin wasn't always called Austin. The city was originally called Waterloo. The name was

changed over 150 years ago, in 1839 it was renamed in honor of the “father of Texas” Stephen F.

Austin. And he didn't even know it! He passed away a few years prior to the change.” -Sarah

Blevins, Our Little Lifestyle

4. Austin City Limits is the longest-running music television

program

We'd expect nothing less for the Live Music Capital of the World. Austin City Limits debuted in

1947 and started off with Willie Nelson as its featured performer.

5. Whole Foods originated in Austin, TX in 1978

“If you’ve ever bought groceries at Whole Foods or stopped in for their Friday oyster deals, you

have Austin, TX and its founders to thank. To this day, it is still the grocery store of choice for

many Austin locals.” -Eric Golban, The Eric Golban Blog

6. Austin hosts the United States Grand Prix

While they may not have many professional sports teams, Austin does host the country's

Formula One racing championship.

7. Austin metropolitan area is projected to grow

exponentially

“Did you know the Austin metropolitan area is projected to grow to four million people by the

year 2040? That's an increase of 1.5 million people!” -Twist Tours

8. Lady Bird Lake isn't actually a lake

Technically, it's a reservoir. Reservoirs are formed by a dam, and Lady Bird Lake is a dammed

section of the Colorado River.

9. Austin Museum of Illusions has over 70 exhibits

"Opening in March, Austin Museum of Illusions aims to enable fun and engaging opportunities

combined with innovative educational experiences. With over 70 exhibits as optical illusions,

holograms, installations and interactive illusion rooms, the museum provides unique and tailored

experiences for everyone. Whether you’re a child, student, educator, family, young or old, the

Museum offers an intriguing visual, sensory and proprioceptive experience." -Museum of

Illusions Austin

10. Austin is home to the Cathedral of Junk

“The Cathedral of Junk is an amazing private backyard artwork created by Vince Hanneman.

Made of various appliances, TVs, hubcaps, old bikes, and all sorts of other junk, it has long been

a popular destination for both locals and tourists.” -Fine Art Shippers

11. You'll find the country's largest urban bat colony in

Austin, TX

“Austin is home to the largest urban bat colony in the US, with over 1 million bats emerging

from under the Congress Avenue Bridge every night!” -Zack Tullier, Saturn Photography

12. Austin has become well known for its thriving food truck

scene

If your ideal way to spend the weekend is trying out delicious food and soaking up the sun, then

you'll be excited to hear that Austin has a handful of food truck parks throughout the city. From

breakfast tacos and BBQ to mouth-watering burgers and desserts, there's something for

everyone. There are even vegan food trucks, too.

13. Two unique and endangered species reside in the Austin

area

“Barton Springs — which exits into Lady Bird Lake near Zilker Park— is the sole home to the

endangered Barton Springs salamander. Likewise, the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler only

nests in Central Texas juniper-oak woodlands, and is highly sought-after by birdwatchers. -ATX

Today

14. Still Austin Whiskey Co. is the first legal distillery within

the city limits of Austin

“This distillery is a short and convenient drive away from downtown in a complex called "The

Yard" which offers visitors a variety of local businesses, including Austin Winery, St. Elmo

Brewing and Spokesman Coffee.” -Still Austin Whiskey Co.

See the entire blog here:

https://www.redfin.com/blog/fun-facts-about-austin-texas/