No limits to the city of Austin

BUDGET

Getting there

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Mansion at Judges’ Hill The Mansion at Judges’ Hill, a popular boutique hotel.

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ACVB Photo / Cambria Harkey

Love music? Don’t miss the Austin City Limits festival.

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AirTran serves San Antonio with daily nonstop service from $114 each way and from $79-$89 each way during its frequent sale periods. The everyday low rate requires a two-week or more advance notice of travel. Austin is about a 75-mile drive northeast.

Stay

The vintage Austin Motel is a local landmark from the ’30s and still a work in progress. In a prime location just a few miles from downtown, this independently owned property offers unique rooms and a kidney-shaped pool. Single rooms are $80 a night; from $100-$137 for doubles and $168 for a two-room suite. 1220 S. Congress Ave., 512-441-1157, www.austinmotel.com

Eat

The family-owned-and-operated Iron Works Barbecue serves up real Texas fare in a country setting in the midst of downtown. Barbecue plates up to $12. 100 Red River St., 512-478-4855, www.ironworksbbq.com. A Tex-Mex breakfast, or migas, of tortillas, eggs and cheese is served at the lively Las Manitas Avenue Cafe. Breakfast to $7; lunch to $9, 211 Congress Ave., 512-472-9357.

Experience

Catch a free concert every Friday at noon in front of Austin City Hall at 301 W. Second St. Afterward, walk the 10-mile Town Lake Trail along the Colorado River that runs through the middle of downtown. Or rent a canoe or kayak to take in the city’s skyline and architecture (www.zilkerboats.com). Through October, cruise along the Colorado River Canyon. $12-$19. Vanishing Texas River Cruise, 512-756-6986, www.vtrc.com.

MODERATE

Getting there

Delta Air Lines offers five daily nonstop flights to Austin at round-trip rates from $359, based on a 21-day or more advance notice of travel. A Saturday night stay is required.

Stay

The Mansion at Judges’ Hill is one of Austin’s finest luxury boutique hotels. The Greek Revival former residence offers easy access to all of the city’s hot spots. Accommodations include 38 rooms in the North Wing and 10 rooms and lofts — each with a unique floor plan and restored antiques — in the mansion. The Hideaway is $129 a night, while the finest room is $299 per night and features a king bed, custom-designed bathroom, 11-foot ceilings and French doors that open onto a wrap-around veranda. 1900 Rio Grande St., 512-495-1800, www.mansionatjudgeshill.com

Eat

Treat your body to the healthiest meal in town at Casa de Luz. This vegetarian/macrobiotic restaurant offers a satisfying organic dining experience in a zen atmosphere. Up to $30. 1701 Toomey Road, 512-476-2535, www.casadeluz.org

Experience

Dubbed “The Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin is a melting pot of musicians and music venues. Catch live performances any night of the week at theaters, bars and restaurants. Most of the action is on downtown’s Sixth Street (think tourists and students) and around the Fourth Street Warehouse District (for the over-30 crowd). Second Street is an urban blend and the new kid on the block.

SPLURGE

Getting there

Delta’s first-class rate for SkyMiles members is $799 each way. Even the deep-pocketed may want to consider paying the $333 one-way Business Class rate to San Antonio (AirTran or Delta) and then renting a flashy ride for the drive. Friday-to-Monday rental of a plush Lincoln Town Car runs about $325. www.BNM.com.

Stay

Named Conde Nast’s No. 1 destination spa and one of the Top 10 Spas in Travel & Leisure’s World’s Best award category, Lake Austin Spa Resort is an intimate property offering spa cuisine and fitness programs in a lakeside setting in Texas Hill Country. An inclusive three-night Ultimate Spa Pampering package is $2,070-$2,925, depending on the room. 1705 S. Quinlan Park Road, 512-372-7300, www.lakeaustin.com.

Eat

Enjoy the finest in traditional Yucatan and Veracruz ingredients at Fonda San Miguel, awarded 3 Mobile stars. The lovely hacienda is a perfect setting for sipping fresh lime margaritas. Menu entrees to $30. 2330 W. North Loop Blvd., 512-459-4121, www.fondasanmiguel.com.

Experience

Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park Sept. 26-28 brings more than 130 bands playing folk, country, rock, bluegrass and hip-hop, to eight stages for three days. Headliners this year include Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Foo Fighters and Gnarls Barkley. A three-day VIP Pass includes shaded seating, chef’s tastings, beer, wine and more for $850 per person. Single-day tickets are $80. www.aclfestival.com.