Austin, TX
Late-summer hotel deals lead the 11 top Texas travel tips for August
The Texas Piney Woods region may not be the most popular of the summer road trip destinations within the Lone Star State, but that’s about to change — Lufkin is not to be missed!
Mostly known for their lumber trade and as the home of Angelina College, Lufkin has quite a rich history. About 220 miles from Austin, this historic town could be an anchor to another ecosystem Central Texans don’t usually get to see.
Since it’s just two hours from Houston, Lufkin recently became an unlikely, yet bustling, hotbed of Houstonians escaping Hurricane Beryl. Here, a CultureMap Houston columnist passes along some recommendations for this vibrant historical downtown district eager to host other Texans with the restaurants, antique stores, and trendy boutiques.
Retail Therapy
With its simple-to-navigate streets, whimsical murals, and adorable shops, Lufkin’s historic downtown is a safe and convenient place to mosey about. Outside of the main downtown perimeter, the city has kindly provided parking lots that are free to use for the day — no worries about feeding the meter while getting in those daily steps.
Vintage and antiques lovers will delight in all Lufkin has to offer. Heritage Antiques lives in an old, large, brick building that all but screams, “Come inside for treasures unknown!” Covering two entire floors, Heritage is full of independent vendors with almost anything imaginable from plumbing fixtures to vintage Lions Club hat pins — plus, a vendor with more collectible cast iron pans, molds, and skillets than you can shake a stick (of butter) at.
It’s worth mentioning that they host an antiques and vintage fair in the spring and fall seasons.“Everyone who comes always comes back — they love it,” one friendly vendor says.
One barely knows where to begin when attempting to describe Amazing Grace Antiques. It’s…a lot. To call this place large would be a disservice to its immensity. Make a note to reserve up to three hours to see the store in its entirety or feel embarrassed about missing out on all it has to offer. A special note to those who collect Cambridge glass: they have an impressive assortment of patterns.
Honorable mention to Hick’s Antiques and Lufkin Mercantile. Both places were not open during my stay, but the window shopping was extremely promising.
In need of a wardrobe refresher? Spruce is filled with trendy, classic, and comfortable attire for ladies and babies. The presence of a branded step-and-repeat at the entrance entices shoppers to post their new outfits on the ‘gram. Think t-shirt dresses, denim, and vast selections of billowy cottons and linens. Now — smile for the camera!
Around the corner from Spruce is a welcoming, albeit narrow, lane lined by quaint two-person bistro sets and a fun, geometric mural. This is the rear entrance to Salt and Honey. A purveyor of artisanal goods, this shop is the perfect place to procure gifts for those back home. Framed vintage prints, candles, small batch foods, and food accoutrements abound — it’s giving “Rose Apothecary.” Who doesn’t “need” another tea towel?
The Pink Leopard Boutique is what some might refer to as “jazzy.” Boldly scented candles, bright separates, fun accessories, and even crystal adorned booties call this shop home. While this boutique has some age appropriate items for everyone, it was mostly populated by trendy co-eds, which is most likely their target demographic.
Sustenance
Restoration Bistro occupies the street level of what was once the Angelina Hotel (now residential lofts). Leaning into the history of the imposing brick building, the decor acts as a historical guide to the town and its former occupants, with old, sepia-toned photos transferred to gallery wrapped canvases and the like. Their chef-driven menu is as impressive as their wine list, and the $8 daily lunch special is a “do not miss.”
Those looking for something more casual will appreciate Real Time Breads, the number one sandwich shop recommended by locals. They offer the usual bakery wares, salads, and generously portioned sandwiches made on their own freshly baked breads — which they also provide to nearby Boxcar BBQ.
Rusty Axe Brewing Company will appeal to craft beer drinkers. Their decor is refreshing in that, unlike many breweries, the seating options expand beyond the realm of splintery picnic tables and stainless steel barstools. Dedicated eating, drinking, and lounging areas guarantee the correct vibe for all their guests. Be sure to check their live music calendar as well!
In need of a sweet treat? The Downtown Scoop, known colloquially as “The Scoop,” is the go-to place for ice creams and desserts. This pastel spot is popular among locals and is what most may consider “beloved!”
Roma Italian Bistro is worth the eight minute trek from downtown. Everything on the Italian American-style menu is prepared fresh daily, and their cocktail menu is certainly inventive.
Where to Stay
Lufkin accommodations include all of the big names in the small town, mid-market range of hotels and motels, plus one B&B. Those who appreciate an on-site bistro (including alcohol service) should inquire about availability at the Courtyard by Marriott. It served our needs well.
Regardless of the circumstances, a day trip or overnight stay to explore all downtown Lufkin has to offer is certainly worth the journey. Jovial locals and a family-friendly downtown restoration project, what more could one ask for? Happy trails!
SXSW 2026 continued its run with another exciting day of live music across Austin, Texas, as Day Four brought together a mix of rising artists and standout performances. From packed venues to intimate showcases, the festival once again delivered a dynamic range of sounds and styles.
Photographer Kirk Stauffer captures the energy of Day Four through a collection of live performance moments that highlight the diversity and creativity of SXSW. From high-energy sets to more intimate performances, these images reflect another memorable day at one of the world’s premier music festivals.
Take a look at some of our favorite moments from Day Four of SXSW 2026.
TTSSFU SXSW 2026 Photos – Live at Mohawk
TTSSFU returned to the stage at Mohawk during SXSW 2026 with another electrifying performance. Known for a bold sound and commanding presence, their set brought high energy and intensity to one of Austin’s most iconic venues.
Panic Shack SXSW 2026 Photos – Live at Mohawk
Panic Shack brought a fun, high-energy punk performance to Mohawk during SXSW 2026. With infectious energy and a playful stage presence, their set kept the crowd engaged and added to the electric atmosphere of the venue.
Saige Davis SXSW 2026 Photos – Live at Antone’s
Saige Davis delivered a soulful and engaging performance at Antone’s during SXSW 2026. With expressive vocals and a strong stage presence, her set created a memorable moment in one of Austin’s most historic music venues.
Better Joy SXSW 2026 Photos – Live at Marlow
Better Joy performed at Marlow during SXSW 2026, delivering an engaging set that blended indie sensibilities with an upbeat and vibrant sound. Their performance added to the diverse lineup of artists showcased throughout the festival.
Zoe Tan SXSW 2026 Photos – Live at Las Perlas
Zoe Tan took the stage at Las Perlas during SXSW 2026 with a performance that blended style and substance. With a strong presence and engaging sound, her set contributed to the vibrant energy of the venue.
Hana Lili SXSW 2026 Photos – Live at Swan Dive
Hana Lili delivered a captivating performance at Swan Dive during SXSW 2026, blending indie pop melodies with heartfelt songwriting. Her set created an intimate connection with the audience and highlighted her growing presence as an emerging artist.
Stay tuned for Day 5 SXSW 2026 coverage from Guitar Girl Magazine, including additional photo galleries and artist spotlights from Austin.
Austin, TX
Austin music leaders rethink the idea of ‘selling out’ as business support becomes a necessity
More than 60 years after Willie Nelson brought the hippies and the rednecks together at the Armadillo World Headquarters and helped forge Austin’s identity as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” the city continues to enjoy an outsized influence on the global music scene.
Maggie Phillips, music supervisor for Deep Cut Music, attributes this in part to Austin’s isolation, both geographically and economically, from the music industry hubs in New York, Los Angeles and Nashville.
“We don’t have the business influencing bands as much as we do on the coasts,” she said Saturday during a panel at the inaugural KUT Fest. “And because of that, I feel like the art, the music, that people make here is art for art’s sake and music for music’s sake, and it has a very DIY, punk attitude toward creating.”
As rising costs and massive growth change the city’s demographics, how Austin can continue to be a welcoming place for musicians — and keep them here — are becoming increasingly important questions for city leaders and people in the industry.
“I think our city is going through a bit of an identity crisis,” musician Alejandro Rose-Garcia, who goes by Shakey Graves, said, pointing to parallels in changes in the city and the music business. “All the arts are going through a bit of an identity crisis. When I was growing up, ‘selling out’ was a hill to die on. Now, that’s changed. The reality of the situation is that musicians can’t just sit back and play music all the time; you have to be a self-marketing machine.”
Isak Kotecki for KUT News
Preserving that rich history of creative freedom while navigating the new realities of making a living in the arts here is the mission of the city’s new Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment Department. Director Angela Means said she wants the city to be a conduit for artists to connect with the new businesses and industry moving to Austin.
To have an environment where creatives thrive, she said, there needs to be support systems for artists as well as collaboration with all of the parties who want to call Austin home.
While nobody in attendance was thrilled with the idea of a Tesla Stage at The Continental Club, the panelists all recognized the need for financial support for music to remain a fixture in Austin. Longtime Austin City Limits Executive Producer Terry Lickona tried to imagine ways these partnerships could work.
“I wouldn’t complain, say, if a local Austin-based startup tech company that was successful wanted to give back in a way by supporting the music scene by putting their name on a stage without messing with the creative side of things,” he said, “or taking away from the history or legacy of what was there to begin with.”
Means said the city recognizes the difficulty in managing corporate influence in creative spaces, but still believes it’s one of the best ways to protect the artists and venues that make Austin so unique.
“Where is that fine line, and is there a model that will work for Austin, Texas?” she asked. “It will absolutely have to include partnering with our business community to be sustainable.”
The Dell Technologies logo is prominently displayed at the company’s pavilion during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, on March 5, 2026.
ROUND ROCK, Texas – Dell Technologies is looking to make some changes.
Its Board of Directors unanimously approved Monday to change the legal home of Dell Technologies from Delaware to Texas. The change is pending a vote by stockholders later this year.
What they’re saying:
According to a release, the redomestication would align Dell Technologies’ state of incorporation with its roots and long-standing center of operations.
The company was founded in Austin in 1984 and its global headquarters, chairman and chief executive officer, and the largest concentration of its U.S. workforce are all based in Texas.
“From my dorm room at the University of Texas in 1984 to our headquarters today in Round Rock, Texas has given Dell what every great company needs to grow — extraordinary talent, world-class research universities, and a business environment that lets us build for the long term,” said chairman and CEO Michael Dell in a release. “Texas is where Dell has innovated, expanded, and invested for more than four decades, and bringing our legal home to Texas reflects what we’ve been building here all along.”
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott celebrated the news on social media, saying: “Welcome home, @Dell. For over 40 years, Texas has been where @MichaelDell built and innovated. Now, Dell Technologies is bringing its legal home to Texas. This is what happens when job creators and innovators are welcomed, not punished. More businesses are sure to follow.”
What’s next:
The change, if approved by stockholders, will not affect business operations, management, strategy, assets or employee locations.
Stockholders will have a chance to vote on the redomestication at the 2026 annual meeting on June 25.
Dig deeper:
This move comes after Michael and Susan Dell became UT Austin’s first-ever billion-dollar supporters.
The Dells announced a new investment in the university in late April, which represents one of the largest-ever philanthropic commitments to any U.S. university.
The Source: Information in this report comes from Dell Technologies and Gov. Greg Abbott’s office.
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