To truly enjoy all of the unique sights and sounds of Austin, you should consider the increasingly popular trend in renting a vacation home. Downtown condos, large estates or rental homes will allow you a haven from all the hustle and bustle with amenities that a hotel just can't offer.

Austin is home to the University of Texas and the Largest State Capitol building in the country. The university and government populace give rise to a diverse selection of activities. With nearly 200 live music venues, Austin is The Live Music Capital of the World. Lined with clubs, restaurants, pubs and galleries, Sixth Street transforms into a multi-block party every weekend. Popular daytime treks include the University of Texas with the LBJ Library and Lady Bird Johnson gardens or, perhaps a dip with the kids in the 1,000- foot-long Barton Springs Pool. You may want to tackle a Segway tour of the city or visit the Austin Nature and Science Center to dig for dinosaur bones. At the end of one day, don't miss the nightly gathering of bats under Congress Avenue Bridge.

Lively adults should take the Cosmic Cowboy Tour to learn about places the musicians hang or take the plunge into Lake Austin on Austin's Amphibious Cosmic DUCKs to enjoy refreshing libations and tales of Austin’s musical heritage with a tour of almost everything. Ready to eat? There are plenty of choices from Uchi for sushi and Asian, or Rudy's Country Store and Bar-B-Q and Chez Nous a small friendly French restaurant. Tochry's, Taco's and Z'Tejas Grill deliver the feel of the Southwest.

Taking advantage of the many vacation home rentals, you’ll enjoy the residential feel and the savings on mixing home-cooked meals with dining on the town. Once you settle into your haven, you can plan each day over coffee and end your evenings with a glass of wine on your balcony. Whether you choose a secluded Lake Austin Estate or an urban 2-bedroom condo with cruiser bikes, you will enjoy the privacy, space and well-equipped convenience of your home away from home. Home rentals afford a mix of on-the-run excitement with the quiet pleasure of enjoying your stay at your own pace.