Though Austin's "weirdness" has been somewhat tamed in recent years, it remains, especially by Texas standards, one of the true urban nuggets of the south, a haven for quirky food-truck-loving, indie-music liberals.

Despite it being overrun by SXSW freebie-hunting hoo-has, I still have a soft spot in my heart for this cozy and eternally sunny "live music capital of the world."

This is Austin, from its bright-blue days to its mood-filled nights. Read Less