Austin, Texas

Texas's thriving epicenter and a mecca for music lovers, this moderate-size party town has heart, attitude and plenty of south-of-the-border flavor.

Tour the opulent Driskill Hotel (driskillhotel.com)—a staple since 1886, when it was built as the stomping grounds for a prominent cattle baron—and the nearby state capitol, constructed of red granite and taller than the U.S. Capitol by more than four meters.

Eat authentic Tex-Mex fare at Güero's, a local favorite that regularly attracts resident celebrities like Andy Roddick, Matthew McConaughey and Lance Armstrong. Order the taco combination platter El Presidente, named for valued patron Bill Clinton, who "ate all of his," according to the menu (guerostacobar.com).

Wander down South Congress Avenue, the main drag that bisects one of Austin's most eclectic neighborhoods, SoCo. With kitschy boutiques and gift shops, offbeat coffee bars and one-of-a-kind dining options, SoCo embodies the "Keep Austin Weird" mantra of which the city is so proud.

Listen to rock, bluegrass, jazz and country at the Continental Club, which boasts raucous happy hours and live music beginning at 6:30 every weekday (www.continentalclub.com).