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If you have been in Austin for more than half an hour, you may have seen a car (or two), driving around with a peculiar phrase on a bumper sticker, or a local resident sporting the same motto on a t-shirt: “Keep Austin Weird.” So what exactly does that mean and why is it so popular?

Keep Austin Weird is defined as “a collaborative fission of coordinated individualism,” and it is a local movement (so to speak) whose efforts are to maintain the free-spirited, bohemian character of old Austin, through support of locally owned businesses. The Keep Austin Weird collaboration comes complete with the aforementioned bumper stickers, t-shirts, hats, even it’s very own festival! Each year Austin’s weird gather at the Keep Austin Weird Festival and 5K. In the spirit of the collaboration the 5K features runners and walkers (along with their leashed dogs) in full costume. Throughout the festival patron can enjoy food from local vendors and music by local artists.

On Wednesday September 3^rd Austin saw the end of one more of its coveted local traditions. Las Manitas Café made headlines last year as it appeared it was going to become yet another victim to the growth and infiltration of franchises in the downtown area. The restaurant’s lease was not being renewed in order to make room for a 1,000 room Marriott hotel. After 25 years of faithful service to its faithful patrons, Las Manitas closed its doors.

Although many offers were made to help the restaurants owners, the Perez sisters, relocate to a nearby location, it is currently unknown if the thriving Café will reopen. Regardless of how the story unfolds it is certain that Las Manitas’ presence at 211 Congress will be missed.

On its final day, the sign in the window read: “Here was fought the battle for Austin’s soul. Austin Lost.”

These days it’s getting easier to find places to relax or enjoy a day out on the town with man’s best friend. Gone are the days of “no pets allowed,” especially in cities like Austin which has been ranked as one of the top 10 most dog friendly cities in the country.

If you are visiting Austin, you have a number of dog-friendly hotels to choose from such as La Quinta Hotels, Red Roof Inns or Holiday Inns located throughout the city. Want to take an adventure? You and your leashed dog can take a walking tour of the Zilker Botanical Gardens, or take a horse drawn carriage ride through downtown. Does your four legged friend need some playtime? Austin has a large number of dog-friendly parks as well as off-leash dog parks, including the very popular Norwood Estates park or Red Bud Isle. After a long day out you will probably need a bite to eat, right? Many local restaurants that offer outdoor seating, like Opal Divine’s on 6^th Street, not only welcome dogs but also keep treats and water bowls on hand to serve their loyal furry patrons.

Whether you are a local resident or just visiting, there’s no need to leave your dog at home; you can enjoy much of what this great city has to offer together.

Another “best of” for Austin, Texas! In a recent survey Microsoft ranks our beloved city among the top 5 most Wi-Fi friendly cities in America. Just how does a city earn such a prestigious ranking you ask? Microsoft officials turned to Intel’s annual “Most Unwired City” survey as a starting point, which ranks cities based on the number of commercial and public wireless access points (or hotspots), plus airports with wireless access and broadband availability. In addition, they also surveyed business travelers and asked them where they felt the most at home with their wireless devices. Finally, wireless industry experts were called upon for their recommendations. Here is the final ranking:

1. Seattle
2. San Francisco
3. Austin
4. Portland
5. Atlanta

It should also be noted that Austin was sited as one of the forerunners for Wi-Fi hot spots, before San Francisco and Seattle. Thanks to innovative programs like the Austin Wireless City Project. This program is dedicated to improving the availability and quality of public free Wi-Fi in the city. As a result of its ‘for-the-people’ attitude toward connectivity, you’ll easily find a high number of free Wi-Fi connections anywhere from public libraries and coffee shops, to the popular local hangouts the Crown and Anchor Pub.