Today is the official first day of South by Southwest here in the ATX!
Not feeling the vibes this year? Looking to get away from it all?
Here is your quick and unofficial guide to avoiding SXSW 2018, brought to you by your Austin-based friends (since 1957!) at Leif Johnson Ford.

1. Adventure to the outskirts of Austin. Dripping Springs (Try Treaty Oak Brewing & Distilling…they also have a playground), Round Rock (World famous Round Rock Donuts, anyone?!), Georgetown (They’ve got wineries and the most adorable – and not overcrowded – downtown), or Cedar Park (Everyone is talking about the new HMart Shop.)
2. Eat slightly outside of the downtown area. Eldorado Cafe ATX + Jack Allen’s Kitchen Anderson Lane + Be More Pacific – Filipino Kitchen and Bar on Anderson Lane, Picnik Austin+ DeSano Pizzeria Napoletana on Burnet Road and Flower Child at the Domain are all affordable and family-friendly options. If you want to feel like you’re on vacation (and feel FAR away from the madness), try Ski Shores Café on Lake Austin.
3. If you want to feel like you’re part of the action without actually being a part of the action, go for a photo-opp and create your very own SXSW event. The wall pictured – the ‘Before I Die Wall’ on Elizabeth St. is slightly outside of downtown proper and was actually created by SXSW organizers. People from all over the world share their dreams and fears here – connecting the world one chalk board scrawl at a time.
There you have it! Your quick and unofficial guide to avoiding SXSW 2018 – And having an absolute blast while doing so. Enjoy, and please feel free to share this guide with friends!
#SXSW #ATX #ATXTraffic #SouthBySouthwest #Texas #Mustang #ATXDetourDay