I’m not sure if it’s good form to comment on a place you live, but I feel the need to point something out. If you want to visit the lovely city of Austin, there are two times when you shouldn’t; the period between July and August and during SXSW.

The first time should be self explanatory. The reason for the second time is this: everything I like about Austin vanishes during SXSW. All of the cheap, wonderful restaurants with little to no wait times and great atmospheres are packed and completely miserable. All of the great bars and clubs that host fine local talent and road acts are packed shoulder to shoulder with people wearing way too much cologne/perfume and talking way too loudly on cell phones.

Essentially, if your only experience in Austin is during SXSW, you’re getting a bum deal.