The concierge says…

When asked to recommend a restaurant, Lorley Musiol, head concierge at the Four Seasons Austin, starts with the one in her own hotel. Though she may be just slightly biased, it’s not an unreasonable choice. Trio at the Four Seasons is a stylish, inventive fine-dining destination in its own right, and Musiol talks up the $10 Farmer’s Market breakfast, which relies entirely on local ingredients.

When it comes to eating, the biggest thing on most guests’ minds is barbecue, says Musiol. Like me, she recommends Iron Works Barbecue, a reliable longtime venue in a former ornamental ironworks building near the Convention Center; or Lamberts, a newer restaurant in another historic building, which offer upscale twists on Texas BBQ. She also suggests Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill, which serves delectable comfort food in a converted 19th-century home and carriage house.

For activities, Musiol says the top three places guests love to go are the State Capitol, the Blanton Museum and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum; the LBJ Library and Museum is also popular.

Outdoor activities are big in Central Texas. For a true Austin experience, Musiol recommends a dip in Barton Springs Pool. “A lot of people see how wonderful Lady Bird Lake is,” she adds, “and we do a lot of referring for kayaking and canoeing,” along with booking bicycles for the nearby hike-and-bike trail—an appropriate activity in the hometown of renowned cycling champion Lance Armstrong.

What to buy

At the University of Texas (UT), look for shirts and other souvenirs at the University Co-Op on Guadalupe Street, aka the Drag.

Other popular gifts include local hot sauces, salsas and barbecue sauces (try Central Market or Whole Foods); and Mexican imports (not strictly local per se, but they definitely contribute to Austin’s local color).

CDs from local artists (at Waterloo and Cheapo Records downtown) and jewelry from local artisans (South Congress) also make great souvenirs. You can pick up something fun for kids and adults from Toy Joy (on the Drag). If you have a sweet tooth, try Lammes Texas Chewie pecan pralines, made by a local confectioner that’s been in business since the 19th century.