How to Have a Great Time in Austin During the Basketball Tournament

The sparkling city on the Colorado River welcomes the South Regionals on March 24 and 26. Join the crowd on the University of Texas campus at the Frank Erwin Center or catch the action from town.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Check out the high concentration of bars and restaurants known simply as 6th Street. A vivacious center of activity for the college scene, this area is the perfect spot to soak in the fervor of the tournament. "Put on your boots and jeans and get ready to line dance," says Larry, color analyst for ESPN, laughing. "It's a great area, trust me. I'll be there."

2. Catch up on your jazz, country, blues, alternative, or polka music. Austin is the Live Music Capital, never having a shortage of good tunes.

3. See the sights while in town. The 500-year-old Treaty Oak on Baylor Street is a humbling horticultural sight, as is the celebrated Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center with its native plant collection and enormous rooftop rainwater harvester.

4. Take a dip in the famous swimming hole of Barton Springs. Austin will surely be warm enough. This is Texas, after all.

5. Celebrate game time. Those with the lucky tickets will catch the roars from inside the stadium. Those without should hit 6th Street ' most places will be showing the game.

6. Stop at El Soy La Luna or The Iron Cactus for Mexican cuisine. A fiery burrito, a cold Tecate and college hoops. Nothing better.

7. Visit the Warehouse District if you want a slightly lower-pitched basketball frenzy. Try The Speakeasy at 412 Congress or Stubb's Barbecue on 801 Redriver. Each is mouthwatering, and the Speakeasy (when it's not showing basketball) has excellent music. Live, of course.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau for more information. (1-800-926-2282 or www.austintexas.org)