Movies to the Max

When I moved to Austin I knew music was big deal, but I had no idea about the film culture that thrives here. One of my first roommates, Trever, moved to Austin because he was so obsessed with film and movie scene. He enlightened me to the likes of independent film, horror flicks, actors and directors from Austin, movies filmed in Austin, and of course, the Alamo Drafthouse. Supposedly, one of the main reasons why Trever moved to Austin was for this unique movie theater. At first it seemed a little strange to me that someone would move to a city for a movie theater. However, I have since learned that various publications such as Entertainment Weekly have named the Alamo Drafthouse as the best movie theater in the U.S.!

What's so great about a movie theater that you move to a city for it? For one thing, this movie theater serves alcohol. Need I say more? Probably not, but allow me to elaborate.

To accompany your beverages of choice you can also order food - and not just bar food, but chef prepared originals related to classic movies or specific to movies opening that month. For example you can get the "Godfather" pizza, obviously loaded with marinara and other Italian toppings; or right now you can get "The Carrie" a classic cosmopolitan. The food is always changing and always a treat.

Beyond the promotion of local food and beer choices the Alamo Drafthouse expands the movie going experience by offering unique movie openings and events to the extreme. Recently the Back to the Future Trilogy was presented with 4 actual Delorians and an appearance by Christoper Lloyd - Doc Brown in the flesh! For the opening of Transformers a car crushing machine/transformer entertained in . Sex in the City openings have included prizes to local boutiques, a pair of Manolo Blahnick shoes, character related furniture, and of course signature drinks. Trever convinced me to go to the Indiana Jones premier that included a bus ride to zip line in the woods, tasting rattlesnake, and of course snake charmers. For July 4th weekend I am sad I will miss the sold out Jaws event held on Lake Travis. The rolling road show is projecting Jaws while guests float in the water with surprise "shark attacks" and "killer prizes".

The events of the Alamo don't end at new movies. There are weekly events such as Weird Wednesday  and Terror Tuesday - late night screenings of exploitation movies from the '70s and horror flicks from the '80s. It is a blast from the past for only a dollar! I have never been, but they also have Master Pancake theater where comedians make light of various movies, sing-a-longs and quote-a-longs to classic movies, and special screenings of big games or finales of TV shows. Any night of the week you will find an original event held at one of the 3 original Austin Alamo locations.

The owners of the Alamo have allowed their business to expand out of Austin to other towns such as Houston and San Antonio with hopes to open more than 200 other Alamo Drafthouse locations throughout the country. These other locations will be franchised so it is unlikely they will be able to compare to the original Alamo in the heart of downtown Austin on 6th street. I suppose Austin can share its gem of a movie theater with other cities, but let's not forget where the original began!

http://www.drafthouse.com/
http://blog.originalalamo.com/
The awesome pictures are from my friend Andrew's website http://www.requiemamericana.com/

Flying Away

There comes a time when I have to leave Austin and seek adventure elsewhere. When I do leave I obviously have things to look forward to, even though I'll probably miss something fun going on in Austin. Nonetheless, all is not lost when I fly out of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. 

Yep that's right, I love ABIA. I have traveled a lot and I can compare our little airport with the rest of the world and I know that this airport is special. Austin is a small city, so naturally we have a small airport that is easy to get through and navigate. Yet, despite the small size, Austin is not limited in ability to ensure efficient and timely travels as well as provide all guests with a uniquely Austin experience from the moment they touch down until the second they leave. 

To begin with, arriving an hour in advance to the airport is more than enough time for any flight so I never have to leave Austin any earlier than necessary. If I do have a little extra time I can eat at any one of the local restaurants I would normally drive all over town for, right in the terminal. I can stop anywhere from the Salt Lick to Amy's Ice Cream to get a taste of Austin before I leave. You won't find a McDonald's or Panda Express in this terminal. You also won't find a Brookstone but I can pick up a gift at a local store like Waterloo Records or Book People. For guests of Austin it is clear supporting local business is our pride and passion. 

After a long trip it is nice to feel at home the moment I step off the plane. I know I am home when I hear the sound of live music greeting me in the baggage claim.  With the music and guitar sculptures any person can see Austinites take the "Live Music Capital of the World" title seriously.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport provides an atmosphere with local pride and welcoming elements that make me realize how fortunate I am to call this place home!


http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/austinairport/default.htm