Really?

Surprising college town trumps Austin as the most exciting city in Texas

College Station beat out Austin — and everywhere else — as the most exciting city in Texas.

When you think of the word "exciting," what comes to mind? Eating at a new restaurant? Exploring the outdoors? Catching a live show? College Station?

Yep, you heard us. According to a new list from Gogobot, College Station is the most exciting city in Texas, ranking ahead of Austin — and everywhere else. To determine the rankings, Gogobot used the number of bars, restaurants, hotels, and outdoor spaces per capita to create a composite score for each city.

With a huge student population to satiate, College Station is home to a surprising number of entertainment options per capita. According to Gogobot, College Station "ranked fifth or better in all the categories we surveyed."

Austin, No. 2 on the list, ranked No. 1 for bar and restaurants per capita. "Known for being 'weird,' Austin is also a place to sample dynamite beer and delicious food," says Gogobot. "Sixth Street is truly a sight to behold on a Friday night. South Congress is the cooler hipster 'hood, and the outdoor amazingness at Lake Travis and Barton Springs is hard to top."

Doesn't that sound more exciting to you?

Austin, the only big city to crack the top five, is followed by Waco, No. 3; Amarillo, No. 4; and Abilene, No. 5. The exciting cities list is rounded out with Houston, No. 6; Denton, No. 7; Beaumont, No. 8; Dallas, No. 9; and San Antonio, No. 10.

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Don't Sweat It

New outdoor gym equipment gives Austin's workouts a boost alongside Town Lake

Photo provided by The Trail Conservancy, taken by Thao Nguyen

Local resident Ryan Purcell couldn't resist testing out the new equipment along Ladybird Lake.

For outdoor fitness fans, a new workout zone by Lady Bird Lake (Town Lake to locals) promises to be Austin's hottest gym. (Literally. Sorry.)

The Trail Conservancy, which manages and develops the Ann and Roy Butler Trail at Lady Bird Lake, unveiled new equipment at Butler Shores this week including pull-up bars, climbing ropes, and suspension trainers for comprehensive waterfront cross-training.

Photo provided by The Trail Conservancy, taken by Thao Nguyen

Local resident Ryan Purcell couldn't resist testing out the new equipment along Ladybird Lake.

The brand-new exercise equipment focuses on bodyweight and calisthenics training. With more 100 potential exercise combinations, it caters to all levels and abilities. Visitors can take advantage of the full-body workout stations for a wide range of strength and conditioning routines.

Like a large jungle gym, the rack is designed in modular blocks and combined on-location, so users will need to be smart about sharing the space. It may be a little difficult for some users to figure out the unconventional setup, but illustrations on the side give ideas for different movements.

The workout zone was designed by KOMPAN Sport & Fitness, a Danish recreation company that emulates indoor gym equipment in outdoor community spaces. This versatile rig looks natural for an outdoor space, but some of the company's other contributions, like stationary bikes and ellipticals are surprising to see outside. So far, though, none of these appear on the Austin trail.

This particular project has been years in the making, with development starting back in 2020. It advances the Trail Conservancy's ongoing mission to upgrade amenities along the beloved hike-and-bike trail surrounding Lady Bird Lake, thanks to backing from partners like Tito’s Handmade Vodka and dedicated Austin residents.

A community celebration on Saturday, September 23, from 9-11 am will inaugurate the new space with live musical performances by Teatro Vivo and Tambor y Baile, and a "bootcamp." Fitness demonstrations will get users oriented on how to best use the equipment. Tito's will join with free branded merch for community members 21 years or older.

To find the new equipment, type "Butler Shores" into Google Maps, or follow the trail along the south bank of Lady Bird Lake until you are just west of Lamar Boulevard, next to the ZACH Theatre. More information about the Trail Conservancy is available at thetrailconservancy.org.

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