Austin Harmony: Father and Daughter Explore Jazz
This father-daughter duo traveled from Tucson, Arizona, to Austin, Texas, to explore their shared passion for music.
Austin Harmony Hits all the Right Notes
People can talk about music for hours, dissect its varied interpretations for days, listen to it for a lifetime. In its myriad forms, it’s a passion that unites.
Even as the internet makes our favorite artists and bands more accessible, music can still best be explored on a deeper level through travel. There’s simply no online playlist that can compare to experiencing it live.
And that’s what drove Andrew and his daughter Miranda to Austin, Texas. Both are trumpet players and avid listeners of jazz, and this shared love of music has strengthened their bond.
With Miranda nearing the end of high school and about to leave their hometown of Tucson, Arizona, to go to college, they set out to discover and experience Austin’s world-renowned music scene together.
Watch the video and see how Andrew and Miranda use travel to explore their shared passion for music.
The Sights and Sounds of Austin
With over 250 live music venues, Austin might have more per capita than anywhere else, earning it the title of “Live Music Capital of the World.” Whether you prefer the rhythm and soul of the blues, the twang of country, the pulse of rock ‘n’ roll, or the groove of jazz, there’s something for every musical taste.
If you love jazz like Andrew and Miranda, don’t miss the Elephant Room, open since 1991. This famous venue has live music seven nights a week — often for free.
For more places to catch live music or to thumb through a stack of vinyl, check out the Mohawk, The Continental Club, The Broken Spoke, Antone’s Record Shop or the Moody Theater for a taping of Austin City Limits.
And when you’re not catching a show, make time to visit some of the city’s other can’t-miss attractions, like the Texas Music Museum, Barton Springs Pool and Zilker Botanical Garden.
Outstanding Places to Stay
Berkeley Springs has many lodging options, but one of the best is The Country Inn, which sits on 2.5 acres and includes the Historic Inn, West Inn and The Retreat. The Historic Inn, constructed in 1932, has charming, unique rooms and suites, and the West Inn, a late 1980s addition to the Historic Inn, offers rooms with modern accommodations. Large groups might want to opt for The Retreat, a six-bedroom, six-bath home renovated in 2013 and connected by a corridor to the West Inn.
Cacapon Resort State Park, about 10 miles from downtown on the eastern slope of Cacapon Mountain, is another marvelous place to stay — especially if you love outdoor activities. It includes 6,000 acres of scenic areas for hiking, horseback riding, biking, fishing, swimming, boating, golfing and geocaching. Lodging options include 25 cabins (two fully accessible), a 12-room Old Inn and a 48-room Lodge.
Next time you’re in Washington, D.C., consider taking a couple of days away from the hustle and bustle to soothe your soul in this delightful mountain town — and perhaps your deltoids, calves and quadriceps while you’re at it.
Your Turn
Miranda and Andrew had their adventure, when’s yours? Decide what you’re passionate about, what you want to explore, and let that guide your travels. If Austin sounds like your style, look to the Austin city website and start planning your trip today.
