If there's one word to describe Austin, Texas, it's quirky—but in a good way. Shopkeepers exude an independent spirit. Over 200 live music venues suit a myriad of tastes. The list of top-ranking restaurants includes slick boîtes and hole-in-the-wall shacks. Austin is the capital of Republican Texas, and yet the city itself is very liberal. And alongside the new residential towers, shopping districts, and strips of chic nightspots downtown, there are places that remind you of Austin's long history. Among them is The Driskill Hotel.

Since opening in 1886, The Driskill has been much more than a place to spend the night. The hotel was named after the cattle baron who founded the hotel (and according to legend, lost it in a poker game). Lyndon B. Johnson awaited presidential election results here. More recently, so did a few thousand Obama supporters. The recently restored Victorian Room on the street level was home to Austin's first bank, and later its first television station. Austin is a hotspot for film production, and it's no surprise that directors for films including Miss Congeniality have opted to shoot scenes in the opulent hotel.

Those that have spent the night here know it's a luxurious experience. The 14 suites and 175 guestrooms—all of which were renovated and restored last year-- are elegant and comfortable. The decor is Victorian meets Texas. There are Romanesque furnishings along with leather sofas, and plush bedding and drapes. The magazines left for us—including the must-read Austin Monthly and a terrific style publication called Tribeza—helped us plan our days. A shower and soaking tub, Molton Brown amenities, and a yellow rose of Texas on our turned-down bed awaited our return.  

It's not at all difficult to find a great meal in Austin, particularly if you're fond of Tex-Mex or Barbecue. My fiancé lived in Austin for several years, so he took me to his favourite spots, including Guero's Taco Bar and Stubb's (where the brisket and ribs are as fantastic as the lineup of live music). There are plenty of talented chefs in town. Chef/owner Kevin Williamson of Ranch 616 is known for his fried oysters. Pan-seared scallops and braised short ribs are standouts for Jonathan Gelman, executive chef at The Driskill Grill. At The Driskill, you'll also find the open and airy 1886 Café and Bakery. Be sure to try the house-made banana bread and jalapeno corn biscuits.

Something I didn't expect was the fantastic variety of shops scattered in neighbourhoods throughout the city. If you only have time to visit one, make it Anthony Nak, located just two blocks from the Driskill. Austin-based Anthony Camargo and Nak Armstrong are known for their chain-link encased jewelry and have a celebrity following that includes Angelina Jolie and Reese Witherspoon. A short drive west at 6th and Lamar is cluster of only-in-Austin shops. Book People is one of the largest independent booksellers in the United States. Across the street is Waterloo Records & Video. An Austin fixture, this shop has a selection that will make anyone's CD collection much hipper and more current. By George  is located on the north-west corner. Since 1977, this boutique has had the best selection of clothing and accessories from Chloe, Bottega Veneta, Proenza Schouler, Marni, Lanvin, and Dries Van Noten. Bonus: the friendly staff makes it an unusually relaxed and fun shopping experience. Then again, a friendly vibe is everywhere, so this wasn't much of a surprise!

There are two other areas that are also worth a trip. South Congress Avenue is lined with shops and restaurants. Among the favourites is Blackmail, a shop specializing in reconstructed pieces by Austin designers. Check out Lucy in Disguise, an eccentric costume and vintage clothing shop that's been in business for over 25 years. And even though Austin is more hippie than cowboy, those boots go really well with floaty dresses; the best selection is at Allen's Boot Center, also on South Congress. Closer back to downtown is the 2nd Street Retail District. My favourite shop was Eliza Page, where I found a range of jewelry—most of which is made by local designers—to love. I'll add it to my list of reasons to return to Austin sooner than later.

Rates start at $360.

­The Driskill

604 Brazos Street

­Austin, Texas  78701
Phone: (800) 252-9367 or (512) ­474-5911

Sofia Galadza is a writer living in Brooklyn, New York.