STI: PopStats - Research Conference Location Brief

March 24 - 26, 2010

The 2010 conference will be at the Stephen F. Austin Hotel in the heart of downtown Austin (the corner of 7th and Congress, and only 4 blocks from the capitol). We hope that your schedule will permit you to come in early or stay for a few days after the conference, because there are literally thousands of things to do in the Austin area. We've listed below a few of our personal favorites.

For Diehard Researchers, may we suggest a visit to:

• Whole Foods flagship store in downtown Austin. Whole Foods, as you may be aware, is based in Austin and with the grand opening of their flagship store it is clear why they have become the darling of Wall Street. The store is impressive. A short taxi-cab ride from the 'Stephen F.'
• HEB Central Market in north Austin. HEB broke new ground when they launched this concept several years ago. Targeted at the upscale consumer, this store offers a dizzying array of high margin grocery items. A short taxi-cab ride from the 'Stephen F.'
• HEB Plus store in Round Rock. This new concept store by HEB is HEB's answer to the Wal-Mart threat many retailers are facing. Industry insiders agree if any company can beat Wal-Mart it is HEB. If you go, bring your walking shoes the store is monstrous. Will require a rental car for access (appox. 25 minutes from the Stephen F.)
• The Domain, Austin's newest lifestyle center. Located in north Austin, this trendy center is a delight to stroll about with some of the most notable names in luxury retail (Neiman Marcus, Tiffany and Co., and Louis Vuitton). Not to be out-done, the dining experience is equally prestigious with a half-dozen restaurants to choose from. Simon Properties is to be commended on an outstanding job! Expect a 20 minute cab ride from downtown.

For Lunch and Dinner, may we suggest a visit to:

Austin's list of restaurants is overwhelming. We will dispense with listing the chains, but rather list the eateries that are home only to Austin. Please check your registration packet upon arrival, we have developed an extensive list of over 300 restaurants to choose from for your Thursday night "Out-on-the-Town".

• Mexican
  Manuel's on Congress
  Chuy's on Barton Creek
  Guero's on South Congress
  Maudie's on South Lamar
  
• American Bistro
  Eastside Cafe on Manor
  Hyde Park Grille on Duval
  Chez Zee on Balcones
  
• Steakhouse
  Perry's on 7th
  Sullivan's on Colorado
  Ruth's Chris on 6th
  3 Forks on Guadalupe
  
• Continental (Reservations strongly recommended)
  Vespaio (Italian) on South Congress
  Aquarelle (French) on Rio Grande
  Kenichi (Japanese) on Colorado
  Clay Pit (Indian) on Guadalupe
  Jeffrey's on West Lynn Street
  
• Pot luck, well not really, we recognize some people love to explore. So head to either 4th and Colorado or anywhere on 6th street and be your own judge.

For Sites and Sounds, may we suggest a visit to:

• Holy Bat Cave! Austin is home to the largest urban bat cave in North America
• 6th Street between Congress and I-35 (college oriented)
• 4th Street between Congress and Neches (over 30 oriented)
• Texas Mueseum (after visiting here you'll have a better understanding Texas pride)
• Texas Capitol (fashioned after the nation's capitol -- only bigger!)
• Harry Ransom Center (on permanent display, the Guttenberg bible and the world's first photograph!)
• The University of Texas at Austin -- National Champions (need we say more?)
• Zilker Park and adjoining Zilker Gardens (just a great place to be lazy!)
• SoCo boutique shopping (South Congress to non-Austinites)
• Art Galleries (Known as the West-End located between 5th and 6th streets between Lamar and West Lynn)
• Barton Creek Mall (extremely large enclosed regional shopping mall)
• The Domain (luxury shopping at it's best)
• San Marcos Outlet Shopping Center (One of largest outlet centers in the U.S. Plan on 2 full days to cover the whole thing!)

STI: Events