lemiThe land of the free—for good reason! Home to some of the world’s most famous landscapes, cityscapes, and great escapes
Austin is Stranger than Fiction
Austin
Often the places and settings written in fiction can be eccentric or outlandish, but real-world Austin can be even stranger! A true testament to the city’s unofficial slogan, “Keep Austin Weird,” the city embraces individuality. This capital city supports the underdog and always champions entrepreneurs with less than mainstream ideas. By welcoming the unusual, they help small, independent businesses owners with fun ideas flourish in their own right and visitors get to reap the rewards with one of the most unique vacations of their lives. We’ve curated some of the most bizarre places to go in Austin to expand your imagination and increase your fun.
Updated 9 months ago
Keeping Austin in shock since 2007, the Museum of the Weird houses many oddities. Here you can find strange and timeless relics like Fiji mermaids and wax figures of classic movie monsters. Marvel at the Minnesota Iceman, a “caveman” encased in a block of ice, and ponder your own existence.
- +1 512 476 5493
412 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA
2The Junk Cathedral is a passion project of one not-so-ordinary homeowner. The structure is made out of a hodgepodge of cast-off items including but not limited to hubcaps, circuit boards, and broken televisions has become a surprisingly popular reception venue for weddings and parties. The interesting building is truly a work of mad-scientist art.
- +1 512 299 7413
4422 Lareina Dr, Austin, TX 78745, USA
The Glass Coffin Vampire Parlor is a real-life little shop of horrors for aficionados of the supernatural. They specialize in hosting spooky-themed events like tarot card readings and haunted exhibitions that’ll raise the hairs on the back of your neck. This April 17th, attend their Easter-themed event, “Bat City Antiques & Oddities Market: A Bunnicula Easter,” an oddities market with a goth-themed Easter egg hunt. Not for the faint of heart!
- +1 512 739 0084
3009 N Interstate Hwy 35, Austin, TX 78722, USA
The hidden, whimsical Fairy Alley can be uncovered in an unassuming neighborhood in South Central Austin. Literally an alley on the backstreets of South Lamar, this “fairy village” is a permanent art piece of sorts, made of various charming collectibles, murals, and garden scapes. This wonderland creation continues to house more fairies yearly as passersby add to the collection. Visit in the early evening for a more magical experience sure to captivate your inner child.
Next to 1507, Treadwell St, Austin, TX 78704, USA
Get the wild west experience with the “honkiest tonkiest” saloon in Austin, Little Longhorn. Grab a beer and join in on a kooky game of Chicken Shit Bingo. What is this craziness? Bet on your number and hope a live chicken in a pen picks it out on it for a big win!
- +1 512 524 1291
5434 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78756, USA
If live fowl isn't your thing, Kempelen’s Owls is a permanent public art piece in downtown Austin. Peer into the glowing eyes of two 10-foot metal sculptures of Texan Great Horned Owls to explore their hidden interactive features. Have a staring match at your own risk!
600 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701, USA
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