I had a great trip to Austin this week

During my previous trips here, I never felt the “coolness” that Austin promised. I always viewed it as the best Texas had to offer, but that was the equivalent of winning a race where everyone runner was slow, and as the winner, you were the fastest of the slow.

This time was different, thankfully. We are opening up a location in Austin, and I see a number of trips back here in my near future.

You can tell the quality of life around here is great – rolling hills, clean (well, cleaner than Dallas and Houston) air, lots of outdoor activities, affordable housing, and friendly people.

The weather this week was pleasant. No humidity. Winter chill in the air.

Even after daylight saving time’s clock adjustments, and our 4:30pm sunsets in Boston, it was still light out at 6pm last night in Austin.

I finally realized what makes this city come to life. Music. It’s everywhere. And not soulless Celine Dion and Rihanna. When listening to the radio, I spent much of my time here this week with the diverse formats Austin radio offers - Christian Pop, Regional Mexican, Americana, Spanish Pop, and Alternative Rock.

There’s a palpable energy in the city. Downtown is small but cool. UT is here. People carry around guitars. You can tell people are happy.

And the airport is so simple. Rental car pickup and return is a 400 foot walk from the terminal. Clearing security was a breeze, maybe 2 minutes. Even announcements over the loudspeaker are friendly. Flying JetBlue direct back home makes it even better. Maybe I’m just in a good mood because it was Friday and I was going home.