re: Things to do in Austin

You can usually make the drive in less than two hours, but probably not on a game day.

It is NOT a freeway or even a limited access highway. There are even a few spots that the highway is not divided, but those spots are under construction. You go through lots of small towns. Watch your speed, or you will be funding local government.

Are you planning to stay in Austin? If so, stay at the Driskill and walk to the bars on and near 6th Street. There are several other nice hotels equally-near, but the Driskill is the coolest The bar and live music scene may be a bit dead, since the 'sips will be playing OK in Dallas.

I do not recomend staying in College Station and driving to bar hop in Austin, then driving back to BCS. We used to do that when I was at TAMU, but it was stupid.