Southern Hawkeye City Guides
Austin, TX
Total Iowa Alumni and Friends
3,325
Austin Metro Area
Iowa Alumni Network
Iowa Clubs connect Hawkeyes in more than 60 cities across the country and around the world. Wear your black and gold proudly as you cheer on the Hawkeyes, attend networking and cultural events, and raise scholarship funds for Iowa students from the Austin area.
Game Watch Locations
Alumni, fans, and friends in the Austin metro area gather regularly at local establishments to cheer on their beloved Hawkeyes. Check out the list of game watch locations in Austin.
Alumni-Owned Businesses
Must-See Attractions
Located at Zilker Park, the pool is open for year-round swimming. Since 1929, this pool has been an Austin staple for cooling down in the summer or gathering with friends. Grab a bite to eat nearby at Terry Black's Barbecue or the original Chuy's!
From March through November, Austin is home to the world's largest urban bat colony located underneath the Congress Avenue Bridge. The best view is on the water. Consider taking a bat boat tour through Lone Star Riverboat or Capital Cruises. During these tours, you will glide up and down Lady Bird Lake and enjoy excellent views of downtown. There are also viewing spots on Congress Avenue Bridge and along Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail.
Home to tasty eateries, live music venues, and funky boutiques that sell eccentric and local goods.
Take a free guided tour of the Texas State Capitol building. Tours depart every 30 minutes from the lobby and provide great insight into Lone Star State history. If you want a larger dose of Texas history, check out the nearby Bullock Texas State History museum.
Off the Beaten Path
Breakfast Tacos
Austin is obsessed with tacos, especially the breakfast variety. Try Veracruz, Juan in a Million, or Tamale House East.
Located at the heart of Sixth Street, this wacky theater is filled with musical performances, awe-inspiring illusions, and hysterical headline-inspired comedy skits. Head to the area early and listen to live music.
Austin is full of famous murals. Many are in neighborhoods offering plenty to eat, see, and explore.
Nashville, TN
Total Iowa Alumni and Friends
1,323
Nashville Metro Area
Iowa Alumni Network
Iowa Clubs connect Hawkeyes in more than 60 cities across the country and around the world. Wear your black and gold proudly as you cheer on the Hawkeyes, attend networking and cultural events, and raise scholarship funds for Iowa students from the Nashville area.
Game Watch Locations
Alumni, fans, and friends in the Nashville metro area gather regularly at local establishments to cheer on their beloved Hawkeyes. Check out the list of game watch locations in Nashville.
Must-See Attractions
Built in 1897 as a full-scale reproduction of the ancient Greek landmark, check out exhibitions and other events.
Eat, shop, and sleep like a Nashville native
For more than 90 years, this venue has showcased the biggest stars in country music.
This row of rollicking bars and music venues is one reason why Nashville is known as Music City.
The "mother-church" turned music venue, played a pivotal role in the popularization of country music in Nashville.
Off the Beaten Path
This throwback district is described as "14 miles and 100 years from Nashville."
This garden is located on private property in Bellevue (a suburb located in southwest Nashville) and best viewed from a public location.
Located in the Vanderbilt neighborhood, this area is known by amorous locals for its breathtaking views of the city.
Starting in Williamson County, this parkway gives motorists and bicyclists a beautiful view of native wildlife, spring flowers, and fall foliage. Overlooks are also featured along the route. The Loveless Café, located at the north terminus of the parkway, is a prime spot for good Southern cooking and people-watching.
Iowa Pride
In 1983, a team of Nashville musicians recorded "Hawkeye Boogie," a country music tribute to Iowa's fans and team.
Notable Hawkeyes: Former Hawkeye quarterback and NFL player C.J. Beathard (16BA) and notable Vanderbilt University professor Dr. Earl Fitz (68BA, 70MA).
TV actor Riley Smith, an Iowa native and Hawkeye fan, frequented the Nashville Iowa Club's game watch party while in town filming the ABC hit Nashville.