Pedernales Falls State Park
Unless you show up after a storm (in which case it will be too dangerous to show up at all; people have died in flash floods here), don’t take the “Falls” in the name literally. The fun to be had here is in scrambling along the 3,000-foot-long incline of layered limestone, making your way across or around — or into and out of — the numerous crevices that dot this stark moonscape. 2585 Park Road 6026, Johnson City, TX 78636
Salty Sow
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This cozy-on-the-inside, expansive-on-the-outside, head-to-tail gastropub offers plenty of expertly prepared pork, but there are other animals on the menu (try the Crisp Chicken Thighs), and the vegetarian in your group will be very happy with the glazed turnips, roasted beets, crispy Brussels sprouts leaves and, depending on the depth of their principles and the strength of their will, the Triple Fried Duck Fat Fries. 1917 Manor Road, Austin, TX 78722
Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo
This annual March event actually draws more attendees — most of them Texans — than South by Southwest. And if it’s a change of pace you’re after, it’s hard to get further away from indie rock than cow-milking demonstrations, Swifty Swine Pig Races and the “Mutton Bustin’ Mania” event, in which 5 to 7 year olds don protective gear and vie to stay atop a ferocious sheep. Insider tip: Don’t miss the smoked turkey legs. Travis County Exposition Center, 7311 Decker Lane, Austin, TX 78724
Opie’s Barbecue/Krause Springs
The big news in the Central Austin food scene is that you no longer have to drive out of town to eat top-notch barbecue. During SXSW, though, you’ll probably want to. But rather than head to Lockhart — home of the past-their-prime Kreuz Market and Smitty’s — drive a half hour to this 15-year-old instant institution. When you approach the warming pit to make your choice, be sure to order your brisket “moist” (aka fatty). Afterward, drive three more minutes to Krause Springs, a picturesque swimming hole where you can work off your newfound calories amid 500-year-old cypress trees. 9504 Texas 71, Spicewood; 404 Krause Spring Road, Spicewood, TX 78669
Fonda San Miguel/Tacodeli
There’s no better place to spend Sunday morning than at this high-end Mexican restaurant’s all-you-can-eat weekly brunch, which features dishes from — or inspired by — the country’s underappreciated “interior” region, such as adobo-marinated quail and a jicama and melon salad. For a more affordable experience, try the local Tacodeli chain, where, depending on the day of the week, you can find well-seasoned scallops, pork belly or locally raised Wagyu beef nestled inside a corn tortilla. 2330 W. North Loop Blvd., Austin, TX 78756; multiple Tacodeli locations
-Jeff Salamon