Austin is built on individuality and innovation, with wild western roots and cutting-edge tomorrows. These 10 hits are just the beginning:

1. Downtown Rocks.

Austin’s downtown is a bustling commerce hub by day and anything-goes entertainment mecca by night. Locals hang here and visitors love downtown’s walkability as they take in the sights, sounds and flavors of the third safest city in the country.

2. Convention Convenience.

With a prime perch in the heart of downtown, the Austin Convention Center is a mere stroll from a heaping helping of world-class hotels and beloved restaurants, friendly watering holes and multiple entertainment districts.

3. Austin Know’s Food.

It’s no secret Austin is home to some of the best barbecue in the country. The foodie-friendly buzz doesn’t stop there: from celebrity chefs opening inventive new eateries to tried-and-true food trucks serving late into the night, no visitor leaves Austin hungry.

4. It’s Outdoorsy.

It’s been said that the sky is bigger in Texas. More than 1.5 million people a year walk, run and bike the Ann & Roy Butler Trail (aka the hike-and-bike trail) and Boardwalk around Lady Bird Lake. And our waters are filled with kayakers, rowers and stand-up paddle boarders getting their fill of year-round fun under the Texas sun.

5. The Live Music Scene is Legendary.

When it comes to turning up the tunes, the Live Music Capital of the World® is always up for an encore. From storied venues like Stubb’s, Antone’s and The Continental Club, to side door gems where sweet sounds are just as abundant, Austin’s entertainment districts hold plenty of spots — hundreds, actually — to stop in and hear musicians making magic.

6. Austin is Connected.

The home of the SXSW Music, Film and Interactive Conference is undeniably a well-connected place. Austin is an entrepreneurial hub attracting talent from all over the world and teeming with today’s brightest minds in technology, medicine, the arts, education and more.

7. A Big Backyard.

When it comes to day-tripping, the Texas Hill Country is ready with a surprising wine country, quaint hospitality and waterfront charmers. Staggering views of wildflowers and lavender-covered hills, heavenly barbecue pits and two-steppin’ treasures make the drive well worth it.

8. Events Sing Here.

Conferences, meetings and events in Austin are heightened to epic proportions once a little local flavor is infused. By harnessing the power of the Austin Music Office, meeting planners are connected to the right musicians with the venue and vibe that best fit their scene.

9. Cultural Creativity is Next-Level.

The Mexican American Cultural Center, Mexic-Arte Museum and African American Cultural Heritage District celebrate our diversity. The First Photograph and Gutenberg Bible live at Austin’s Harry Ransom Center. Austin Art Space propels emerging and established artists and thousands of local designers, writers, filmmakers, dancers and musicians draw on the city to feed their art form.

10. It’s Austin.

Austin top’s all sorts of charts. Business Insider ranked Austin among the 13 hottest U.S. cities for 2016, while Forbes called us not just one of the best places for a weekend vacation, but also America’s next boomtown.