News Summary
Austin and Georgetown received six prestigious awards at the 2025 Texas Travel Awards, demonstrating the best of local culture and attractions. Austin won accolades for live music, Instagrammable spots, and revitalization projects, while Georgetown celebrated achievements in marketing campaigns and small bars. This recognition positions both cities as must-visit destinations showcasing creativity and community spirit across Texas.
Austin and Georgetown’s Triumph at the 2025 Texas Travel Awards
In a vibrant showcase of local culture and creativity, Austin and Georgetown stood out at the 2025 Texas Travel Awards, collectively bringing home six prestigious accolades. These awards celebrate the best of Texas attractions and experiences, this year decided by a panel of five professional judges from the travel and tourism industry. Established by the publishers of Austin Monthly and Texas Music, the awards highlight exceptional venues and initiatives across the state.
Significant Awards for Austin
The Austin area received three awards in 2025, a slight dip as it earned four accolades in 2024. First on the list is Geraldine’s, located in the Hotel Van Zandt on historic Rainey Street, recognized as the best “big market” live music venue. Known for its lively atmosphere and consistent schedule of live performances happening every night of the week, Geraldine’s continues to be a crowd favorite for music lovers.
Additionally, the lively rooftop bar Zanzibar clinched the title of the best “big market” Instagrammable spot. This vibrant venue is celebrated for its tropical aesthetics and captivating views of downtown Austin, making it a hit among social media enthusiasts.
Another important win for Austin was the accolade awarded to Waterloo Greenway, recognized as the best revitalization project statewide. This innovative project beautifully connects Waterloo Park to Lady Bird Lake, enhancing the local landscape and promoting outdoor community activities among residents and visitors alike.
Georgetown’s Impressive Achievements
Georgetown also shone brightly at the awards, securing three significant honors in 2025. One standout award was for the “Best Small/Mid Market Destination Marketing Campaign”, won for the creative “We Call It Georgetown” campaign. This initiative effectively highlights the unique charm and offerings of the city, attracting tourists and locals to explore Georgetown.
Moreover, the new speakeasy called Brass Peacock took home the award for the best “Small/Mid Market Bar”. Tucked away below the upscale City Post Chophouse, Brass Peacock is known for its intimate ambiance and Prohibition-inspired cocktails, drawing in patrons looking for a trendy night out. The venue operates between Thursday and Saturday and asks guests to embrace upscale cocktail attire for a complete experience.
Adding to Georgetown’s accolades, the Two Step Inn Music Festival earned the title of “Best Small/Mid Market Music Festival.” This year’s festival boasted performances from renowned artists such as Alan Jackson and Miranda Lambert, further cementing its status as a key event in the Texas music scene.
Celebrating Hill Country Contributions
The awards ceremony also highlighted the contributions of the Hill Country area with notable wins. New Braunfels garnered five awards, while Gruene received two, and both Johnson City and Burnet each took home one accolade. Noteworthy among these was Camp Fimfo Texas Hill Country, which was named the Best Texas Resort for 2025.
The historic Gruene Historic District was celebrated once again as the Best Shopping District in Texas, earning this recognition for the second consecutive year. Additionally, the Gruene Music & Wine Festival was awarded the best “Big Market Music Festival or Event,” further showcasing the thriving cultural scene in the Hill Country.
Overall, this year’s Texas Travel Awards highlighted an exciting mix of attractions and experiences from both Austin and Georgetown, reaffirming their status as must-visit destinations in the Lone Star State. With a range of awards from rejuvenated parks to vibrant music venues, the results are a testament to the rich culture and community spirit in Texas.
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Additional Resources
- CultureMap Austin: Texas Travel Awards
- Wikipedia: Austin, Texas
- CBS Austin: Still Austin Music Monday with Geraldine’s
- Google Search: Geraldine’s Austin
- Austin Monthly: Restaurant Review – Geraldine’s
- Google Scholar: Austin Music Venues
- The Austinot: Austin’s Top Chefs – Stephen Bonin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Georgetown Texas
- Thrillist: Geraldine’s
- Google News: Geraldine’s Austin
Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN
GEORGETOWN STAFF WRITER The GEORGETOWN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREgeorgetown.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Georgetown, Williamson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Red Poppy Festival, Georgetown Swirl, and Christmas Stroll. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Georgetown Association, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as local wineries and historic downtown shops. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
