kc

/ travel

musical meccas
WORDS KRISTY ALPERT

catch a concert within driving distance at austin city limits, or move and groove up to portland, ore., home of musicfestnw
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WHAT TO DO

usic has the power to transport you, so why not put your family in the heart of where the music is? Few places offer better music scenes than our two picks for this month, from the live music capital of the world to one of the best locations to find indie music. But these spots offer more than just a killer music scene; theres a ton to do with your kids after catching a concert or two!

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1 / A crowd of thousands watches the musical magic happen on a main stage of ACL. 2 / Kids 10 and under can get a free pass when accompanied by a ticket-wielding parent. 3 / The Salt Lick Bar-BQue accepts cash onlyso hit the ATM and enjoy! 4 / A nature walk or round of golf followed by a dip in the pool? Do all three (with smores for dessert!) at Barton Creek Resort and Spa.

by car:

austin, texas
Austin is known for two main things, live music and awesome food. This month those two worlds collide with the Austin City Limits Music Festival, from Sep 1618 at Zilker Park. Local art and food vendors will line the festival grounds as bands like Arcade Fire, Coldplay, Stevie Wonder, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Ray LaMontagne and more take over the multiple concert stages. Theres plenty to keep the kiddos entertained as well with the amazing Austin Kiddie Limits stage and play area, complete with face painting, interactive instruments, art projects and more! Tickets start at $90 and are going fast! 888/512-7469; aclfestival.com

WHERE TO REST YOUR HEAD

Although the Hotel San Jose and the Four Seasons are within walking distance to most of the festival fun, if proximity isnt high on your priority list, book a stay at the super kid-friendly Barton Creek Resort and Spa. Planned activities include geocaching, scavenger hunts, swimming, mini golf and

WHERE TO EAT
Just a short, scenic drive from busy downtown lies one of the best-kept secrets in Texas barbecue: The Salt Lick Bar-B-Que restaurant. This family-friendly joint has a rich

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Photos Courtesy of Ashley Garmon; Dave Mead; Salt Lick Bar-B-Que; Barton Creek Resort & Spa; Portland Childrens Museum; MusicFestNW; and Liz Devine

hiking. The resort also offers a Kids Club room for ages 6 months to 8 years where mom and dad can drop the kids off for a maximum of 4 hours so they can enjoy the city while their kids have a blast with the professional and fun staff. 866/572-7369; bartoncreek.com

family history all its own. With roots dating back to the 1800s, The Salt Lick has become a staple in the greater Austin area, with mouthwatering family recipes flooding the menu. Heaping helpings of barbecue are served la carte or family style with kids 3 and under eating free. Kids enjoy scouting out the massive open BBQ pit in this Hill Country location, set in what looks like an historic barn. Sides include potato salad, coleslaw, beans, bread and more, but the real stars of the menu are their desserts: homemade pecan pie or peach cobbler! 512/858-4959; saltlickbbq.com

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/ travel by plane:

portland, oregon
The bed of your dreams.
WHAT TO DO
Portland, Ore., may be located 1 hours east of the coast and the same distance west from the ski resorts, but this City of Roses is a destination all its own with a music scene thats just as independent. MusicFestNW is one festival you and your family cant miss if youre around Portland Sep 711. Concerts run all afternoon and evening and range from kid-friendly to 21-and-over, so make sure to check the website for details before heading out. Bands include Band of Horses, Iron & Wine, the Portland Cello Project, and more! (Note: While youre in the city, make sure to visit the fountains at the Portland Saturday Market and allot some time for the abnormally-cooland-super-interactive Portland Childrens Museum.) musicfestnw.com 503/223-6500; portlandcm.org

WHERE TO REST YOUR HEAD

Not only is the McMenamins Kennedy School a MusicFestNW venue, its also a hotel with more than 35 guestrooms. This isnt your average hotel though; its been renovated/converted from a 1915 schoolhouse to include a hotel, concert venue, brewery, restaurant, movie theater and more. Kids will love falling asleep in a classroom after catching a $3 movie. The theater serves food and drinks (order tots with ranch to eat like a local!) while moviegoers lounge on comfy sofas. The brewery is top notch as well try the Hammerhead, you wont regret it! 888/249-3983; mcmenamins.com

WHERE TO EAT
Looking to dine with the locals? Head to Le Bistro Montage. Referred to as simply The Montage, this quirky Cajun restaurant features funky dcor and decadent twists on simple dishes (try the Spicy Mac with Andouille Sausage). Crafty waiters will wrap any leftovers inside tin foil creature creations! Or for a quick bite out, try the Grilled Cheese Grille, a restaurant inside a converted school bus specializing in gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. 503/234-1324; montageportland.com 503/206-8959; grilledcheesegrill.com dc
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Which Hstens Bed is the Best for You?

Go to

www.mydreambeds.com
fill out and submit our new

1 / Check out the Vroom Room and other exhibits at the Portland Childrens Museum. 2 / Music-loving tots (and parents!) can drop by the third largest indoor music festival in the country. 3 / Kids will want to go back to school after staying in this quirky hotel.

Bed Selector
Well respond with the style bed thats just right for you. Then experience it for yourself!
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The Hstens Store Dallas

4252A Oak Lawn Ave. Dallas, TX 75219 214.252.0101 Theres a Hstens bed for everyone in your life.

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