Last week, ModSquad’s Project Managers chimed in with their contributions to our ongoing series on what to see and do in our towns. This week, our Account Managers have their say. They’re sharing the inside scoop on what visitors typically do when they come to their home towns — and what those visitors really should be doing.

Austin, TX

What people typically do: Austin is called the Live Music Capital of the World. It’s pretty common to deplane at the airport and have a live band playing in the gate areas. Many people come here to see their favorite bands and discover new ones. We have lots of music festivals, such as Austin City Limits. Austin is also a very outdoorsy city with hiking trails, natural springs, and parks. The University of Texas is here, and football is huge every fall.
What they should do: My very favorite thing to take visitors to is the bat bridge. Austin’s Congress Avenue Bridge is home to North America’s largest colony of Mexican free-tailed bats. Through the spring and summer, around sunset, the bats emerge from under the bridge and fly off for a night of insect hunting. There are two companies that offer cheap sunset boat tours. You get a great view of the Austin skyline, some interesting architectural information, and then when it’s time, the boats move under the Congress Avenue Bridge to witness the emergence. It’s an absolutely stunning sight, watching up to 1.5 million bats take off in formation. And even if it’s not a lucky night (there is a curfew on the lake, so the boats have to go back even if the bats haven’t come out yet), you still get a lovely boat ride and view of the city. I’ve rambled on and I haven’t even discussed tacos yet. Or barbecue. Maybe another time.

—Donna McKee

Yorba Linda, CA

What people typically do: Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and Downtown Disney in Anaheim.
What they should do: Visit Thousand Steps Beach. Not only do you get to enjoy the beautiful ocean view, caves, and tide pools, you get a great cardio workout, too!

—Theresa Galle

Derry, Northern Ireland, UK

What people typically do: Visit the walled city and then hit other natural scenic attractions in the area.
What they should do: Wander around the city more, on both sides of the river Foyle, and immerse yourself in the local culture. It’s not a big town, but Derry has a rich history and friendly people. Take some local tours and just talk to the locals — they can usually steer you to something fun and interesting.

—Michael Marcantel

Folsom, CA

What people typically do: Mostly go to the lake or shopping at the outlet stores.
What they should do: Johnny Cash fans should take a drive out to Folsom Prison Museum. Be sure to visit Pioneer Village at Wool and Sutter Streets to watch the blacksmiths at work (our son is taking lessons there). Visitors can also pan for gold. Finally, walk back up to The Fat Rabbit Public House for the schnitzel, pierogies, and beer!

—Elizabeth Weil

Lehigh Acres, FL

What people typically do: The beaches are a big hit around my area. We have the Gulf of Mexico, we’re right outside Fort Myers, and we’re a short drive away from Cape Coral, Sanibel Island, and Pine Island. Boating is a big deal around here as well. People also love their golf and just relaxing in the Florida sun.
What they should do: There’s some great wave running tours in the area by which to experience the Gulf and seaside. Wave running is one of my all-time favorite activities, so much so that it’s hard for me to not just go out and buy my own. I’m aiming to go rent wave runners out on Sanibel Island with a few friends one weekend.

We also have some great local breweries in the area. The craft beer and brewery industry has blown up in Florida over the past two years. I definitely recommend giving these local places a try if you like craft beer and fun places to relax with friends: Check out Old Soul Brewing, Fort Myers Brewing Company, and Bury Me Brewery. 

—Jay Biros

Sacramento, CA

What people typically do: Old Sacramento is a great place to visit. It’s the preserved Old West part of town. There are lots of great shops and restaurants.
What they should do: I may be a little biased as part of the Tower Bridge Battalion supporters group, but I think everyone should go to a Sacramento Republic FC  soccer match. The team has only been around for three seasons, but we’ve already won the championship and amassed a huge following.

—Matt Hostler

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