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Oakwood Cemetery
Oakwood Cemetery
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SXSW 2017: places for locals to hide

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Oakwood Cemetery
| WikiCommons

The stat is staggering, no matter how many times it's said: 200,000 more people per day. That's the influx downtown Austin gets during SXSW. That's like, what, a quarter of the city proper's total population?

It's fun, exhilarating—and sometimes overwhelming. When that's the case, our map of 10 places where you can get away from it all is something you can probably use.

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Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve

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A photo posted by Rianne Ricarte (@riiiianne) on

It's all about the peacocks at Mayfield Park. Stroll around there and the nearby, lakeside Contemporary Austin—Laguna Gloria grounds, and you'll peace out, despite (because of?) the squawking.

Pinballz Arcade

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If overstimulation is actually your thing but you want to escape SXSW crowds specifically, check out Pinballz arcade. It's full of pinball machines, of course, as well as old-school video games and a bunch of other fun stuff. It's a local fave.

Cactus Cafe

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Yes, it's a club, and a legendary one. But the Cactus Cafe is known for developing and showcasing singer-songwriters, and it's a listening room. It has some great shows during the conferences, but no SXSW showcases. Go, be entranced, be restored. (It's also UT's spring break right now.)

Room Service Vintage

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Room Service will probably be a little crowded, because it always is, but probably not crazy. And even if it is, you really need to experience the delightful, affordable furnishings, housewares, knickknacks, geegaws, and vintage clothing this long-beloved Austin landmark has to offer.

Zhi Tea

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Due to its location on the eastern fringes of Austin's new-ish art-studio/gallery district, Zhi might have a few visitors and activities more than usual during SXSW, especially during Music. It's still hard to imagine it being anything but peaceful and blissful, though, due to the staff's dedication to its featured product, associated philosophies, and the leafy backyard patio.

Oakwood Cemetery

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It's Austin's oldest cemetery, and it's a big, rambling place that takes up two big Eastside blocks. It's full of Austin and Texas history—you will see the names of its residents on some of the surrounding streets, as well as in accounts of the Battle of the Alamo—big trees, and lovely monuments.

A photo posted by Angelita (@100lb_giant) on

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema – Lakeline

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Without a badge, you won't get into most of the movie theaters in the central city during SXSW Film. You can still experience the wonders of the local Alamo Drafthouse chain at its Lakeline mall location, which is showing first-run movies far from the fest and is as genuine as the rest.

Playland Skate Center

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Since opening in 1973, Playland Skate Center has been the place to get your roller-skate on. (At 27,500 square feet, it's also the largest in Austin.) In addition to keeping the rink in great shape, it features a light show, fog machine and state-of-the-art sound system.

Umlauf Sculpture Garden

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In 1991, four forgotten acres tucked in the woods near Barton Springs were turned into an art garden after 20th-century American sculptor Charles Umlauf donated dozens of stone and bronze works to the city. The garden has evolved since then, with xeriscaping, winding paths, benches, and a small pavilion being added. Now it's like a walk in the park. With art.

A post shared by Nida Ventura (@miagison) on

Dart Bowl

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For almost 60 years, Dart Bowl has been there for Austin bowlers young and old, enthusiastic amateurs and wizened experts who are no strangers to the perfect game. Be sure to try the enchiladas in the snack bar.

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Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve

A photo posted by Rianne Ricarte (@riiiianne) on

It's all about the peacocks at Mayfield Park. Stroll around there and the nearby, lakeside Contemporary Austin—Laguna Gloria grounds, and you'll peace out, despite (because of?) the squawking.

Pinballz Arcade

If overstimulation is actually your thing but you want to escape SXSW crowds specifically, check out Pinballz arcade. It's full of pinball machines, of course, as well as old-school video games and a bunch of other fun stuff. It's a local fave.

Cactus Cafe

Yes, it's a club, and a legendary one. But the Cactus Cafe is known for developing and showcasing singer-songwriters, and it's a listening room. It has some great shows during the conferences, but no SXSW showcases. Go, be entranced, be restored. (It's also UT's spring break right now.)

Room Service Vintage

Room Service will probably be a little crowded, because it always is, but probably not crazy. And even if it is, you really need to experience the delightful, affordable furnishings, housewares, knickknacks, geegaws, and vintage clothing this long-beloved Austin landmark has to offer.

Zhi Tea

Due to its location on the eastern fringes of Austin's new-ish art-studio/gallery district, Zhi might have a few visitors and activities more than usual during SXSW, especially during Music. It's still hard to imagine it being anything but peaceful and blissful, though, due to the staff's dedication to its featured product, associated philosophies, and the leafy backyard patio.

Oakwood Cemetery

It's Austin's oldest cemetery, and it's a big, rambling place that takes up two big Eastside blocks. It's full of Austin and Texas history—you will see the names of its residents on some of the surrounding streets, as well as in accounts of the Battle of the Alamo—big trees, and lovely monuments.

A photo posted by Angelita (@100lb_giant) on

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema – Lakeline

Without a badge, you won't get into most of the movie theaters in the central city during SXSW Film. You can still experience the wonders of the local Alamo Drafthouse chain at its Lakeline mall location, which is showing first-run movies far from the fest and is as genuine as the rest.

Playland Skate Center

Since opening in 1973, Playland Skate Center has been the place to get your roller-skate on. (At 27,500 square feet, it's also the largest in Austin.) In addition to keeping the rink in great shape, it features a light show, fog machine and state-of-the-art sound system.

Umlauf Sculpture Garden

In 1991, four forgotten acres tucked in the woods near Barton Springs were turned into an art garden after 20th-century American sculptor Charles Umlauf donated dozens of stone and bronze works to the city. The garden has evolved since then, with xeriscaping, winding paths, benches, and a small pavilion being added. Now it's like a walk in the park. With art.

A post shared by Nida Ventura (@miagison) on

Dart Bowl

For almost 60 years, Dart Bowl has been there for Austin bowlers young and old, enthusiastic amateurs and wizened experts who are no strangers to the perfect game. Be sure to try the enchiladas in the snack bar.