People often comment on the growth of events, saying they can't believe how they've developed so large so quickly. I too have made such comments. Take, for instance, the Lonestar Round Up-Austin, Texas's unique, multifaceted hot rod happening. Now in its seventh year, the show has evolved from its grassroots infancy into a full-fledged respectable event, attracting people from across the U.S. and beyond. But as amazing as the rapid growth may seem-from a tight-knit gathering of like-minded folk to an almost cult following-seven years is a bit more than just an overnight period of time. I guess when something happens only once a year, the months in between don't always equate as they should. Two weeks out of the past seven years really doesn't seem like a whole lot...but then again, we're not the ones planning, promoting, and staging the Round Up. That would be The Kontinentals, the Austin club responsible for the continued success of the event.
Having missed the previous three Round Ups, it goes without saying that I was highly anticipating my return to the Lone Star State-but for more reasons than just the Round Up, suffice it to say. To be more precise, it's the city of Austin that I really looked forward to visiting, as it's on the top of my list of places to live. But as everyone knows, a lot can happen in the span of three years-and let me tell you, that three years has not only had a huge effect on the city of Austin, but the Round Up as well.
There's one thing that hasn't changed about Austin, and that's the bright lights at night. Regardless of the different faces and places you'll find up and down Congress Avenue, the one constant "hot rodder's" landmark is The Continental Club, owned by Lonestar Round Up co-founder Steve Wertheimer. | 
Both Friday and Saturday nights feature live music and other attractions, plus there are more great restaurants within walking distance than you can shake a stick at. |
Directly across from The Continental Club you'll find the San Jose Hotel and Joe's Coffee-but the parking lot immediately behind is where the real action is. | |