Shannon's cozy but stylish house just might be the best introduction to Austin you will ever experience. Situated only a ten-minute (or less) ride from downtown, it has an airy, comfortable upstairs bedroom with a great view of the neighborhood and a roomy, ultra-modern bath. The kitchen is fully up to date and if you don't feel like cooking, there's a restaurant right across the alley; don't be fooled by the sign that says Launderette and bring your dirty clothes. If you want to stroll around the nabe, you'll find an eclectic mix of 1920s bungalows and ultra modern, newly built houses right alongside a wide range of restaurants and shops. Nothing like what this northerner expected. Shannon was also quick and available when I had some minor checkin issues, so everything was resolved with no problems at all. In four days I can say I truly learned the meaning of "Keep Austin weird."