So you say you want to steer clear of SXSW and the chaos it brings? It’s a respectable option if the thought of ubiquitous live music, thousands of visitors and schedule that can be exhaustive at times aren’t your speed. But where to escape? Luckily, we have some suggestions:

Not too far away | Lost Pines

Just down the road from Austin, the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort (pictured above) rests, tucked into the woods of the hill country. It is as though a piece of Savannah, Georgia, were transplanted to a secluded point in Central Texas. All of the hospitality and Souther charm came with the resort, along with a sprawling golf course in Wolfdancer Golf Club, an exquisite place to relax and recharge in Spa Django and a distinctively Texan steakhouse in Stories. Additionally, Lost Pines boasts a miniature water park for children of all ages to enjoy. Far enough from the “madding crowd” to see all of the stars the Texas sky has to offer, Hyatt Lost Pines is an idea escape.
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SXSW Light | Dallas

Just because a majority of the touring roadshows in the United States and abroad all come to SXSW to pay their respects to the godfather of all festivals doesn’t mean that there isn’t any music in other Texas cities. As a matter of fact, some bands make the rest of Texas a part of their tour schedule and make the most of their visit to the Lone Star State. Dallas is proud to offer just some such bands for an alternative to SXSW, including an entire festival – SW?!? (So What?!?) Music Festival – as a more northern response to SXSW. A few of the bands to see in Dallas include SXSW alumni and performers:
Waxahatchee – Deep Vellum Books
Robert Plant –  The Bomb Factory
Ra Ra Riot – Live Oak Music Hall
The Wild Feathers – Kessler Theater

Counter-programming to SXSW | Houston

The Space City is hardly ever at a loss for music and entertainment options, no matter what time of year. But, with SXSW taking up a lot of the talent off the road and putting it into every possible venue in the Austin City Limits (including Austin City Limits, itself, which opened a second site to help accommodate the musical influx), one might thing the pickings could be a little slim. However, in a brilliant move of both coincidence and counter-programming, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is in town, giving SXSW refugees the perfect excuse to visit Houston. The HLS&R will be featuring musical appearances throughout the week from such top acts as: Kenny Chesney (March 14), Kid Rock (March 15), Florida Georgia Line (March 17), and Brad Paisley (March 19). Each concert takes place in the heart of the world’s largest rodeo and livestock show, which is reason enough to visit. But, if you’re still craving a bit of Austin while you’re away, native son of the Live Music Capital (and fixture of Monday nights at the Saxon Pub), Bob Schneider will be playing in Houston during SXSW, so you can catch him in a different city, at the legendary Mucky Duck on March 19.