Lawdy, Lawd...where to begin?
I was born and raised in Austin. Left 33 years ago. Only go back if there is no (repeat NO) other option. Back in the '70s, the unofficial motto "Keep Austin Weid" was created. They've succeeded beyond their wildest dreams...
The old joke is that Texas highways (especially that strip of Hades between Austin and San Antonio) are always either "over-crowded or under construction". A lotta truth in that...
Luckenbach? My mother's people (originally from Fredericksburg) used to hold their annual family reunion there (before Willon and Waylie "discovered" it). Old man Hondo Crouch (the owner) still lived there. And Fredericksburg itself was a sleepy little German town that rolled up the sidewalks at sundown.
Times change. Luddite that I am, I don't follow that trend very well. Hence, we live far away from those "madding crowds". Old Texas still exists...usually in and around the TINY spots on the maps! Glad you found "most" of your trip enjoyable, Finagler!