Happy New Year, Austin!

What will 2009 bring us? More downtown condos? More light rail plans? Bigger and better festivals? More traffic on MoPac? I think many of us are both nervous and excited to see how the city grows and changes over the next year.

First Night Austin, the city's downtown New Year's celebration, was a jam-packed success -- the Statesman has some great pictures from the event. Did you go? If so, tell us about it in the comments section!

While many establishments are closed today, there are still plenty of restaurants open! Opal Divine's is offering a New Year's Day brunch until 4 p.m. and a happy hour until 7 p.m. Lucky black eyed peas will be served along with Bloody Marys. You can also stop by The Black Eyed Pea for their namesake.

Here's to a fantastic 2009 in Central Texas!