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 Hot Spot On Town Lake |
920 West Riverside Drive Austin, TX 78712 United States |
There was a time when music from local musicians was free, and great Southern food was BBQ ed in the park. But those days are gone; the park is now used for concerts and firework celebrations on the Fourth of July. Located near the picturesque Town Lake and across from the old Palmer Auditorium, the venue is usually busy during summer. The name of Auditorium Shores is derived from its location along the shore of Town Lake. You will also find the Town Lake Hike, the Bike Trail, a gazebo and the Stevie Ray Vaughan statue. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: James Lavin  |
 Photo: Angelina Adams |
 Photo: Jon |
 Photo: kmkeller_99 |
 Photo: Lea Susan Engle |
 Photo: Sunnie Wegner |
 Photo: Tim Trentham |
 Photo: Angelina Adams |
 Photo: neoinean |
 Photo: Jeremy Alan Wall |
 Photo: MeanRachel.com |
 Photo: Robert Heath |
 Photo: Derek B. Snow |
 Photo: Mike Ruiz |
 Photo: roxanne jo mitchell |
 Photo: Geoff Hargreaves |
 Photo: scottallenonline |
 Photo: mark tilley |
 Photo: Jenna Whidby |
 Photo: MeliMel360 |
 Free fun |
200 South Lamar Parks & Recreation Department Austin, TX 78704 United States +1 512 499 6700 http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/ |
Treat yourself and your kids to a new twist on an old game: golf, using Frisbees! The city contains numerous public parks with scenic disc courses. Once you have tried this hip sport, you will wonder why you ever chased down those little white balls. Best of all, it is free! For driving directions, please call the Austin Parks and Recreation Department or visit their Web site for maps to the disc golf courses. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Haunted Austin stories |
617 Congress Ave. The Hideout Coffee House & Theatre Austin, TX 78701 United States +1 512 853 9826 http://www.austinghosttours.com/ |
In a town with as much history as Austin, you are destined to find some scary stories and haunted locations. This tour takes you through downtown to experience some of the ghosts of this city's past. Hear stories about famous Austinites who have died, but never seemed to leave town. Learn about serial killers pre-dating Jack the Ripper, murders and mayhem, as well as spooks and haunts of Austin's sordid past. This tour may be a too much for small children. But adults will find it a wonderful way to learn about Austin's secret history. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: David O. Conrad |
 Photo: Stanford |
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Tour Austin on Your Own Segway |
8212 Barton Club Dr Austin, TX 78735 United States +1 512 699 6051 http://www.glidingrevolution.com/ |
See the beautiful sights of the Texas State Capital, Austin, like you've never seen them before by gliding on a Segway. Segways have a platform perched on two wheels with a patented gyroscope balancing system enabling the standing rider to maneuver by tilting forward or backwards while using the steering control on the left side of the handlebar to turn. We offer 7 day a week, 365 day a year guided 2.5 hour Segway tours visiting the Governor's Mansion, the Texas State Capital, the World famous 6th street entertainment district, the new 2nd street shopping district and much more. Our guided Segway tours are informative tours now rated as one of the highest quality tours in Texas. Segway guided tours are ideal for families, visitors, residents and work groups for team building activities. We currently have a variety of new model Segways in many colors for your enjoyment including the popular XT Off-road models. We believe in safe and fun Segway experiences for all of our guest groups. Reservations are strongly recommended. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Star Rosencrans |
 Photo: 512-495-9250 |
 Photo: sara strick |
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Downtown location |
823 Congress Avenue Austin, TX 78701 United States +1 512 495 9224 http://www.amoa.org |
With award-winning exhibitions focusing on American art and its significance to the region, this museum hosts fabulous works by contemporary artists. Along with the fantastic touring shows, this museum often has professionals speak about the works and their significance. The Austin Museum of Art is also involved with the television series The Territory, which showcases independent film and video broadcasts through the Public Broadcasting System stations. A free docent-led tour is available to the public at 2pm every Saturday during exhibitions; group tours require special arrangements. Groups of ten or more are asked to reserve a time to visit the Museum. There is a second location on 35th Street. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Faruk Ates |
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Welcome to Austin |
209 East 6th Street Austin, TX 78701 United States +1 512 478 0098 http://www.austintexas.org/ind... |
Make this one of the first stops on your tour of Austin. Pick up brochures and maps to help you navigate the city, and learn about some of the more interesting local landmarks, attractions, restaurants, entertainment and lodging that might not be in the standard tour books. If your interests lie in local history, stop by the Heritage Marketing Department, located in the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau. A tour guide is on hand to give you the inside scoop. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: SELCO |
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Prepare to go batty! |
South Congress Avenue Congress Avenue Bridge Austin, TX 78701 United States +1 512 441 9015 (Organizers) http://www.roadstarproductions... |
What a fun event this is! Organized for the family in particular, the festival features music, handicrafts, games, food, educational displays and bat-watching. More than 100 stalls are set up at the venue, and beautiful articles of pottery, photographs, metal works, wood works, and sculptures are all exhibited in the arts and crafts section. The proceeds go to Bat Conservation International. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jeff Mueller |
 Photo: Andreas Brændhaugen |
 Photo: Tim Coots |
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Bikes and rentals |
517 S Lamar Austin, TX 78704 United States +1 512 477 3472 http://www.bicyclesportshop.com |
This shop offers great service, repairs, information and bikes. Reasonable rental rates (around $10 for two hours) let you take advantage of the many beautiful nearby parks and trails. It carries mountain, hybrid, specialized and road bicycles for adults and kids from big names like Trek, Voodoo, Santa Cruz and GT BMX. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Janice Kearley |
 Photo: Brooks Goldsmith |
 Photo: James James Austin |
 Nine-hole golf |
201 Lee-Barton Drive (at West Riverside Drive) Austin, TX 78704 United States +1 512 477 9025 |
Stop here any day of the week for a 9-hole game. The longest hole is 118 yards and the shortest is 61. These greens and fairways have taught golfers a thing or two since 1949. In the clubhouse you can rent clubs and you will need at least a putter and pitching club and slurp some soft drinks. No dress code. Call for rates. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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State travel information |
112 East 11th St Austin, TX 78711 United States +1 512 305 8400 http://www.tspb.state.tx.us/CV... |
Built in 1867 as the home of the Texas General Land Office, this building is the oldest standing government building in the state. Along with a listing on the National Register of Historic Places, it has quite a bit of history. From 1887 to 1982, a draftsman named William Sidney Porter, better known today as the short story author O. Henry, rented a space upstairs. Some of the author's greatest short stories were inspired by his experiences here. The second floor of the building houses the O. Henry Nook, where visitors can view his comical land tract maps. The building also houses the State Travel Information Center, which provides guided tours. A Texas-style gift shop is located on the first floor. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mike Stanger |
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Historic Austin |
100 Congress Ave Austin, TX 78701 United States +1 512 478 0098 |
Less than a century ago this bridge served as the gateway to Austin. Originally a wooden pedestrian bridge, travelers used to pay a toll of a nickel to cross the Colorado River; and an extra nickel for your horse. In 1902, the bridge was washed away in a flood and replaced with a new bridge designed to handle automobile traffic. Since that time the bridge has maintained its status as a substantial throughway for the people of Austin. One of the most amazing sights in Austin takes place every dusk from March to early November, when 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from their roosts under the bridge. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Joshua Hunter |
 Photo: J. Kernion |
 Photo: David Bruce |
 Photo: Lorikay Photography |
 Photo: Marc Majcher |
 Photo: Kartoos |
 Photo: Joshua Hunter |
 Photo: Rene Flores |
 Photo: Willie Atkinson |
 Photo: Jason Sullivan |
 Photo: Brian Akey |
 Photo: Amelia Edwards |
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Carriage rides around town |
8101 Hwy 290 W Austin, TX 78620 United States +1 512 477 8824 http://www.diegelberosecarriag... |
One of the best ways to learn about scenic Austin is from the back of a Clydesdale-drawn carriage. Romance, historical and family fun tours are available by appointment; or if you are a wayward evening traveler on Sixth Street, take in a tour of downtown. See the Capitol, Governor's Mansion, and the famous Fourth Street "Warehouse District." Custom tours and event rentals, including full wedding packages, are also available. Visit the Web site for more information on rentals and rides. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Living history museum |
802 San Marcos St Austin, TX 78702 United States +1 512 472 8180 http://www.frenchlegationmuseu... |
King Louis Philippe ordered Alphonse Dubois de Saligny of France to Austin in 1839 to become the French liaison to the Republic of Texas. He insisted on being called "Count" and built this home on 22 acres of land in 1841. While waiting for building to cease, he was involved in a dispute over pigs and moved to Louisiana. He never returned to Texas and did not spend a single night in this home. In 1848 Dr. Joseph Robertson purchased the home and passed it on through his family for years; in 1949 the State of Texas acquired it. The home has been restored and even houses a French Creole kitchen. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jo Abraham |
 Photo: Steve Exendine |
 Photo: Margit Borve |
 Photo: FashionCoat |
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Greek Revival-style historic home |
1010 Colorado St Austin, TX 78701 United States +1 512 463 5518 http://www.governor.state.tx.u... |
This is one of the oldest governor's mansions in the country that is still being used on a continuous basis. Builder Abner Cook created a simple square home with four rooms downstairs and four rooms upstairs. A conservatory was added in 1914 along with a new kitchen area. The home showcases original artwork and furniture from yesteryear, as well as modern pieces added during the 1980s restoration. Guests are invited to enjoy viewing the first floor and lush grounds surrounding the home. Tours are limited to 25 people; please arrive early to assure your spot. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Veerle Pieters |
 Photo: Chris Drumgoole |
 Photo: Matthew D. Sheppard |
 Photo: Jennifer E. Garrett |
 Photo: Peter Czukor |
 Photo: Matt Sprague |
 Photo: John_VigiL |
 Photo: Tim Merckx |
 Photo: Clara |
 Photo: fashionistatv.com |
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A ride on the Colorado River |
Riverside Drive and South First Street (between the Congress and South First Street Bridges) Austin, TX 78716 United States +1 512 327 1388 http://www.lonestarriverboat.com/ |
Take a tour with Lone Star Riverboat down the Colorado River (known as Town Lake in the Austin city limits) on a paddle wheel boat. This Southern style of transportation is a perfect way to take in the city's skyline. Trips are 90 minutes long and do not require reservations. Call ahead to determine the seasonal schedule. During the summer moonlight cruises are offered, as well as close-up cruises of the bats underneath Congress bridge. Prices vary by excursion, so check their website for further information. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sunnie Wegner |
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Visit the 1890s home of O. Henry |
409 E Fifth St Austin, TX 78701 United States +1 512 472 1903 http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/par... |
Short story writer William Sydney Porter, whose pen name was O. Henry, lived in this home for three years while he spent time in Austin. It was constructed in 1891 and is filled with rare books, O. Henry's writing desk, original furniture, photographs, personal belongings and the chairs that brought The Gift of the Magi to life. Enjoy a guided tour and learn about the history of this home and its famous occupant. The home has been moved twice since from its original location at 308 East Fourth Street. It now features a gift shop with books, videotapes and more. The museum offers writing clubs for Austin children and sponsors many local events such as the Victorian Christmas celebration and the "O. Henry Pun-Off." Admission is free, but donations are welcome. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Franklin B. Thompson |
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Historic 1877 mansion |
1316 W 6th St Austin, TX 78703 United States +1 512 974 7480 |
Constructed in 1877, this home was built for Dr. Richmond Kelley Smoot. Originally on 10 acres of land, including a spring-fed lake, it was designed by Dr. Smoot himself. Workers laid handmade bricks—some that you can still see the fingerprints on. Smoot, who was also pastor of the First Southern Presbyterian Church (now referred to as Central Presbyterian Church), founded the Austin School of Theology. The house and its furnishings have been donated to the Heritage Society of Austin and tours are given by appointment. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Calling all water babies |
1541 West Cesar Chavez Town Lake Austin, TX 78703 United States +1 512 467 7799 http://www.texasrowingcenter.com/ |
The Texas Rowing Center is a good place to start, whether you're a hobbyist or just looking for a fun day out. The Center has a variety of programs that include rowing, kayaking and canoing, for amateurs and professionals. Even for those just visiting the city, Town Lake provides a great perspective for sight-seeing. Apart from the water sports camps, The Town Lake Adventure programs also cover a whole range of activities for groups. The Rowing Center also caters to businesses and specializes in team-building activities. All this in keeping the spirit of healthy competition and adventure. Rock and Row! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The heart of Texas |
1100 Congress Ave Austin, TX 78701 United States +1 512 463 0063 http://www.capitol.state.tx.us... |
The slogan states that "everything is bigger in Texas," and if you look at our Capitol, the phrase rings true. Standing a stately 309 feet and modeled after the nation's Capitol in Washington D.C., this is the nation's tallest. Designed by architect Elijah E. Myers and constructed of red granite, the Capitol took more than seven years to complete. It was finished in 1888, at a total cost of more than three million dollars, an extravagant price even by today's standards. The perfectly landscaped grounds reflect the languid pace of life under the Texas sun, inviting you for a quiet stroll or a lazy day under a tree. Tours: Daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Day. Allow 30-45 minutes for the tour. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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