TEXAS: THE LONE STAR STATE
BY CLAY
LARROY
When
you choose to travel,
whether it is for business or pleasure, it is important to plan your trip well
before hand. Here are some tips to help you. Don't be afraid to cash in your
airline miles. Many travelers let their miles accumulate and never bother using
them. Reap the rewards of your traveling and spend the miles you've earned!
Miles have expiration dates, so be sure to use them before they expire. Travelling
is a great way to use your airline miles. When you need to
plan a vacation contact me!
AUSTIN, “Live Music Capital of the World”
After Texas won
independence from Mexico in 1835-1836, the newly formed Texas Congress decided
to use Austin as its new capital, having named it after Stephen F. Austin, the
man affectionately known as The Father of Texas. Stephen F.
Austin is famous for having established the first colonies in the region.
Between its settlement and the year the State Capitol was built in 1888, Austin witnessed the ebb and flow of its residents, due to the recession of Congress and fighting within the Texas government. By the late 1800s, Austin was back on its feet and in 1891 was one of the first American cities to utilize a vast street light system known as the Moonlight Towers. Several of these towers still exist and can be seen illuminating parts of the city.
By the early 1900s, Austin was left in the shadow of big oil towns like Houston and Dallas. It wasn't until the 1960s and 70s with its embracement of arts and culture, that Austin started to really show up on the map. The city developed big music venues like the Armadillo World Headquarters, Hole in the Wall, Continental Club, Liberty Lunch and Antone's attracting musicians like Janis Joplin, Willie Nelson and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Technology is also a big aspect of the city. Tech companies such as Dell, AMD, and Texas Instruments are located in the city, and Google, Facebook and Apple also have secondary offices here. With the influx of ambitious young people to the area, many startups and apps have been conceived in the city.
Weather is also an important part of Austin history. Austin has seen devastating floods over the years, with the most recent damaging floods being in 2013 and 1981.
What once started out as a sleepy town with a population of 22,000 in 1900 is now the 11th largest city in America with over 842,000 inhabitants in the city proper and over 1.8 million in the metro area.
Did you know?
- In 2011, Texas saw its worst fire on record in the Austin suburb of Bastrop. Over 1,600 homes were destroyed after a record-breaking drought.
- About 1.5 million bats live under the Congress Avenue Bridge between March and November, making it the largest urban bat colony in North America.
- Texas State Capitol building is America's largest state capitol building with the dome looming seven feet higher than the Capitol in Washington D.C.
Austin is famous for having established the first colonies in the region.
Between its settlement and the year the State Capitol was built in 1888, Austin witnessed the ebb and flow of its residents, due to the recession of Congress and fighting within the Texas government. By the late 1800s, Austin was back on its feet and in 1891 was one of the first American cities to utilize a vast street light system known as the Moonlight Towers. Several of these towers still exist and can be seen illuminating parts of the city.
By the early 1900s, Austin was left in the shadow of big oil towns like Houston and Dallas. It wasn't until the 1960s and 70s with its embracement of arts and culture, that Austin started to really show up on the map. The city developed big music venues like the Armadillo World Headquarters, Hole in the Wall, Continental Club, Liberty Lunch and Antone's attracting musicians like Janis Joplin, Willie Nelson and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Technology is also a big aspect of the city. Tech companies such as Dell, AMD, and Texas Instruments are located in the city, and Google, Facebook and Apple also have secondary offices here. With the influx of ambitious young people to the area, many startups and apps have been conceived in the city.
Weather is also an important part of Austin history. Austin has seen devastating floods over the years, with the most recent damaging floods being in 2013 and 1981.
What once started out as a sleepy town with a population of 22,000 in 1900 is now the 11th largest city in America with over 842,000 inhabitants in the city proper and over 1.8 million in the metro area.
Did you know?
- In 2011, Texas saw its worst fire on record in the Austin suburb of Bastrop. Over 1,600 homes were destroyed after a record-breaking drought.
- About 1.5 million bats live under the Congress Avenue Bridge between March and November, making it the largest urban bat colony in North America.
- Texas State Capitol building is America's largest state capitol building with the dome looming seven feet higher than the Capitol in Washington D.C.
Things
to do in Austin
Activities
Hiking
Located near Barton
Springs Pool, the Barton Springs Greenbelt (www.austinparks.org/our-parks.html?parkid=206) offers
hikes through the city's most green spaces. Walkers, joggers and dog owners
love coming to this area for its beauty, shade and swim holes. If you're
looking for a country spot in the middle of the city, this is your
place. If you want to get out of the city without traveling too far, head
up to Mount Bonnell located in West Austin, where you can get breathtaking
views of the city, Lake Austin and the 360 Bridge. This hike is for moderate
climbers.
Watch football
It would be a crime not to
mention that college football is one of Austin's most beloved pastimes. UT's
football team, the Longhorns, are one of the nation's leading college football
teams with several Rose Bowl awards under their belt. If you like sports, it's
worth checking out a game at their looming 100,000-seat arena (tel: (512) 471
7437; http://texassports.com).
The stadium itself is enough to knock your socks off. Also, if you want to spot
yourself a Texas longhorn cow, there is a good chance you'll spot Bevo, the
team mascot.
Kayaking
One of Austin's greatest
selling points is Lady Bird Lake, the river-like lake that snakes through
Downtown Austin. Individuals who appreciate the outdoors, but still want to
experience the city, should rent a kayak at Kayak on Town Lake (tel: (512) 478
3852; zilkerboats.com) and
paddle through town. Single and double kayaks are available.
Watersports
Since Austin fluctuates
between desert and humid climates, it's important to take stay hydrated
wherever you can. Lake Travis, located roughly 20 minutes outside of the city,
offers Mediterranean-style views of multi-million dollar homes in the Hilly
Country. At Lakeway Marina on Lake Travis (tel: (512) 371 6852 9887; http://lakewaymarina.com)
you can rent everything from tubes to paddleboards, ski boats to party barges.
Swimming
For summertime visitors
who need relief from the hot sun, the centrally-located Barton Springs Pool
(tel: (512) 476 9044;http://austintexas.gov/department/barton-springs-pool)
is a great way to cool off and get a taste of the local culture. Since the pool
is open year-round, individuals can swim here in the winter months; however,
due to the pool being spring-fed, the water temperature stays around 18C (65F).
The pool is in a natural setting, which means fish and water grass will often
tickle your toes. Don't be surprised if you see swimmers walking around topless
(which is legal in Austin).
City
Attractions in Austin
Barton Springs Pool
This spring-fed pool
located in the heart of the city is a popular spot for tourists and locals
alike. The vast pool is in a natural setting which means fish and water grass
will tickle your toes as you swim by. It's important to get to the pool early
in the sweaty summer months; the lawns can fill up with bathing beauties quite
quickly.
Blanton Museum of Art
Located on the UT campus,
this gorgeous museum offers over 17,000 permanent exhibits ranging from 15th
century drawings to European Renaissance paintings, Latin American art to
contemporary American sculptures. The museum offers lectures, concerts and
workshops and also hosts a monthly "B Scene" event that brings the
Austin creative community together to mingle and discuss art. A café and book
store are also attached.
Harry Ransom Center
Located on the UT campus,
this library and archive boasts over 42 million books, manuscripts, letters,
photographs and art by some of history's most famous scholars, scientists,
filmmakers and writers. Notable collections include that of William Shakespeare,
Lewis Carroll, James Joyce, Edgar Allan Poe and Jack Kerouac, Salvador Dali and
Frida Kahlo.
Lady Bird Lake Hike & Bike Trail
Located along Lady Bird
Lake, this trail for runners and cyclists is a popular destination during all
months of the year. Locals love being seen and running into friends on this
trail, while tourists enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds the location
brings. It is on this trail that you can get a good view of the famous bats
that fly from underneath the South Congress Bridge.
Website http://www.austintexas.org/listings/Lady-Bird-Lake-Hike-and-Bike-Trail/4369/
Website http://www.austintexas.org/listings/Lady-Bird-Lake-Hike-and-Bike-Trail/4369/
Texas Capitol
Arguably one of Austin's
most charming structures, this gorgeous pink granite beauty is a popular
destination for tourists. Open and daily and free to the public, you don't have
to make reservations to visit and you can even sit in on Texas legislation in the
making. Don't forget to stroll the perfectly manicured grounds. Stop by the
Visitors Center to pick up Austin memorabilia before you leave.
Telephone (512) 463 0001.
Website http://www.tspb.state.tx.us/spb/capitol/texcap.htm
Telephone (512) 463 0001.
Website http://www.tspb.state.tx.us/spb/capitol/texcap.htm
The Contemporary Austin Jones Center
The Contemporary Austin
Jones Center is located in the heart of Downtown Austin and features a unique
collection of contemporary and conceptual art. Though small in size and
collection, the museum is mostly known for offering innovative art programs for
adults, families and children, guest lectures by artists, film screenings and
mixers for the creative community.
Telephone (512) 453 5312.
Website http://thecontemporaryaustin.org
Telephone (512) 453 5312.
Website http://thecontemporaryaustin.org
University of Texas Tower
Standing like a pillar in
the middle of the University of Texas campus, this 94m-high (307ft) structure
boasts beautiful views of the school grounds and Austin. The tower was closed
down for many years, but is back open for the public. Schedules are limited, so
make sure to call about availability or book a reservation. Telephone (512) 471 3434.
Website http://www.utexas.edu/tower
Website http://www.utexas.edu/tower
Zilker Park
This beautiful park
located along Lady Bird Lake, with views of Downtown Austin, is a popular place
for locals to bring their dogs or play sports with friends. Zilker Park is also
the location of popular festivals such as Austin City Limits and the Zilker
Park Kite Festival. During the summer months, the park can get pretty packed.
Bring a blanket and enjoy a nice picnic or game of bocce.
Website http://austintexas.gov/department/zilker-metropolitan-park
Website http://austintexas.gov/department/zilker-metropolitan-park
REFERENCE SITES:
I am lucky to live in Austin, so I can enjoy the live music.
Mark Zupan
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