AUSTIN

Altitude 50

General

Institutions of higher learning include Austin Community College, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Concordia Lutheran College, Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest, Houston-Tillotson College, St. Edward's University, and The University of Texas at Austin.

Major annual event is the Aqua Festival held in the late summer.

Widely known for its diverse music community and live music scene, Austin has it all--blues, country/Western, reggae, jazz, swing, and rock. Performed in various clubs around the city and at night spots along South Street.

The city is home to the nation's largest urban bat colony found under the Congress Avenue bridge during the summer. A kiosk on north shore of Town Lake's hike and bike trail near Four Seasons Hotel and one on the south shore inform visitors when and where to watch for the nocturnal mammals.

AUSTIN CHILDREN'S MUSEUM

AUSTIN NATURE CENTER

AUSTIN VISITOR CENTER

CAPITAL CRUISES

CELEBRATION STATION

CELIS BREWERY

CONGRESS AVENUE WALKING TOUR

DAUGHTERS OF THE REPUBLIC MUSEUM

ELISABET NEY MUSEUM

FRENCH LEGATION

GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER MUSEUM

GOOD DAY RANCH

GOVERNOR'S MANSION

HAMILTON POOL PRESERVE

HARRY RANSOM CENTER

HILL COUNTRY FLYER

JOURDAN-BACHMAN PIONEER FARM

LAGUNA GLORIA ART MUSEUM

LYNDON B. JOHNSON LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

MCKINNEY FALLS STATE PARK

MANOR DOWNS

MOUNT BONNELL

NATIONAL WILDFLOWER RESEARCH CENTER

NEILL-COCHRAN HOUSE

O. HENRY HOME

OLD BAKERY AND EMPORIUM

PARKS

SIXTH STREET (OLD PECAN STREET)

SLAUGHTER LEFTWICH WINERY

STATE CAPITOL COMPLEX

STATE CEMETERY

TEXAS MEMORIAL MUSEUM

TEXAS STATE LIBRARY

THEATRE

TOWN LAKE RIVERBOAT TOUR

UMLAUF SCULPTURE GARDEN

UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM

WESTCAVE PRESERVE

WILD BASIN PRESERVE

Attractions

• AUSTIN CHILDREN'S MUSEUM - Children of all ages can touch, play, and climb to their heart's content. The museum activities relate to three themes: how different people live, the human body, and everyday science and technology. Open Tues - Sat. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ; Sunday form noon to 5 p.m. 1501 West Fifth Street. Admission is charged.
• AUSTIN NATURE CENTER - Exhibits of science, natural history and botany. Open Tues. - Sat. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. 301 Nature Center Drive.
• AUSTIN VISITOR CENTER - For detail about events and the city attractions stop by the visitor center operated by the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau at 201 E. 2nd Street. Open Mon. - Fri. from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. St. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ; Sun. 1 to 5 p.m. or at information booth in Robert Mueller Municipal Airport. 512-478-0098.
• CAPITAL CRUISES - Boat excursions on Town Lake and Lake Austin take two to eight people on family outings, sunset cruises, bat watching excursions, or private getaways for an hour or longer. Catering is available. Also, electric pontoon, and paddle boats, canoes & kayaks rental. Open Mar. - Oct. Mon. - Fri. 3 p.m. to dusk; Sat. - sun. from 9 a.m. to dusk. (Nov. - Feb. as weather permits by reservation). Reservations recommended. Departs from the Hyatt Regency dock on Town Lake. 208 Barton Springs Road. Cruise/Rental fees. Call 512-480-9264.
• CELEBRATION STATION - Youngsters love the entertaining games and amusements that include go kart tracks, batting cages with fast and slow pitching, bumper boats, and lots more. Challenging miniature golf course. Food court. Open 10 a.m. daily. Memorial day - Labor Day; winter hours Sun. - Thurs. 11 a.m. 10 p.m.; Fri. and Sat 10 a.m. midnight. All games priced individually. 4525 South I-35 (south of Ben White Blvd.) For information, 512-448-3533.
• CELIS BREWERY - What was once a dream for Belgian brewmaster Pierre Celis to open a brewery in America is a reality. Brewery produces three brews. Celis White, Celis Pale Bock, and Celis Golden. Tours normally on Tues. - Sat. 2 & 4 p.m. Tours limited; reservations recommended; call 512-835-0884 for confirmation 2431 Forbes Drive.
• CONGRESS AVENUE WALKING TOUR - Stroll down the avenue with informed guides and hear interesting trails of what went on behind the limestone and brick facades. The 1 1/hour tour also includes Sixth Street, the popular entertainment district. Tours available March 1 thru November 30th; leave from south steps of the State Capital promptly at 9 a.m. Thurs. Sat; Sun. 2 p.m. Comfortable walking shoes recommended. A step-by-step booklet is available from the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau for self-guided tour. Tour is free.
• DAUGHTERS OF THE REPUBLIC MUSEUM - Exhibits of Texas memorabilia, 510 East Anderson Lane. Call 512-339-1997.
• ELISABET NEY MUSEUM - National Historic Site and studio of famed German sculptress who immigrated to Texas in the 1870s. Her works stand in European palaces, the Texas and National Capitols, and the Smithsonian National Museum of American Art. Largest collection at her studio here; open Wed. Sat 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sun from noon to 5 p.m. 304 East 44th Street.
• FRENCH LEGATION - Built 1840 by Comte Alphonse de Saligny, French charge d'affaires to the Republic of Texas; a gem of Creole architecture with a superb collection of period furnishings. Open Tues. Sun 1 to 5 p.m. 802 East Angelina Street by Carver Library.
• GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER MUSEUM - Changing exhibits of black history and culture of Austin and Travis County; photos, artifacts, folk craft and art. Open Tues. Thurs. from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday - Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. 1165 East Angelina Street.
• GOOD DAY RANCH - Delightful children's zoo in southwest Travis County offers children of all ages hands-on encounter with many different animals. Pony rides, picnic area, and party barn. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; closed Christmas. Take US 290 west to Circle Drive; right on Circle Drive to Rawhide Trail; right at ranch entrance. 10807 Rawhide Trail. 512-288--1490. Admission.
• GOVERNOR'S MANSION - Dignified white-columned mansion built in 1856. The Governor occupies a private second floor apartment. Other elegant rooms and antique furnishings may be seen on public tours Mon. - Fri. every 20 minutes, 10 to 11:40 a.m. Groups and official functions control schedule 1010 Colorado Street.
• HAMILTON POOL PRESERVE - Long a treasured swimming hold for Austinites and University of Texas students this grotto-like pool is one of Texas' most beautiful. 60 foot waterfall spills into a deep, jade-green pool. (Note: water quality is carefully monitored and swimming is not allowed when the bacteria is too high. Call ahead.) Other activities include picnicking and nature study. Guided nature tour by reservation. No drinking water available; no pets, glass containers, fires or cooking allowed. Take Texas 71 west approximately 16 miles to F.M. 3238, south 13 miles. For additional information call 512-264-2740.
• HARRY RANSOM CENTER - Contains more than 300 paintings of the Michener Collection, a Gutenbrg Bible printed in 1455, exhibits of photography, theater arts, American artists and collections. Open Mon. - sat from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sun. 1 to 5 p.m. On the University of Texas Campus. 21st and Guadalupe.
• HILL COUNTRY FLYER - Steam excursion train runs through the Hill Country from Cedar Park City Hall near U.S. 183 and R.M. 1431 to Burnet. The train is pulled by Engine No. 786, a 756 year old steam locomotive once displayed in downtown Austin. Ride is two hours through scenic countryside. Following short layover in Burnet. It's two hours back. Departures are Sat. and Sun. at 10 a.m. For information call 512-477-8468. Fare.
• JOURDAN-BACHMAN PIONEER FARM - Outdoor museum recalls story of rural life in central Texas. help pick cotton and see it spun into yarn, or gather around the fire and sing old time song favorites played on a pump organ. Costumed interpreters share the past as they do the work of early Texans. Open Sun. from 1 to 5 p.m. year round. Sept. May Mon. Wed. 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; June - August; Monday to Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. 11418 Sprinkle Cut-off Road From I-35 take Exit 243 east to Dessau Road; turn left 1/2 mile on Sprinkle Cut off and right to farm. 512-837-1215. Admission.
• LAGUNA GLORIA ART MUSEUM - Home of Texas Fine Arts Association in Italiante villa on the shore of Lake Austin at site first chosen by Stephen F. Austin for his home. Changing exhibitions of 20th Century American art. classes, films, and lectures. Open Tues. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Thurs. 9 p.m.)

 

 

Sun. 1 to 5 p.m. 3809 West 35th. Admission.

• LYNDON B. JOHNSON LIBRARY AND MUSEUM - Archives/museum relating to LBJ and office of presidency to general colorful highlights of political campaigns. Exhibits include gifts from foreign heads of state, a moon-rock, replica of the Oval Office and changing exhibits. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 2313 Red River Street.
• MCKINNEY FALLS STATE PARK - At confluence of Onion and Williamson Creeks with quiet pools, occasional rapids and waterfalls. Excellent visitor center, hiking and interpretive trails, campsites, playground, ruins of homestead of Thomas F. McKinney, one of Stephen F. Austin's original 300 colonists. Situated about 13 miles southeast of downtown. From U.S. 183 south, take scenic loop rd west to park entrance. Admission.
• MANOR DOWNS - Quarter horse pari-mutuel racing is held during spring and fall just minutes from Austin. Take U.S 290 east to Manor and Manor Downs Road. for racing information call 512-272-5581.
• MOUNT BONNELL - At the western edge of the city overlooking Lake Austin; dramatic view of city and Hill Country. Mount Bonnell Road reached via West 35th and Old Bull Creek Road.
• NATIONAL WILDFLOWER RESEARCH CENTER - Founded by Lady Bird Johnson in 1982, the Center strives to stimulate research and education about preservation, propagation and use of wildflowers throughout the nation. some 19 species of native grasses and more than 75 species of wildflowers provide color throughout the year; especially colorful during the spring. Visitors receive information on plants native to their region or home state. Open Mon. - Fri. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. extended weekend hours during spring. At 2600 F.M. 973. 512-929-3600.
• NEILL-COCHRAN HOUSE - Domicile of the National Society of Colonial Dames of America in Texas. Greek Revival architecture circa 1853. Antique furnishing and historic documents. Open Wed. - Sun. 2 to 5 p.m. Closed holidays and Aug. 2310 San Gabriel Street. Admission.
• O. HENRY HOME - Residence of William Sydney Porter, eminent short story writer who signed his works "O.Henry" Porter lived in Austin from 1885 to 18905. His desk, writing materials and other furnishings of the period are on view. Open Wed. - Sun. noon - 5 p.m. 409 East 5th Street.
• OLD BAKERY AND EMPORIUM - Built as a bakery by Swedish immigrant Charles Lundberg in 12876, now craft shop selling handicrafts and baked goods by senior citizens. Open Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Summer and Dec., Sat. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 1006 Congress.
• PARKS - Eight major park areas of more than 5.600 acres, including four municipal golf courses, 42 playgrounds, 21 swimming pools, 39 tennis court areas, four community recreation centers and 71 athletic fields.
• Walter E. Long Lake and Metropolitan Park includes all lands around 1,300 acre lake; fishing, sailing. About 5 miles east of downtown, Blue Bluff Road off Webberville Road. Admission.

 

 

Fiesta Gardens on Town Lake; displays of exotic flora and lagoon.

Emma Long Metropolitan Park - beside Lake Austin about 17 miles northwest via R.M. 2222 . Swimming, fishing and camping; Admission.

Zilker Park in southwest Austin includes popular Barton Springs swimming pool (open late Mar. - Oct. 31, fee). Zilker Hillside Theater and Austin Area Garden Center., Free Zilker Hillside Theater presents shows under the stars, early June - Aug. Austin Area Garden Center is a free, beautiful showcase of flowers, shrubs and trees; also a pioneer log cabin furnished in the frontier style. Tours of dinosaur tracks found at Zilker Botanical Gardens offered every Sat. may - Thanksgiving weekend. Hours may - June from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; otherwise 9 to 11 a.m. For information, 512-477-8672.

Two other popular facilities of Austin parks are hike and bike trails in scenic areas along 'Shoal Creek and Blunn Creek.

• SIXTH STREET (OLD PECAN STREET) - Before the Capitol was built and shifted the center of commerce to Congress Avenue, Old Pecan Street was Austin's main street. Neglected for years, it's been reborn with restaurants, clubs, shops and art galleries occupying the Victorian and native tone-buildings. Carnival atmosphere especially apparent on weekends. Registered Historic District. Seven blocks between I-35 and Congress Avenue.
• SLAUGHTER LEFTWICH WINERY - Native stone facility, built in tradition of early Texas architecture, transforms grapes grown at vineyard near Lubbock into award-winning wines. Tours of winery Thurs. - Sun from 1 to 5 p.m. (Sept. - Jun. on weekends only 1 to 5 p.m.). Wine tasting room open daily from 1 to 5 p.m. Has a panoramic view of lake Travis and the Hill Country. From Austin, R.M. 2222 west to R.M. 620, south past Mansfield Dam 1 mile to Eck Lane.
• STATE CAPITOL COMPLEX - 46 acres of immaculate, landscaped grounds, stately shade trees and flowering gardens. The Capitol itself, a massive, classic statehouse of famous Texas pink granite, dominates the park-like area. Although the Capitol itself is closed to the public for renovation during 1994, the new underground Capitol extension is open for tours. Striking state office buildings surround the Capital.
• Information about points of interest in the Capitol, city, and entire state is available daily (except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's) at the Travel Information Center operated by Texas Department of Transportation in the John H. Reagan Building just north of the Capitol at 15th and Congress Streets. Midtown.
• STATE CEMETERY - The "Arlington of Texas" where monuments mark resting places of nearly 2,000 patriots, statesmen, and heroes of Texas, including tombs of Stephen F. Austin and General Albert Sidney Johnston. East 7th and Comal Streets.
• TEXAS MEMORIAL MUSEUM - Historical archaeological and geological exhibits and dioramas, including famed Paluxy dinosaur tracks. Open Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m; Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sun. 1 to 5 p.m. closed major holidays. 2400 Trinity Street.
• TEXAS STATE LIBRARY - Documents and books dealing with all phases of Texas history. Open Mon. - Sat. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed holidays. Just east of the State Capitol.
• THEATRE - Austin's blessed with stage productions year round at local playhouses. The restored Paramount Theatre on Congress Avenue features stage productions, musicals, and classic films throughout the year. Other stages include Zachary Scott Theatre, Live Oak Theatre, St. Edwards University's Mary Moody Northern Theatre, University of Texas Performing Arts Center, Capitol City Playhouse, and Hyde Park Theater. Be sure to check out "Esther's Follies" a musical comedy revue on Sixth Street. For information contact the Austin Visitor Center or check with each theater.
• TOWN LAKE RIVERBOAT TOUR - Sightseeing excursions on paddle wheeler Lone Star from Mar. - Nov. (charter cruises year round). Departs from dock between Hyatt Regency Hotel and South First Street Bridge on Town Lake. 1.5 our cruise under city bridges past mouth of Barton Creek and Zilker Park, "wilderness "scenery of limestone cliffs, huge bald cypress and native pecan trees, waterfowl and great blue herons. Tour fee. Call 512-327-1388 for schedule.
• UMLAUF SCULPTURE GARDEN - One of the world's few exhibits devoted to a single sculptor; museum displays some 150 examples of works by Charles Umlauf, nationally acclaimed sculptor. Indoor exhibits in modern museum; other scattered along walks throughout tree-shaded garden. Open Thurs. to Sun from to 4:30 p.m. 605 Robert E. Lee Road (near Zilker Park) Admission.
• UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM - A teach gallery with exhibits changed monthly. Open Mon. - Sat. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Thurs. 9 p.m.); Sun. 1 to 5 p.m. 23rd and San Jacinto Streets.
• WESTCAVE PRESERVE - 30 Acre natural area home to many rare and endangered plants; also sanctuary for golden cheeked warbler and other birds. Two ecosystems upper half grassland savannah with wild flower meadows and strands of ashe juniper and live oak; lower half created millions of years ago by collapse of roof of an immense limestone cave now flourishing as a natural terrarium canopied by giant cypress trees. Weather permitting, tours are Sat & Sun. 10 a.m. to noon 2 & 4 p.m. Tours limited to first 30 visitors, no reservations. About 45 minutes west of Austin. Take Texas 71 one mile past Bee Cave, left on F.M. 3238 17 miles. First gate on right after crossing Pedernales River. 210-825-3442.
• WILD BASIN PRESERVE - Scenic hill country wilderness west of city. The 220 acre preserve is home to two endangered bird species; golden-cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo. Four miles of hiking trails and a special trail for the mobility impaired. Open daily sunrise to sunset. On Loop 360, 1.25 miles north of Bee Cave Road (R.M. 2244) For special guided tours, call 512-476-4113.

MERCHANTS

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