Thinking of Visiting Austin?

Recently, a customer from Washington mentioned in an email that she might be interested in visiting my hometown of Austin, TX.  I sent her back an email with a few things to do, but it really got me thinking about things to do here.  So, without further ado, I would like to (occasionally) introduce you to Austin...

A few weeks back we had some out-of-town guests who wanted to see the capital, so I thought this is a great place to start.  When you pull up, park at a meter and enjoy the grounds...about 20 acres...beautiful pecan trees and other natives...not to mention a statue or two.

Be sure to enter up the Great Walk at the South entrance.  You'll pass a monument or two (we are serious about our statues here in Texas) ...be sure to check them out!  As you enter the Capital building, be sure to bow in homage to two of Texas' greatest heroes (very important statues):  Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston.  On the right is a gi-nor-mous picture of Davy Crocket (the real one - not Fess Parker!).

Continue through to the rotunda...look up...way, way, way up at the top is a Texas star and the word "Texas".  There will be tons of tourists standing in the rotunda...still, look waaaaaaay up...and try not to knock over one of the guests.  Stand on the Republic of Texas star and say something really cool...hear the echo...

Now leg it up to the second floor and peer over the balcony.  In the marble floor are the six flags that have flown over Texas...It is even more impressive from the third floor - but I always feel like I'm going to get sick when I look down from that high up...

Since you are already on the second floor, check out the Senate and House chambers.  Here you will see some seriously historic original paintings of Texas' heroes as well as a painting or two of some famous battles (ever hear of the Alamo or the Battle of San Jacinto).

Before you get here, you might want to do a little homework...I've provided some questions to get the old juices flowing.

Q. 1.  What is an empresario?
Q. 2.  Who is Emily Morgan and why is she called The Yellow Rose of Texas?

And finally, be sure to check out our gift shop in the basement.  There are some lovely things (like stuffed armadillos) that you will want to take home with you.

Friends, that concludes our tour,  next stop...the Salt Lick BBQ!