Bus Charter and Leisure Blog Archive

Zilker Park is a large area, right at 300-acres of large area and the City of Austin has a fun way to tour it. The Zilker Zephyr is a miniature train ride that covers a 3-mile ride around the park. When you take a ride on this fun train you will go past the playground at Zilker Park also known as the PlayScape where you kids will enjoy a covered area they can play under rain or shine, go under Barton Springs Road, and circle around the area where the annual Trail of Lights display can be found each November.

If you happen to visiting during the month of November, you will especially be in for a treat. The train will take a slightly different route to enable you to enjoy The Trail of Lights which is an outstanding holiday tradition in the Zilker Park area that boasts thousands upon thousands of lights to bring a festive spirit to all who see it.

You can find the Zilker Park train station at the south side of Barton Springs Road near the entrance to Barton Springs Pool. There is generally not too much of a wait and the ride is well worth the short wait you might have.

The Zilker Zephyr is a great way to let the kids have the fun of a train ride around Zilker Park while you get to rest your tootsies and enjoy the view. Zilker Zephyr hours of operation are 9 AM to Sunset Monday through Friday year round. The train is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.

Next time you're in the Austin area make a little time for something fun for both you and the kids, take a ride on the Zilker Zephyr.

If you'd like to make an excursion to something off the beaten tourist path on your visit to Austin, make a stop by the Texas State Cemetery which is the Lone Star State's version of Arlington National Cemetery.

The Cemetery has numerous historical figures interred. The cemetery has been a historical landmark since the 1800s with the passing of General Edward Burleson who had served with Sam Houston in the Battle of San Jacinto and as Vice President of the Republic of Texas.

The Texas State Cemetery became the place where other important Texans were buried. It's a virtual cornucopia of who's who in the historic building of the State of Texas. They include Stephen F. Austin, General Albert Sidney Johnston, Governor Allan Shivers, and the man who initiated an extensive restoration project himself, Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock.

Other famous permanent residents of the Texas State Cemetery include Governors such as John Connally, who was riding in the car when President John F Kennedy was assassinated. Lieutenant Governors. Speakers of the Texas House of Representatives,
Signers of The Texas Declaration of Independence such as George Washington Smyth and Charles Bellinger Tate Stewart, United States Senators including John Hemphill, Andrew Jackson Houston, and Ralph Webster Yarborough.

There are also members of the United States House of Representatives, a number of First Ladies of Texas such as Adele F. Barron Lubbock, Mildred Paxton Moody, Marialice Shary Shivers, and Ima Mae Smith. Famous authors, Texas Rangers, Republic of Texas Veterans Confederate Generals and American Revolutionary War Veterans are included in the famous facility. Take some time out to walk among the movers and shakers that made this State Great. There is also a small museum dedicated to the various people that were laid to rest here.

An usual stop to be sure, the Texas State Cemetery!

Want to do something different on your next tour of Austin? Take your family and friends back in time and check out the living history museum at Pioneer Farm.

You can experience daily life as it was in the mid-1800s on the prairie through exploration of three historic farmsteads which representing different socioeconomic lifestyles of the period. You will witness volunteers that stay in character and dress in period costumes cook over open fires and demonstrate other skills necessary for survival in these times.

The times to experience these programs is on Wednesdays in the Fall and Spring from 9:30 AM to 1 PM. Admission: $5 per person.

You can also pick up period recreated soveniers at the Sprinkle Corner, on the north edge of the village square, at the General Store which offers for sale a variety of sovenirs and specialty items that highlight Texas' pioneer days. The interior is decorated with original store furnishings from the 1800s. Many are labeled with their history to add a special learning element to your shopping experience. The General Store also sells many items that are handmade at Pioneer Farms in the historic shops. All proceeds from the store go to support Pioneer Farms and its continuing programs.

You can see inkwells that belonged to famous governors, famous historical figures and every-day Texans which are made from fancy glass, shiny brass, wood from a famous battleship, even a horse's hoof. Since it's easy to click a pen and write, you may not realize how important these ink wells were in written communication until you see this display. These and other displays are included in your $5 entrance fee.

This is a historic building not only as part of the history of Austin, but it was also used as a hospital for captured Union prisoners during the Civil War.

Hours of operation are Wed-Sun 2 PM - 5PM
There are free 20-min. tours given (with admission)
Prices Admission $5 adults, free for children under 10.

The home was designed by Abner Cook who was the architect-contractor that designed the governor's mansion and many of the city's other gracious Greek Revival mansions. Cook built this home in 1855. His trademark on his designs is the symbol of the portico with six Doric columns and a balustrade designed with crossed sheaves of wheat.

Nearly all of the historic home's doors, windows, shutters, and hinges are original from the time the home was built which is mind-boggling when you consider the history of this house.

The house was used as the City of Austin's first Blind Institute in 1856 and then as a hospital for Union prisoners near the end of the Civil War. Rumor has it that some of the prisoners who passed away within these walls still haunt the grounds of this mansion. The beautifully maintained 18th- and 19th-century furnishings are interesting, but many people come just to see the painting of bluebonnets that helped convince legislators to designate these native blooms as the state flower of Texas.

The grounds around the mansion are just as spectacular as the interior of the mansion. The well-maintained lawns and gardens are absolute photo opportunities. The best times to visit is in the late Spring when the blooms are creating a carpet of color around the mansion.

Bring you camera and come visit the Neill-Cochran Museum House on your next visit to Austin, you'll be glad you did.

Austin is a peaceful, tranquil town that attitude isn't reflected any better than at Lake Austin Spa Resort which was named a Top 10 Spa in the Travel and Leisure World's Best Awards 2005 and many other travel and destination magazines.

There are organic gardens with flowers and plants of every color that add to the colorful feel of this facility. The pond with lillies and trees that lazily move in the breeze will convince you that you're in the right place to be pampered and relaxed.

Since the new facility was opened in April 2004, patrons have been able to get the finest in self indulgence with the finest food, more than 100 healing spa therapies and 30 treatment areas located at various points around the 25,000-square foot facility. The healing therapies include Ocean Glow exfoliation treatment for the whole body. This treatment includes organic sea salt mixed with freshly made ingredients and is gently rubbed all over to draw out surface toxins, to detox and stimulate the skin and rest of your body, leaving you feeling anew. Another great treatment is the hand and foot therapy to completely relax and rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit.

Your hair and scalp don't have to be left out either. Enjoy a hair conditioning and a gentle head massage at the same time. The Clay treatments for your skin are second to none. If you want to feel really clean and refreshed from head to toe, this is a fantastic way to do it.

After a relaxing treatment, enjoy the whirlpool and then get ready to go have a great night out on the town in Austin. You'll be ready to take on anything!

The Wild Basin Preserve is located on the east side of Loop 360 (805 N. Capital of Texas Highway). The entrance to the preserve is approximately 1 mile north of Bee Caves Road, or approximately 3 miles south of the Loop 360 bridge over Lake Austin. The preserve is open to the public and is open from dawn till dusk. There are trail maps that are available to visitors, and they are located in the map boxes on the outside of the building. For the safety of the native wildlife on the wild basin preserve in Austin, no pets are allowed.

The Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve was created in 1974 in order to protect 227 acres of beautiful and pure Texas Hill country. It was also established to provide nature education programs. Visitors to the wild basin preserve can enjoy hiking trails, grasslands, and streams. This is a real treat for nature lovers. The wild basin preserve is also home to numerous endangered and threatened species of animals. There are also hundreds of native plants, bird and animals to be enjoyed as well.

Wild basin preserve offers many educational opportunities. There are teacher workshops to help teachers earn TEACC credit. There are also school group programs for elementary aged students, weekend programs for the community at large, wild afternoons for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and a volunteer guide orientation for people that want to help educate others about the wild basin preserve. The wild basin preserve is a great way for the community to get involved and learn about nature.

If you are traveling in Austin, Texas please make sure you take time to visit Zilker Metropolitan Park. You may end up spending all day there or maybe even stay for a couple of days to take it all in.

The 351 acre park Zilker Metropolitan Park is considered Austin's most loved park for good reason there is so much to see and do. You can enjoy a ride on the Zilker Zephyr miniature train or go canoeing on Town Lake. The kids can play on the very large multi-age play scape, enjoy hike and bike trails and many full-service picnic areas. For the swimmers and sunbathers, Zilker Park offers Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed pool with an all year-round average temperature of 68 degrees.

You can enjoy a relaxing sensory walk through Zilker Botanical Garden The gardens are on land that is beautifully displayed by nature with native trees, natural grottoes, and aquatic habitats that have been designed to honor Mother Nature with spectacular beauty and tranquility. Some of the Gardens for your enjoyment are a Japanese garden, xeriscape demonstration garden, magnificent rose garden, cactus garden, wild floral garden, butterfly trail, butterfly garden, and herb and fragrance garden and the Hartman Prehistoric Garden.

Don't forget to check out The Splash exhibit it is a fun and exciting learning experience deep inside a simulated limestone cave. The The Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum is another lovely attraction to stop by and see.

Is there a sports enthusuast among you? Because there is plenty of out door activiites to enjoy. Volleyball courts, a nine-hole Disc Golf Course, Soccer Fields, Rugby Field, and Multi-use Fields.

The Zilker Metropolitan Park is a great way for you to enjoy your stay in Austin Texas.

If you'd like to do something a little different and not the usual tourist trap, make the 307-foot tall UT Austin Tower a destination to visit on your next visit to Austin, Texas.

The tower has been a staple of Austin skyline since 1937, however it was closed for nearly 30 years after the tragic rampage by Charles Whitman who gunned down several people using a high powered rifle from the tower. To remember the people that lost their lives that day, the UT Tower has designed a Tower Garden dedicated in their memory from that fateful day in August 1961.

The Tower has a grand sky deck with a spectacular view of the UT Campus and the Austin area in every direction. A remodeling effort put for by the students, staff, and UT administrative offices to make the observation deck updated and open to the public for the first time in nearly 30-years. The observation deck has also been updated to include access for individuals with mobility issues.

If you're interested, there are observation deck tours which are available by reservation only through the Texas Union Information Center. If you'd like to schedule a tour please call (512) 475-6633, or toll free at 1-877-475-6633.

The University of Texas at Austin Tower offers a unique opportunity to experience both a magnificent view and contemplate what would have made a man decide to end the lives of innocent people from atop the observation deck of the University of Texas Tower.

For something a little different and that will definitely make you ponder, make the University of Texas Tower in Austin a stop on your next excursion to Austin, Texas.

The Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art is one of the finest university art museums in the country and the leading art museum serving the city of Austin and Texas. The Jack Blanton's permanent collection illustrates the history of Western civilization with over 17,000 works of art from all over the world.

The American and Contemporary art exhibits includes works from the major figures of early American realism and modernism, abstraction, and minimalism, along with works by acclaimed contemporary artists. You will also find an excellent European exhibit with 250 paintings of the late Renaissance and Baroque eras. This marks the Museum as one of the most important museums for these periods. The Blanton Museum has one of the leading collections of modern and contemporary Latin American art. More than 500 of the best artists from Mexico, South and Central America, and the Caribbean make it one of the largest public collections of Latin American art in the U.S. and one of the few in the world.

The C.R. Smith Collection of Art of the American West covers the 19th and 20th centuries with more than 100 landscapes and Western scenes by renowned American artists.

The William J. Battle Collection of Plaster Casts is a collection of 19th-century, life-sized creations of the great masterpieces of ancient Greek and Roman sculpture.

The Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art of Austin also has a small but important collection of antiquities which include distinctive examples of Corinthian, Greek, and South Italian vases, as well as Roman portrait sculpture.

Anyone who is looking for an interesting and memorable experience when they are in Austin, Texas should really schedule a visit to the Texas Memorial Museum. People who have a chance to stop by this wonderful museum are always amazed at the amount of great exhibits that are available for viewing. There are always different types of events and programs being held at the museum as well, so you know that you will always find something different to learn about.

One of the neat exhibits that you can check out at the Texas Memorial Museum is Fishes of Texas. This is an ongoing exhibit that is loaded with all kinds of information about the freshwater fish that thrive in the state of Texas and how they play an important role in the world. Another wildly interesting exhibit that you can view at the museum is the Onion Creek Mosasaur. This is an actual skeleton of an extinct Mosasaur. The skeleton was discovered back in 1934 by a couple of geology students from the University of Texas. Children especially love to see exhibits such as this along with the other many interesting exhibits at the Texas Memorial Museum.

You can find the museum on 2400 Trinity Street on the campus of the University of Texas. Hours that you may stop by are Monday through Friday from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm, Saturday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm and Sunday from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm. The museum is closed on all of the major national holidays. Admission is completely free for everyone and you may call (512) 471-1604 if you have any questions regarding the exhibits or other general museum information.

There is a bit of beauty and wonder waiting for you in the heart of Austin, Texas. It is called the Treaty Oak tree and it has a long and interesting history that is really worth hearing about. The Treaty Oak is located right on Baylor Street in between 5th and 6th Streets in a beautiful area just perfect for visiting.

The Treaty Oak tree is really special for a number of different reasons. This tree has actually been told to have been growing for over five hundred years throughout all different types of weather in the tricky Texas climate. It is thought to be the only surviving tree of a group of fourteen trees that had been planted long ago. Years and years have found this Treaty Oak to be a temple of worship for several tribes of Indian including the Tonkowas and the Comanches.
Around 1989 or 1990, the large, beautiful oak tree had unfortunately been poisoned. Since then, there has been a large movement underway called the Treaty Oak Project that has been geared to preserving and protecting the wonderful natural specimen. The Treaty Oak project strives to memorialize the tree so it can live on for many years as a part of the wonderful history of Austin, Texas.

You should be sure and make some time to visit the Treaty Oak tree the next time you are in the Austin area. The times that you may visit the park are from 5:00 am until 10:00 pm daily. Be sure and bring your family by to see this natural wonder today!

One of the best sites to see while in Austin, Texas is the State Capital. The architecture is extraordinary and the sense of pride that most Texans have for their history and heritage can be felt throughout the grounds and the building.

It is widely recognized as one of the nation's most distinguished of all the state capitals. It has definitely earned the title as the largest of all the state capitals, the only other capital building that is a little bit larger is The National Capital in Washington D.C. but the Texas counterpart has it beat in height, by 15 feet.

It has also been a National Historic Landmark since 1986 for its contribution to American History. Even from the street that leads to the Capital it's an impressive site, very clean and majestic. The good old Texas pride shines through while you are touring the inter chambers, the many paintings and the architecture itself. You can enjoy the interior as well as the exterior of this beautiful structure, just walking to the Capital is an enjoyable stroll.

Sited on one of Austin's highest points, the Capitol commands a sweeping view towards the Colorado River to the South. Many wonderful views of the Capitol's dome from many places throughout Austin are protected from obscuration by state law. This is a great way to spend an afternoon and there are dozens of photo opportunities from nearly every angle from the view.

Any visitor to the City of Austin should consider The Capital a must see, to capture the essence of Austin and the pride of the State of Texas.

The Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum is located in Austin, Texas and features more than 130 sculptures, drawings and paintings.

Charles Umlauf, a successfull and internationally known sculptor, created works ranging in style from detailed realism to lyrical abstractions during his career. Charles and Angeline Umlauf, in 1985 gave their home and studio with sculptures, drawings and paintings to the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum.

Umlauf used materials from exotic woods, terra cotta and cast stone. He also used bronzes and alabasters and luminous marbles. Umlauf sculpted family groupings particularly mothers and children, playful animals, religious and mythological figures, and sensuous, erotic nudes.

The Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum is a quiet and serene place, a reflective experience from beginning to end. You will be winding your way on your tour under a canopy of trees and stroll along paths through the garden and past Umlauf's sculptures. They even have bridges across sparkling stream waters and a water lily pond. A pleasure for all to view art in such a setting, where there is a nice mixture of art and nature, a very peaceful and relaxing way to spend an afternoon.

It has become a very popular place which provides a natural setting for weddings, anniversaries and special events for many local residents and visitors. A very magical place for any special event or just a day of peaceful enjoyment.

The Umlauf's Sculpture Garden and Museum of Austin mission is to offer experiences that encourage the appreciation of sculpture and to display the works of Charles Umlauf in a natural setting of beauty and serenity.

There is a pretty cool and exciting place to visit when you are in the Austin, Texas area. It is called Sixth Street and it is the hottest place to visit for the best in arts and entertainment that Austin has to offer. This area is just loaded with all kinds of entertainment, restaurants, art galleries, bars, clubs, theatres and more. There is always something going on at Sixth Street!

Not only is Sixth Street loaded with some of the best entertainment around, it is also seven blocks of the nicest historical houses and buildings that you have ever laid your eyes on. Some of them date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. You will find that there is so much to see and do when you visit Sixth Street that you may even want to take more than a day to get everything in. You can even hop in a chair at a great tattoo parlor and get that new ink that you have been longing for.

If you are hungry, Sixth Street has your number with all sorts of cafes and restaurants just waiting to calm your taste buds. No matter what you are looking for, there is sure to be an eating place that is just right. You can get some of the best seafood, steaks, chili or ribs that Texas has to offer. All of this can be done while visiting one of the coolest places in the Austin area. Stop by and enjoy some music and a bit of shopping while you are at Sixth Street. There is always something fun to do!

When you are visiting the lovely Austin, Texas area, be sure that you schedule a visit to stop by and see the O. Henry Museum. This is a wonderful museum dedicated to the life and works of the famous writer O. Henry, otherwise known as William Sydney Porter.

O. Henry was famous for his work on the short story called "The Gift of the Magi" many years ago. Over the years, many have come to recognize his talents and enjoy visits to the O. Henry Museum, which is dedicated to the life and accomplishments of this author. You can even schedule your own visit to the 1891 Victorian cottage where O. Henry once lived.

When you visit the O. Henry Museum, be sure and bring your whole family along, as this is a wonderful learning experience. All visitors seem to really enjoy learning about the experiences of this man through his years as a journalist, bank teller, draftsman and member of the renowned Texas Rangers. You will find all sorts of interesting memorabilia available on display at the well taken care of O. Henry Museum in Austin.

The O. Henry Museum is located at 409 East 5th Street. Admission is always free of charge for your convenience. Hours that you may stop by for an education visit are from 12:00 noon until 5:00 pm Wednesday through Sunday. If you would like more information or maybe even set up a time for your own tour of the O. Henry Museum, you can give them a call at (512) 472-1903.

When you're looking for things to do in Austin Texas make sure you stop and see Mount Bonnell. It is not a mountain in the real sense of the word, but it's the highest point in Austin.

It's been popular as far back as the 1800's as a picnic spot, it's also nice for a day of hiking, or just a place to sit and admire the views of the Austin skyline and Lake Austin on the Colorado River. It rises well over 700 feet above sea level. Mount Bonnell is a natural limestone formation that stands about 200 feet above the surrounding area. It was named in honor of pioneer George W. Bonnell, and there is much local folklore about lovers who have jumped to their deaths from the top.

The hike is not particularly difficult, many people of all athletic abilities hike it every day. But the beginning part of the stair climbing can be a bit of a workout. This initial stretch of the trails accounts for most of the 190 feet of elevation and it can become quite crowded depending on the season and time of day. This is a very popular venue especially in the spring and early Summer months when the wildflowers are at their peak and the landscape is a carpet of color.

A pavilion sits at the top of the mountain providing panoramic views, particularly to the west into the Hill country. Downtown Austin is seen to the southeast, but you may have to find and hunt around for a good spot in order to get a completely clear view.

It's a great place that provides you with the two views, one of the river and the other of downtown, and they are incredible. Also Mount Bonnell in Austin Texas is a great place for a picnic.

Approximately 75,000 visitors get a chance to visit this interesting museum every single year. This is one of only a few Mexican art museums that are located within the United States. Visitors are always pleased with the wide range of art that is constantly on display. You are always sure to find something new and different with each visit as well due to the changing of exhibits as well as the welcomed addition of new pieces.

There is a great museum located in Austin, Texas that is dedicated to the work of a great many Mexican, Latino and Latin American artists. Founded back in 1984, the Mexic-Arte Museum has been dazzling visitors with all of its wonderful exhibits on display as well as the many programs and events that are offered all throughout the year. There is no reason why you should not schedule a visit the next time you are visiting the Austin area.

The Mexic-Arte Museum is conveniently located at 419 Congress Avenue. Hours that you may stop by to check out all of the wonderful art on display are Monday through Thursday from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm and Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm. There are closings on Sundays as well as all of the major national holidays. Cost of admission is only $5 for adults, $4 for senior citizens and students, and $1 for children under age 12. You can call (512) 480-9373 to schedule your very own tour of the Mexic-Arte Museum whenever you are in the area.

The Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum in Austin is a great way to spend a day while visiting this wonderful city. It has much more to offer that just the usual history museums. The museums collection is very diverse.

Inside you will find exhibits in many different shapes and sizes from coins and stamps to Oval office furniture used by the former president and his family. The artwork ranges from school room drawings to portraits commissioned from famous artists.

The most important part of the collection are items directly connected to the President and the First Lady. From personal items such as clothing, and also objects related to official duties and political events. They include awards and documents as well as newspapers with headlines of significant events. It's customary when the President visits foreign or domestic heads of states to exchange gifts, you will find a wide array of the these that Johnson was given during his term.

Private individuals provide another source of gifts, items of the donor's skills and artistry. They are a trademark of their time, reflecting popular trends and interests of the 60s. Most were given as a sign of respect for the nation's leader.

The Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum has a collection of artifacts related to the presidency, the individuals who have held that title and to the office itself. Most of these are important artworks, portrait paintings and sculptures.

You will find that the The Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum is an entertaining way to spend some time while in Austin.

When in Austin Texas make sure you stop by the beautiful, lush Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. This delightful garden was founded by former First Lady Bird Johnson and acclaimed actress Helen Hayes.

The main focus of the Wildflower Center is respect of the natural beauty and biological heritage of each region of the country. They are committed to conserving and restoring wildflowers, native plants, and the biological communities on which they depend. They encourage native flora through artful, naturalistic plantings in public, private, urban, and suburban landscapes.

You should begin at the visitor's gallery, where a film explains the uniqueness of this non-profit center founded in 1982 by the former First Lady. Exhibits include some very unique and informational places to stop by such as nature's medicine cabinet, which shows you plant remedies while, Ralph the talking lawnmower, explains facts on native grasses.

There are 42 acres of fields, glowing with bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, verbena, and other local species, and also displays flora from regions through out the country. You can stroll down the nature trail, wind your way through fragrant wildflower meadows, and visit the display gardens; there are over 23 theme gardens.

Enjoy a peaceful walk through the meditation garden, a colorfully intense stroll through the Butterfly Garden, or a richly fragrant experience in the Fragrance Garden, all designed using native wildflowers and plants. When in season the centerpiece of this collection is the Wildflower Meadow, which explodes with color.

Only in the year round warm climate of Austin Texas can you find something as beautiful to the senses as The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

All aboard for fun and excitement the next time you are visiting the Austin, Texas area! You can take your entire family for a ride on a real steam train through the ultimate Texas Hill Country, lush parks and landscaping or even the historic neighborhoods in the area. The Austin Steam Train has everything that you need to make a great family outing a downright perfect one!

Your ride on the Hill Country Flyer can be quite a magical experience. This is a beautiful vintage passenger train that is ready to take you on a relaxing and enjoyable ride that you will not soon forget. Take a trip through Short Creek Canyon and cross over the South San Gabriel River. Stop in Burnet for a little shopping and a bite to eat. The possibilities are just endless with the Austin Steam Train schedules.

During the winter month of December, the Hill Country Flyer is decorated with beautiful holiday trimmings. Take a trip through the countryside and take in all of the sights filled with gorgeous holiday lights. A ride on the train can be both nostalgic and romantic. This is the type of excursion that some of the best memories are made from!

If you would like more information about the trains and their schedules or if you would like to reserve your very own seat, you can call (512) 477-8468. There are sometimes chances that you may purchase tickets at the boarding area, but it is always best to call your reservations in ahead of time to ensure that you will get a seat on the Hill Country Flyer.

A great place to go when you are visiting the Austin, Texas area is the Emma Long Metropolitan Park. This is a great park that is located right on Lake Austin. It is also one of the largest parks in the area with nearly an entire mile of lakefront for visitors to enjoy. What a perfect place to bring your entire family for a bit of relaxation amidst all of the beauty that Austin has to offer.

If you want, you can even bring a picnic and sit back and enjoy the scenery. There are also volleyball courts set up so you can get in a few games if you wish. The park also has a decent boat ramp if you are looking to get in a bit of boating as well. Also, if swimming is what you are looking for, the beach area is just beautiful.

Maybe you are in the mood for a bit of an outdoor adventure as well. If so, you are in luck at the Emma Long Metropolitan Park. Turkey Creek is an awesome hiking experience for anybody who is in the mood to get in a bit of exercise while enjoying all that the Austin woodland has to offer. Right near Turkey Creek there is also a motorcycle trail that many people love to use to ride along on their mountain bikes.

No matter what you plan on doing at Emma Long Metropolitan Park, you are sure to have a good time. This is a really nice setting for just about any kind of outdoor activity. Bring the family along for a great outing!

When you are in the Austin area, you should stop by and check out the Elisabet Ney Museum. This is a great place to visit that actually used to be the former studio of the famous sculptor. The Elisabet Ney Museum is actually one of the oldest museums located in Texas and has been enriching the minds of many for years now.

In this museum that is dedicated to the memory of Elisabet Ney you will find many wonderful sculptures of several great men from earlier Texas days. The Texan sculptures are those such as large figures of Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin that actually stand to this day in both the national and state capitols. Some of the other sculptures that Elizabet Ney is famous for include Jacob Grimm, Giuseppe Garibaldi, King Ludwig II of Bavaria and King George V of Hanover. The amount of talent that can be witnessed at this museum is just amazing.

The Elizabet Ney Museum is a great place to visit with your entire family. Both the young and old alike are fascinated by her works and enjoy looking through this wonderful collection. On a regular basis, many school kids actually visit the museum as a way of learning about the famous artist and sculptor.

Admission to the Elisabet Ney Museum is always free to the public. The hours that you may stop by are Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm and Sunday from 12:00 noon until 5:00 pm. If you would like to set up a tour of the museum, you can make a reservation by calling (512) 458-2255.

The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, Austin is always a favorite stop for visitors in their journey through Austin, Texas. It is a very new museum that celebrated its Grand Opening on April 28, 2001. It was the dream of former Texas Governor Bob Bullock come to life. All his life he wanted to recreate the history of his state and bring the Story of Texas to life through exhibits, theatre, films and interactive computer displays.

This wonderful modern museum is located in the Capital Complex in downtown Austin. Governor Bullock's dream has come to reality with thousands of visitors flocking there every year. The exterior of the museum is covered in sunset red granite and topped with a copper dome. A very handsome edition to the downtown area and hard to miss, along with several sculpture panels that depict scenes of Texas history and a massive 35 foot tall bronze star.

When you are done admiring the exterior you will find yourself in the Museum's massive lobby with stunning architecture and scenes of Texas history all around you. You will find yourself standing on a highly polished granite map of Texas.

From the beginning until the end of your tour you will be mesmerized with the story of Texas and the modern interactive displays will take you hours to get through. The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin is a great way to see the past history of Texas in modern display.

Are you looking for a unique and interesting experience when you are visiting the Austin, Texas area? If so, then you absolutely must travel on over to see the Congress Avenue Bridge. The Congress Avenue Bridge is located at the intersection of Congress Avenue and Riverside Drive. It is centered right in the middle of what is known to be the Bat Capital of the United States.

That is right, the Bat Capital. Underneath the Congress Avenue Bridge is actually the biggest urban bat colony that is known to reside in all of North America. Sound interesting? It sure is! Your whole family will enjoy going out to see this massive gathering of some of the most intriguing species of the nighttime world. Besides, is there even such a thing as a child that is not interested in seeing and learning about these neat little flying mammals?

There is actually an unbelievable amount of bats that live underneath this bridge. About 1.5 million Mexican free-tail bats live there actually, which make for quite an impressive display. Being that these bats consume an enormous amount of insects every night of the summer while they are living there, the locals in Austin started to take quite a liking to having them reside under the bridge.

If you are looking to get your own little glimpse of the bats, they usually show up underneath the Congress Avenue bridge around the middle of March and then return to their native land of Mexico in November. Be sure that you bring along a camera with a good range so you can get some decent pictures to show everybody back home this more than interesting and unique sight.

Barton Springs in Austin is one of those must see stops if your visiting the city of Austin, Texas. Enjoying the water is a year around activity here and Barton Springs Pool in Zilker Park is a landmark and one of the mot popular attractions in the area.

Barton Springs Pool is over 900 feet long, is an under ground spring fed pool and a wonderfully refreshing dip formed from when the dam was built. It takes up three acres and has a natural rock and gravel bottom floor. In years gone by it has been the home to a flour mill, a source of drinking water for many and a popular place for baptisms, family picnics, social gatherings, musical performances, fishing and swimming.

The water on average stays at a marvelous 68 degrees. Many of the locals go there religiously to soak up the tepid water and swim in the expansive spring water, framed by century-old pecan trees. If you dive down under the diving board you will see the main spring, which pumps an average of 27 million gallons of water a day and many say that the pulsating of the water reminds them of a steady heartbeat. Native Americans called them the Sacred Springs and went there to heal their wounds, aches and pains.

It also home to the Barton Springs salamander, the only place in the world you will find one of these little critters, they are on the extinct list so this is the only place you can meet them in their natural habitat.

Barton Springs in Austin Texas is a lovely, one of a kind place that you don't want to miss in Austin, Texas.

The Austin Museum at Laguna Gloria, Austin, Texas is a wonderful place to visit during your stay. It's a great way to spend the day for art lovers or those who just have an eye for beauty. Definitely a stop you would want to make during your next visit to the Austin, Texas area.

The Austin Museum at Laguna Gloria, Austin provides those who visit a wonderfully unique experience of history, art and nature. Visitors can take a relaxing tour during 11 AM to 4 PM daily. The architecture is a restored Italian style villa that was home to the legendary Clara Driscoll, who was a businesswoman, author, playwright, and politician. She designed the gardens which consist of lawns and shrubs and flowers, intersected by paths and steps, with balustrades, and oil jars of ancient design. There are also a number of graceful and lovely statues brought all the way from the oldest and finest gardens in the world, to give the wild and sometimes violent atmosphere of Texas a splash of dignity and Old World touches. It also provides the home for The Art School.

The welcoming and centrally located galleries serve as the Museum's main exhibition site and present constantly changing exhibitions and education programs that feature a vast array of twentieth-century and contemporary art. Art exhibits rotate and change every two months here. But one very popular permanent exhibit, the Children's Participatory Gallery offers hands on exhibits for children and young art enthusiasts, the museum also has a gift shop for all your souvenir needs.

If you're looking for a fun and unusual way to spend an after noon in the Austin area, make a note to stop by the Austin Museum of Art.

If you are looking for something great to do when you are in Austin, Texas, how about a stop at the Austin History Center? This is a place where you can learn absolutely everything about all that is Austin. It is a great trip to take with your family, and there are lots of interesting things to learn about. You will be pretty amazed at how well everything is set up in a way that makes Austin history so much fun to learn about!

At the Austin History Center, you can find a bunch of information about everything from local governments to the neighborhoods in the area. The building that the history center is in was built way back in 1933 as the first permanent library in Austin. It is a lovely building to walk around in and check out all of the exhibits that have to do with all of the places to go and see in Austin. You can also learn quite a bit about the people who have lived in the area and all of the events that have taken place in the region throughout the years.

The hours that you can stop by to learn about Austin history are Monday through Wednesday from 10:00 am until 9:00 pm, Saturday from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm and Sunday from 12:00 noon until 6:00 pm. The history center is closed on Thursday and Friday. If you would like further information or if you would like to inquire about current exhibits, you can call the Austin History Center at (512) 974-7480.