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2015 Heart 'o Texas Mini Reunion
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2015 Mini On-Own Suggestions

State Government Buildings

Self-guided tours of the Capitol and Grounds are available during business hours. Special group tours are also available through the Capitol Visitors Center, the Texas State History Museum, and the Governor's Mansion.

Texas State Capitol, 1100 Congress Avenue
The Texas State Capitol, completed in 1888 in Downtown Austin, contains the offices and chambers of the Texas Legislature and the Office of the Governor. The easiest way to view the building is to grab a brochure on the first floor and take a self-guided tour. Guided tours start every 15 minutes in the south foyer and last about 40 minutes.

On weekdays, a special Women in Texas History tour is offered at 11:15 a.m., and a Heroes of the Texas Revolution tour begins at 2:15 p.m. Nature buffs may also want to pick up the Trail of Trees brochure. It highlights the history of the capitol's well manicured grounds, with a particular focus on the majestic oak, southern magnolia and bald cypress trees. In total, there are 25 different tree species on the capitol grounds.
http://www.tspb.state.tx.us/SPB/Plan/Tours.htm

Texas Capitol Visitor's Center, 
112 East 11th Street (southeast corner of the Capitol grounds) Located in the restored 1856-57 General Land Office building. The three-story castlelike structure reflects the mid-19th century mock-medieval revival architectural style and is the oldest state office building in Texas. Has exhibits and historic photos.
http://www.tspb.state.tx.us/CVC/home/home.html

University of Texas

A Driving Tour of the University of Texas Area
http://austin.about.com/od/landmarksandattractions/ss/UTDrivingTour.htm

Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, 
2300 Red River Street Willie Nelson 'Texas Icon' Exhibit, Dolph Briscoe Center for American History collection, Royal Memorial Stadium, north end zone plaza.
http://www.utexas.edu/news/2014/05/08/willie-nelson-collection-briscoe-center/

Harry Ransom Center, 
300 West 21st Street The Harry Ransom Center advances the study of the arts and humanities by acquiring, preserving, and making accessible original cultural materials. With extensive collections of rare books, manuscripts, photography, film, art, and the performing arts, the Center supports research through symposia and fellowships and provides education and enrichment for scholars, students, and the public through exhibitions and programs. 
http://www.hrc.utexas.edu/


Libraries

LBJ Presidential Library, 
2313 Red River Street Presents the LBJ presidency through artifacts and displays to include a miniature Oval Office. The core of the museum collection consists of personal objects owned, used, bought, or worn by the President and First Lady, all donated by President Johnson under the Presidential Libraries Act (1955).
http://www.lbjlibrary.org/

Museums

Texas Military Forces Museum, 
Camp Mabry, entrance on West 35th Street Come explore the history of the Texas Military Forces from 1823 through today. 45,000 sq. ft. of Uniforms, Weapons, Tanks, Artillery, Aircrafts, Helicopters and more. Admission is FREE. Extensive insignia collection of Jay Massaro, Class of 1954.
http://texasmilitaryforcesmuseum.org/

The Contemporary Austin Laguna Gloria, 
3809 W 35th St
One of Austin's "usual" spots to go to when in need of a walk outside to see some art, take some photos, meet up with people or just have a quiet moment. The grounds are gorgeously kept and there is always some new piece of art to be found around the corner where you might not expect it.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-contemporary-austin-laguna-gloria-austin

O. Henry Museum, 
409 East 5th Street Offers a look into the life of William Sidney Porter in the Austin years leading up to his controversial prison term, after which he assumed the pen name O. Henry and set about transforming himself into the famed short story writer who authored such universal classics as "The Gift of the Magi," "The Ransom of Red Chief" and "The Cop and the Anthem."
http://www.austintexas.gov/department/o-henry-museum

French Legation Museum, 
802 San Marcos Street The French Legation Museum promotes understanding and appreciation of Texas history and culture through preservation of the legacy, structure, and collections of the French Legation to the Republic of Texas. It began in 1841 as a private home built for the French charg' d'affaires, Alphonse Dubois.
http://frenchlegationmuseum.org/

Thinkery, 
Children's Museum, Mueller, 1830 Simond Avenue Kids' museum with science exhibits, art, play spaces, story time & free admission Wednesday nights.
http://thinkeryaustin.org/

Zilker Park

Zilker Park, 
2100 Barton Springs Road
Park sits just across Lady Bird Lake (formerly known as Town Lake) from Austin's skyline making it the perfect metropolitan park. Locals and visitors enjoy 351 acres land dedicated to running, jogging, biking, swimming, kayaking and many other outdoor activities. The park features trails, gardens, volleyball courts, natural springs, swimming area, and many more amenities.

Whether you are a local or a visitor to Austin, Zilker Park is a must visit. The park is walking distance from many of downtown Austin Hotels. You can spend the whole day at the park, on Lady Bird Lake and Barton Springs Pool, or you can walk, jog or ride a bike around Lady Bird Hike and Bike Trail for a quick view. Whether you stay a while, or do a quick walk-thru, make sure to check out this amazing city park.

http://austintexas.gov/department/zilker-metropolitan-park

Lady Bird Hike and Bike Trail, 
First Street Bridge at Lady Bird Lake Lady Bird Hike and Bike Trail is the best place in Downtown Austin for running, jogging, walking and biking. It spans 10.1 miles, circuiting Lady Bird Lake with a relatively level, natural surface. A Memorial at Auditorium Shores honors the late bluesman Stevie Ray Vaughan.
http://www.austintexas.org/listings/lady-bird-lake-hike-and-bike-trail/4369/

Barton Springs Pool, 
2201 Barton Springs Road Barton Springs Pool is always at or near the top lists of things to do in Austin. Locals and visitors hang out all summer long to socialize, swim, relax and most importantly, cool off from the hot Texas sun.
http://www.austintexas.gov/department/barton-springs-pool

Austin Nature and Science Center, 
Zilker Park Austin Nature and Science Center mixes nature exhibits and hands-on education to empower students, teachers and visitors of all ages with an increased awareness for the natural environment. The center is located in the western side of Zilker Park. There are a variety of things to do and exhibits to see including wildlife exhibits, a 'Dino Pit', and an education center.
https://www.austintexas.gov/department/austin-nature-and-science-center

Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum, 
605 Robert E Lee Blvd Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum is on the south end of Zilker Park and is the home of a collection of works by sculptor Charles Umlauf. Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum is beautiful way to enjoy a non-traditional museum experience, while viewing the largest 'touchable' sculpture collection in Texas! Over 200 of Charles Umlauf's sculptures and artworks are strategically placed throughout the garden and museum. Each season the pieces are moved around, challenging the viewer to experience each piece in a new way.
https://www.umlaufsculpture.org/

Zilker Botanical Garden
, 
2220 Barton Springs Road Located just south of Lady Bird Lake, Zilker Botanical Garden, "the jewel in the heart of Austin", blends theme gardens like rose and Japanese gardens with streams, waterfalls and Koi-filled ponds. You can even find recreations of dinosaur habitats in the Hartman Prehistoric Garden. Zilker Botanical Garden has year-round events, private and public.
http://www.zilkergarden.org/

Only in Austin

Bats, Congress Avenue Bridge, at dusk
Watch the world's largest urban bat colony come out to feed ' on land or by boat:
http://www.capitalcruises.com/bat-watching/

Mount Bonnell
, 
3800 Mt. Bonnell Road, vic. Camp Mabry and Laguna Gloria Rising 785 feet above mean sea level, the peak is one of Austin's most cherished and visited landmarks and the home of Covert Park offering spectacular views of the city and Colorado River Valley. 106 steps from the parking lot to the summit. MG George A. Custer, his wife Libby and the officers and ladies of his command used to picnic there in 1865 during his division's five month stay in Austin.
http://www.austinparks.org/our-parks.html?parkid=287


Historic Military Sites of Interest, see <StaffRideAustin.htm>


For the military history buffs the list describes nine military historical sites around Austin, several of which are associated with West Point graduates—Joseph Bonnell (1825), Albert Sidney Johnston (1826), Hugh McLeod (1835), Samuel D. Sturgis (1846) and George A. Custer (1861).  

Shopping

The Domain, 11410 Century Oaks Terrace Situated in a beautiful park-like setting, The Domain features 100 upscale and mainstream retail stores and restaurants, almost half of which are exclusive within the market. A sampling of retailers includes high-end boutiques such as David Yurman, Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, Tiffany & Co. and Austin's only Neiman Marcus, as well as more traditional retailers like American Eagle Outfitters, Banana Republic, Express and more. Restaurants include favorites like Daily Grill, Maggiano's Little Italy, McCormick & Schmick's, North and many more.
http://www.simon.com/mall/the-domain/

Central Market
, 4001 N. Lamar Blvd. Central Market is really into food. With hundreds of cheeses, thousands of wines, acres of produce, and aisles of experts, their mission is to help you experience food in a whole new way. Cooking classes, live music, and more at every location. http://www.centralmarket.com/Home

Whole Foods Market, (and corporate headquarters), 525 N Lamar Blvd. Located just blocks from where Whole Foods Market began as a small neighborhood grocery store over 30 years ago, the flagship store at the corner of Sixth Street and Lamar Boulevard is one of the largest, at 80,000 square feet. Though much bigger in size, the store retains the charm and accessibility of our first location, with an intimate, village-style layout and passionate, attentive Team Members eager to assist our guests.
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/lamar

IKEA Round Rock ,
1 Ikea Way, Round Rock (SE corner of I35/University Blvd (RM 1431). Scandinavian furniture chain store selling ready-to-assemble furniture, plus housewares, in a warehouse-like space. It also offers a good place to eat and to purchase foreign food supplies. Every IKEA is a fun place to visit.

Web: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/store/round_rock
 
Store Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 10:00am-9:00pm
Sunday: 10:00am-7:00pm


El Interior, 109 W Lynn Street, Austin.  El Interior is one of Austin's oldest and most established shops for Mexican clothing and folk art. We carry a wide range of women's clothing (blouses, huipiles, skirts, and dresses from Mexico and Guatemala), men's Guayabera shirts, colorful textiles, oilcloth, and folk art such as the famous Oaxacan Black pottery and green Michoacán pottery. http://www.elinterior.com/

SoCo ' South Congress

South Congress, a neighborhood located on South Congress Avenue. It is also a nationally known shopping and cultural district famous for its many eclectic small retailers, restaurants, music and art venues and, more recently, food trucks.
http://www.austintexas.org/listings/south-congress-ave-soco-/4359/

Allens Boots, 1522 South Congress Allens Boots has been an Austin tradition since 1977
http://www.allensboots.com/

GREAT PHOTO OPS ' South Congress

Mural - Greetings from Austin, 600 Block of West Annie, on the side of the
Roadhouse Relics building The best place to take a picture in Austin ~ hands down ~ is the local 'Greetings from Austin' mural. Located on the northwest corner of Annie & South First Street, this is a popular place for engagement & wedding photos. And the occasional goofy family shots.
Good to know:
This is a busy street corner, so beware of traffic; there is not much room for a tripod, unless you go across the street; typically gets sun all day, shaded in the late pm.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/greetings-from-austin-postcard-mural-austin

Mural - I love you so much
, 1300 South Congress Jo's Hot Coffee holds a sweet corner spot in the heart of the SoCo neighborhood. It's recognizable by its sage green exterior and the constant flow of photohungry visitors.
The message simply states, 'I love you so much.'

Night Life - Entertainment

Sixth Street

Sixth Street is a historic street and entertainment district in Austin, Texas. It is located within the city's urban core in Downtown Austin.

The area around nearby 4th Street and 6th Street has been a major entertainment district since the 1970s. Many bars, clubs, music venues, and shopping destinations are located on E. 6th Street between Congress Avenue and Interstate 35 and many offer live music at one time or another during the week.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sixth_Street_(Austin,_Texas)

Esther's Follies, 525 East 6th Street Austin's premier sketch comedy and musical revue, takes on the antics of politics and Texas shenanigans in Esther's Follies 'Border Line Crazy'! http://www.esthersfollies.com/

Live Music

Live Music Calendar ' Austin Chronicle
http://www.austinchronicle.com/calendar/music/

The Broken Spoke, Best in Honky Tonk Music in Texas, 3201 South LamarThe Broken Spoke is Texas' most definitive dance hall. It's has a musical history that dates back to Bob Wills and The Texas Playboys. Stop by for some traditional country music by some "real" country musicians.

http://www.brokenspokeaustintx.com/
Video - Austin Live: Tick Tock is the latest video from the Live Music Capital of the World'. Filmed live from the streets of Austin, Texas, this one-of-a-kind collaborative video project features some of Austin's best musical talent ' lending their own personal style and creativity to American Blues Legend Jimmie Vaughan's song 'Tick Tock.'
http://www.austintexas.org/visit/music-scene/tick-tock/

Festivals

Texas Book Festival (20th annual), 17-18 October, southwest corner of the Capitol grounds The Texas Book Festival celebrates authors and their contributions to the culture ofliteracy, ideas, and imagination, established in 1995 by Laura Bush, a former librarian and an ardent advocate of literacy.
http://www.texasbookfestival.org/

Tours

Austin Duck Adventures, 602 East 4th Street Welcome to Austin Duck Adventures. We'd like to invite you on an amphibious tour of downtown Austin and beautiful Lake Austin inside one of our Unsinkable, US coast guard inspected Hydra Terra vehicles. Austin Duck Adventures is Austin's best tour with 75 minutes of sightseeing that includes Historic Sixth Street, the State Capitol Building, Bob Bullock State History Museum, the Governor's Mansion, and Lake Austin. The fun begins when you board your Austin Duck Adventures "Duck" at the Austin Visitors Center's new location at 602 East 4th Street.
http://austinducks.com/

Austin Segway Tour Information, 1108 Lavaca Street, Suite 100 An Austin Segway Tour is the perfect way to explore the capital of Texas. Segway past the Texas State Capitol building, the famous Driskill Hotel, Austin's Moonlight Towers, scenic Lady Bird Lake, the world famous 6th Street live music area, and the Warehouse District.
http://www.nationtours.com/austin/index.php

Wine Tours ' Tasting

Texas Wine Month Trail, (30 wineries), Month of October
http://texaswinetrail.com/store/item/2013-texas-wine-month-trail

Meridian Hive Meadery (Honey Wine), 8120 Exchange Drive, Suite 400 Meridian Hive relates to explorer's mindset. Meridian of geography and Hive of honey. In the midst of cultural renaissance, abundant trade and new discovery, honey wine has been shared for centuries. Each of our artisanal wines has a story of times past, so share with the adventurous at heart!
Open Fridays 4-7 and Saturdays 2-7 for tours/tastings.
http://meridianhive.com/

Best Tacos, Queso, and Guacamole

Various Locations
Torchy's Tacos
Resorts

Lake Austin Spa & Resort, 1705 S Quinlan Park Rd, Austin Advance booking recommended
http://lakeaustin.com/

Area Attractions

Inner Space Cavern, 4200 Interstate 35 Frontage Road, Georgetown Hidden for 10,000 years, Inner Space Cavern is one of the best preserved caves in Texas and one of the few places where prehistoric remains are found.
https://innerspacecavern.com/

Last updated: 12 October, 2015