With its historic sights and natural wonders, Austin, Texas has many attractions for tourists.
Austin, Texas is home to the State Capitol, which was named a National Historic Landmark in 1986, because of its "significant contribution to American history." The Capitol is not only a place where history has been and is still being made, but it is a remarkable example of architecture, built in the late 19th century. It takes the lead in gross square footage over all other state capitols, and in total size it ranks second only to the National Capitol in Washington, D.C. In height it stands 15 feet taller than the National Capitol, an example that Texans joke about: "Everything is bigger in Texas." While you're there, take the tours; roam the many floors and some of the rooms where the Senate and Legislatures meet, and where history is made. Stand on the star in the center of the floor, on the lower level, and hear your voice echo within a small circumference. Don't worry - it won't echo or sound as loud to those around you, but it is a wonder to ponder. This tour is entertaining and educational for the history buff, as well as the child who may get bored easily.
Next stop, Mount Bonnell. Climb a few steps, and find yourself over 200 feet above the city below. Mount Bonnell is a natural limestone mountainous formation and stands over 700 feet above sea level, looking over the meandering Colorado River. Pack a picnic lunch and settle down on a crevice of the mountain with your sweetheart, or hike along the length of the mountain. Both locals and tourists alike love to visit for the amazing view and the sheer beauty.
Check out Austin's very own swimming hole, Barton Springs. Located in Zilker Park, the Barton Springs swimming pool is quite a bit different than your average water park, river, or lake. The Barton Springs 900-plus foot-long "pool" was formed when the springs were dammed. The temperature stays at 68 degrees Fahrenheit all year round, and can even warm you up for a winter swim! The water is crystal clear, so you can see your toes, but be careful not to slip on the pool's floor, which can sometimes be slippery with algae. Water socks are recommended.
If you get hungry, Threadgill's, a restaurant with historical ties, is a good place to dine on some good, home-cooked food. Threadgill's is said to be the first theme restaurant in the city, its theme being Austin itself. The restaurant boasts two locations, one in north Austin, and one on the south side. The north Austin location is the original, and has quite a bit of history packed inside its doors. This location received the county's first beer license. Janis Joplin got her start performing here in the 1960's. Jimmie Dale Gilmore also performed here in the 1980's. The south Austin location is the newer restaurant, and though Ms. Joplin never performed here, the place is not without its historical attractions. It is next door to the site of where the Armadillo World Headquarters used to stand, known as the most famous music venue in Austin during the 1970's. Many a famous musician performed there, including BB King, Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, and the Pointer Sisters, among others. This Threadgill's location offers an abundance of memorabilia from Austin's musical history from the 1970's, as well as other musical memorabilia from ages past. There's a jukebox that's home to 100 albums of artists who once played at the Armadillo World Headquarters. Various artists, including Ray Charles, Count Basie, and Jerry Lee Lewis, played the piano that hangs from the ceiling. Eddie Wilson, Threadgill's proprietor, maintains that the restaurant represents "a time before disco or microwaves," a place where you can find a home-cooked meal and music played with talent. He has shared many mementos throughout the restaurant, so look around with a keen eye. You never know what you might see!
Perhaps one of the oddest natural attractions in the Austin area is the Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Flight. The "batty season" begins in March and lasts until November. The predominantly female Mexican free-tailed bats come this way in their northward migration, to give birth between June and July. Approximately 750,000 to 1.5 million bats make their home in the Congress Avenue Bridge, making it America's largest urban bat colony. The bats make their nightly debut around sunset, in search of their dinner, during which they consume between 10,000 to 30,000 pounds of insects. The bats can be viewed nightly during the span of several months, but late July to mid-August features the best views, when the young babies unite with their mothers in their nightly dinner flights. Flights usually occur between 8 and 8:30pm (though this can vary depending on weather conditions, bat colony size and time of year), and it can take up to 45 minutes for all of the bats to take flight. Early arrival is recommended for best views, should the bats decide to take flight a bit early. This is surely a sight to see; so when in Austin, be sure to plan for this spectacular event.
