A famous slogan states that everything is bigger in Texas, and if one views its capitol building, the age-old phrase rings true. Standing a stately 309 feet (94 meters) and modeled after the United States Capitol in Washington D.C., the Texas State Capitol owns the distinction of being the nation's tallest capitol building. Designed by architect Elijah E. Myers and constructed using lustrous red granite, the capitol took more than seven years to complete. It was finished in the year 1888 at a total cost of more than three million dollars, an extravagant price even by today's standards. The perfectly landscaped grounds reflect the languid pace of life under the central Texan sun, inviting passers-by for a quiet stroll or a lazy day under a tree.
Patrons will enjoy a huge variety of activities at Zilker Park. You can check out the hike and bike trails, picnic facilities, Zilker Botanical Garden, canoe rentals, soccer fields, sand volleyball courts, riverboat rides on Town Lake, concerts, festivals and even a miniature train. The wide-open stretches of grass in this park are just minutes from the downtown area. There is plenty of room and various diversions for the kids, so you can get a suntan, take long walks by the river or just curl up with a book down by the river.
A replica of Shakespeare's Globe theater, this one is Austin's best kept secret. Located at Coldwater Canyon Drive, to the north west of Austin, it lies on the banks of Coldwater Creek. Home to a number of plays, it regularly keeps changing events, to present a variety to the crowd. Keep an eye on their website, to know the latest schedule of events. Parking is available at a short distance from the venue.
The Northwest Recreation Center is a hub of activity and is frequented by locals looking to take a break and engage in some challenging physical activity. It has a gymnasium, ping-pong tables, volleyball court, and a playground. Picnics can be enjoyed in the grassy lawns that are fitted with picnic tables and a horse-shoe pit. Meeting room facilities are provided along with uninterrupted WiFi access. Chess and foosball can be played indoors.
The Saengerrunde Hall boasts of a history that goes back to late 1890s and early 1900s. Centrally located on the San Jacinto Boulevard, it was established as a singing society for the German settlers in Austin. The facility comprises of a main hall that can accommodate up to 400 people and a terrace area which can hold up to a 100 persons. Technologically, it has been endowed with all the right trimmings, making it great for private and social affairs like dance recitals, weddings as well as corporate events.There is even a bowling facility which is often sought by private and corporate parties.