Mayfield Park Cottage and Gardens is open to the public but is a favorite among the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department facilities rental division. The historic 1870s cottage is perfect for a small group or families visiting the town. The cottage holds 65 people, while the grounds hold up to 200. Explore the walking trails in the park to enjoy the landscaped gardens, lily ponds, peacocks, and palms in this picturesque environment. Pack up the family or reserve it for your event and enjoy this sprawling estate in central Austin.
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.
Located to the east of Austin, Green Gate Farms gives visitors a glimpse into the farming lifestyle. A historic farm was restored to its former glory by Erin Flynn and Skip Connett in 2006. Educating people about sustainable agriculture and contributing to the community has been the driving force behind the establishment of the Green Gate Farms. The New Farm Institute is the on-site educational center, that provides workshops and conducts classes on farming. Tours around the Green Gate Farms are also organized. You can also host your celebration here and make it a memorable one.
Built in 1867 as the home of the Texas General Land Office, this building is the oldest standing government building in the state. Along with a listing on the National Register of Historic Places, it has quite a bit of history. From 1887 to 1982, a draftsman named William Sidney Porter, better known today as the short story author O. Henry, rented a space upstairs. Some of the author's greatest short stories were inspired by his experiences here. The second floor of the building houses the O. Henry Nook, where visitors can view his comical land tract maps. The building also houses the State Travel Information Center, which provides guided tours. A Texas-style gift shop is located on the first floor.
One of the most visited presidential libraries in the nation, Lyndon Baines Johnson Library & Museum is supplied with information regarding one of the most controversial times in United States history. Peeking inside the life of the 36th President, Lyndon Baines Johnson, the LBJ tapes provide listeners the opportunity to learn about former president John F. Kennedy's assassination and the Vietnam War. Along with the famous tapes, visitors can see a to-scale replica of the Oval Office, political memorabilia and more than 39 million pages of historical notes. Plan on a full day at this library and museum, but if you are a real history buff, you will barely scratch the surface of what this fantastic archive has to offer.
Jester King Brewery is located in a farmhouse on the 8712000-square-foot Ceres Park Ranch, 29 kilometers to the west of downtown Austin. The microbrewery creates brews with strong flavors and has earned its spurs using wild yeast to ferment beer. Celebrated for using organic ingredients, usually farm-fresh, fermented or foraged, Jester King believes in the philosophy of harmonious community living. The brews produced here sport unique names: Black Metal, Commercial Suicide, Le Petit Prince, Viking Metal, Bonnie the Rare, Wytchmaker, and then some. Take a tour around the brewery to acquaint yourself with their brewing process, and end your trip to Jester King Brewery with a tasting session of their delicious libations.