As part of the Pedernales River and Hamilton Creek, this old-fashioned swimming hole is perfect for the nature lover in you. A shaded walk through the canyon opens to the limestone outcroppings that create a 50-foot waterfall landing in the pool. A picnic on the banks of the pool, a dip in the cool water, or a quick hike through the canyon will wash away city-accumulated stress. The trail to the pool is fairly short but does include a series of rock steps. Good hiking shoes are recommended.
A reservoir in the Colorado River, Lake Austin is an ideal recreation spot. When the Tom Miller Dam was constructed in 1939, this reservoir was created. Though it serves a practical purpose like generation of electricity and flood control, it is also a popular attraction in the city. You will find many restaurants nearby, and the park along its banks offers fun activities such as canoeing. Lake Austin works for those who just feel like taking a walk, those who are looking to get their exercise for the day, those who feel like chatting with others, or just those who want a bit of peace.
One part vaudeville and one part stinging political/social satire, this place has been amusing and delighting its guests, as well as the pedestrians who pass by its front-stage windows and observe its goings-on, since the late 1970s. A troupe of multi-talented performers write, act, sing and dance their way across a broad and constantly updated comedic map that pokes fun at our elected officials, celebrity icons, and regular citizens. It is not all for laughs, though; a magical act comes on a couple of times per show to startle and captivate your senses. This is a true downtown institution.
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.
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.
The Debra and Kevin Rollins Studio Theatre is located within the Long Center. Boasting of brown tiled walls, excellent acoustics and a seating capacity of 229 guests, it is a very versatile space. It can be converted into an auditorium or theater for plays and film screenings, complete with projectors, various styles of theater seating, stage and stage curtains as required. It can be turned into a banquet hall by adding round tables on occasions, corporate functions and family gatherings. It can also be hired as a venue for carabet performances.
The studio and home of artist James Edward Talbot is known as Casa Neverlandia, as everything from its exterior to the art displayed inside represents something out of this world. Once you're done exploring the house, take the plank bridge to the tree house in the back yard, then take the firefighter pole back down to ground level. The museum is open by appointment only, and is definitely worth the planning ahead. The entire house is "green", as in solar panels and the like, so it is definitely a treat for the eco-friendly! Check out his website to know more about Talbot and call to book your visit!
McCallum Performing Arts Center is located inside the McCallum Fine Arts Academy and has a 550 seat auditorium with excellent acoustics and lighting system. It plays host to a number of student performances and is dedicated to encourage awareness and love for the arts among the students. Musical plays, concerts and theater performances with offbeat stories and a fresh take on the subject are offered here.
If you are an avid art lover, then head to the MASS Gallery while in the city. The gallery was established in the year 2006 and is open to all independent artists and visionaries who want to showcase their masterpieces. Rotating exhibitions are usually scheduled here in various genres of art. You can also shop for items like frames, books and other artwork at the store
Set facing the serene waters of the Colorado River, Nalle Bunny Run Wildlife is a nature reserve in Austin, Texas that spans over 35 acres (14 hectares) of lush green forest land. The park was established in the year 2000 when the property was donated to a non-profit organization named Hill Country Conservancy by Mrs. Anne Byrd Nalle. Home to a wide range of native wildlife such as deer, rabbit and wild turkey, the park is frequented by thousands of wildlife photographers and nature lovers annually. Due to its location by the river, facilities for water sports activities are also provided.