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.
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.
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.
The amazing Zilker Botanical Garden overlooks the Zilker Park fields bordering Barton Springs Road. The garden is actually comprised of several different gardens, including the Cactus and Succulent, Xeriscape, Herb and Fragrance, Rose, Azalea, Butterfly and Taniguchi Gardens. Taniguchi is a beautiful Japanese landscape with a waterfall, running stream, lily ponds and wooden bridges. The lush, peaceful grounds are commonly perused by artists and writers searching for inspiration, and by others just looking for solitude amid the city.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Research Center was established by Lady Bird Johnson, First Lady of the United States from 1963-1969. This fabulous garden bearing her name brims with native Texas plants in courtyards, terraces, arbors, and meadows. Along with a fantastic children's center, visitors can explore a visitor's gallery, observation tower, cafe, gift store, and nature trails. Enjoy award-winning architecture and fabulous scenery in this wonderful garden spot. The center also offers programs that offer hands-on experiences including art sessions, yoga workshops, summer camps, gardening, and more.
Charles Umlauf (1911-1994), one of the more famous Austin artists, was a prolific sculptor. This museum displays many of his works in a fantastic garden spot located close to Zilker Park and just minutes away from downtown. His sculptures range from realism to abstraction and include families, religious figures, animals and mythological characters. The Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum houses a permanent collection of bronzes in the lush garden, while a variety of rotating exhibits explore various aspects of his art.
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.
Violet Crown Spirits situated in the heart of Bastrop is the state's first absinthe distillery and has won multiple awards for its high-quality products. The absinthe produced here are made using Texan ingredients giving it a local touch. Violet Crown Spirits' Absinthe is available in numerous bars and pubs in Texas making it a local fan favorite drink. Enroll yourself for one of the guided tours at this distillery and get acquainted with the entire manufacturing process and the equipment used for the same. Any and every doubt of yours regarding the distilling will be cleared by the very knowledgeable and friendly staff here.
See the beautiful sights of Austin like you've never seen them before by gliding on a Segway. Segways have a platform perched on two wheels with a patented gyroscope balancing system enabling the standing rider to maneuver by tilting forward or backwards while using the steering control on the left side of the handlebar to turn. They offer 7 days a week, 365 day a year guided 2.5 hour Segway tours, visiting the Governor's Mansion, the Texas State Capital, the world famous 6th Street entertainment district, the new 2nd Street shopping district and much more. The guided Segway tours are informative and rated as one of the highest quality tours in Texas which are ideal for families, visitors, residents and work groups for team building activities. Reservations are strongly recommended.
With the noble intention of preserving natures beauty and splendor, Georgia Lucas assembled together a great preserve area called Bright Leaf. Within the 200 acres of pristine surroundings, one can truly discover and feel the power that nature. Undertaking training for volunteers, the park ensures that people become more sensitive and aware of conserving nature. For further information, log on to their website.
Established in the early 21st Century, Laura Bush Community Library is a public library located close to the neighborhood of Barton Creek Highlands. The library features a beautiful community and chess garden and a public book salesroom. They offer group tours as well as specially designed kids educational tours.
This 22-acre (8.9-hectare) cemetery is the final resting place of some of Austin's most famous military and public figures, including Stephen F. Austin, Barbara Jordan and nearly 2200 veterans of the Confederate Army. It was restored in 1997 with a visitor center addition and is a very tranquil place to be. Visitors may call ahead to arrange for guided tours, or take a private tour with help from the Visitor Center's information packets. Admission is free.