AUSTIN

At the end of the 19th century, in one of his short stories, the great American author O. Henry referred to the then small municipality of Austin as the “city of the violet crown.” In a single phrase he captured the striking violet sunsets that often surrounded Austin in the evenings. Today this colorful evening show is the backdrop to Texas’s most alluring city.

The core of Austin’s life revolves around a few things: the Capitol, the university, the high-tech industry, and the music. The most prominent of these is its role as the capital of Texas. If Texas were a nation, its economy would rank as the eighth largest in the world. Austin provides the stage for this powerful political and economic evolution and has hosted politicians and their ideas for well over a century. The second most important driving force of the city is the University of Texas, which has always functioned as its main repository of knowledge and disseminator of progressive ideas. Consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the nation and the 15th-best university in the world, UT draws people from all walks of life to Austin, adding to the city’s diverse character. Third is the high-tech industry that was first planted here by IBM, and later exploded with UT dropout Michael Dell’s founding of Dell Computers. For the past few decades the tech industry has grown to such proportions that Austin has been dubbed “the silicon hills.” Lastly is everybody’s favorite, the music. Austin is proud to crank up the volume and loudly proclaim itself as the Live Music Capital of the World. With thousands of musicians, hundreds of clubs and venues, and an entire population of devout music lovers, the title is well deserved.

Austin has proven that when you combine politics, education, high tech, and music you get an extraordinary concoction. With these elements Austin has successfully forged its own unique identity and stands in stark contrast to the rest of the state. It’s a city that was built with spare parts from the Wild West, pop culture, and Americana. It’s urban, and it’s rural; it’s a big city but somehow retains a small-town vibe; it’s rich in history, but forward-looking; it’s progressive but laid back. All the above makes this Central Texas town a thrill to visit. Exploring Austin is like being the steel ball in a Rube Goldberg invention. You simply slide down the chute and go for the ride, not fretting about what is around each twist and turn.

Texas State Capitol: The stately pink granite building that houses Austin’s politics is impressive both historically and visually. Texas is proud to have a capitol building that’s taller than the nation’s capitol building. (read more)

Blanton Museum of Art: The biggest art repository in town is at the newly erected Blanton. Check out the largest public collection of Latin American art in the country, along with works by notable artists including Pablo Picasso and Peter Paul Rubens. (read more)

Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum: The Bob Bullock Museum will change your perspective of the Lone Star State. Texas’s vibrant history is captured in dioramas, historical artifacts, and educational exhibits that dazzle the imagination. (read more)

Harry Ransom Center: This is the only place in the world where you can see a Gutenberg Bible, the world’s first photograph, an original manuscript by James Joyce, and a painting by Frida Kahlo all under one roof. (read more)

LBJ Library and Museum: No one has impacted recent Texas history as did President Lyndon B. Johnson. Here you can explore his life, his presidency, and even hear a mechanical LBJ tell some jokes. (read more)

Barton Springs Pool: The quintessential Austin experience is swimming at Barton Springs in summer. The town’s most popular way to cool down when it’s over 100° is splashing, diving, and swimming in the perpetually 68˚ water. (read more)

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Texas is known the world over for having some of the most vibrant wildflowers in spring and summer. This is a great place to admire these little guys. (read more)

The Bats of Congress Avenue Bridge: Austin is probably most known for the bats that live under Congress Avenue Bridge in the summer. Before dusk, pack a picnic dinner, head downtown to the bridge, find a spot on the grass, and watch the cloud of flying mammals swoop off into the night. (read more)

South Congress Avenue: Strolling down this popular avenue lined with unique stores, boutiques, curiosity shops, and restaurants is the best way to experience Austin at its zenith.. (read more)

Town Lake: One of Austin’s best attractions is a natural one. Walk the many trails around the lake, paddle out in a kayak, or take a ride on the lake in a genuine paddlewheel riverboat. (read more)