Austin, also known as the little blue dot in the big red state, provides a wide variety of travel opportunities for visitors to this central Texas city. Its location on the banks of the Colorado River balances a climate of very hot summers -- during which the temperature can reach close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit -- and calm winters with no precipitation. This allows travelers to experience outdoor as well as indoor activities all year-round.
The Blanton Museum of Art, located on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin, showcases over 18,000 works of art. Guests can take advantage of free admission, which occurs at least once a week. Austin Children’s Museum offers hands-on exhibits across seven areas and features themes for children up to 11 years of age. Funstruction Zone offers building-related activities using large blocks. Design Center allows kids to create crafts with recycled materials. At the Ballet Austin, visitors can take in dance performances throughout the year. The group performs in The Butler Dance Center, which features dance education organizations such as the Ballet Austin Academy and the Butler Community School in addition to a performance stage.
Several man-made lakes exist around Austin. Visitors can access Lake Austin at sites such as Emma Long Metropolitan Park, which includes a swimming area and two boat ramps. Camping is also permitted. Lake Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park offers access to the Walter E. Long Reservoir, as well as to activities ranging from swimming and boating to bike trails. Lady Bird Lake offers water sports like kayaking and boats are available for rental around the lake. Hiking and biking trails run around the entire area. Zilker Botanical Garden sits on 30 acres in Zilker Park. Some of the on-site gardens include butterfly, rose and Japanese gardens. Another outdoor activity is watching the Mexican Free-Tailed Bat colony that lives under the Congress Avenue Bridge. As of 2010, this colony is estimated contain 1.5 million bats. They migrate to Mexico each year during November and most return by the following March. The Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary has over 300 animals. This private zoo is a non-profit organization that seeks to not only rehabilitate animals, but also provide educational opportunities to preserve wildlife. For example, anyone can sponsor an animal at the zoo or volunteer to learn about its care.
Austin is home to many festivals. South by Southwest covers music, film and interactive technology. Highlights of the festival include over 80 concert stages and panels on each subject. The Austin City Limits Festival features a full schedule of music as well as an art market and a farmer’s market with foods from around the world.
Austin shopping experiences offer something other than the traditional mall. South Congress Avenue, also known as SoCo, is an area featuring specialty shops selling items such as vintage clothing, western wear and eco friendly fabrics. Restaurants range from Mexican cuisine to New York style pizza. Galleries and music venues are also on hand. On the first Thursday of each month, all stores stay open later to accommodate shoppers. Some even offer additional special promotions.
