AUSTIN-OASIS OF THE SOUTHWEST
Written: Mar 29 '01 (Updated Mar 29 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Beautiful natural scenery and architecture plus friendly folks
Cons: Traffic gets a little unbearable at times
The Bottom Line: I've tried to highlight only the things I like to see in this epinion. This only touches a few of the beauties of Austin.
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| mike.holmes's Full Review: Austin |
I have a particular fondness for Austin, Texas. I went to college there and both of my children are nearing there undergraduate degrees at U.T. Austin. I graduated from
Business School at U.T. in 1969 and U.T. Law School in 1971. At that time, Austin was a much smaller city which really had the feeling of a big town. Traffic was not much of a problem and everybody seemed to like the small city atmosphere.
Much of that atmosphere is no longer there but I still love Austin although I live 350 miles West in arid Odessa, Texas. My wife and I visited both of my children in Austin
last weekend and we're going back this coming weekend. I originally was going to write one epinion on Austin but after I started outlining my thoughts, I realized that a 5000 word epinion might be a little long. Therefore, I'm going to break up my reviews of the city into specific categories, the first being THINGS TO SEE in Austin. Of course, my list is subjective in that I am going to tell you about things I like to see in the capitol of Texas. I am only one person, contrary to what that idiot Jed P. Fuddplucker believes, and so I have obviously not seen everything that is worth viewing in this beautiful city. With all these preambles, here is my list of THINGS TO SEE in Austin, Texas:
1. THE CAPITOL BUILDING
Located at 11th and Congress, this beautiful pink granite building was dedicated in 1888. It was purposely built slightly smaller than the U.S. Capitol Building so as not to offend the nation. For many years, city ordinances forbid the building of any structure which interfered with the view of the Capitol. Sadly, growth and commerce have
encroached on the magnificent views of the Capitol but it is still a beautiful building.
No trip to the Capitol Building in complete without entering the structure. One of the many traditions is for the new visitor to stand on the very middle of the Lone Star and either clap his or her hands or whistle and listen to the echo. Also, according to Texas Monthly, visitors should look up and spin around until they are dizzy but I think that's what certain legislators do before voting on some of the goofy bills they pass. There are portraits of all the past governors of Texas on the first two floors.
The second floor contains the House of representatives and The Senate chambers and are quite impressive. You can climb several floors or take an elevator in order to stand next to rails for a beautiful view of the main floor. The building was restored in
1994 but much of the historical beauty was maintained.
Also of considerable interest is the Capitol Visitors Center at 11th and Brazos. The heroes of Texas are honored here along with historical documents such as the original Texas Declaration of Independence.
2. ZILKER PARK
Not living in Austin for the last 30 years, I'm going to lump several great spots to visit under Zilker Park. This beautiful area is on Barton Springs Road and is in the South part of Austin to the West of Town Lake (which is really a river).
A. Barton Springs
This spring fed small lake stays at a constant 68 degrees F. the year around and is constantly full of happy swimmers, even on New Year's Day. The lake is only one part of the park which includes trails, areas for kite flying and baseball or soccer games. It's surrounded by beautiful trees.
B. Botanical Gardens
This is definitely one of my favorite places to visit in Austin. I have to admit a bias in that my wife Susan and I were married in these gardens two years ago. The gardens are divided into several beautiful areas: 1. The Japanese Gardens. You step out of Texas into a beautifully cultivated Oriental Garden complete with a pagoda, and rounded wooden bridges over small bodies of water filled with goldfish and water lilies. This is one of the best places to take photos that I've ever been. Bamboo, banana plants, and flowering trees of many varieties line the cobblestone path that brings a peaceful
grace to your life. 2. The Rose Gardens. Here's my bias again since this is the place we were married but even before that this garden held a special place in my heart. You see, being from West Texas, we have to look hard for our beauty (it comes in our sunsets and sunrises and wildflowers in wet years) but when I walked into this Rose Garden 4 years ago, the beauty was so overwhelming to me that tears came to my 50 year old eyes. Lush roses filled the April morning with visual delights and sweet smells. I stood in one spot with tears running down my cheeks fully understanding that old saying "You need to stop and smell the roses" for the first time. Better late than never. Every color of rose that I had ever seen presented itself to me and I guess I looked pretty strange but I didn't give a hoot. I was in paradise, if only for a moment. 3. The Nature Walk. As if the first two gardens weren't enough, there is also a wonderful nature walk that includes area wildflowers, and replicas of a 19th Century farm. The whole place is wonderful.
C. The Umlauf Sculpture Gardens. Also located on Barton Springs Road, this magnificent garden represents the work of a former U.T. arts department chairman whose
work was deemed too controversial for a Northern university where he first created his metal works of art. Umlauf's widow still lives on the grounds of the gardens or rather in
a house on the hill overlooking the gardens. The controversial nature of Umlauf is quickly seen in his portrayals of Holocaust victims. He pulled no punches to lessen the power of his art and to U.T.'s credit they did not censor his work as being too grim. I don't want to leave the impression that all of the sculpture is depressing because it is not. There is romance, humor, and above all, beauty represented in Umlauf's creations. He
was truly a master with metal.
3. DRISKILL HOTEL
There are many beautiful and affordable places to stay in Austin and the Driskill is probably on the high expense side but it is a magnificent, newly renovated hotel that gives you the feeling of Austin in 1890. Located at 604 Brazos, the hotel is worth viewing even if you're not staying there. It has a piano bar where the powerful and the ordinary folks mingle over a few drinks and you are surrounded by beautiful art.
4. LBJ LIBRARY AND MUSEUM
Located just East of the U.T. campus, this is one of the grandest Presidential Libraries anywhere. President Johnson was controversial in many ways but he was
certainly a major part of our history and this library shows that history well. When it first opened I actually shared the elevator with the former president and his Secret Services men. He shook my hand and although I am the same height as he was, I could feel the power of his presence. We small-talked for all of 30 seconds and I thanked him for being President. He just nodded and smiled. Can't do that anymore obviously, but his legacy is
alive in this combined library and museum.
5. LADY BIRD JOHNSON WILDFLOWER CENTER
Located at 4801 La Crosse for the past five years, this is the logical extension of and honor for the lady who brought so much beauty to Texas. There is a museum and, of
course, exhibits of all the Southwestern wildflowers.
6. AUSTIN MUSEUM OF ART
Located at 223 Congress, I've seen the work of Georgia O'Keefe and Digas there on temporary display. It's not big by museum standards but it does exhibit some fine art especially from Texas artists.
As I wrote earlier, this is only a short, subjective list of the things I like to see in Austin. If you get the chance to visit this beautiful city, you'll probably find many more sights to visit. In the future, I plan to write about the entertainment scene and Austin and the cuisine scene. Hope you visit Austin and have fun!
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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mike.holmes
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Member: Mike Holmes
Location: Odessa, Texas
Reviews written: 1252
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TO HONOR TED KENNEDY, CONGRESS SHOULD PASS A MEANINGFUL HEALTH CARE BILL
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