A few places to see in Austin
You have likely heard of Austin’s food trailers, music scene, and funky art, but the eclectic city has so much more to offer. Are you heading to South by Southwest in Austin? Or planning a trip to the Lone Star State later this year? We will be sharing all of our favorite spots on the site this week and next.
Nature is our favorite way to unwind after running around a city of spending days inside conference rooms. When you find yourself needing some quiet time in a scenic spot, pack your swimsuit and some snacks and head to Barton Springs. Barton Springs is a man-made pool at the Zilker Park in Austin. Water from Main Barton Spring, the fourth largest in Texas, feeds the Barton Creek channel, which is where the pool exists. If walking is more your style, Barton Springs still has you covered. The photos above and below were taken on a walk around the large recreational pool, and the 358 acres of the park has various trails. The pool is almost always open and is often free, but double check availability here.
Now that you are feeling refreshed and rested, why not grab some coffee from one of Austin’s historic hotels? The Driskill, pictured below, was built in 1886 when a cattle baron wanted to create a grand estate. The creation is still beautiful, inside and out, and serves as a landmark of Texas hospitality.
Stunning architecture greets you from the outside while ornate details mesmerize inside. If staying at a swanky hotel isn’t in your budget, do what our editors did and brunch at the Driskill’s 1886 Café and Bakery. The Café’s coffee is strong, and the pastries are decadent. If you are looking for a heavier meal, try the ten-time recipient of the AAA Four-Diamond award, the Driskill Grill.Check out the gallery below for photos from inside the stunning mansion.
Once you are fed and happy, hit the Austin streets on foot. The hotel is a quick walk from many Austin favorites, like the Texas State Capitol, various art galleries and museums, the convention center, opera and symphony shows and Austin’s 6th Street music scene.
Last but not least, is The Oasis on Lake Travis, where we took the above photo at sunset. The Oasis is a short drive from downtown Austin, and the traffic in Texas backs up during rush hour, so plan ahead if you hope to get there before the sun sets. The big restaurant has an interesting history as well. In 1979, Beau Theriot purchased a 500-acre plot of land and by 2005 he had built The Oasis, which is one of the largest restaurants in the world. Half way into 2005, though, The Oasis was ravaged by fire. During the rebuilding process, Theriot created four separate stories, each with a unique atmosphere. Close to 2,500 people can be seated at The Oasis, which includes an indoor entertainment facility, various banquet rooms and a rooftop bar with craft beers from Texas and a fire pit.
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[…] far from Barton Springs you will find the Zilker Botanical Garden at 2220 Barton Springs Road. The park has several smaller […]
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