Austin, Texas

Austin is a city on the move. Hollywood has discovered this big city with a small-town atmosphere and it's not uncommon these days to see film crews blocking off an oak-lined street. High-tech industries have also migrated to this area, making this Texas's answer to Silicon Valley.

But, for all the changes that have occurred in this capital city, Austin is still very much a town whose roots are buried in the past--a past the city is proud to preserve and show off to its visitors.

A visit to Austin should begin downtown, where the Colorado River slices through the heart of the city. Once an unpredictable waterway, the Colorado has now been tamed into a series of lakes, including two within the Austin city limits. The 22-mile-long Lake Austin begins at the foot of the Hill Country and flows through the western part of the city.

Lake Austin flows into Town Lake, a narrow stretch of water that meanders for five miles though the center of downtown Austin. In the late afternoon hours, locals grab their sneakers and head to Zilker Park or Town Lake's shores for a jog or a leisurely walk. When the sun sets on summer days, attention turns to the lake's Congress Avenue bridge, the location of the country's largest urban colony of Mexican free-tailed bats. The bats make their exodus after sunset to feed on insects in the Hill Country.

After a day of touring, Austin presents plenty of other entertainment options. The heart of Austin's nightlife is Sixth Street, an historic seven-block area which compares itself to New Orleans' Bourbon Street.

Austin Attractions:

Hotels, Resorts and B&Bs Austin has no shortage of accommodations; here's a look at a select number.

Austin Restaurant Guide From barbecue to fine dining, you'll find plenty of options in Austin.

Austin Nightlife The city that's nicknamed "the live music capital of the world"

Shopping From malls to markets, the city has plenty of shopping options.

Festivals and Special Events From a nationally-known music festival to one of the largest Halloween celebrations in the country, Austin is a city that loves a party.

Austin for Kids From outdoor fun to hands-on museums, the city's youngest visitors find plenty of attractions.

Sports Activities From spectator sports to swimming pools, boating to biking, we've got it covered for active visitors.

More on Austin:

In-depth Travel Articles:

Austin Steam Train

Elisabet Ney, Austin Sculptor

Austin Photo Ops

Lunch at the LadyBird Johnson Wildflower Center

For More Information: visit the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau

What's Happening Now...