Amorous Austin

Austin, the state capital of Texas, is marketed as the “Live Music Capital of the World” due to its large number of live-music venues. It is home to South by Southwest (SXSW) Music Festival, one of the biggest music festivals in the United States, with more than 1,400 performers playing dozens of venues around Austin for four days in March. Austin is also a great city for theater, especially if you like new works.

The Texas State Capitol is a must-see for visitors to Austin. A source of pride for the city and the state, the State Capitol is a beautiful building wrapped in Texas pink granite. There are numerous parks all over the city and in the surrounding suburbs that are very popular with the residents of Austin including Barton Springs Pool, which is more than three times longer than a football field. Nestled in the heart of the city at Zilker Park, it is one of Austin’s most appealing (and at a 68 degrees year-round, refreshing) attractions.

The celebrated Driskill Hotel, located in downtown Austin in the heart of the business, entertainment, and historic districts, offers historic accommodations with the modern luxuries of today. The hotel is about four blocks from the State Capitol building. The Austin Bergstrom Airport is approximately 11 miles away. Built in 1886 as the showplace of a cattle baron, the Driskills Romanesque architecture and extravagant Texan decor provide a grandiose escape for any getaway or special occasion. The Driskill also offers a 24-hour business center and fitness studio, along with round-the-clock concierge service. One can relax in the steam room or enjoy a refreshing massage. Our talented culinary teams provide guests with award-winning contemporary American cuisine and a world-class wine selection in the Driskill Grill, as well as more casual fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner in the 1886 Caf��� & Bakery. Both restaurants offer full bars. With over 14,000 square feet of meeting space, the Driskill also provides professional and catering services for meetings, weddings, and private events. 24-hour room service is available. Valet parking is available:25.00 per 24 hour period for standard vehicles; 5 surcharge for larger vehiclesFor guests many needs, the hotel offers ample meeting space, a business center, concierge service, shoeshine, 24-hour laundry and dry-cleaning valet, and currency exchange. Standard amenities include an alarm clock, bath amenities, bathrobes, high-speed Internet access, a minibar, telephone, television with HBO, turndown service, twice daily maid service, and WebTV.

One of Austin's oldest tourist attractions, Mount Bonnell is also one of the highest points in the city—there is an incredible view of Lake Austin and the downtown skyline right by the picnic tables. Legend has it that the 99 steps to the top hold enchanting qualities: if a couple climbs the mount once, they fall in love, twice, and they become engaged; three times, and they are destined to be married.

Southern-style cooking is often thought of as down-home, but at this restaurant, home is a plantation. Relaxing over brunch on the veranda, one almost expects to see Scarlett O'Hara floating by in a hoop skirt. The brunch buffet is always full to groaning with everything from boiled shrimp to a standing rib roast, carved to order. The dinner menu may be traditional, but all the entrees are reliably tasty. The breads are fabulous and the desserts are sinfully rich. Enjoy sipping on a mint julep while watching the peacocks make their way across the lawn.

One of the first streets surveyed in Austin, Sixth was originally known as Pecan Street. During the day, shops, restaurants and historic buildings are the main attraction, but by night, the street becomes festive with live music, shows and special events. On Friday and Saturday nights, the blocks are closed to automobile traffic for an all-out street party. Stop by for a beer or a show, or just enjoy watching the eclectic nightlife of Austin. After the bars close at 2a, this can be a dangerous place to hang out alone.

With award-winning exhibitions focusing on American art and its significance to the region, this museum hosts fabulous works by contemporary artists. Along with the fantastic touring shows, this museum often has professionals speak about the works and their significance. The Austin Museum of Art is also involved with the television series The Territory, which showcases independent film and video broadcasts through the Public Broadcasting System stations. A free docent-led tour is available to the public at 2pm every Saturday during exhibitions; group tours require special arrangements. Groups of ten or more are asked to reserve a time to visit the Museum. There is a second location on 35th Street.