Beginner's Guide to Austin

Austin Statistics

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1. Location

Austin is located within central Texas (within the Central Texas / Hill County region) but this does not necessarily mean it is in the centre of the state. For central Texas due to its odd shape – the center of the area is located either south or east of the region. Unlike many parts of the country, it is one area that is not found on of the border of any Texan or other state, a state border in any direction is roughly 300 to 500 miles from Austin. The city limits measure in at 271 square miles which extends from the north and south banks of the Colorado River.

2. Population

Since the year 2000 the number of residents that live in the Austin area has been steadily increasing and when the most recent census was undertaken in the area, it is found to have a population of 656,562 people which makes it the fourth largest city in Texas and the 16th largest throughout the United States.

Within the metropolitan area of downtown Austin, this is another figure that is on the rise with an estimated population of 1.4 million people living in the area since 2004 – this has made it one of the fastest growing areas in the country.

3. Climate

Each month in Austin will see a wide range in temperature changes and in the winter months such as December, the average temperature is around 62 degrees Fahrenheit but the hottest months are in July and August with temperatures reaching around 95.5 degrees Fahrenheit but in past years it has been known for record high recordings in Austin which has been measured at 112 degrees and you can expect to get a 72% chance of getting sunshine during the summer months.

4. Miscellaneous

You will find that many workers are attracted to the Austin area – there are many homes within the downtown area or towards the northern part of the city and due to it being a large technological region, if you are going to live in the area then finding employment is easier than many other regions and a booming job growth is expected to continue for a long time yet.

History

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Austin was originally home to Nomadic tribes who settled on the banks of the Colorado River and what was known as Waterloo was renamed in honor of its founder, Stephen F. Austin (when he arrived in August 1821) which later became state capitol over Houston and despite his early demise just 15 years after his arrival, he managed to see Austin thrive and become a truly independent region.

Technological Advancements

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When you visit Austin today it has become a region of its own and unlike other parts of the country has made extreme technological advancements that has assisted the local and tourist community but most importantly has widely contributed to the continuously growing jobs market.

Well known companies such as IBM, Motorola and many others were first building their empires over the last 20 years and it has put Austin on the map making it a large technology producing city and increasing its popularity sharply. It is a leading contender and many larger cities have struggled to keep up with Austin’s economy.

With Austin’s excellent advances, it has encouraged many entrepreneurs to follow their dream and start their own business. For teenager Michael Dell he did exactly this and Fortune 500 launched from his dorm room who is today listed as one of the 400 richest Americans with an estimated fortune of around $18 million.

Charles Whitman

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The University of Texas tower which was built in 1937 and today, it attracts about 20,000 visitors every year. It is a major landmark for Austin. At 307 foot high, it is one of the tallest buildings in Texas and it provides outstanding views of Austin and the campus grounds if you dare climb to the very top. Unfortunately, the tower has seen various disasters over the years from accidental deaths to suicides but the worst crime of all was to occur on 1st August 1966.

Charles Whitman an experienced sharp shooter climbed 231 feet in the bell tower and for 90 agonising minutes there was constant shooting with a sniper rifle, he killed 16 people and wounded 30. Whitman was eventually cornered on one observation deck of the bell tower and was killed instantly by a blow to the head from two police officers that snuck through the barricades.

As a result of this incident, the tower was subsequently closed to the public in 1966 and only re-opened again in September 1999. Despite the events of that terrible day, the tower is still a major part of Austin’s history and that will never change.

Lyndon Baines Johnson - Former President

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This is one president that is perhaps not so well known but during this term in office, he made some outstanding changes that still stand today and overall he is known as one of the most popular figure heads to rule the United States. Born on 27th August 1908 in central Texas – close to Johnson City, he was unfortunately enough to feel the strain of poverty but he later got a job at the Southwest Texas State Teachers College where he learned compassion for the poverty of others by educating students of Mexican descent.

Throughout the 2nd World War, he served for a brief period in the Navy before choosing a life of politics. After a successful six terms within the House he was elected to the senate in 1948. In 1960, Johnson was the running mate of John F. Kennedy and was subsequently voted vice president. When Kennedy was assassinated on 22nd November 1963, Johnson was sworn in as the president.

One of the most life changing decisions by Johnson was urging the nation “build a great society”; this decree was meant to serve as a place where the meaning of man’s life matched man’s labor. By 1964 Johnson was popular with the local residents of the country and he managed to cling onto the position as president with a massive 61% of the overall vote – this made American history with a margin of more than 15 million votes separating him from his opponent. As his reign continued so did the endless campaigning for peace. Johnson took his fight to Vietnam and by the end of March 1968 there was a lot of controversy over the war and he ordered that bombing over North Vietnam be limited so peace talks could begin. At the same time Johnson chose to withdraw from the re-election campaign and when he left office, peace talks were well under way and he accomplished more than what many others have done during their reign.

Austin - Week Long Itinerary Introduction

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You can guarantee when you visit Austin, there are endless activities that are waiting to be tried and as Austin is high up the list as one of the biggest cities in America, you will be able to do anything except getting bored.

If when on vacation you want to be reasonably close to the Airport then you can stay within the rough vicinity of the area at the Hilton Austin Airport Hotel which is located at Austin Bergstrom International Airport (two miles off Highway 183), the former office headquarters has now been transformed into a beautiful hotel which has many major facilities available on the doorstep with the added benefit of the passenger terminal being only two minutes away and is just seven miles from downtown Austin located two miles each of Highway 183.

When you arrive, you will be treated to a range of on-site facilities such as full bar, Creeks Restaurant and Dining Room, outdoor pool, Gym and if you prefer then two jogging and/or walking trails through the breathtaking gardens that surround the complex. Within each room you can expect the creature comforts with all essentials such as telephone, hairdryer and iron/ironing board.

At the Hilton Hotel there is a variety of packages available to you with the most basic starting at $129.95 per person, per night but for $154.95 you could get the Romance Package which consists of the accommodation along with sparkling wine waiting for you upon arrival and you will also receive a full American deluxe breakfast which is not included in the cheaper package. The reservation center is open 24 hours per day so if you want to arrange a booking then you can contact the center on 1-888-254-0637 where you need to quote promo number 9560.

Day One

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• There is one attraction within Austin that comes highly recommended and it offers a feeling of pride to the region and that of the entire United States and that is the Governors Mansion, “A legacy of the men and women who made our state great”. It is the most historic house throughout the whole of Texas and it sits on a beautiful city block near the Capitol building. The Mansion was built in 1856 has been the oldest continuously occupied residence with it being designated a National Historic Landmark. When you decide to visit you will be looking at a piece of simple yet modern architecture for its time and with a deep veranda, floor-length windows and wide hallways for great ventilation in the summer. Apart from this you will be able to learn about the governors and their first lady’s that have lived in the Mansion and since 1856 when it was built the first family moved into the residence and today still remains occupied by the current governor and first lady. Reservations are necessary on this trip and you can contact the ticket line on 512-463-5516 but admission to the Mansion is free. Tours are only held at limited times from Monday to Thursday between 10am and 12pm with the last tour taking place at 11.40am.

• If you want to finish off your day on a high then you can enjoy one of the most interesting historical pieces in Texan history. A visit to the Treaty Oak (listed in the Hall of Fame of Forestry) is estimated to be around 500 and 600 years old which one stood over three stories high and with branches that stretched for half an acre, unfortunately today it is a third of its original size but the legend behind this magnificent tree is that it is said that Stephen F. Austin (the founder of the region) and Indian leaders signed a treaty underneath this oak. It is said that no trip is complete without a visit. The park (which is located between 5th and 6th street) is open from 5am to 10pm and after seeing the tree and walking around the grounds, you could settle down with a picnic and relax in a beautiful location.

If you want cuisine with a little spark and relaxing atmosphere then you must stop off at the Z Tejas Grill which can be found surrounding the Arboretum. It is a popular spot for business or pleasure and you can enjoy cuisine with a South-western flair, Cajun/Creole flavours or a typical Californian based meal – the owners are the chefs (four in total) and the wide choice is because they couldn’t agree what to select for the menu and so they had each of their favourite styles of cooking. When you have your meal, you can choose to eat inside the dining area or if you would prefer then out on the balcony where you can enjoy beautiful views of Hill County. The menu is vast where traditional American cooking and more exotic tastes come together, if you prefer then it is recommended you choose the Santa Fe Chicken Enchiladas which is served with corn tortillas, New Mexico Chile sauce and has Tejas rice and black beans to the side, this is just one example of a truly great menu but if you prefer then there is also a variety of burgers, steaks and fresh seafood. You can expect to spend around $10 - $20 for a main course which is excellent value for money.

Day Two

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• After a great first day then you may want to have an easy time, for a chance to enjoy some of the extreme scenery or to walk a dog (if you have one with you, which must be kept on a lead) then you should pay a visit to the Barton Creek Greenbelt, it is a treasure to locals and visitors. The Greenbelt is 7.9 miles long, stretched over 809 acres where you and the family can enjoy a nice pleasant walk, enjoy views of the vegetation and cliff walls, have a typical family picnic or swim in one of the popular locations along the Greenbelt. It is said the best time you could visit is in spring where you can watch the water running through the creek which spans over the entire 7.9 miles. If you prefer then you could always take a bike ride along the whole trail where you can witness extreme beauty. There is a curfew in affect on this trail and from 10pm to 5am, this is off limits to all visitors.

When on holiday you may want to try some fresh seafood for a change from typical American cooking then you must stop off at the Shoreline Grill in downtown Austin, you will receive a friendly and warming atmosphere with a great menu and you will be spellbound by the beautiful views overlooking the Colorado River.

The restaurant was first opened in 1989 and you will find a full service bar whilst waiting to be seated, here you can choose from a large array of drinks from tequila to brandy and liquors or if want then you could always try one of the many margaritas which are delicious.

If you prefer something other than fish then there are several choices such as Parmesan Crusted Chicken or perhaps a mouth watering steak but the speciality of the Shoreline Grill is fish. For starters you can expect to spend anything from $4 to $17 and for the entrée around $25 - $35 which is very reasonable for each meal and why not accompany it with a glass of white/red wine or if you are really celebrating then you could always have champagne!!

Day Three

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• It is vital that you visit the well known 6th Street in Austin; this is an area that has everything and is known as the one stop shop for music, events, live entertainment, restaurants, pubs, art galleries and a wide range of festivals throughout the year. Within the area, there is always something that is happening on a daily basis and it is a very popular area with tourists and locals alike. Whether you want to do a bit of shopping along the main drag or just soak up some of the live entertainment in one the local bars/pubs then no matter what you and the family wish to do, this is an area that has it all. One place where you can really enjoy great music is a visit to the Buffalo Billiards restaurant (known as the place to meet people) there is always a great atmosphere where you will find that there are many different music styles from normally local bands on a weekly basis or if you would rather then you could always shoot some pool or learn the rules of shuffleboard with some of the locals, whilst there, why not relax and have a snack like a portion of tortilla chips or perhaps the sampler platter which is a mixture of items on the menu – such as chicken wings, chicken poppers, potato skins and a choice of sauces. The restaurant is open from 4pm to 2am Monday to Friday and from 1pm until 2am Saturday and Sunday.

Once you have met some of the locals and maybe played a few games or listened to great music then you must be hungry after all that activity. Staying on 6th Street, you must visit the Iron Cactus restaurant. Here you can enjoy a somewhat lively atmosphere at this three storey restaurant and it is home to some of the best margaritas in Austin. There is live music almost every night but if you would prefer a bit of quiet then you could always relax at the rooftop bar and watch the world go by. You will find cuisine which offers typical south western styling with choices such as wild mushroom enchiladas or the jalapeno chicken fried rib eye. Prices for an evening meal range from $11 - $19 which is excellent and on Monday’s you can enjoy an all you can fajitas special for just $11.95.

The Iron Cactus is also known for its high quality drinks and apart from wine or beer, you will find a selection of tequila (80 types in all) which makes it one of the largest and best tequila bars throughout Austin. If you would like more details on the restaurant or the opening times then you can contact the Iron Cactus on 512-472-9240.

Day Four

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• Located just thirty minutes from downtown Austin is the beautiful Volente Beach which can be found in Leander and is number one beach in the area. There are many great activities that you can take part in here and whether you want to just relax on the sand or do something a little bit more adventurous then you can choose to try one of the main water sports such as parasailing or enjoy a boat trip, if you visit the beach there is something for everyone.

• If you would rather do something that will keep the family entertained for a whole day then you could visit the Volente Beach Water Park, you can enjoy a large number of activities that has a large amount of water slides that you and the kids will enjoy and after a day of splashing about in the water, you may want to settle down and watch a family movie for $2 per person, there is truly something for everyone here. The opening hours to the pack depend on the time of year you wish to visit and in the lower season it is normally from 11am to 6pm and in the main season 10am to 8pm and there are certain period where you park will be closed so if you want to arrange a trip here then it is best to refer to the website for details of times so you can plan your trip around it http://www.volentebeach.com.

It may be difficult to imagine an up market steak house in the world but there are great places to go where you can have a wonderful meal. The Austin Land and Cattle Company is located on North Lamar Boulevard and you can enjoy a wide variety of steaks cooked to your liking. Steak is not the only speciality, you can enjoy a variety of others meats and seafood (if you prefer). You can expect to spend around $20 - $30 for a main course at the restaurant but this is good value for money. Reservations are essential at weekends by contacting the restaurant on 512.472.1813 and the overall required dress is smart but casual.

Day Five

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• This is an opportunity where you get to sit back and relax and this is definitely a park with a difference. Commonly known as “City Park”, the Emma Long Metropolitan Park stretches over 1000 breathtaking acres and with a large number of different varieties of trees you are given easy access to the lakefront along Lake Austin. Whether you want to sit under one of the many trees and have a picnic or read a book, there is a wider range of more adventurous activities if you prefer. You could take part in boating trips or maybe just a bit of fishing. However, if you decide this is not for you then you could always do the 4.5 mile trail which is suitable for hiking and biking but it is rather difficult so you need to be prepared.

On your final day in Austin if you want to taste awarding winning pizza or pasta that is made of the freshest ingredients then you must visit the Brick Oven Restaurant. There are four locations throughout Austin – one downtown, one to the north and two to the south. The restaurant has been a family business for over 20 years and tasty meals are created just by using some of the largest wood fired brick ovens in Texas. You can enjoy a wide range of traditional Italian cuisine with meals such as Italian Stromboli or for vegetarians, you could always try the vegetable Stromboili, there are many other choices available from lasagne to cannelloni or if you want something other pizzas or pasta then you could always choose one of the mouth watering salads. Prices range from $7 to $11 for any of the main courses and this is excellent value for money for the size of the portions and high quality cuisine you are getting. If you would like more information on one of the four restaurants then you can refer to the website for details www.brickovenrestaurant.com.

Accommodation in Austin

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7 Day Austin Itinerary

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Restaurants and Activities in Austin

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Austin Real Estate

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Beginner's Guide to Austin

Austin Statistics

History

Technological Advancements

Charles Whitman

Lyndon Baines Johnson - Former President

Austin - Week Long Itinerary Introduction

Day One

Day Two

Day Three

Day Four

Day Five

Accommodation in Austin

Accommodation in Austin Overview

North Austin

East Austin

7 Day Austin Itinerary

Austin - Week Long Itinerary Introduction

Day One

Day Two

Day Three

Restaurants and Activities in Austin

Restaurants and Activities, Austin Overview

Activities

Restaurants

Austin Real Estate

Austin Real Estate Overview

Austin Market

Austin Communities