Boy Scout's Statue of Liberty Monument
by Stephen-KarenConn
This Statue of Liberty replica was erected in 1951 by the Boy Scouts of America. During the 1950's and 60's, the Boy Scouts worked hard to donate about 200 such replicas of Lady Liberty to cities and towns across America.
The bronze miniature Statue of Liberty, about eight feet high, is mounted on a native limestone base. It was presented to the State of Texas by the Boy Scouts as a "pledge of everlasting fidelity and loyalty." The statue was relocated from the south grounds of the State Capitol to a new pedestal on the north grounds in 1997. A time-capsule buried nearby is to be opened by Scout officials in 2076. I'd like to be around to see what the capsule contains.
The Statue of Liberty
Biking through Wildflowers
by msbrandysue
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is a fun place to visit. I first learned of this in 1000 Places to See Before You Die USA Edition. It was an interesting place. I think most come for the photo ops in the spring.
Thinking back, I'm not real sure what the point is. Well, ok, the point is to get an education on wildflowers and enjoy them. The year I went (2009) there weren't a bunch of bluebonnets because of the "drought." However, they had some others and small patches to enjoy.
My experience: The parking area was completely full when I went. Granted, it was the Saturday of Easter weekend but, nonethless, the parking was on the side of the road leading to the center. Many of the people getting out of their cars were families and bikers. I didn't see where the bikers went but ... there are trails. We paid our $8 and entered. It was interesting to see that the center offers Audio Tours on your cell phone. I had never seen that. Very cool!
Then, as I continued walking in the center the lecture hall was on the right. There was a man talking about Texas wildflowers. The auditorium was gorgeous. My aunt stuck around for about 5 minutes and then took off to explore more of the center. To the right of the lecture hall was the cafe. We got two bottles of water (for safety) and headed up the stairs to the observation deck. The stairway up was so narrow. It was hard to get two people going up and down at the same time. That's not counting the kids taking their sweet time up and then down. A little unsafe for my taste. Especially since you were climbing two stories. However, the views were lovely.
When we came back down from the deck we visited the small wildflower gardens, butterfly garden (none), and then took the small trail around. It was good exercise but not much to see, other than the nature...
The best part? They had a killer gift shop! :)
If you like going to the arboretum then this is the place for you. Just don't count on there being an amazing abundance of wildflowers to see.
Hours
Monday-Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through May 31
June 1 through mid-March: Closed Mondays, Open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., noon to 5:30 p.m. Sunday
Visitors Gallery, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
Store, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
Cafe, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
Closed New Year's Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Open Memorial & Labor Days
Admission
$7 Adults
$6 Seniors 60 years and older and Students 13 years and older
$3 Children 5-12 years
Free to members and children 4 years and under
*Admission Rates subject to change.
Learn about tours and group rates.
Reminders from the Center
Shirts and shoes required - closed-toe walking shoes recommended for trails and paths. Don't forget your outdoor protection: sunscreen, hats, non-glass water bottles, insect repellant.
The Center's grounds and buildings are wheelchair accessible excluding the Observation Tower and parts of the nature trails.
The Wildflower Center is completely smoke-free.
Wildflower Cafe. Refreshments, snacks and lunch available for purchase - generally open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hours may vary. Click here to view the Cafe Menu online.
The Wildflower Center has two picnic areas available on a first come, first serve basis for general visitors. Alcoholic beverages and fires are not permitted.
In case of emergency, first aid is available in the Administration Building.
Guide dogs are permitted on site, but no pets, please. Bikes or walking shoes! Bring plenty of sunscreen, water, etc for when it's hot.
Camping and Hiking Close to Austin
by butterfly_girl
Emma Long Park has 1,000 beautiful acres on Lake Austin. If you want to take a nice walk, I recommend Turkey Creek. This trail is a pretty 2-3 mile wood chipped hike along the creek and is nice and shady during the hot months. There is no admission fee for Turkey Creek, but if you want to venture further into the park, you will need to pay a fee at the ranger station. Choose from activities that include boating, skiing, fishing, picnicking, or just sunning on the beach. The park has two boat ramps, fishing dock, protected swimming area, restrooms, showers, and sand pit volleyball courts. If you really want to get back to nature, the park has 20 utility campsites with water and electric hook-ups and 50 tent campsites right along the lake. After your walk go to dinner at Ski Shores, which is in the same area. Click on my restaurant tips for info on ski shores.
1600 City Park Road
at: City Park and Pearce
(512) 346-1831
Off FM2222 just west of Loop 360
vintage gold
by elise252 about Continental club
wow! This place is so atmospheric, it's hypnotic. Really, truly, if you don't like it here there is something dead and withered deep within your soul. If you've come to austin to catch some REAL texas music then you must come here. I reccomend walking over hot coals if necassary to watch Dale Watson & the Lonestars. They are so great they make your eyes water. Anything goes. Whether you want to go glam or casual you'll be welcome. Most people wear jeans and boots but I've been there in girly dresses and skirts and that was cool too.
Good Music
by hope6481 about Maggie Mae's
We always stop by here while hitting the bars on 6th. There is usually a good band playing here. We first heard Eric Tessmer here. There's always lots of people and fun to be had. Casual, it's 6th...there's no rules.
Sign in with Facebook
TOLL CHARGES
After lunch hour - Crowd has subsided
Headhunters - Dancing (2007)
Heroes of the Alamo Monument
