One of the things I absolutely love about living and going
to school in Austin is that there are so many things to do in this wonderful
city. As part of my determination to make the most of my living situation, I’ve
made it a priority to try new things and take full advantage of all this city
has to offer. According to TourTexas.com there are 10 things a person must do
while in Austin. Some of the activities listed I’ve already taken advantage of,
and some are officially on my to do list.
1. Visit the Texas Capitol
Done and done! There’s
nothing quite like viewing the UT Tower from the capitol to instill some
serious Texas pride.
2. Bob
Bullock Texas State History Museum
Well I’ve seen an IMAX movie at the theater, but
I don’t think seeing The Dark Knight Rises truly counts as experiencing what
the museum has to offer. This one is a work in progress.
3. Blanton Museum of Art
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| Mission/Missions ( How to Build Cathedrals) Blanton Museum of Art (Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lbravo/405548223/) |
I actually worked at the Blanton
Museum Shop last summer and had the chance to get to know the exhibits very
well. The museum is free for students and has some beautiful modern art as well
as European paintings on display that are truly breathtaking. My favorite piece is art installation, Mission/Missions, (How to Build Cathedrals. It
has thousands of coins on the bottom with cattle bones suspended above them,
all sheathed inside a sheer cloth, commentating upon the monetary cost of
getting to heaven (at least that was my take on it). Truly eerie, yet awe
inspiring at the same time.
4. Congress Avenue bats
After dinner about two years ago, my
brother Shelby and I sat on the lawn below the Congress Ave. Bridge at sunset
and were able to see the mass exodus of bats into the Austin night. It was a
spontaneous outing and ended with it being one of my favorite memories with my
brother. However, not knowing where those bats are lurking around the city is
slightly creepy. There’s so many of them, and yet I never see them at night…
5. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
This is one of the places I have yet
to visit. Since my mother is a horticulturist and avid gardener, I’ve decided
that this destination will be reserved as a future mother-daughter outing.
6. Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum
I know that the LBJ Library and Museum
is practically on campus, but I admit I’ve never been. This is another location that needs more
investigating. Perhaps I’ll get politically inspired after I visit! Then again... maybe not.
7. Barton Springs Pool
This is a MUST for me! Multiple people have told me that it’s a gorgeous and relaxing area. I’ve made
plans after finals to spend the day at Barton Springs and experience for myself
what the hype is all about. Sunscreen will definitely be key though, since, as a
redhead, tanning isn’t really a thing my skin does.
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| Barton Springs Pool, my soon-to-be favorite spot in Austin (Photo: http://austintexas.gov/department/barton-springs-pool) |
8. The University of Texas Campus
I may know this location a tad too
well as a student. When you’ve slept overnight in the library, I think you’ve had
your fill.
9. Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail
Not for the faint at heart. I rode my
bike on this 10.1 mile trail last semester and I have to say, it was a doozy. The
scenery was beautiful though, so next time around I think I’ll opt to walk.
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| Lucy In Disguise With Diamonds' storefront on South Congress (Photohttps://plus.google.com/113915315114086615596/photos?hl=en: ) |
1o. South Congress Avenue
Who doesn’t love the food trucks and boutiques on SoCo? While the food on this eclectic avenue is never
disappointing, my favorite spot is definitely the costume store, Lucy In Disguise With Diamonds. No
matter how obscure you may consider your Halloween costume to be, Lucy In
Disguise With Diamonds will have some, if not all, elements of your costume on hand. It’s not
only great for costume party shopping, but also for silly dress up urges with
friends while window shopping!
So I’m 6 ½ for 10; not too bad for
having lived here for less than 3 years, right? I know that there are so many
more things that I have yet to experience before I graduate, but the spontaneous
finds are often the best ones. And as someone without roommates now, the possibilities
for solo adventures are endless!
