As the fourth largest city in the state of Texas, Austin is the state capitol (Travis County), situated on the Colorado River. With three man-made lakes within its city limits, the landscape features rolling hills and live oaks. Austin is also home to the University of Texas (established in 1839) which is the largest public university in the United States.

Where to stay? Carriage House Inn, historic Adams House Bed & Breakfast, Austin Folk House Bed & Breakfast, Hampton Inn, Crowne Plaza, the Four Seasons Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott, AmeriSuites Arboretum, Baymont Inn, Doubletree Guest Suites, Bradford Homesuites, Hilton Austin, and Lake Austin Spa Resort. For campers and RVers, there’s Emma Long Metropolitan Park, Oak Forest RV Park, and Lonestar RV Resort within Austin’s city limits.

There’s a wide range of great dining options that include Fino, Koreana, Passasito’s, Mesa Ranch, Cattle Company Steakhouse, Patton’s On Main, Dragon Gate by Phoenix, Cooper’s Old Time Pit BBQ, Starlite, Beck’s On Congress, Driskill Grill, and the Mansion on Judges’ Hill.

Museums, attractions, and historic landmarks to visit include the Harry Ransom Center, Lyndon Baines Johnson Library &Museum, Madison Log Cabin, French Legation Museum, O. Henry Home & Museum, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (blooms most abundant in March), Texas Memorial Museum, Mount Bonnell, Zilker Botanical Gardens, the Old Bakery & Emporium, George Washington Carver Museum & Cultural Center and Austin Nature and Science Center. Free tours include the Capital, the Governor’s Mansion, and many guided walking tours, and the “Dillo” ride around town.

Annual events include the Austin City Limits Music Festival, Eeyore’s Birthday Party, Swamp Romp and Crawfish Festival, Spring Pecan Street Festival, Bat Fest, Victorian Christmas, and Carnaval.

Golf enthusiasts will find plenty of courses to choose from, such as Bluebonnet Hill Golf Course, Blackhawk, the Clubs of Lakeway, Crystal Falls Golf Course, Falconhead, Forest Creek, and Star Ranch.

Outdoor recreation include cave exploration at Natural Bridge Caverns, Lone Star riverboat tours, river rafting, Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort, Volente Beach, along with water fun and cruising on Lake Austin, Lake Travis, Town Lake, and Barton Springs.

Shoppers will find charming boutiques and large malls at Barton Creek Square, 26 Doors, Central Market, Austin Farmers Market, Boggy Creek Farm, Highland Mall, Prime Outlets San Marcos, and the West End.

Written by: Natasha Lawrence