Texas Travel Info, Recommendations, and Links

Texas

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UNITED STATES

Texas

Austin - Shay lived in Austin while she was working on her graduate degree at The University of Texas at Austin, and still has fond memories of the place. When our friends Lara and Justin got married in Dallas in October 2003, we decided to extend our trip and spend a week in Austin, so that Shay could introduce Mike to some of her favorite attractions, restaurants, bars, and clubs. We had a great time! And if you happen to be planning a trip to Austin, we hope the information below will help you to have as much fun as we did.

Tourist Info:

	Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau - The Austin CVB site includes tons of useful info for visitors, including attractions, accommodations, dining, nightlife, and more. Plus, you can order a free visitors guide online.
	Travel Texas - This is the place to go for all kinds of information covering the entire state of Texas, including activities, culture, driving tours, trip saver coupons, and more. Don't miss the "Free Stuff" section, where you can order a free travel guide and/or trial subscription to Texas Highways magazine, as well as download great screensavers for your computer.
	Online Guide Books - You can find a wealth of information on Austin sights, accommodations, dining, entertainment, and more by visiting the incredibly useful Frommer's and Fodors online travel guides, as well as The Austin Chronicle City Guides, Austin360.com, The Insiders' Guide to Austin, Austin City Links, Texas Monthly City Listings, and Austin CityGuide.

Local Transportation:

Capital Metro - The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority runs buses throughout Austin, making it easy for visitors to get around this sprawling city. Visit the web site for bus routes, schedules, and maps (including city and express buses, UT shuttles, and 'Dillo downtown trolleys), fares, and other information.

Attractions:

The University of Texas - 2247 Guadalupe (Texas Union Information Center) - Shay's grad school alma mater. UT boasts a lovely campus with granite and limestone buildings, grassy malls, statues, and fountains. Start your visit with a campus tour. Guided tours are offered by the office of admissions, or your can take a self-guided tour. Don't miss the view from the observation deck of The University of Texas Tower; it's only accessible via a guided tower tour, so be sure to check out the schedule and make reservations in advance. Stop by the Harry Ransom Center to view the exhibitions, events, and collections, which include the Gutenberg Bible and world's first photograph. Stroll through the galleries of the Blanton Museum of Art, with its impressive art collections and intriguing exhibitions. Take some time to explore the Texas Memorial Museum of Science and History. And no visit is complete without a visit to the Lyndon Baines Johnson (LBJ) Library and Museum, where you can learn more about our 36th president and view a 7/8-scale replica of the Oval Office.

Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau Visitor Center - 201 East 2nd Street - Stop by the ACVB Visitor Center for information and brochures on hundreds of local events and destinations. If you'd like to familiarize yourself with the architecture and history of downtown Austin, join one of the ACVB's free guided walking tours. You can explore the stately mansions of Bremond Block, the sprawling Capitol grounds, and/or the historic downtown area (Congress Avenue and 6th Street). Tours run from March through November and depart from the south entrance of the Texas State Capitol. See the web site for times, or call (800) 926-2282.

Texas State Capitol - 11th and Congress Streets - The Capitol Information and Guide Service conducts daily tours of this beautiful and imposing structure. The free tours include information about the history of Texas as well as facts about the Capitol and Extension, the legislature, and the legislative process. Tours last approximately 40-45 minutes, and leave every 15 minutes from the building's south entrance. Visit the web site for hours, tour info, parking, maps, and more. While you're there, visit the Texas Capitol Visitors Center (112 East 11th Street), which features a variety of exhibits on the history of Texas, the Texas Capitol and the Texas General Land Office.

Texas Governor's Mansion - 1010 Colorado - Texas’ premier historic home has served as the official residence of Texas governors and their families since 1856. This graceful old building opens its doors to visitors four mornings a week (Monday through Thursday), with free guided tours from the Capitol Information and Guide Service. Tours leave every 20 minutes between 10am-12pm (last tour at 11:40am). Visit the web site for additional information, and take a virtual tour of the mansion.

Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum - 1800 North Congress Avenue - This museum is a dynamic educational institution that engages visitors in the story of Texas through a variety of exhibits as well as its IMAX Theatre and Texas Spirit Theater. Visit the web site for additional information including hours, admission, directions and parking, and more.

Congress Avenue Bridge Bats - Congress Avenue (below East 1st Street) - Be brave and treat yourself to the spectacle of the Congress Avenue Bridge bats. The bridge is the summer home to over 1.5 million Mexican free-tail bats -- the largest urban bat colony in North America. Their nightly exodus is among the most spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities in America. Bats are in residence from mid-March to late October and typically emerge just before dusk. Visit the Going Batty in Austin page on Austin360.com for more info, including the bats' flight schedule, directions to viewing area, bat facts, bat FAQs, and more.

O. Henry Museum - 409 East Fifth Street - Visit the Queen Anne style cottage where William Sidney Porter (better known by his pen name, O. Henry) lived from 1893 to 1895. O. Henry, who is commonly referred to as "the master of the short story", lived in Austin for over thirteen years. His former home has been restored and now contains artifacts and memorabilia from his life in Austin.

Elisabet Ney Museum - 304 East 44th Street - Elisabet Ney was a celebrated nineteenth-century portrait sculptor. In 1892, she built a small neoclassical studio in Austin's Hyde Park. Following the sculptress's death in 1907, her friends preserved the studio and its contents as a museum. Today, the site is open to visitors five days a week, and admission is free. Visit the web site for hours, directions, map, biography of the artist, and other information.

Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum - 605 Robert E. Lee Road - This lovely museum and its tranquil sculpture garden display the work of Charles Umlauf. In addition to being an accomplished sculptor, Umlauf was a member of UT's art department, where he taught for 40 years. Visit the web site for a virtual tour, as well as hours, admission, directions, and other information.

Austin Museum of Art - Downtown - 823 Congress Avenue - This museum in the heart of downtown Austin offers visitors the opportunity to view significant exhibitions of modern and contemporary art from around the world.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - 4801 La Crosse Avenue - The center was founded by the former First Lady to educate visitors on the "necessity, economic value, and natural beauty of native plants." For a sneak peek of what you'll see at the center, take a virtual tour online. Visit the web site for additional information including hours and admission, directions, site map, and more.

Zilker Park - 2100 Barton Springs Road - This 351-acre park is home to a variety of recreation opportunities and special events. Enjoy a ride on the Zilker Zephyr miniature train, or paddle a canoe down Barton Creek. Play on the large multi-age playscape, explore the hike and bike trails, or have a picnic lunch. Bring a swimsuit and take a dip in Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed pool with a year-round average temperature of 68 degrees. And while you're in the area, be sure to visit the Zilker Botanical Garden (2200 Barton Springs Road), which is filled with handsome trees, natural grottoes, and aquatic habitats that have been integrated into a design of spectacular beauty and tranquility. Featured gardens include an oriental garden, herb and fragrance garden, rose garden, butterfly trail, and even a prehistoric garden. Admission is generally free; check the web site for special events, hours, directions, and more.

Day Trips - Depending on how much time you have during your stay, here are some worthwhile day trips from Austin:

	San Antonio - This historic city (about an hour-and-a-half drive from Austin) is definitely worth a day trip, if for no other reason than to visit the famous Alamo. We'd also recommend visits to several other popular attractions, including the four Spanish missions that make up the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park; the lovely Spanish Governor's Palace; the tranquil San Antonio Botanical Gardens; the San Antonio Zoo; and shopping and dining along the River Walk (or perhaps even a relaxing river cruise). If you enjoy museums, plan a visit to the San Antonio Museum of Art, the McNay Art Museum, and/or The Witte Museum (history and science exhibits). Visit the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau site for additional information. The excellent (and free!) Frommer's and Fodor's online guidebooks are also great resources. *Tip:* If you're looking for a good meal, Twin Sisters Bakery & Café offers casual, healthy dining at two different locations: 124 Broadway (breakfast and lunch only; closes at 3pm) and 6322 N. New Braunfels Ave. (open until 9pm Monday through Saturday and until 2pm on Sunday).
	San Marcos - San Marcos, which is located roughly halfway between Austin and San Antonio, offers many tourist diversions, including the Aquarena Center, where you can ride a glass-bottomed boat and visit the Endangered Species Exhibit and Natural Aquarium, and Wonder World Park, where you can explore an underground cave and make new friends at the wildlife park. But most importantly (in Shay's mind), San Marcos is home to the largest factory outlet shopping centers in Texas! Save plenty of time to hunt for bargains at the Tanger Outlet Center and Prime Outlets.
	Fiesta Texas - 17000 IH-10 West - This amusement park, now a member of the Six Flags family, is a great way to spend a day. Visit the web site for information.

Restaurants: (listed alphabetically)

	Amy's Ice Cream - 3500 Guadalupe - Not a restaurant, but a great place to go for dessert. The best ice cream in the state, bar none. Can decide between two flavors? Order them both, and your server will deftly mix them together on a marble slab. Try the Sweet Cream and Dark Chocolate, or Kahlua and Amaretto. Amy's offers several additional locations throughout Austin, as well as in San Antonio and Houston.
	Baby Acapulco - 1628 Barton Springs Road - Good Mexican food and some of the best margaritas in town! Shay recommends the Mushroom Quesadillas and the Chile con Queso. Visit the web site for menus (lunch, dinner, kids, and beverages). Your best bet is to go for happy hour, when Baby A's offers discounts on their dazzling array of margaritas *Note:* Baby Acapulco has three additional locations: 1705-A South Lakeshore Boulevard, 5610 North IH-35, 13609 North IH-35, and 9505-B Stonelake Blvd.
	Chipotle - 2230 Guadalupe - Chipotle is a chain of Tex-Mex fast food outlets, but a it's a big step up from the Taco Bells and Taco Cabanas of this world. They keep their menu very simple, so that they can focus on what they do best. They're known for only using the best and freshest ingredients...and for their humongous 20-ounce mega-burritos. There's a reason Chipotle has this prime location on "The Drag" right across from the UT campus...cash-strapped students can stuff themselves silly on a single burrito. Visit the web site for the menu (click on "Eat"), locations ("Find"), history ("Learn"), and more.
	Chuy's - 1728 Barton Springs Road - Chuy's is a legend in Austin for their excellent Tex-Mex food and tasty margaritas. We recommend pretty much anything on the menu, especially if you top it with their awesome spicy cheese sauce. (Can't recall the name of that sauce, but they were offering it with the day's special...and they'll top their other menu items with it, if you ask nicely.) Don't miss happy hour for the $3 margaritas! Visit the web site for info, menu, maps, events, and more. *Note:* Chuy's has two other Austin locations - 11680 N. Research Boulevard and 10520 North Lamar Boulevard - as well as restaurants in Dallas, Houston, Round Rock, and San Antonio.
	Clay Pit - 1601 Guadalupe - Offering "contemporary Indian cuisine," this restaurant is housed in a lovely historic building and has an upscale vibe. While some familiar Indian dishes may be missing from the menu, there is a huge variety of options to choose from. (When Shay couldn't find her favorite dish - mater paneer - she was forced to branch out and try something different. Happily, the Kashmiri Kofta Korma turned out to be excellent.) Visit the web site for the full menu, directions, reviews, and more.
	Cosmic Cafe - 1110 West Lynn Street - Housed in a building that was once the West Lynn Cafe, this great vegetarian restaurant surpasses its predecessor in terms of its excellent service and welcoming atmosphere. It boasts a colorful interior, lots of wonderful menu choices (many with an Indian flavor), and a guest-friendly BYOB policy (no more getting gouged on a mediocre bottle of wine). Check out the web site for the full menu, events, and other details.
	Hickory Street Bar & Grill - 800 Congress Street - The brick walls, open spaces, and wood furnishings give this place a comfy feel...or you can dine outside on the patio if the weather is nice. The restaurant offers a full menu, but they're know for their buffet. You can choose from any or all of their food bars: soup, salad, baked potato, bread, and/or sundae.
	Hut's Hamburgers - 807 West 6th Street - Hut's is burger heaven! And not just hamburgers, either...all of Hut's burgers are available as traditional beef burgers, buffalo burgers, chicken burgers, or veggie burgers. Try one with their homemade hickory sauce, and be sure to get an order of their awesome fries (or the peppered onion rings). If you're dining with someone who doesn't care for burgers, Hut's also offers salads, tacos, and other dinner items.
	Kerbey Lane Cafe - 3704 Kerbey Lane - This homey restaurant has an inviting atmosphere and delicious food - with a number of good vegetarian items. The restaurant is open 24 hours a day, so it's perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or late-night snack Visit the web site for additional info, including menu, specials, history, and more. *Note:* Kerbey Lane has three additional locations: 2700 South Lamar Boulevard, 12602 Research Boulevard, and the newest one right by the UT campus at 2606 Guadalupe.
	Magnolia Cafe - 2304 Lake Austin Boulevard - A lively restaurant with a cheerful decor and excellent food - including lots of tasty vegetarian options. Try the cheese enchiladas with spicy chipotle sauce. (Sadly, their wonderful carrot-habañero sauce no longer appears on the menu. However, the yummy Martian Landscape potatoes are still there!) And be sure to order a glass of their heavenly hibiscus iced tea. Magnolia Cafe is open 24 hours, and it's generally packed in the wee hours of the morning when the bars and clubs close. *Note:* Magnolia Cafe has another location at 1920 South Congress Avenue.
	Mother's Cafe & Garden - 4215 Duval Street - One of the best vegetarian restaurants in the southwest! The food is so good that even die-hard meat-lovers have been known to frequent the place. Check out the mouth-watering menus online. Shay recommends Mother's famous BBQ Tofu - absolutely incredible! Other great choices include the Enchiladas Mole, Spinach or Tofu Lasagna, and Mushroom Stroganoff. If you order a salad, be sure to request their Cashew Tamari dressing. Ask for a table in the garden, where you'll dine amid lush greenery and a relaxing fountain. Visit the web site for hours, menus, contact info, and more.
	Mr. Natural - 1901 East Cesar Chavez Street - There are lots of vegetarians who enjoy Mexican food but shy away from it because of the unpredictability of the preparations. (For example, a bean burrito sounds like it would be vegetarian, but quite often the beans are fried in lard. Yuck!) Mr. Natural takes the fear out of Mexican dining. Visit the web site for information and breakfast, lunch, dinner, and beverage menus. *Note:* Mr. Natural recently opened a second location at 2414-A South Lamar.
	Schlotzsky's Deli - 1915 Guadalupe Street (near the UT campus) and 106 East 6th Street (in the Littlefield building) - This Austin-based sandwich chain has grown into a national success. If only we had Schlotzsky's in Boston! They serve up the best toasted sandwiches anywhere...once you've had one, you'll crave them again and again. Shay recommends the Vegetarian - but ask for the classic sourdough bun instead of the so-so wheat bun. You'll soon find yourself craving Schlotzsky's, so you can also search for locations near you. (Schlotzsky's has several additional Austin locations.) *Tip:* As an added bonus, Schlotzsky's offers free Internet access in some of its locations! They had several Macs with high-speed connections in the two stores we visited (Guadalupe and Sixth Street), and we were able to log in and check email. If you have your own laptop or Web-enabled handheld, you can take advantage of Schlotzsky's free WiFi service.
	Shady Grove - 1624 Barton Springs Road - Shady Grove is a restaurant with real personality. The decor inside the building is pure 40s/50s retro; you almost expect June Cleaver to walk out and serve your meal. Outside, the sprawling patio feels like a cross between a campground (note the Airstream camper permanently parked on-site) and a drive-in movie theatre (they really do show black & white films in the evenings). Check out the web site for photos, directions, and menu. And speaking of the menu...it's all good! They have some terrific vegetarian options, including the Roasted Vegetable Chili, Hippie Sandwich, and Campfire Vegetable Plate. And try the Chili Cheese Fries...they're very accommodating if you ask them to replace the Airstream Chili with the veggie version.
	Spaghetti Warehouse - 117 West 4th Street - Great Italian food served up in an honest-to-goodness converted warehouse. All of the pasta choices are excellent, and the bountiful salad bar makes a good meal even better.
	Trudy's - 409 West 30th Street - Yet another Austin-based Tex-Mex institution. Try a custom enchiladas or burritos with one of Trudy's savory, spicy sauces (Shay loves the Chipotle sauce). They also have a terrific drinks menu...the frozen mango margarita is especially good! Visit the web site for location and hours, menus (appetizers, Tex-Mex, Southern specialties, breakfast, and specials), news, and more. *Note:* Trudy's has two other Austin locations - Trudy's South Star at 4141 Capital of Texas Highway South (in the Brodie Oaks shopping center) and Trudy's North Star at 8825 Burnet Road.
	Veggie Heaven - 1914A Guadalupe - Located just blocks from campus, this cramped little restaurant has a very student-friendly vibe...not to mention student-friendly prices! While the ambiance may be somewhat lacking, the extensive menu is truly impressive and the service is prompt and courteous. The seemingly endless menu choices are all vegetarian (including many options with faux meat), and the portions are extremely generous. As an added bonus, they serve "bubble tea" (iced tea with tapioca balls that you slurp up through an oversized straw)! We recommend the Thai iced tea as a bubble tea - delicious! Whether or not you're vegetarian, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just make sure you're hungry when you go!

Clubs & Bars:

Austin bills itself as "The Live Music Capitol of the World": whatever kind of music you enjoy, you'll find it played here. There are live music venues throughout the city; check The Austin Chronicle to see what bands are playing where. Or, simply take a stroll down Austin's 6th Street entertainment district...you're bound to find a number of music venues, nightclubs, and bars that strike your fancy. For information and reviews on Austin's many clubs and watering-holes, visit Citysearch and AOL CityGuide. Austin also hosts the renowned SXSW Music Festival each spring. (Shay attended this premier music event in spring 1993; since then, it's gotten bigger, better, and way more expensive.)

Downtown/6th Street Area:

	Goth Clubs - Much to Shay's surprise, Austin now has a goth club of its very own! Club Elysium, 705 Red River, hosts special events and live music on Tuesdays and Fridays; "old school" 80s and goth (Resurrection) on Wednesdays; synthpop, EBM, and electroclash (Mecha) on Thursdays; goth night (Haven) on Saturdays; and reto 80s (Regression) on Sundays. We went on a Wednesday night, and the music was terrific! Full details, including directions, can be found on the Elysium web site. Visit the International Goth Club Listing for info on other goth clubs in Texas (and worldwide), and for write-ups on Resurrection, Mecha, and Haven.
	Club de Ville - 900 Red River Street - While the mixed drinks may be hit-or-miss, this place is worth a visit for the atmosphere alone. There is a great outdoor seating area with a dramatic limestone cliff as a backdrop. While Club de Ville does not appear to have its own web site, you can check out an overview on CitySearch or view the joint's MySpace page via the link above.
	Emo's - 603 Red River Street - Emo's is an alt-rock institution in downtown Austin. Stop by to catch local and international punk, alternative, grunge, and hard-core acts. The club features a bar and lounge area accessible from Red River Street and a live music stage in a building that fronts 6th Street; in between them is an open courtyard with another bar and performance stage. Visit the Emo's web site for a tongue-in-cheek club history, performance calendar, directions, and photos.
	Lovejoy's - 604 Neches Street - This little brew pub is an absolute gem - it's Shay's favorite hangout in the 6th Street Area. (Read the Citysearch profile for a pretty dead-on review.) Have a seat on a comfy old sofa or wooden church pew; set your drinks down on an unusual table made from a manhole cover or casket; take a gander at the interesting (if somewhat blasphemous) wall murals. Visit the web site for the beer list, virtual tour, map, and more.
	Daiquiri Factory - 408 East 6th Street - The place itself is nothing special (it tends to be disappointingly overrun by frat-boy/sorority-girl types), but the drinks are the real draw! No visit to 6th Street is complete without a stop at the Factory for one (or two, or three...) of their delectable concoctions. If you can't decide on a flavor, they're pretty good about offering samples. Enjoy!
	Maggie Mae's - 512 Trinity Street - Maggie Mae's is a mainstay of the 6th Street scene...it's one of the bars that seems to have been around forever. It's popular with both college students and tourists, and features live music (cover bands) nightly. We like the open-air roof deck, which is great for people-watching on 6th Street below. It's a good place to start a bar crawl, as it gets more crowded (and annoying) as gaggles of frat boys and sorority girls roll in, and you'll be ready to move on when they do.
	The Ginger Man - 304 West 4th Street - Sidle up to the bar in this laid-back joint and prepare to be amazed by the mind-boggling number of taps before you...The Ginger Man carries around 80 (no, that's not a typo!) draft beers in all! Don't see your favorite? Check the list of 100-or-so bottled beers. Not a beer drinker? You have your choice of wines and ciders (including Shay's faves: Strongbow and Dry Blackthorn). Have the munchies? No need to leave - snacks and sandwiches are available. When the weather is nice, head for a table in the outdoor courtyard. Visit the web site for additional details and special events.

Near UT Campus:

	Dog & Duck Pub - 406 West 17th Street - Of all the great bars in Austin, this is Shay's favorite. The grad student dorm (at Jester Center) was just a few blocks away, so the Dog & Duck became sort of a second home to the more socially-inclined, beer-loving grad students among us. We never missed a Tuesday pint night, and we spent plenty of other weekday and weekend nights here, as well. Walk through the doors and feel like you've stepped into a proper British pub, from the decor and dart board to the pub grub (think bangers & mash and bubble & squeak!) and wide selection of draught beers (from Britain, America, and other countries). Try the Bass Ale from England, the Celis Raspberry or Celis White from Austin, or the Spaten Premium from Germany, or ask for a "lager and lime" made with Harp. Or go for Shay's usual: half Harp, half cider with a splash of cranberry. The bartenders there even used to call that drink a "Shay"! They do great cheese fries, as well. Don't miss this place if you find yourself in Austin. Visit the web site for pub info, beer list, specials and food menu, and more.
	Crown & Anchor Pub - 2911 San Jacinto Boulevard - This laid-back beer joint is probably the most popular north-of-campus hangout among UT students. It's a relaxing place to escape the daily grind, kick back with your favorite beer (of the 100-or-so available), and spend the evening hanging out with friends. While you're there, treat yourself to an order of C&A's yummy cheese fries.
	Hole in the Wall - 2528 Guadalupe - The name pretty well describes what the place looks like, but this dive happens to be one of the most popular live music venues in Austin. It's proximity to campus probably has a lot to do with that, but the music itself is a definite draw. Stop by for a bit if you get a chance, and catch one of the up-and-coming bands before they make it big.
	Scholz Garten - 1607 San Jacinto - More than just a great place for beer, Scholz Garten (built in 1866) is a National Historic Site and the oldest continuously operating business in Texas. General Custer once took his meals here, and former Texas governor Ann Richards and presidential-hopeful Bill Clinton kicked back a few here in 1991. Scholz Garten lives up to its German heritage, with a good variety of beers from Germany (and other countries) and a food menu that includes Wiener Schnitzel, Bratwurst, and Sauerkraut. If you're lucky, you may even catch a performance by the 33-piece Wurst Band. Visit the web site for map and other info.

Other Austin Locations:

Baby Acapulco - 1628 Barton Springs Road - Be sure to stop here for some of the best margaritas in town! Shay recommends the Banana, Blue, Mango, and Pink Passion margaritas. Visit the web site for drinks list and dinner menu. Note: Baby Acapulco has three additional locations: 1705-A South Lakeshore Boulevard, 5610 North IH-35, and 13609 North IH-35.

The Oasis - 6550 Comanche Trail - The Oasis offers a menu of decent (if somewhat overpriced) food...what you're actually paying for is the spectacular view. The Oasis bills itself as "the sunset capital of Texas"; people come in droves to watch Nature in all her glory, as the rich sunset colors reflect off of Lake Travis 450 feet below. Pick a clear day, then go for a drive into Hill Country...the scenery along the way is quite enjoyable in itself. Splurge on a burger or enchilada and a couple of margaritas, then sit back and enjoy the show.

Accommodations:

	The Driskill - 604 Brazos Street - An elegant luxury hotel in downtown Austin. Located at the corner of Brazos and 6th Streets, the hotel offers easy access to Austin's famous 6th Street nightclub/entertainment district. This historic building is stunning, both inside and out. The guest rooms boast such amenities as terry bathrobes, T1 computer connectivity, and a mini-bar. The Driskill is a real splurge, with rates at $185-$400 per night. For a more affordable indulgence, have a drink or even a meal at the Driskill Grill. Visit the web site for map, photo tour, reservations, and more.
	Extended StayAmerica: Downtown/Town Lake - 600 Guadalupe Street - This is where we stayed during our most recent visit to Austin, in October 2003. The location was perfect - right on the corner or Guadalupe and 6th Street - which meant that we were in easy walking distance of Austin's 6th Street and Warehouse districts and all of their great bars, clubs, and restaurants. And the price was great for such a central location: $350/week (for two people!), including free parking and free local calls/voice mail. The studio suites include a queen bed or two double beds; cable TV; a recliner; a small desk/table; and a kitchenette with dishes, glasses, cutlery, refrigerator, microwave, and stove burner. However, this is no-frills extended stay lodging, so we did not have housekeeping services (apart from a mid-week towel replacement), bath amenities, coffee, etc.; and our towels and linens had seen better days. (The sheets may have been freshly laundered before we arrived, but they had some small holes and a few stains.) It was a good hotel for the price, but the extended-stay hotel we booked in Dallas (Bradford Homesuites) offered more room and more amenities, so this hotel may have suffered a little by comparison. That said, we would stay here again (unless we happened to win the lottery and could afford The Driskill!), because you can't find a better room for the price in this downtown location. *Tip:* Stop by a grocery store at the beginning of your stay to pick up some basics: shampoo/conditioner (if you didn't bring your own), dishwashing liquid, sponge/scrubber, paper towels, and some groceries. We bought a 12-pack of soda (much cheaper than relying on the hotel's vending machine), some snacks, cereal, milk, juice, bagels, and cream cheese. (However, we forgot we didn't have a toaster in the room here...so we had to microwave our frozen bagels, which didn't work so well.) And if you're a coffee drinker, note that the room provides a coffeemaker but no coffee or filters.
	For additional accommodations options, visit the Texas Lodging web site, or try running a search on QIXO and SideStep.

Dallas - We spent a couple of days in Dallas when we flew out for the wedding of our friends Lara and Justin in October 2003. While we were in town, we visited a few of the local attractions and researched a few others that we hope to see on future visits. Read on for our recommendations...

Tourist Info:

	Dallas! The Texas Star - This is the official web site of the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau, and it provides a wealth of useful information on the city of Dallas, things to see and do, accommodations, transportation, special deals, planning tools, and more. You can also order a free visitor kit online.
	Travel Texas - This is the place to go for all kinds of information covering the entire state of Texas, including activities, culture, driving tours, trip saver coupons, and more. Don't miss the "Free Stuff" section, where you can order a free travel guide and/or trial subscription to Texas Highways magazine, as well as download great screensavers for your computer.
	Online Guide Books - In addition to the web sites mentioned above, you can find more information on Dallas sights, accommodations, dining, and shopping by visiting the incredibly useful Frommer's and Fodors online travel guides, as well as Dallas Observer, GuideLive, Dallas City Tour, The Dallas Page, DallasNews.com, and Texas Monthly City Listings.

Local Transportation:

DART - Dallas Area Rapid Transit (better known as DART) serves Dallas and 12 neighboring cities with an extensive network of public transit services, including DART Rail, Trinity Railway Express (TRE), bus services, and the free McKinney Avenue Streetcar (M-Line) service. Visit the DART web site for maps, fares (including Day Passes), schedules, trip planner, news, and more. For additional information on the free trolley service, visit the McKinney Avenue Transit Authority (MATA) web site. Tip: If you don't absolutely need a rental car while you're in Dallas, it's much cheaper to rely on public transport and taxis. It's ridiculously expensive to rent a car from the Dallas airports; the guy at the rental car counter informed us that the taxes/fees in Dallas are the second highest in the nation (second only to Houston), averaging over 60% of the rental car rate! (We were quoted a rate of $219 for our 10-day rental, and ended up paying over $350 with all of the taxes/fees). Just something to keep in mind if you're debating whether or not to rent a car...

Attractions:

Dallas Aquarium at Fair Park - 1462 First Avenue at MLK Boulevard - The Aquarium, which is managed by the Dallas Zoo, is home to a varied collection of approximately 6,000 aquatic animals, including marine and freshwater fish, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Special attractions at the museum include animal feedings, educational talks, an "Amazon Flooded Forest" display, a "World of Aquatic Diversity" exhibit, and more. Visit the Dallas Aquarium web page for additional information, including admission, hours, Fair Park map, and more.

Dallas Arboretum - 8525 Garland Road - Just a few minutes from downtown Dallas on the shore of White Rock Lake, the Dallas Arboretum encompasses 66 acres with 11 display gardens offering seasonal color all year long. In addition to the gardens and grounds, two historic mansions - the DeGolyer House and Alex Camp House - are also located on the property. Visit the web site for visitor info (including hours and admission, directions, garden etiquette, and parking/public transport info), garden map, public events, arboretum info, and more.

Dallas Center for Contemporary Art - 2801 Swiss Avenue - This gallery - known as "The Contemporary" - hosts exhibitions of emerging Texas artists. It is open Tuesday through Saturday and is free to the public. Visit the web site for information, exhibits, events, and more.

Dallas Museum of Art - 1717 North Harwood Street - This fascinating museum houses a wide variety of art spanning many countries, cultures, and periods. Among our favorite displays were the impressive collections of European and American paintings and sculpture, as well as the innovative contemporary art. The museum also has some beautiful pieces in its decorative arts collection. Its collections span the globe, with many fine works from Africa, Asia, the Americas, Ancient Mediterranean, and Pacific Islands. While you're at the DMA, don't miss the outdoor sculpture garden set amid trees and waterfalls. Visit the web site for hours and admission, directions and map, museum floor plan, collections, exhibitions, events, news, and more.

Dallas Museum of Natural History - 3535 Grand Avenue - The museum's collection of over 280,000 specimens includes the world's largest exhibition of Texas wildlife habitats, rare and extinct animals, fossils, and a mounted dinosaur known as the Texas Tenontosaur. Visit the web site for hours and admission, directions and map, exhibits, collections, events, and more.

Dallas World Aquarium - 1801 North Griffin Street - This aquarium features 85,000 gallons of saltwater exhibits including sharks, stingrays, piranhas, and hundreds of reef fish all in living coral reef ecosystems. Visitors can explore a South American rainforest, peer into a South African lagoon, walk through a water tunnel surrounded by reef life from the Continental Shelf, and observe monkeys, tamarins, river otters, snakes, penguins, and other creatures. Visit the web site for visitor information, map and directions, NetCams, and more.

Dallas Zoo - 650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway - This world-class zoo covers 95 acres and features many rare and endangered species. Key exhibits include the Endangered Tiger Habitat, a Children's Zoo with interactive exhibits, and the 25-acre Wilds of Africa, which was named the best African exhibit in the United States. Visit the web site for visitor information, directions, map of the zoo grounds, and more.

Fountain Place - 1445 Ross Avenue at North Field Street - A prominent feature of the Dallas skyline, the dramatic Fountain Place office tower is made of reflective glass and was designed by the acclaimed architectural firm of I.M. Pei & Partners. At its base lies an oasis of fountains, pools, waterfalls, trees, and flowers. Fountain Place features 172 bubbler fountains among its pools and waterfalls, as well as its centerpiece - the Central Court Fountain - which is made up of 360 individual fountainheads. The Central Court Fountain is a complex computer-driven water sculpture that shoots water in random patterns of varying height and direction. This water wonderland is open to the public free of charge. Visit the Fountain Place web site for location map, property info and trivia, building amenities (including restaurants such as Avanti and Happy House Deli), FAQs, and more.

Meadows Museum of Art - Bishop Boulevard at Brinkley Avenue, SMU campus - The centerpiece of Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University, The Meadows Museum houses the most significant collection of Spanish art outside of Spain itself. The collection includes works by Velázquez, Ribera, El Greco, Murillo, Goya, Picasso, and Miró. Best of all, admission is free. Visit the museum's web pages for hours, directions, collection overview, special exhibitions, event calendar, and more.

Reunion Tower - 300 Reunion Boulevard East - For the best views of the city, take an elevator 55 stories to the top of the Hyatt Regency's Reunion Tower for a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of Dallas. The tower is an easily recognizable landmark and a dramatic addition to the evening skyline, with its lighted dome and flashing light show. Visitors can access a public observation deck for a small fee. (For additional information, see the reviews on GuideLive and DigitalCity.) Alternately, the fine views can be enjoyed for the price of a drink at the Dome cocktail lounge or a meal at Antares restaurant, both of which rotate at the rate of one revolution every 55 minutes.

Sixth Floor Museum - 411 Elm Street - From its location in the old Texas School Book Depository overlooking Dealey Plaza, visitors to the Sixth Floor Museum encounter a chilling recreation of the window area where Lee Harvey Oswald is said to have fired his fatal shots, as well as exhibits chronicling the assassination and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. Visit the web site for hours, admission, directions, location maps, museum overview, floor plan, collections, facts, and more.

State Fair of Texas - 1300 Robert B. Cullum Boulevard - This annual event takes place at Fair Park in Dallas from late-September through mid-October and features dozens of rides, a huge variety of food vendors, concerts, special events, parades, fireworks, and more. Visit the web site for general information, state fair history, entertainment and events, daily schedule, and more.

Texas Discovery Gardens - 3601 Martin Luther King Boulevard - A year-round urban oasis, Texas Discovery Gardens is located on the grounds of Fair Park in Dallas. Texas Discovery Gardens’ 7.5 acres offer a wide diversity of garden styles and botanical collections, featuring native plants as well as plant species from other regions of the world that are adapted to the challenging climate and soils of North Texas. Plants also are selected for their benefits in providing habitat for wildlife. Among the property's attractions are a butterfly garden, tropical conservatory, fragrant heirloom garden, sunken garden, greenhouse, reflecting pool, and other features. Visit the web site for visitor information, garden overview and map, events, history, and more.

Day Trips - Technically, we weren't in Dallas long enough to do any day trips. However, we did make a couple of quick touristy stops on the drive from Dallas to Austin, so we thought we'd include them here

Waco - When most people think of Waco, they generally think of the unfortunate incident with the Branch Davidians. However, Waco is actually quite a nice place to visit, with plenty of things for visitors to see and do. We stopped here on our drive from Dallas to Austin because Mike wanted to see the Dr. Pepper Museum, 300 South 5th Street, which was just a short detour from I-35. He was excited to try the original-formula soft drink from their old-fashioned soda fountain, and he even brought a six-pack home with him. Other worthwhile attractions in Waco include Cameron Park Zoo, Gov. Bill & Vara Daniel Historic Village, Historic Home Tours, Art Center Waco, Baylor University campus and Strecker Museum, and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum. Visit the Waco Convention and Visitors Bureau site for additional attractions, as well as restaurants, accommodations, shopping, and more.

West - This little town just off of I-35 has a thriving Czech community and is renowned for its excellent Czech bakeries. We stopped here on our drive from Dallas to Austin upon the recommendation of Shay's friend Lara, who suggested that we visit the Czech Stop and Little Czech Bakery for some of their wonderful baked goods. We picked up a few of their famous kolaches, which are delicious pastries filled with fruit, sausage, or ham. Mike enjoyed his spicy sausage kolache, while Shay was partial to the cherry and apricot ones. Other Czech eateries include Czech American Restaurant II, Ole Czech Bakery & Smokehouse, and Kolacek's Bakery. Visit the West, TX web site for additional local information and businesses. Tip: If you'll be near West during Labor day weekend, don't miss their annual Westfest Czech/polka festival.

Restaurants:

	Café Fino - 7522 Campbell Road - Café Fino is a Kosher establishment that is known for its pizza and falafel. It is also very popular among vegetarians, as the restaurant serves no meat (although the menu does include fish, eggs, and dairy). In addition to veggie wraps and veggie burgers, the cafe also serves up veggie hot dogs and vegetarian "chicken" patties. Visit the web site for map and directions, menu, reviews, and more.
	Celebration Restaurant - 4503 West Lovers lane - As out-of-town wedding guests, we were invited to Lara and Justin's rehearsal dinner, which was held here. It's a very homey place; in fact, the restaurant was converted from a house, and the cozy dining rooms make it seem as if you're dining at a friend's home. The rehearsal dinner was held on the lovely outdoor patio, and were fortunate to have beautiful weather that evening. The food was quite good; Mike enjoyed his beef medallions, and Shay sampled a variety of vegetarian side dishes. The blueberry cobbler dessert was excellent! Visit the web site for information, location, menus (lunch, dinner, desserts, and wine list), history, and more.
	Cosmic Café - 2912 Oak Lawn - We didn't get a chance to stop by the Cosmic Café while we were in Dallas, but several reviews we've read have proclaimed it the best vegetarian restaurant in town. We'll definitely have to check it out the next time we're in Dallas! In addition to serving meat-free meals, Cosmic Café is also a coffeehouse (it used to be called Cosmic Cup) with a wide variety of teas and java. Oh, and it also serves as a New Age center of sorts...patrons can participate in a drum and dance circle on Tuesday nights, or partake in events such as poetry readings and meditation.
	The Dream Café - 2800 Routh Street - This funky little restaurant is located in Dallas's popular Quadrangle dining and shopping area. The Dream Café offers outdoor and indoor dining, as well as a terrific (and vegetarian-friendly!) menu. We had a very enjoyable brunch here while we were in town. The pasta pignoli and herbal iced tea were especially good, although the cheese fries were a little greasy. All in all, it's a great place to have a meal while you're in Dallas. Check out the web site for locations, events, and menus: breakfast, lunch & dinner, kids' menu, and wine list.