A Leisurely Day Spent in Austin, Texas

Austin Texas is the cultural mecca as well as the capital of Texas. If you can dream it up, it can be found there. Music, food, and entertainment abound. Major events such as the annual South x Southwest Film Festival held in March brings in Indie style amateur filmmakers, professional producers, even directors like Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez, and then there is the Republic of Texas annual Biker Rally that attracts biker enthusiasts from all over Texas and beyond to enjoy the three day event following Memorial Day. The rally includes stunt shows, custom bike shows, parties and a parade.

The latter was going on when I went up to Austin on Saturday, June 2nd for a day of family fun and lunch at yet another fabulous attraction located 450 feet above beautiful Lake Travis; The Oasis. This restaurant is consistently listed in the top 10 attractions to be experienced when visiting Austin. Currently under major reconstruction due to lightning strikes on June 1, 2005 that caused fire, devastating the structure, The Oasis still offers great food, a fun atmosphere, and breathtaking views of the lake and the gorgeous Texas Hill Country.

A sea of motorcycles greeted us upon arrival to The Oasis. My brother was frothing at the mouth in excitement. It became my job to take snapshots of all the custom bikes on display while he and my nephew looked like overjoyed children in a candy store. My mother, sister-in-law and I took in the landscape before heading over to the shops to check out the amazing craftsmanship of the jewelers. Hand-worked silver and semi-precious gemstone jewelry called out to me. The turquoise and mother of pearl along with the alabaster winked in flirtation begging me to take them home.

Other wares available for purchase included t-shirts, hats, glasses, books and more. It's always fun to be able to walk away with a souvenir of a great day. A drive around the lake to view the spectacular "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" type homes built along the cliffs helps bring a stunning conclusion to a spur of the moment excursion.

Other great attractions in Austin are the famous 6th street which houses several clubs and pubs offering live music, dancing and drink specials; Cuba Libre, an authentic Caribbean style restaurant where you can go on a Thursday evening for the $10 Margarita & Manicure before proceeding into dinner and enjoying the sounds of salsa and merenge music. You can visit the Capital Building, Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library and Museum, and explore the beautiful campus of The University of Texas. Austin even offers multiple outdoor activities for cyclists (Hill Country trails), hikers (Town Lake and natural caves) and fishing enthusiasts. Town Lake sits in the heart of downtown Austin next to the Colorado River and is a popular location for picnics, biking, bat watching, peddle boats, and river boat rides. Also, built in 1886 by a rich cattle baron, the luxurious Driskill Hotel (located at the corner of 6th Street and Brazos) was the location of the very first date, in 1934, between President Lyndon B. Johnson and his soon to be wife, Lady Byrd. They shared a meal in the Driskill Hotel dining room.

There is so much to do in Austin and even some of the surrounding subsidiaries that a whole vacation could easily be planned around it. I'm lucky that I live so close and can visit as often as I please. Consider Austin for your next vacation destination.