Austin is the state capital of Texas, and the fastest growing city in the United States. As a result, it has become a hot destination for tourists looking to explore the south.
With such fast development, there is an abundance of things for travelers to do, regardless of if they’re looking to explore the state’s history, or if they want to explore the exciting nightlife.
For the History Buff
State Capitol in downtown Austin is a must-see for those looking to delve into the state’s history, offering small-guided tours around the grounds and buildings. With free entry, tourists can wander around the different galleries on their own, or partake in one of the free guided tours to learn all there is to know about State Capitol.
After a visit to State Capitol, three blocks down the road is the Bullock State History Museum. The Bullock State History Museum puts over 4,000 years of Texas history into visual displays, with around 50 special exhibitions featuring each year, including talks, art displays and movies. The museum has interactive displays and an IMAX theater, making it a perfect place to visit with children.
For Outdoorsy Folks
There are many parks in the Austin area to attract the outdoors lovers, but one of the most beautiful is the Hamilton Pool Preserve. The naturally occurring pool is fed by a 50 foot waterfall, and is surrounded by a collapsed grotto, making it a beautiful place to take a dip.
Reservations at the pool are advised otherwise you may face a large queue, and occasionally swimming is prohibited, but even in this case the picnic benches and hiking trails still make it the perfect way to spend a day.
If swimming isn’t your things, then check out Pioneer Farms, stretching over 90 acres. The farms cover six separate areas and years from the 1800’s, replicating the life of Texans throughout history.
The farms are open to self-guided walking tours, and even have a barn with farm animals, meaning this attraction has everything to offer to both adults and kids alike.
For the Grown-Ups
Austin has a buzzing nightlife, with lots to offer. One of its quirkier establishments is Midnight Cowboy Modeling, a speak-easy style cocktail bar, which embraces its seedy past in Austin’s red-light district.
With a variety of cocktails set in an intimate environment, Midnight Cowboy Modeling offers a unique experience, where visitors can only enter after ringing the bell and asking for the correct barman, instructions that are given on reservation.
If an intimate bar isn’t for you, then The White Horse may be more up your street.
A good, old-fashioned honky tonk that offers live music and swing dance lessons, with a Taco truck situated outside for those midnight snacks, the White Horse is a great way to get an authentic feel for Texan culture. Open every night, and with a happy hour Monday to Friday, its no wonder the White Horse is a must for those looking to party the night away.
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