Austin, the capitol of Texas is located near the center of the Lone Star State. A thriving metropolis of over one and a half million people, Austin came in 3rd in 2009 as the Best Big City to live in. Touted as the Live Music Capitol of the World, music lovers can enjoy live music every day of the week in Austin.
Special musical events are scheduled year round. Special visitor packages are available for those who are looking for quality vacations at discounted prices. The Austin City Limits Music Festival Travel package offers those interested with a three day, discounted concert pass as well as hotel accommodations.
The Driskill Hotel is a pet friendly establishment that pampers your pet companions. The Embassy Suite has a Build a Bear factory on site and provides Bear Bucks and bear sized Embassy suites.
Inside the city limits of Austin three man-made lakes. Lake Austin, Lake Walter E. Long, and Lady Bird Lake, named in honor of Lady Bird Johnson the wife of former President Lyndon B. Johnson. Blue Bonnets dot the landscape once again as part of the restoration projects initiated by Lady Bird Johnson.
Austin is located at the intersection of distinct ecological regions. Temperate to hot green oasis areas, tropical areas and wetter environments provide homes for many animal, avian and botanical species. Few major cities can equal the variety of water sports, hiking trails and outdoor fun located just minutes away from modern metropolitan activities.
Nightlife excitement rivals those of many Europeans destinations. Lively 6th Street treats visitors to street performers, nightclubs, fine dining, street vendors and more. The city closes 6th Street off to vehicular traffic on the weekends to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all in attendance.
Congress Bridge provides a different type of nocturnal activity. Home to an estimated one and a half million Mexican Free Tail bats, Congress Bridge provides a nesting place for them while they consume approximately thirty thousand pounds of insects a night!
Home to the Texas University, Austin abounds with high tech companies and educational facilities.
Adventurous vacationers can sightsee in Austin comfortably while staying “green.” Guided Segway tours of the city encompass many miles of the downtown area.
The Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary are located just outside the city limits. One of the few non profit zoos’ in the country, the Austin Zoo started out as a goat ranch. Expanding their programs to include animal rescue, the Animal Sanctuary has grown to include over a 100 species. Special animal exhibits, including some featuring wolf hybrids rescued during the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, can be found throughout the facility.
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