Austin Vacations, Austin Vacation Reviews, Tourism Guide

Austin Vacation Guide

Located on the eastern edge of the Texas Hill Country, Austin is a city unlike any other in the State. It is often called a blue city in a red state, in that its politics are more liberal than the rest of the conservative state. It is an eclectic place that has the reputation of being "The Live Music Capital of the World," with great music festivals like South by Southwest (SXSW)and the Austin City Limits Music Festival. You will likely see several people with "Keep Austin Weird" shirts. Bars, clubs, and tattoo parlors line the streets in the downtown area. There are other great venues located all over town.

Austin is the state capital of Texas. The Capitol Building sits at the end of Congress Avenue. The Greater Austin Metropolitan Area has a population of about 1.5 million persons. Austin is also home to the Texas Longhorns, at the University of Texas at Austin (the flagship of the UT System). It is the largest university in Texas, and one of the top 5 largest in the United States, with over 50,000 students. It is also home to several colleges and universities, including St. Edwards, Concordia Lutheran, Huston-Tillotson, as well as others.

Situated at the edge of the Texas Hill Country, Austin's natural treasures include hills, trees, rivers, and lakes. Lake Travis, Lake Austin, and Lady Bird Lake provide tremendous opportunities for outdoor-minded people. Canoeing, kayaking, boating, or running lake paths are a few of the varied opportunities available. It is a true biking mecca (also the home of 7 time Tour of France winner, Lance Armstrong).