In 1960, with the construction of Longhorn Dam, Lady Bird Lake was born. Formerly Town Lake, Lady Bird Lake was renamed, in 2007, to honor former First Lady Claudia Johnson. Lady Bird Johnson was committed to the beautification of the lake and the surrounding walking trails. The lake spans more than five miles and serves as a dividing line for what locals commonly consider the north and south sides of Austin. Used for flood control, the lake is kept at a constant level making it a hot spot for recreational … [Read more...]
Moving to Austin? You Should Know About the H-E-B Center
In Cedar Park, just north of Austin, the H-E-B Center has brought entertainment acts to the area for more than eight years. The 8,000 seat arena offers a more intimate experience when seeing acts like Hall & Oates, Lynyrd Skynyrd, or Brad Paisley. Take the family out for a fun evening at Disney on Ice, Cirque du Soleil, Harlem Globetrotters, or a sporting event. While the Austin area has no professional sports teams, at the H-E-B Center you can catch the Texas Stars, an affiliate of the Dallas Stars. The … [Read more...]
Moving to Austin? You Should Know About Circuit of the Americas
Completed in 2012, Circuit of the Americas (COTA) plays host to a multitude of events. From concerts and action sports, to the only Formula 1 race in the U.S., the United States Grand Prix. The 3.41-mile track is comprised of 20 turns. The track's first turn is it's most unique, a 133-foot climb into a blind left turn. Some turns are inspired by the designers favorites from tracks around the world. The open-air amphitheater, tucked within turns 15 through 19, is the largest permanent outdoor venue in Central … [Read more...]
Moving to Austin? You Should Know About Franklin Barbecue
Although only eight years old, Franklin Barbecue is a rite of passage for Austinites and visitors alike. In 2009, Aaron Franklin and his wife opened a food truck along I-35. They enjoyed hosting backyard barbecues so they expanded to a truck. Now in a brick and mortar on 11th Street, guests line up before the sun rises to, hopefully, get a taste of their acclaimed brisket for lunch. In 2014, Franklin was listed as one of the "50 best BBQ Joints in the World," by Texas Monthly. So, grab your lawn chair, ice … [Read more...]
Moving to Austin? You Should Know About the Bullock Museum
It won't take long for you to notice, native Texans are passionate about their state's rich history, so it may come as somewhat of a surprise that up until 2001, there was no state history museum. The Bullock Texas State History Museum is named after the 38th Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock, who declared, "Texas is the greatest state in the country." While in office, Bullock, a history enthusiast himself, voiced his interest in creating a state history museum and by 1997 he was able to drum up enough support to … [Read more...]
Moving to Austin? You Should Know About the Frank Erwin Center
The Frank Erwin Center is located on the University of Texas campus, within walking distance of downtown and the State Capitol. Owned by the university, it hosts sporting events (both for UT and other groups), music acts, comedians, and even Presidential announcements. Construction completed in 1977 and opened with a men's basketball game between the Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners on November 29 of that year. A few fun facts: John Denver brought the largest crowd into the Erwin Center (17,829) in … [Read more...]
Moving to Austin? You Should Know About ACL Music Festival
Early every fall, one of Austin's most popular events (and we've got a lot we can attend throughout the year) takes over Zilker Park near downtown Austin. The Austin City Limits Music Festival began in 2002 as just a two-day event hosting 67 bands and 42,000 attendees. Now celebrating it's 15th year, ACL occupies the park for two consecutive, three-day weekends with 8 stages, over 130 artists, and more than 400,000 enthusiastic music lovers. ACL offers more than just music so while waiting for your favorite … [Read more...]
Moving to Austin? You Should Know About Friday Night Lights
Moving to Austin? You should know a bit about the Friday Night Lights. Any self-respecting Texan knows that, in the fall, Friday nights are for high school football. It doesn't matter if you are in a city or out in a small town, high school football is a big deal here. In referring to high school football, 'Friday Night Lights' became a popularized reference after the 1990 book of the same name was published. It chronicled the story of the 1998 Permian High School Panthers football team's run for the state … [Read more...]
Moving to Austin? You Should Know About The Round Rock
Round Rock, TX is located about 15 miles north of downtown Austin. The city itself is named after an actual round rock. In 1854, then postmaster Thomas C. Oatts was asked to rename the city, he chose Round Rock after a table-like rock located in Brushy Creek thought to have served as an identifier of the low-water crossing for Indians and early settlers. In November of 1971, the city marked the rock as a historic landmark. … [Read more...]
Moving to Austin? You Should Know About The Stevie Ray Vaughan Statue
Dedicated on November 1, 1993, the 8-foot tall, bronze Stevie Ray Vaughan statue is a tribute to the great guitarist who lived in Austin. It is located along the south side of Lady Bird Lake just north of Palmer Auditorium. When Austin gets heavy rain, the lake can flood the open land around the statue occasionally making it look like Stevie Ray is walking on water. Though I’m sure it wasn’t intended when the site was selected, it is ironic that one of his bigger albums was entitled Texas Flood. Stevie Ray … [Read more...]
Moving to Austin? You Should Know About Dell Diamond
Dell Diamond is home to the Round Rock Express, the central Texas minor league team has been here since 2000. The park fills it's 8,631 seats, not just for baseball games, but also hosts concerts, expos, and a great firework display every Fourth of July. The facility prides itself on the fact that 80% of the materials used to build the park are from right here in Texas. Everything from the limestone exterior to the Bermuda grass and infield clay dirt! So, grab your glove and head out to the ball field for an … [Read more...]
Moving to Austin? You Should Know About Alamo Drafthouse
Alamo Drafthouse began with a single screen in a renovated parking garage on Colorado Street in downtown Austin but has since been named "the #1 Theater in America" by Entertainment Weekly. At it's start, Alamo was a modest venue for movie enthusiasts to view older titles, now, it's a place to watch the latest blockbuster while also enjoying a casual dinning experience and drinks. Ever dedicated to their customers, Alamo doesn't display ads while you wait for your movie to begin and they won't hesitate to remove … [Read more...]