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...]

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...]

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...]

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 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...]

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...]