The Moonshine Grill sits in the oldest building in Austin and the decor tastefully reflects the same. The sweeping arches and exquisite mirrors on the brick and stone walls, not to mention the warm fire place all make for a cozy setting. The starters everyones raves about are the "Corn Dog" Shrimp (skewered shrimp in cornmeal batter, served with honey and blueberry mustard). The choice entrées are the Broiled Rainbow Trout and Texas Flat Iron Steak. Behind the main restaurant is a refurbished carriage converted into a bar, making the The Moonshine Grill an ideal setting, no matter what the occasion.
This renowned blues hall showcases a variety of music in the genres of blues and rock. Bands from home and afar play here in hopes of gaining national attention. Stevie Ray Vaughan used to be a regular and Willie Nelson sometimes makes a cameo appearance. Bob Schneider is the current popular favorite. This live music venue provides an upbeat atmosphere for all ages and lifestyles. Dance up front to the band or relax in the back with a cold long neck beer.
This little downtown cafe attracts multitudes for its fresh food. The likes of Larry McMurtry, Shawn Colvin and Lisa Loeb have been known to dig in to Las Manitas' huevos Motuleños, Carne guisada or Enchiladas Morelianos. Many of the dishes are authentic, interior Mexican recipes. The atmosphere is funky and political, its owners are known for patronizing Hispanic arts and political causes. You will have to wait for a table if you come anywhere close to meal time.
Austin's most renowned hotel, The Driskill is stylishly grand and opulent. A member of the 'Leading Hotels of the World', it has recently had the mother of all makeovers. It is an ideal abode because of its proximity to both the corporate as well as the entertainment districts of Austin. The rooms are splendid; each of 205 have been done up in turn-of-the century Victorian design. Take a walk down the beautiful lobby bedecked with hand-made marble, hand-painted ceilings and a custom-made stained glass dome. Such luxury is hard to leave behind to explore the rest of Austin!
With award-winning exhibitions focusing on American art and its significance to the region, this museum hosts fabulous works by contemporary artists. Along with the fantastic touring shows, this museum often has professionals speak about the works and their significance. The Austin Museum of Art is also involved with the television series The Territory, which showcases independent film and video broadcasts through the Public Broadcasting System stations. A free docent-led tour is available to the public at 2pm every Saturday during exhibitions; group tours require special arrangements. Groups of ten or more are asked to reserve a time to visit the Museum.
As one of Austin's most important streets, Congress Avenue's entire district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The buildings that frame the street are full of distinctive beauty. The oldest documented building is the Robinson-Rosner Building at 504 Congress (1856). Starting at the Capitol, the street continues south, passing fabulous little shops and eateries. Stop in at Hickory Street for a quick lunch, check out The State Theatre or Paramount Theatre to see what fantastic production is going on in the evening, or wander into Starbucks for coffee and treats.
Originally housing the first classes ever held by the University of Texas at Austin in 1894, the remains of Austin's first state house is directly across from the current State Capitol Building. Once serving as a temporary capitol building after a fire destroyed the original, the only remains are the foundation and cistern. Take a moment and consider the great achievements, trials and tribulations that have molded Texas into the state it is today.
This is one of the oldest governor's mansions in the country that is still being used on a continuous basis. Builder Abner Cook created a simple square home with four rooms downstairs and four rooms upstairs. A conservatory was added in 1914 along with a new kitchen area. The home showcases original artwork and furniture from yesteryear, as well as modern pieces added during the 1980s restoration. Guests are invited to enjoy viewing the first floor and lush grounds surrounding the home.
The Paramount Theatre has stood on Congress Avenue in the heart of downtown Austin for nearly 100 years. The site of the Paramount Theatre was once home to Sam Houston’s office and the War Department of the Republic of Texas and later the Avenue Hotel. As Austin’s oldest surviving theatre built in 1915, the Paramount has a long history of entertaining Central Texas audiences.
Austin's city center holds more than commercial high-rises and government offices—urban lofts, sidewalk eateries and local boutiques abound, particularly in the Second Street District. Running from the Austin Children's Museum west to Ballet Austin, the area within this three-block radius provides an alternative shopping experience to the standard indoor mall. Trendy clothing, home décor and one-of-a-kind jewelry meld with healthy cafes, coffee shops, wine bars and tasteful restaurants like Cantina Laredo to create a retail oasis complete with downtown loft apartments nearby. Austin's green City Hall complex adds a stately element to the Second Street District, while another popular shopping area, South Congress Avenue, is just a few blocks south.
St. Mary's Cathedral, designed by noted Texas architect Nicholas J. Clayton, is the oldest Catholic church in Austin. Construction was completed in 1884, but exquisite French and German stained glass windows were added in the 1890s. A beautiful piece of Gothic architecture, this small cathedral now seems almost dwarfed by the high-rise buildings downtown.
Considered one of the nation's most distinguished state buildings, the Texas State Capitol anchors Austin with its strong sunset red granite facade and Renaissance Revival architectural style. Largest of all state capitols and only second in size to the National Capitol in Washington, D.C., the Texas State Capitol reins over Congress Avenue, just four blocks south of the University of Texas at Austin campus. Free tours of the Capitol building encompass everything from Texas history, facts of the grounds and information about the Texas legislature, or take the self-guided tour for a look at your own pace.
Rio Grande celebrates the tradition of gathering around a meal. That, and margaritas. Lots of margaritas. Try a mango margarita with your choice of many fine tequilas. If your buzz gets too wild, cool it down with one of their fresh salads or signature fajitas.
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