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Presidental Tour

Description:

The Lone Star State boasts three powerful men in the last half-century who have served as President of the United States, all of whom spent some quality time in and around the Austin area. Follow in their footsteps with these Presidental hotspots.

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Author: Tara

Day 1 - Austin

Mark 'staying in former US Air Force command center' off your list after this visit. Originally built in 1968, the Hilton Austin Airport served as the former headquarters for Bergstrom Air Force Base and was known by many names, including "The Donut," "The Little Pentagon," "Roundagon" and "Building 2900." The severely reinforced concrete structure was one of three Cold War bunkers in the US where the President of the United States would have been flown for safety from a nuclear attack. This location also served as the strategic air command center during the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War and Desert Storm. Hope you brought your running shoes. If so, this trip around the Town Lake Hike and Bike Trail in downtown Austin is the premier spot for outdoor exercise. Back when President George W. Bush served as the Governor of Texas and lived just blocks away, it's rumored that he ran this trail at 2pm whenever he was in town. Now that you've got your daily exercise in, indulge in some serious Tex-Mex for lunch. This original Chuy's location is a must-see for first-time visitors to Austin, with all the Elvis paraphernalia and cheesy Mexican options. Not only does President G.W. Bush enjoy this kitschy establishment, his twin daughters--Barbara and Jenna--do too. Let your food digest as you relax and catch some rays on the grassy knoll alongside Barton Springs Pool. This crisp, spring-fed watering hole is President George W. Bush's favorite local spot to take a dip. Now that your body's chilled, cool your insides with a frothy cold beer or tart margarita at Doc's Motorworks--where the Bush twins like to kick back with friends. Finally, finish off the night with a beautiful, indulgent Mexican meal at Fonda San Miguel, another one of George W.'s favorites and the rumored location of his romantic proposal to Laura Bush back in 1977.

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Town Lake Hike and Bike Trail

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Location:

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S First Street between MoPac Blvd and Pleasant Valley Road
Austin, TX 78701

Phone:

+1 512 477 7273

Chuy's

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Location:

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1728 Barton Springs Road
Austin, TX 78704-1037

Phone:

512-474-4452

Barton Springs Pool

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Location:

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2101 Barton Springs Road
Zilker Park
Austin, TX 78704

Phone:

512-867-3080

Doc's Motorworks

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Location:

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1123 South Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704

Phone:

+1 512 448 9181

Fonda San Miguel

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Location:

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2330 West North Loop Boulevard
Austin, TX 78756

Phone:

+1 512 459 4121

Hilton Austin Airport

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Location:

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9515 Hotel Drive
1/2 mile from the airport, 2 miles east of the intersection of Hwy 183 and Hwy 71
Austin, TX 78719

Phone:

+1 512 385-6767

Day 2 - Austin

Start your day in a natural setting -- at Lady Bird Johnson's famed Wildflower Research Center in south Austin. Walk through native gardens and fields of colorful wildflowers, working up an appetite for a thick bison burger (or beef if you're so inclined) at another Bush family favorite, Hut's Hamburgers. Tour the Governor's Mansion of Texas, the former home of George W. Bush, as well as the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum on the University of Texas campus. Here you'll get a birds eye view of life during Johnson's administration. Finish off your historical day with a fabulously extravagant meal at Jeffrey's Restaurant, one of First Lady Laura Bush's all-time favorites.

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Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

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Location:

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4801 LaCrosse Ave
Austin, TX 78620

Phone:

512-232-0100

Hut's Hamburgers

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Location:

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807 West 6th Street
Austin, TX 78703

Phone:

+1 512 472 0693

Governor's Mansion of Texas

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Location:

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1010 Colorado St
Austin, TX 78701

Phone:

+1 512 474 9960

Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum

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Location:

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2313 Red River
University of Texas
Austin, TX 78705

Phone:

+1 512 721 0200

Jeffrey's Restaurant

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Location:

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1204 West Lynn Street
Austin, TX 78703

Phone:

+512 477 5584

Day 3 - Austin

Time for a short day trip! Head south about an hour to the LBJ Ranch Visitor Center, also known as the former Pedernales Hospital, where you'll find all kinds of maps and information about the nearby Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. See the President's artifacts, accomplishments and other paraphernalia from the era. Return to Austin for lunch at Manuel's, a Tex-Mex stop frequented by the Bush clan, followed by a cool afternoon touring the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. This massive interactive museum entertains and educates the entire family. Finally, celebrate your productive visit with an indulgent lakeside dinner at Shoreline Grill, the chosen location for the Bush watch party during the heated 2000 Presidential election, and an evening two-stepping at Dubya's favorite honky tonk, The Broken Spoke.

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