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Renaissance Revival at the Texas State Capital

October 20, 2011 in Slideshow, Texas History, Things to Do

Look straight down Congress from the hotel, and you’ll see the Texas State Capital.  Well worth the visit!

Erected in 1888, it’s the largest state capitol in the country, covering 3 acres, and is second in size only to the U.S. capitol — though it is 15  feet taller.  It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986.  When it was dedicated it had 392 rooms, 924 windows and 404 doors.  The renovation in the 1990’s  more than doubled the square footage.  And that pink granite you see?  It was donated … though a railroad had to be built to transport it from the quarry.

There are self guided walking tours – you can even download the brochure here.

Oh .. and there are ghosts!  But that’s another post altogether …

Animatronic LBJ

October 11, 2011 in Slideshow, Texas History, Things to Do

Animatronic LBJ

Animatronic LBJ

No trip to Austin is complete without a visit to Animatronic LBJ at the LBJ Library and Museum!

Name another Presidential Library with an animatronic likeness of their featured president telling humorous stories.   And seriously, the LBJ Library and Museum has a great exhibit chronicling the life and politics of the legendary Texas president.  Plus, it’s free!   I would suggest bringing a hanky…I was moved to tears on my first visit.

 

 

O. Henry, Wherefore art thou?

October 11, 2011 in Museum, Slideshow, Texas History, Things to Do

“The true adventurer goes forth aimless and uncalculating to meet and greet unknown fate.”

A quick walk from the hotel is the O. Henry House and Museum. It’s open Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 5:00pm .. and it’s free. In another note, it’s said that O. Henry Hall, now owned by the University of Texas, previously served as the federal courthouse in which O. Henry was convicted of embezzlement.