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Alamo Drafthouse

October 21, 2011 in Food Stuff, Slideshow, Things to Do

 

You’re here for a moving image conference, so you’ve probably seen your share of movies, in a wide variety of theaters (and theatres). But if you haven’t been to a showing at the Alamo Drafthouse, you’ve been missing out, because what you may not have yet realized is that popcorn is not, in fact, the ultimate movie-going food. That would be Drafthouse milkshakes. And even though you’ll be here in November, it’s Austin–never too cold for a milkshake (though you can also order a variety of other, more seasonal, food and drink items, served directly to your seat).

Try Sing Along: LABYRINTH on November 17th at 7 pm at the Ritz location downtown. It’s David Bowie at his absolute weirdest–and a bunch of Austinites quoting, singing, yelling, and blowing bubbles along to the whole thing.

For other, more standard fare, check the Alamo’s showtimes closer to the date.

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 …