Austin for visitors

I've been thinking about collaborating some of my ideas for entertaining out-of-towners to share with whoever may be interested, and also to serve as a reminder to me so I'm not re-creating this list every time someone new comes to town. Here is what I've come up with so far:

Places to see / Things to do:

1. Texas State Capitol - Beautiful grounds, knowledgeable docents, and a building taller than the national capitol because that's how we do things in Texas.

2. Downtown Austin - Have a look at 6th Street (by night if you like to drink, by day if you just want to check it out), or take a silly tour ... or a really silly tour. Definitely get out of your car.

3. Lady Bird Lake and Zilker Park - Take a hike on the trail circling the river, see what's happening at Auditorium Shores, take a ride with the kids on the Zilker Zephyr, go for a swim in Barton Springs Pool, or check out the small, but pretty botanical garden. All of this is right next to downtown.

4. Texas State History Museum

5. University of Texas - A beautiful campus to visit (not that I'm biased at all)

6. Alamo Drafthouse - See a first-run movie or one of the many imaginative special events. Super tasty food and drinks are served in the theatre. Downtown location is on 6th and has a liquor license for the dedicated boozing.

7. Barton Creek Greenbelt - Strap on your hiking boots and prepare yourself to experience how quickly it can feel as though you're far from town. Eight miles of hiking and swimming spots.

8. Wildflower Center - Best in springtime, this is a whole park dedicated to flowers. Lots of people seem to enjoy it, but it's my inner romantic that most definitely approves.

9. Lake Travis - Make friends with someone that owns a boat. There are also numerous parks with water access for swimming and such.

10. Hamilton Pool - The most beautiful place I've ever been. Seriously.

11. McKinney Falls State Park - More great hiking and swimming when the water level is up. Be sure to check out the old homestead if you're a history buff.

12. Mount Bonnell - Some of the best views in Austin are just a few stairs away. This is a great place to picnic and has been the site of many marriage proposals.

13. South Congress shopping - Eclectic shops and eateries line S. Congress just south of the river. The first Thursday of every month is celebrated with late store hours, street vendors, and parties.

14. 2nd Street shopping - Trendy boutiques. This is for the downtown fashionable crowd.

15. The Domain - I'm really not a fan of this place, but if you feel the need to pretend you're in Southern California, this is the way to do it.

Ok, I'll be back with some close to town trip ideas, and my very favorite - places to eat. Hope you enjoy!