Entertainment
Located in Central Texas, Austin is the capital of the state of Texas, the Lone Star State. Austin is the 11th-most populous city in the United States and the fourth-most populous city in Texas.
Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World. It is home to unique attractions, world-class museums and beautiful outdoor spaces. Take a tour of the city or have a meal at one of the best restaurants during your stay.
For more information please visit: http://www.austintexas.org/visit/.
Conference participants will have the opportunity to tour The University of Texas at Austin’s tower on Sunday, October 23rd at 3pm. The 307-foot tall UT Austin Tower, designed by Paul Cret of Philadelphia, and was completed in 1937. The Tower tour will conclude before the President and Keynote Reception. You may sign up for this tour when you register for the conference!
Notes: Tickets for the tour are $6 and can be paid through conference registration.
Nearby Food Recommendations
El Mercado (1702 Lavaca St)
A branch of a local mini-chain for Tex-Mex staples & drinks in a colorful setting.
The Clay Pit (1601 Guadalupe St)
Modern and classic Indian dishes in this locally owned nationally - acclaimed, high-energy, contemporary Indian restaurant located in beautiful downtown Austin.
Scholz Garten (1607 San Jacinto Blvd)
This famed, unique spot features BBQ, burgers, schnitzel and more in a shaded outdoor setting.
Sushi Junai (1612 Lavaca St)
A snug eatery offering a variety of Japanese fare including all-you-can-eat sushi rolls.
Torchy’s Tacos (2801 Guadalupe St)
Local chain serving Mexican-street-food-style tacos in inventive varieties, including for breakfast.
Austin Sights and Activities
Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Watching
Underneath the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge lives the largest urban bat colony in North America. Each evening as the sun sets, visitors gather around the Congress Avenue Bridge to watch the bats make their mass exodus.
http://www.batcon.org/index.php/our-work/regions/usa-canada/protect-mega-populations/cab-intro
Zilker Metropolitan Park
Considered "Austin's most-loved park," this 351-acre park is home to a variety of recreation opportunities and special events for individuals and families.
Tour Austin Street Murals
The City of Austin is a peppered with artwork and murals. Austin's street art is as varied as our music scene and is ready for you to enjoy.
http://do512.com/p/street-art-in-austin
Texas State Capitol Tours
Tours are conducted daily beginning in the Capitol South Foyer and concluding in the Capitol Extension, and feature the Capitol, Texas history, and the Texas legislature. Guests can also take a self-guided tour of the Capitol building, Capitol grounds, and the Trail of Trees.
http://www.tspb.texas.gov/plan/tours/tours.html
People’s Gallery
The People’s Gallery at Austin City Hall showcases the talents of local artists with an extensive annual art exhibition in the atrium and open areas of the first three floors. Approximately 150 contemporary artworks are on display, including paintings, photographs, sculptures and more. The exhibit for free anytime the building is open.
https://www.austintexas.gov/peoplesgallery
Exploring the University of Texas at Austin Campus
Take a Campus Tour
Student-led walking tours of the Forty Acres, are available to the general public free of charge. A two-mile route takes visitors inside a classroom, through the LEED Gold-certified Student Activity Center and past the iconic Tower on a path that traverses its picturesque South Mall, with views of the Texas State Capitol. Tours for the general public take place most Mondays and Fridays at 3 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. Advance registration is required.
http://admissions.utexas.edu/visit/visitor-center
UT Tower Tours
Enjoy a 45-minute self-guided tour of the UT Tower escorted by UT student guides. Participants will ride an elevator to the 27th floor of the Tower, then take three short flights of stairs to the observation deck. Tickets are reserved in advance, then paid for the day of the tour.
http://universityunions.utexas.edu/texas-union/scene/tower-tours
The Texas Union Underground
The Union Underground is a twelve lane bowling alley and billiard hall, located on the bottom level of the Texas Union.
https://universityunions.utexas.edu/texas-union/scene/bowling-billiards-games-and-more
Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium Tours
Whether you’re a Longhorn fan or not, don’t pass up this 75-minute tour opportunity. As part of the tour, you can explore the historic memorials and statues in honor of those who have played an integral part in Texas Athletics history, step behind the scenes of Texas Football and into the Longhorn’s game day press box, and more! Advanced ticket purchase strongly encouraged.
http://www.texassports.com/sports/2013/7/24/facilities_0724132616.aspx?path=tickets
