Affordable Luxury - What to do in Austin, TX

Posted: Tue, 7 Jul 2009 03:10 PM - 9,081 Readers

Texas has many cities that offer great family getaways, especially if your family is on a tight budget and Austin is one of the best in the state.

It is full of natural beauty and cool music in equal parts. The Capitol building is stately and beautiful and worth a look inside and it is free.

Then there are places like Lake Travis and Lake Austin. Your family can enjoy inner tube pulls across the lake for $5 an hour.

Austin also has Zilker Park where you’ll find a spring-fed pool called Barton Springs Pool. When you find it dive right in. The water is cool, natural and unbelievably clear.

North of Austin, your family can explore caves at Inner Space Cavern and watch the evening show put on by what is said to be the largest urban bat colony in America at Austin’s Congress Avenue Bridge. Now is the best time of year to view them because the mama bats just gave birth.

One more thing, if you’re going to drive from Houston to Austin, stop in Brenham at the Blue Bell Creamery.

A tour costs $3 for adults, $2 for kids and at the end of it you get a generous scoop of ice cream.

* Story Contributed by: Shery Williams

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Lake Travis News

Alerts

LCRA to reopen Lake Travis for public use Wednesday Nov 6, 2018	62,996 Readers
LCRA: Lakes could open by Nov. 2 depending on conditions Oct 30, 2018	56,157 Readers
Mansfield Dam floodgates to close starting Thursday Oct 30, 2018	58,600 Readers
LCRA will not open more gates at Mansfield Dam at this time Oct 18, 2018	56,722 Readers
Lago Vista residents prepare to evacuate due to flooding of Lake Travis Oct 18, 2018	60,639 Readers
An incredible view of an open Mansfield Dam : Youtube video Oct 18, 2018	56,705 Readers
Lake Travis expected to hit highest level since 1991 by Friday Oct 17, 2018	55,213 Readers
Hike and bike trail on Lady Bird Lake closed due to rising water Oct 17, 2018	54,172 Readers
Lake Travis expected to open 4 more floodgates. Take Precaution Oct 17, 2018	57,018 Readers
Record number of Mansfield dam floodgates could open Oct 17, 2018	50,365 Readers

Entertainment

Alamo’s Jaws on the Water is back to scare you while you float on Lake Travis May 15, 2018	53,703 Readers
This student’s wakeboarding graduation photoshoot is so epic she deserves another degree May 8, 2018	52,012 Readers
Here’s why you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake. Wait — you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake? Aug 8, 2017	56,845 Readers
5 Ways to Try Paddleboarding in Austin Aug 4, 2017	54,695 Readers
Why Is Hippie Hollow Clothing-Optional? Jul 31, 2017	58,670 Readers
JAWS on the Water - Friday, June 30th Jun 27, 2017	53,857 Readers
Memorial Day Weekend watercraft ban on Lake Austin May 25, 2017	55,437 Readers
Travis County officials prep for Memorial Day weekend on Lake Travis May 23, 2017	52,969 Readers
West Austin 4-H Offers Opportunities Beyond Just Raising Animals Aug 9, 2016	63,585 Readers
Large Crowds Expected at Lake Travis For Holiday Weekend Jul 1, 2016	65,449 Readers

Weather

Lake levels falling fast as Texas drought continues Jul 27, 2022	47,117 Readers
Repairing Lake Travis homes damaged by flooding Nov 2, 2018	58,939 Readers
Lake Travis now more than 120 percent full Oct 17, 2018	49,788 Readers
Graveyard Point residents brace for flooding Oct 17, 2018	51,588 Readers
Floodgate Operations Underway at Local Lakes During Flooding Oct 16, 2018	51,413 Readers
As Flood Risk Increases, Austin Will Revisit Its Floodplain Building Rules Oct 15, 2018	51,371 Readers
Up to 35 days of 100-degree heat this summer in Austin area, LCRA says May 9, 2018	54,444 Readers
Lake Buchanan rises nearly 8 inches due to rain Aug 8, 2017	56,971 Readers
One floodgate open at Starcke Dam Aug 7, 2017	54,796 Readers
Driving on RM 620, I see islands sticking out of the lake. Is the drought returning? Jul 14, 2017	55,288 Readers

Sports

Spectacular catch highlights our High School Plays of the week Oct 16, 2018	49,583 Readers
Classic Berth, Big Payday On The Line At Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest May 15, 2018	52,740 Readers
Several newcomers already set to play for Texas in 2017 Aug 7, 2017	54,082 Readers
PGA to Austin: We had lots of fun, so let’s do it again in 2017 Apr 1, 2016	64,785 Readers
Jordan Spieth Off To Good Start In Austin Return Mar 24, 2016	64,549 Readers
Katy vs Lake Travis game makes the list! Jan 13, 2016	62,782 Readers
Game of the week: Lake Travis (7-0) at Westlake (7-0) Oct 19, 2015	64,446 Readers
Lake Travis repeats as regional golf champions Apr 17, 2015	66,412 Readers
Lake Travis’ Bacon ties national HR record Mar 14, 2015	68,336 Readers
Westlake, Lake Travis sweep District 14-6A awards Mar 11, 2015	68,151 Readers

Business

Shack 512 Relaxed, lakeside dining accessible by car or by boat May 16, 2018	52,833 Readers
Residents addressing wildfire risks in Lake Travis, Westlake May 16, 2018	51,858 Readers
Ex-Point Venture water employee accused of misappropriating $65K May 16, 2018	52,375 Readers
West Lake Hills’ new drainage manual created in an effort to reduce flooding May 15, 2018	53,994 Readers
Round Rock City Council approves cost share for zebra mussel control in Lake Travis May 11, 2018	54,419 Readers
Nautical Boat Clubs Launches Lake Austin Location in Westlake May 5, 2018	54,338 Readers
City looking for help to curb storm drain pollution Aug 5, 2017	53,987 Readers
Apache Shores features waterfront views, trails, park Jul 14, 2017	53,978 Readers
10-year Mansfield Dam rehabilitation project will keep Austin safe Apr 27, 2017	53,981 Readers
Overflowing Lake Travis isn't all bad news for businesses Jun 8, 2016	63,483 Readers

Real Estate

Appraisal protest trend continues as assessments rise May 16, 2018	52,317 Readers
Go Inside This Lake Austin Remodel May 10, 2018	50,186 Readers
Modern guesthouse tower adds space, views to lakeside cabin Sep 28, 2017	56,500 Readers
A Striking Sanctuary in Texas Inspired by a Sand Dollar Aug 8, 2017	55,425 Readers
Contemporary Architectural Masterpiece on Lake Austin Jul 30, 2017	53,417 Readers
Lake Austin mansion with a Romeo and Juliet balcony, including dramatic backstory Jul 28, 2017	53,918 Readers
Midcentury-modern home overlooks Lake Austin, Pennybacker Bridge May 27, 2016	64,947 Readers
Lake Travis Waterfront Retreat Offered by Heritage Luxury Real Estate Auctions May 18, 2016	63,688 Readers
In Lago Vista, big dreams for $68 million ranch property May 14, 2016	63,962 Readers
This Texas Barn Mansion on Lake Travis is Out of This World May 6, 2016	67,586 Readers

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