Our Beautiful Day in Austin

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A whole, entire day! Today we woke up to a day without any marathon car rides, packing and unpacking of the truck or endless stretches of open highway. A long luxurious day in beautiful Austin! We slept in and got caught up on some rest and went for a breakfast at a much recommended local spot - "Juan in a Million" () specializing in breakfast tacos.





After breakfast, we headed to the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum (see LBJ post for details). The library was very nicely done. Obviously, some very heavy material: Kennedy, RFK and MLK's assassinations, the Vietnam War and the end of the promise of the 1960's Great Society. The archive is presented in five stories of glass and was visually stunning.




"A president's hardest task is not to do what is right, but to know what is right." -President Lyndon Baines Johnson





When we left and stepped out into the bright, hot sun - we realized....it is very hot today! With oppressive humidity and breezes few and far between, we were sweating no matter where were were or where we were headed.




Our next stop was the Capital Building. Remarkable architecture and a rotunda that was like no other! All along the corridors were portraits of Texas Governors - great ones (Ann Richards) and not so good ones that ascended to the highest office of the land (no comment here). Hell, it's my blog, right?




After the capital, we headed to Threadgills () for a couple of cold beers and regroup. Jim had discovered an Italian restaurant for dinner and we had a bit of time to kill. Great bar and a very friendly bartender - Dillon. He warned us about the bat tour (said it wasn't worth the time) and recommended the Continental Club for live music instead. Dillon's plays in the band called Austin Collins and the Rainbirds.




We also discovered the BEST bottled bloody mary mix - Zing Zang ().




Fantastic dinner at Brick Oven on 35th ()! Jim had manicotti and I had basil pesto fettuccini. Washed down with our new favorite beer - Lone Star.




We did head out to the Continental Club () and saw the tail end of Toni Price. Great vibe, but very crowded - standing room only. Was really glad we hit the Austin music scene though. We ended up walking to Allen's Boots. A totally unrealistic and guilty flight of fancy, I have been scouring this website for weeks contemplating buying a pair. Check them out!! ().

Tomorrow - on to San Antonio.

Blissfully, Dena

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Photos

LBJ Library
The incredible 5 stories of archives.

Texas State Capital
The Rotunda - looking up.

Texas State Capital
The Rotunda - looking down.

Comments

[Brian J.]

Are you a liberal? Geeze - start the bashing:)

[Carrie Roberts]

Bloody Marys
I'm ordering Zing Zang mix. Sounds like a perfect treat after teaching a class!!!