Today I am visiting Austin City Hall for a memorial service for a former Austin City Council…read moremember. In Austin, there is Mayor City Council Member structure. The memorial was held at the Austin City Hall because it is where the Mayor and City Council meets on a regular basis. The current building was completed in 2004, but looks relatively new. Mayor Kirk Watson shared some opening remarks. Congressmen, commissioners, representatives, senators and other politicians were all present to pay their respects. The room was packed with standing room only. Nothing but the most glowing comments were made. It was so heartwarming to hear how such a wonderful life he lived. This memorial caused me to reflect. Am I living my life where individuals would say wonderful things about me when I make my exit? Do I lead my life as a servant leader? Have I given to charitable efforts enough? Only will the people that I leave behind will get to determine the answer to these questions. Let us all live our lives in a way make a positive indelible impact on this world.

I'm a Resident, homeowner, paying thousands every in property taxes. Recently visited city hall…read morefor assistance with a few city services. Folks at city hall are mean, nasty and rude. Very unprofessional, unpleasant experience. Does the city of Austin send employees to rude school? Really unacceptable! Security guard at front desk seems to be trained to say "NO" and little else to residents requests for assistance and information. Also, I felt like I was treated like a presumed criminal. Austin City Hall is definitely not welcoming to city of Austin residents and taxpayers.

AKA Austin Fire Drill Tower. Originally used by the Austin…read moreFire Dept. as drill practice this sixty-seven foot tower made of brick is registered as an historic place (National Register of Historic Places). If you're like me and seek such places out, this is one not to be missed. I remember seeing it for the first time ten years ago and being in awe of it. Now that I live here, the appreciation of the architecture goes even deeper. I love the view of it when walking the Butler trail. Couple of facts: Built in 1930. In 1978 it was dedicated to James Buford who died in the line of duty six years prior. In 2021 a deliberately set fire at the bottom of the building caused massive damage. It's since been completed restored back to its original elements (2023). It's got a bell tower and you can hear the bells ringing everyday. It's now a memorial to firefighters, EMTs, etc. in Austin. So again, if you're into historical monuments and architecture this is something worth checking out.

Such a beautiful historic tower! Walked past it on our way to Zilker Park…read more As you cross over the bridge where the infamous bats reside here in Downtown Austin, you will come across it!!! Worth a stop to check out!

After judging an Art contest next door, I decided to pop into the George Washington Carver Branch…read morelibrary. Returning to the Library was like meeting an old friend...warm, inviting, and comforting. The first thing that hits you is how welcoming it still feels. East Austin has changed a lot, but this library holds onto that strong sense of community. The library is a gathering place... students studying, groups meeting, kids discovering stories, neighbors catching up... it felt like a community living room. The space feels exactly the same but refreshed. The layout is more open and functional, with nooks where you can steal quiet time. The technology access is solid...WIFI strong. This library is special because of its cultural heartbeat. Being next to the George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center adds depth...you feel connected to the history and stories of the neighborhood. Staff members immediately inquired if I needed help. They were Texas friendly and welcoming. The Carver continues to evolve.

Our family was visiting Austin just as a winter storm was approaching. I checked a lot of different…read moreplatforms on Friday to confirm that places will stay open and that our plans will not go to waste on Saturday. However, life happens and plans could not materialize. Carver Branch was a life-saver. We stopped by at 11 am and our girls enjoyed an hour of Valentine's Day arts and craft. There were construction paper, felt paper, fuzzy balls, crayons, coloring pencils, glue sticks, scissors, and tape. The library is neat and well-organized.

This unique home was constructed in the 1870s, and is one of the only remaining stone wedge…read morebuildings left in the state of Texas. It is located in Austin's Symphony Square, a nice park that features 350-seat outdoor performance amphitheater in addition to its four historic buildings. The Jeremiah Hamilton House is home to the Austin Symphony box office and the facilities office. The three-sided building was named after Jeremiah Hamilton, who served for two years in the 12th Texas Legislature (1869-1871) and built the home in 1871.

Ditto to all the other comments. We hiked here from Peter Pan mini golf. It was pretty easy to…read morefind and a good stop on our urban hike. Since its mutilation some years ago it is not so imposing but go feel its heart and the souls of those from yesteryear. There are a couple of benches to ponder on.

This tree is amazing. From the plaque in front of the tree…read more.. "Estimated to have been a majestic tree of about 100 years when Columbus first landed on north American shores, this live oak tree has been pronounce the most perfect specimen of a tree in North America, and it's picture hangs in the Hall of Fame of Forestry at Washington. Formerly standing as the center of a group of trees called "The Council Oaks," this tree takes its name from its role in the history of the Lone Star State. Stephen F. Austin is reputed to have signed the first boundary line agreement between Indians and whites under the canopy of its branches; battles and important conferences have been planned, pacts signed, and feasts and religion religious ceremony celebrated in its shade. The Treaty Oak was purchased by the city of Austin in 1937 to stand as a living and fitting symbol of the mighty state it has watched develop.

Only a sign right now- this settlement is part of the Shoal Creek Conservancy established to…read morerecognize the post-Civil War settlement along the banks of Shoal Creek by formerly enslaved people. Later, working Mexican American families moved in. The Texas Historical Commission approved the "Undertold Marker" and land. The land would be a nice spot for future programming and education about the Settlements in Austin.

The Congress Avenue Bridge was renamed in honor of former Governor Ann W. Richards. She was the…read more45th Governor of the State of Texas from 1991 to 1995. The bridge has pedestrian and bike paths from Cesar Chavez Avenue to Riverside Drive. If you look below you can see boats, kayaks and paddleboats passing by on the Lady Bird Lake (Colorado River). During March to October, you can see a colony of Brazilian free-tail bats swarm from underneath the bridge at dusk. If you continue North on Congress Avenue, it will lead you to the State Capitol (10,000 steps marker is noted on the ground). The day I walked the route it was 91° and quite humid. It was a struggle for me and I had to take a break. Joggers and others walking their dogs zoomed right past me! Nonetheless, I did make the trek at a snail's pace and it was a beautiful day. From this vantage point you can see the Lake, trees, and Austin skyline. Sincerely, Rosemary (from So. California).

I spend a lot of time on this bridge, either driving over it, walking it, etc…read more It's well-maintained and easy to walk across to take in views of this part of the city. Of course, it's a great spot to watch bats since it is dubbed the "bat bridge". I like to bring out-of-town visitors to the bridge for just that reason.

Home to Austin, Texas! Travis County was named after…read moreWilliam Barrett Travis, the colonel in charge of the Alamo, the shrine of Texas liberty. Travis County is in the midst of the Texas Hill Country, with lots of rolling hills, with lakes and rivers traversing the county. There's lots of things to do here besides going to Austin- be sure to check out the outdoorsy things that there are to do. There's lots of swimming holes, including Barton Springs. It's also on the edge of the Edwards Plateau, sweeping Texas plains. Travis County is the 5th most populated county in the State of Texas, but home to the capital. Fun fact: Travis County has some of the nation's highest property taxes!