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    Local Interest

    5.0 (1 review)
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    Recommended Reviews - Local Interest

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    12 years ago

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    Ion Art's Surreal Garden

    Ion Art's Surreal Garden

    4.9(14 reviews)
    36.6 miBarton Hills, Town Lake, 78704 (South Austin)

    This is easily one of the best art shows I've ever been to and I look forward to each new iteration…read moreevery year. The basic idea is that they take over part of the Zilker Botanical Gardens, which is already one of the best places in Austin, and set up unique pieces of neon art around every corner as you stroll the grounds. Things turn pretty magical after sunset with all the neon pieces glowing brightly, reflected in the koi ponds, presiding over waterfalls, making you stop and stare at every new visual treat. The displays are endlessly inventive too, adding neon cowboy boots to the dinosaur statue or perhaps the huge cloud of neon bats that tilt mechanically on their axis for constant motion. There's also live music, go-go dancers, food and drink for purchase, and remarkable costumes worn by fellow visitors making a visually interesting event just from that alone. There are also more photo opportunities than you can count if you need more selfies for Instagram. But really, the world-class neon art is worth it just by itself. There are themes like ocean life, jungle animals, desert flora and fauna, and then there are plenty of abstract or whimsical things too. And there's always something new around every bend. Each year loses a few pieces from the last show but adds many more completely new ones. And this year has dozens more, some of which are truly spectacular. One of the best pieces to look out for is the giant octopus. It's designed to look like it's coming out of the water holding pieces of a wrecked sailing ship and even the moon in its tentacles. And the most amazing part is that all the tentacles are connected by gears to a single stationary bicycle so someone can pedal to make the whole massive installation move, bringing it all to life. Chances are you've never seen anything like this before!

    Our first time at the annual Ion Art's Surreal Garden neon art extravanganza at Zilker Park…read moreBotanical Garden. Didn't know what to expect, and ended up having a great time! Many people dressed up for it, adding to the fun atmosphere. We waited until dark to arrive in order to get the full effect of bright light against the night sky. So glad we did. The contrast was stunning. I especially loved the interactive exhibits, which told a story in neon. Example exhibit: the watering can--tilted a watering can, water flowed out, which then caused a flower to grow. We were gifted with complimentary tickets, otherwise it would have been a bit spendy as prices ranged from $40-$200 plus tax per person.

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    Ion Art's Surreal Garden
    Ion Art's Surreal Garden
    Ion Art's Surreal Garden

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    The Empty Cross

    The Empty Cross

    4.8(46 reviews)
    60.3 mi

    The question posed, "What went well with my visit to The Empty Cross? My answer is, it was beyond…read morewhat I could've imagined and honestly speaking, everything went well. I wish I would've had more time to spend taking in the beauty of nature and meditating. Visiting The Empty Cross in Kerrville, Texas, was a breathtaking, awe-inspiring experience that deeply touched my soul. Standing in its presence, I found myself drawn into a profound journey of reflection--walking the grounds, reading the inscriptions, and simply sitting in the stillness to meditate. In that quiet, sacred space, the sheer weight and beauty of the moment moved me to tears, offering a powerful sense of release and spiritual connection. My only regret was that time seemed to move far too quickly; I left feeling as though I had only just begun to absorb the peace of the sanctuary. It was an unforgettable encounter that nourished my spirit, and I already feel a deep, undeniable pull to go back, linger longer, and sit with the presence there once again.

    Such peace in this place! I love this scripture/sculpture garden with rows of prayer rocks and…read morebeautiful walkways and so many quiet corners. You can feel all the love from the prayers and well wishes of people who have left a rock here. I especially loved the "Don't give up" and "Love conquers all" rocks. The white horse placed perfectly under the giant cross was just breath taking! It made me think of the scripture of the King returning on a white horse called "Faithful and True." On one of the pathways, I could hear two guys praying and one was crying tears of joy. I walked a bit further and saw many of the beautiful names of God including one of my favorite El Shaddai (also a beautiful song). On another wall were lists of events and volunteer opportunities. On another path I found a shaded spot with something called "the Hope statue". It was Jesus sitting and listening to a lady which may have been the lady by the well who felt alone and ostracized until Jesus showed her how He really sees her and taught her about the living water.In these stressful ,busy times it feels good to sit still in a beautiful place like this and really be present. I will definitely check into donating to this spot and getting out this way more often.

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    The Empty Cross
    The Empty Cross
    The Empty Cross

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    Willow City Loop - Gorgeous Texas wildflower!!

    Willow City Loop

    4.0(4 reviews)
    27.6 mi

    If you time it right, this little 13 mile loop is just heaven - carpets of wildflowers in reds,…read morewhites, blues and yellows on all sides in the spring, alongside the quaint little ranches and creeks. It's absolutely lovely!! The drive is a two lane ranch road and is technically private property - but you're allowed to drive it and there are a few, very small pull offs where you can briefly stop to grab some photos. But the vast majority is fenced off ranches. Still very much worth the drive in the spring - I've never seen so many magnificent flowers in one place in my life! There are some lovely creeks and so much wildlife!! Tons of birds and I even saw a gorgeous fox and a HUGE armadillo!! This loop used to be a hidden local gem but has recently blown up and my understanding is that the narrow road gets packed and absolutely crazy on weekends during wildflower season so be aware. I came midday on a weekday and only saw 2-3 cars the whole time - it was perfect! The location is fairly remote - but there was an excellent BBQ cafe right at the entrance called Mikes On The Loop (see my review) - it's a perfect way to end the drive! And pretty much the only place to stop for bathrooms too lol!

    Beautiful drive in April. I think we timed it just right, there were flowers everywhere. Not sure…read morewhat it would look like outside of spring flower season. Lots of photo ops right next to the road. A sign says "no parking" but basically everyone we saw pulled over in different spots to take pictures. I think this is ok, as long as you don't block the road or trespass on private property. In our visit to Texas Hill Country, this loop was easily the most picturesque area.

    Photos
    Willow City Loop - Sign at the entrance

    Sign at the entrance

    Willow City Loop - Views from the loop

    Views from the loop

    Willow City Loop - The whole road is private property but you can drive it - there are a select few pull offs where you can stop for photos

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    The whole road is private property but you can drive it - there are a select few pull offs where you can stop for photos

    Local Interest - localflavor - Updated June 2026

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