Austin Tour

Off we go on the Lindstrom tour of Austin, TX. We walked to Congress Ave., a major thoroughfare in downtown Austin. We crossed over the Ann Richards Congress Ave. bridge. During the warm months bats live and fly out of it in mass every evening. Of course, they have already flown south for the winter. We passed many dining establishments that are recommended by one source or another. We stopped at the old Austin Opera House which is now a private Austin Club. A short walk later we are at the Capital Building. We opted to taking a self tour and enjoyed the rotunda where we saw Gov. George Bush's portrait and the star in the dome. We visited the stately Senate and elegant House chambers. A tall Christmas Tree in the center of the house chamber was decorated with ornaments from each house district.

When we left there, we were only a few blocks from Franklin Barbecue which was at the very top of John's list of places to eat. This restaurant is so popular that they run out of food EVERY DAY. In fact, we stood in line with "The Last Man Standing". This gentleman was guaranteed food but anyone in line after him was taking a chance that they would not have anything to serve. We took our chances. The only item we could not get was the moist/fat brisket but they still had lean/dry brisket, ribs and pulled pork so we were happy. We even got potato salad and coleslaw. Only 10 people after us were served. Some people will get in line starting at 9:15 AM so they can get the brisket at 11 AM when they open. And, yes, it was that good!

We walked back along Red River Road which is full of bars and then west along 6th Street which is also full of bars and music halls and dance clubs. Then we stopped at the elegant and historic Driscill Hotel which opened in 1886. Their Christmas decorations were beautiful and added to the elegance of the lobby. After wondering thru the lobby and mezzanine we continued our walk down Congress Ave, across the Lady Bird Lake (looks like a river) and stopped at the Palmer Event Center where the Armadillo Bazaar had opened for the first day. It is an arts fair that runs from Dec. 12 - 24, 11 AM - 11 PM. John was able to enjoy a Jack Daniels while I shopped. The background music was by live entertainers, the lights were low and the atmosphere was very conducive to lingering and shopping.

We have walked over 7 miles today. It was a good evening to stay home and rest!