Austin Locales?

[miffed67]

I'm going to be in Austin for SXSW in March (18 - 21st, I think...visiting for the music portion) and I'm bringing my next door neighbor and good friend who's not from Texas. Whenever we take these little road trips I like to show her a bit of the byways and tell her all about the great state of Texas. She probably thinks I'm an insufferable boor, LOL!

Anyway, we have in mind to get in some sightseeing and I, of course, want to take some pictures. So, if you don't mind, where are your five favorite locales in and around Austin (I'd say no more than a 1.5 hour drive out, we'll be staying in RR, but I don't want to spend ALL my time driving TO somewhere)? I'm from central Texas originally, so I'm fairly familiar with Austin and I know how to use Google if I don't know what you're talking about! TIA, I appreciate your thoughts!

[venchka]

Get on the backroads and wander around.

New Sweden Church, Elgin, Wimberley, Blanco, any cypress lined stream in the Hill Country, Pedernales Falls & Guadalupe river State Parks.

Ever been on top of Enchanted Rock? It is totally worth the drive. Start early so you don't waste daylight driving.

[Someone]

You might think about going to checkout pennybacker bridge. It's just outside of Austin on loop 360. Here's a picture I took there last year

[miffed67]

Thank you, Wayne! Yes, I have have been to the top of Enchanted Rock, waaaaaaaay back when I was a kid, tho. I'd like to go there again, that's a doable plan!

Tyler, very nice and thank you!!

[venchka]

Originally Posted by miffed67

Thank you, Wayne! Yes, I have have been to the top of Enchanted Rock, waaaaaaaay back when I was a kid, tho. I'd like to go there again, that's a doable plan!

Tyler, very nice and thank you!!

Road Trip!

[miffed67]

Any more suggestions? Anyone? Really?

Wayne, I saw your comment about leaving early for Enchanted Rock! Since I'll be partying half the night away, "early" is not my lexicon! LOL!

[dmcantrell]

Check out Mt. Bonnell. There's a park at the top of it, and it overlooks some of West Austin, Lake Austin, and the 360 bridge (pennybacker). It faces West so it's good for sunsets. The park is tricky to get to, so make sure you plan ahead with some good maps. There are also quite a few stairs, so be ready for that.

The Oasis on Lake Travis. This is kind of a "cliche" Austin spot, but there are grand sunset views over the lake. Get there early, because everyone wants to get a table by the edge to see an unobstructed view. I don't know their photography policy, so make sure you do.

Congress Ave, the Capitol. There are many crosswalks in the downtown area that cross Congress Ave. If you are quick and play your cards right, you can get a nice perspective view of the Capitol building with the road leading up to it.

Austin Skyline, from across the river at the Hyatt or along the Hike-n-Bike trail that runs on the south side of the river. Take your tripod, and get some night shots of the skyline with the water in the foreground.

[miffed67]

Thanks, David! I'll put those on the list!

I saw another thread here about Mt. Bonnell, looked interesting. I do think I'll check that out. I'm planning to go by the Capitol to take my neighbor there, I never miss a chance to talk about TX history! The big paintings in the Senate and House chambers, the rotunda and the floor of the rotunda are on the list to see, as is the underground annex.

[studiocygnet]

Hamilton Pool, Westcave Preserve, and Reimer's Ranch parks are all right next to each other, and offer different interesting views.

[miffed67]

Thanks, Tom!