Photo courtesy of Barton Creek Resort & Spa
The Fazio Foothills golf course is
a popular attraction at the Barton
Creek Resort & Spa.
dry county, so BYOB," she warns.
Her in-town favorite is Franklin, but
there's usually a long wait.
Outdoor Mecca
Citizens within the state refer
to Austin as the gem of Texas for
its beautiful setting. "Most people
visualize Austin as dry, flat desert,"
Lanz says. "They're surprised by
its scenic beauty." Nestled in Texas
Hill Country, a swath of rolling
hills carpeted in wildflowers and
dotted with hardwoods, Austin is
bisected by the Colorado River, with
a reservoir called Lady Bird Lake, a
416-acre blue oasis in the heart of
the city.
Given 300 days of sunshine a
year and an average temperature
of 68 degrees, it's no surprise
Forbes Magazine rated Austin
one of the Top 10 fittest cities.
Kayakers ply the lake and river,
along with devotees of stand up
paddle surfing. Cycling is also
huge because of the terrain. Lanz
suggests families try the 10-mile
Lady Bird Lake Hike & Bike Trail.
More intrepid fat-tire bikes can
tackle Barton Creek Green Belt or
the Rocky Hill or Pace Bend trails
just outside of town.
Whatever your interest, the city
aims to please. "Austin is a place for
everyone," Lanz observes. "It's an
open town and so different from the
rest of Texas. There's a huge amount
of pride for the football and music.
It's like no other city in America."
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