Downtown Austin

Sadly yesterday was our last day in Austin. We put on our walking shoes and headed downtown to check out some sights. It's a pretty cool area with lots of shopping, restaurants, and music venues. Lots of restored heritage buildings, mixed in with some amazing modern architecture. The place seems to be booming with new condos going up everywhere, similar to Vancouver. The population is over 842,000, but still feels like a small town, very friendly. It is the 11th largest city in the United States, and the 4th largest city in Texas. Austin is also the second largest State Capitol in the U.S.

Below is the Texas State Capitol building. Constructed from 1882 to 1888.

Below is the Texas Governor's Mansion. Built in 1854, and has been the home of every governor since 1856. Rick Perry and his family are the 39th family to reside here. While under renovation in 2008, the building was badly damaged by a Molotov cocktail. You can tell the security has been increased, there are Texas Rangers everywhere.

Below is the United States Federal Courthouse. Love this building! It is 252,420 square feet. Perfect for a weekend bungalow! Apparently it came in on budget at a wee $123 million!

Our last night in Austin a couple of fellow campers invited us out to watch some of Austin's live music at a local pub, "The Saxon". Great band and funky little bar. No pictures sorry! Afterwards we headed out for some Mexican food at "Chuy's", one of Lance Armstrong's old haunts. Great food! This is Jeff a college professor from Texas. A super guy…. and single… Hey ladies!