As an Austin native, I must admit partiality to this remarkable city, however, as most Americans know, Texas has a long patriotic and colorful history. The capital of Texas, Austin has a colorful history as well, which has been instrumental in the evolvement of a city abundant in museums, historical attractions, unique food, cultural events (including the "best" live music in the nation), sports, and politics.
When Mirabeau B. Lamar, vice president of the Republic of Texas, first visited what is now Austin in 1838, he found a few settlers living near the banks of the Colorado River in a village called Waterloo.
After Lamar became president of the republic, he urged selection of this area as the seat of government. Waterloo was renamed Austin, after Stephen F. Austin, who organized colonies in Texas. Construction of the first government buildings began in May 1839. Edwin Waller was chosen to design plans for the city and was elected the first mayor. In 1839, the city had one dirt boulevard, the Avenue, now known as Congress Avenue. In 1845, Texas was annexed by the U.S., and Austin became the state capital.
It is now the center of a metropolitan area of more that 1 million people and a center of government, commerce, education, high technology and an eclectic music and arts community...
Austin brings to mind a lot more than this!
*It is the hometown of President George Bush, boasts the University of Texas, the heart of the technology industry?s Silicon Hills. Live Music Capital of the World, Longhorn football and the famous Hill Country.
*As you can see by the many wonderful photos, Austin has become a chic and sophisticated city with elegant restaurants. However, Austin maintains its casual attitude throughout. Even in the most elegant of restaurants, diners show up in everything from haute couture to t-shirts and shorts.
*A Mecca for the cultural arts, the city also protects its outdoor treasures such as Barton Springs Pool. In downtown, ultra-modern office towers rise high above century-old history landmarks. It is still a small town at heart that has grown into a big city over the past two decades.
*Austin is on of a handful of U.S. cities with professional ballet, symphony, opera and theater companies. With 20 museums, nearly three dozen galleries and as many as 35 theater companies, the city is experiencing a cultural renaissance.
*Austin is, of course, extremely ethnically diverse. Historic structures, ethnic foods, outdoors festivals and a variety of musical styles blend together to reflect Austin's multicultural diversity. The Hispanic influence permeates the city with Tex-Mex cuisine and festive celebrations such as Dies y Seis and Cinco de Mayo. In clubs all over town, listeners hear the African-American community's priceless contribution of the blues. A French connection, one of the six flags that flew over Texas, remains at the French Legation, built during the Republic of Texas era. Austin stands as the gateway to the Texas Hill Country, where thousands of German immigrants settled in the 19th century and left behind a legacy of food, music and unique architectural styles.
*"The Austin Sound" - In the early 1970?s, Austin birthed a distinct music genre at a now defunct music emporium known as the Armadillo World Headquarters. Her, the kickers met the hippies to produce a fusion of music-country, blues, rock and roll, jazz and folk that evolved in the "Austin Sound".
Lisa Goldin loves good restaurants and Austin is certainly the place! Lisa will give you her take on the best new places, the top chefs, casual dining, and the different categories.
LISA'S RESTAURANT PICKS FOR THE MONTH:
*Hudson's on the Bend
3509 RM 620 North
512-266-1369
Lisa's rating: *****
Unbelievable quality upscale restaurant with the greatest flare for the region---Ask for those yummy sautéed rattle snake cakes with cilantro and an added creaminess from Mexican marigold-mint mustard mixed with the snake meat
*Driskill Grill
604 Brazos Street
512-474-5911
Lisa's rating: *****
Gorgeus restored restaurant in historic Driskill Hotel-Impeccable!!
You may even get a glimpse of the 3 ghosts said to linger in the classic restored hotel.
*Emilia's
600 E. 3rd Street
512-469-9722
Lisas's rating: *****
Rated by Food & Wine Magazine as one of the top 10 young chefs in America, Will Packwood is an artist in the kitchen. Provide service that matches the food in a century and a half old compound at Third and Red River Streets.
I have been fortunate to be raised amidst this amazing background of beauty and culture that makes Austin, Texas what it is! Now, perhaps, you can imagine why I am always so thrilled to be able to introduce my clients, friends and associates to this magnificent place I call my home. PLEASE, LET ME SHOW YOU AUSTIN and introduce you to an unforgettable experience in living!
Request my Free Greater Austin area Relocation Package. It's packed full of useful and important information about the Greater Austin, Texas area. Don't move here without it! Remember: I'll send it to you for free and without obligation. Just fill out the form and I will send it right out...
- NUMBER1EXPERT™ 
