Austin, TX - May 5 - 9, 2006
On May 5th we hitched up our home and headed for Austin, via Llano's famous Cooper's Barbeque (west of Austin). We had heard of Cooper's from several fellow travelers and Bill couldn't leave the Hill Country without sampling some of their fine fixin's. The diversion was well worth the 30 extra miles - yummy.
We attended the annual Old Pecan Street Art Festival the day after arriving at Austin's Oak Forest RV Resort. The festival, held in the 6th Street District noted for its nightlife and live music, included several stages providing a variety of music and seemingly hundreds of booths offering arts and crafts, and food and drink. The blues bands were especially enjoyable.
The 6th Street District is very interesting with numerous clubs occupying 19th Century buildings. Located a short distance away is the Warehouse District, also noted for its clubs and restaurants but catering to a more mature clientele.
On Sunday we returned to the downtown area to tour the Capitol and the LBJ Library and Museum. The Capitol building's architecture is comparable to the nation's capitol - but taller. Oh, those Texans! It is built of red granite and the Star of Texas is absolutely everywhere - including on all the doorknobs and hinges.
The LBJ Library was the first presidential library we visited so have nothing which to compare it. As expected, the library provides historical documents and artifacts from LBJ's life, including the official gifts presented by visiting heads of state during his administration. These gifts are unique and reflect the country and culture of the visiting dignitary. They are truly fascinating in their variety and beauty.
After Austin we are ending our six week stay in Texas and heading east to Hot Springs, Arkansas. Guess we will have to visit the Clinton Library in Little Rock so we can offer comparisons on the subject of presidential libraries.
