The Top 5 Things to See in Austin That Begin with the Letter "B"
There are too many things to do around Austin to even think about doing them all, so we've narrowed the field a little, to make things easier. (Oh — and "Bird" begins with a "B," so we figure it counts.)
- Bob Bullock: If middle school history class was as much fun as the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, grade point averages would improve statewide. This isn't your standard dusty-relic-in-glass-case kinda place. With once-in-a-lifetime special exhibits and some of the most interesting permanent displays you'll ever see, this is a great place to spend an afternoon, whether you're a visitor or a resident. And while you're there, take in an IMAX movie!
- The Bats: The largest urban bat population in North America makes its residence under the Congress Avenue Bridge in the heart of downtown Austin. On summer evenings, folks line up to watch more than a million bats emerge to clean our skies of mosquitos and other insects — a very welcome sight.
- Blanton Museum of Art: The largest university art museum in the country is also home to the largest private collection of master works in the U.S., including many Renaissance, 20th and 21st century artworks.
- Barton Springs: This spring-fed pool, nestled in Zilker Park, has been a favorite swimming hole for Austin residents since the late 1800s. You'll find all of Austin represented. From the well-heeled to the weird, from splashing kids to svelte swimmers, this landmark connects generations of Central Texans.
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: The magnificent architecture of this place will pull you in, but it's the ever-changing gardens that will keep you coming back. A nationally known research center as well as a must-see tourist destination, it's a place for anyone who loves nature, and the beauty it provides.
Why would you live anywhere else than Austin, Texas?What kind of place is Austin? According to editors, economists and business leaders from a diverse range of publications, it's one of the best places to live, work, play, eat and love — anywhere in the world. BusinessWeek placed Austin 12th on their annual ranking of the best American cities. They noted our live music, energized nightlife, ample parks, good air quality and low unemployment as major factors in their decision. Business Review USA recognized our low unemployment rate and supportive small business environment, moving Austin to number eight on their list of America's best places to live and work. A couple of other researchers placed Austin even closer to the top. Austin was ranked fourth on the Milken Institute's annual Best Performing Cities Index, based on factors like job growth, wage growth and GDP. Austin ranked as the second best “place for young Latino Americans to live and work,” according to cable channel Mun2. But it was Relocate America that put Austin (properly, we think) on the top. They reviewed data on real estate, economics, recreation and safety. They interviewed residents, as well as a range of business and community leaders. Once they compiled and reviewed all that information, they realized what we already understand — Austin is the best place to live in America. So, whether you're here to work, live, play — or some combination of all three — there are many, many reasons to say, "there's no place like our Central Texas home." A GOOD PLACE TO WORK • According to data provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Austin has the highest employment levels in a decade. Austin is one of only five cities in the U.S. to achieve a 10-year peak; three of the five are also in Texas. Austin has added more than 125,000 jobs over the lowest point in the past decade — an almost 20% gain. |
