Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas has evolved into a high tech arena. Within the U.S., the Texas capital was named the third best place to live and the second fastest growing city. It is also the nation's best-read, most computer-literate and most fit city. Austin's culture is down home, yet sophisticated. Laid buck, yet bustling with energy. Traditional, yet avant garde.

Natural Wonders
Austin has several outstanding vantage points from which to view the glimmering city skyline and prominent landmarks. There's a breathtaking view of the city from an overlook near Wild Basin. Or, climb to the pinnacle of Mount Bonnell that rises above the winding Colorado River.

There is Barton Springs, a popular swimming hole for generations, and Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, an environmentally sensitive home to endangered species, and Lady Bird Johnson's internationally renowned, non-profit National Wildflower Research Center. These are but a few ways Austinites manifest their love affair with nature.

Culture
Historic structures, ethnic foods and cultural festivals serve as palpable reminders of Austin's multicultural makeup. Visitors can get a good feel for the city's multi-ethnic heritage with a visit to many cultural landmarks such as Amado Pena Art Gallery, the George Washington Carver Museum, the French Legation Museum, and the Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library.

A number of Austin festivals have links to the city's ethnic heritage and international holidays. February brings the bawdy Carnaval Brasileiro to City coliseum, where costumed revelers party into the wee hours in the Rio de Janeiro tradition. Fiesta Gardens on Town Lake hosts two Mexican independence-inspired festivales: the Cinco de Mayo festival each May and the Diez y Seis de Septiembre festival.