North Texas Factory Tours

I am constantly asked for ideas to do things that are a little off the "beaten path".  And this list of North Texas Factory Tours is perfect!

One of my favorite travel bloggers, Jessica from Suitcases & Sippycups, finds the most unique places to take her kids in Texas.  I am always in awe of her adventures!!  I begged asked very politely for her to write a post of some unique Spring Break travels up in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and boy, she came through! I am planning a road trip to some of these factory tours right now.....

Kids are full of questions.  How does lipstick get in the tube?  Does money grow on trees?  What’s so great about sliced bread?  You can answer these questions and plan a great Spring Break outing with these big as Texas factory tours.  Factory Tours pack a terrific entertainment punch, especially because they are often free and even offer samples.  I’ve assembled a list of factory tours that you can check out within a short drive of the DFW metroplex, proving that there are plenty of great things still made right here in the US of A.   What manufacturing marvels should be on your Spring Break fun list?

Bureau of Engraving and Printing
What does a billion dollars look like?  This might be your only chance to find out.  A 45 minute tour of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Fort Worth, TX walks you through the entire paper money printing process.   In addition to the tour, you can explore the interactive exhibits in the museum where they have scavenger hunts written just for kids.  Don’t forget to stop in the gift shop where you can snatch up all kinds of money mementos, including a sheet of uncut money.
Tours occur Monday-Friday from 9 am to 2 pm and are free.  Tips for Visiting the BEP

Nokona Baseball Gloves
In far north Texas in the tiny town of Nocona, a staple of America's favorite pastime has been handmade in America for over 100 years.   Genuine leather baseball gloves are hand made by genuine Americans in a factory planted firmly at the heart of America.   Each glove, over 100 per day, is hand stitched, hand cut, and hand embroidered by employees whose dedication to detail places them in the category of artist.  Although the process uses plenty of fascinatingly whirring machines, it is surprisingly low tech and requires an attentive skill that is obvious in the final product.
Tours occur on Mondays and Fridays at 1:30 and cost $5.00 per person. Tips for Visiting the Factory

Mary Kay Cosmetics
Any story with a pink Cadillac in it has got to be a good one, but a Mary Kay factory tour is especially intriguing.  Little girls who love all things pink will be thrilled with the factory tour in the heart of Dallas, but don’t think this is a ‘No Boys Allowed’ event.  All those tiny bottles whizzing around in a rainbow of colors are fascinating for anyone.
Tours occur on Monday at 2pm, Tuesday to Thursday at 10:30am and 2pm, and Fridays at 10:30am. Tours are free.

Dublin Dr Pepper Bottling Plant
For 120 years, thick, green-glass bottles have been whirring around this one room storehouse to be filled with 23 flavors of sweet goodness that became the first soft drink in the US known as Dr Pepper.  A recent lawsuit means that Dr Pepper will no longer be bottled at the plant, but other soft drinks will continue to be created in the tiny town one hour southwest of Fort Worth.   Along with the tour of the facilities that includes some of the original machinery from the 1940s, you can also tour the Dr Pepper museum and have a genuine throwback snack at Old Docs Soda Shop.
Tours begin at 10:15 and occur every 45 minutes with a cost of $5.00. Tips for Visiting the Plant

Mrs. Baird’s Bakery
Is there anything more delicious than the smell of freshly baked bread? Without spending a lot of dough, you can see the interest in bread production rising as you tour the factory to see the production of hamburger buns and a loaf of bread from ingredients to package.   The smell of the bread will greet you in the parking lot and stay with you through the 45 minute tour.  Don’t worry, though, your patience will be rewarded with a large warm slice of bread, a donut, and a honey bun at the end of the tour.  Crumb on over!
Tours must be arranged online at least two weeks in advance and are free of charge.

Jessica can be found over at Suitcases & Sippycups writing about her fun adventures with her kids all over the globe.   Like her FaceBook page so you don't miss any of the fun. 

While you are in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area, here are more fun things to try:

Perot Museum of Science & Nature

LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Grapevine Vintage Train

SEA LIFE Aquarium

Fort Worth Zoo

North Texas Factory Tours

Paradise Springs at The Gaylord Texan

The Gaylord Texan

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center ~ Austin, TX

Peaceful. Serene.  Relaxing.  Those are the words that come to mind when thinking of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.  But do those words actually mix with a cantankerous 2 ½ year old?  Or any children for that matter?  Sure they do!  It’s very possible!

In the hills of South Austin lies this quiet gem.  The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower center is a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.  In 1982, former first lady, Lady Bird Johnson and actress Helen Hayes created an organization to protect & preserve the Nation's natural landscape & native plants. This center, now a part of the Organized Research Center of the University of Texas Austin, aims to "help preserve and restore the beauty and biological richness of North America."

There were many different gardens, streams, trails, and displays to look at - all there to demonstrate the sustainable use of the natural landscape.  We enjoyed strolling along the various trails - from the Hill Country to the Savanna Meadow - each distinctly different but relaxing just the same. 

We also enjoyed viewing all the plants that were in bloom in the different gardens. The Display Gardens, as seen below, feature 23 individual beds that demonstrate the different uses of plants native to Texas, from deer-resistant blooms to a southwestern rock garden.  

Take the time to explore the many acres with your children.  Allow them to direct the way and if they want to stop and look at the tadpoles for 10 minutes – let them. It is a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature for both you and your children.  My son’s favorite thing to do was sit on every bench he came to it.  It was a great way for us to have “forced” relaxation and allowed me to quietly sit with my thoughts.  I can’t help but think that would bring a smile to Lady Bird’s face.

For children, there is actually a great deal to do at the Wildflower Center.  Sneak into the Little House through their child-sized door and play with nature-themed puzzles, activities, and books.  Slowly walk through the Butterfly garden, keeping an eye out for any of the delicate insects.  Take a walk on any of the many ½ mile to mile long paths that take you through a forest, a meadow, or Texas landscape. I was told that a Children’s Garden is planned to be completed in the near future.  It's going to be another great place for the kids to get their hands dirty!  And for the older kids, there are some great activities that the Wildflower Center suggests, including a fun Scavenger Hunt, located here.

There is something to do at the Wildflower Center each season with children.  Obviously, the spring is an ideal time to visit the Center, with the Wildflower season beginning on March 12 and lasting through May.  Don't miss the Artists & Artisans Festival, March 17th& 18th and National Wildflower Week (May 7-13).  Over the summer, the Center hosts summer Nature Nights, which includes nature hikes, crafts and more on Thursday evenings in the summer.  Bring the family our in full costume over Halloween.  And the winter features several artists and educational exhibits. You would be amazed at how many events go on at the Wildflower Center.

Catch a conversation with a volunteer docent and learn so much more – ours showed us Lady Bird’s brick, a tortoise fossil, the 9 foot deep “springs”, aqueducts that collect rainwater for the center and taught us why the arch is curved in the entrance.  All things I would never have learned had I not stopped and took my time (another great lesson to teach us to slow down!).

The gift shop is filled with wonderful Texas-themed goodies – Austin shirts, Texas-themed books for every age, and Bluebonnet seed balls to grow a patch of bluebonnets in your backyard.

We brought a picnic lunch and enjoyed a nice sunny lunch outdoors at the Picnic Pavilion.

I throughly enjoyed the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.  It is a great place to take the children and teach them to appreciate all that Texas has to offer in our lush and natural landscape.  Take your time, enjoy yourself, and walk away relaxed.

Texas Travel Facts on Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center:

Location: 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX

Hours: Tues-Sat (9 am - 5:30 pm), Sun (Noon - 5:30 pm), Closed Mondays

Admission: Adults - $8.00

                    Students (13 and older) - $7.00

                    Children (5-12) - $3.00

Recommended Time: 2-3 hours

Good to know: All ages welcome, lots of walking, lightweight clothing and comfortable walking shoes are recommended, strollers are allowed, cameras are welcome (non-professional photos), gift shop & dining room is available, no pets

Website: http://www.wildflower.org/

 I was invited to visit the center and was provided admission. I was not financially compensated for this post.  All opinions of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife Center are strictly my own based on my experience.  

Zilker Kite Festival: March 4, 2012

 

The strong spring breezes bring delight to those kite enthusiasts in Central Texas.  So taking advantage of the windy weather, the Exchange Club of Austin (benefitting the prevention of child abuse) puts on an annual kite festival in the fields of Zilker Park the first Sunday of March. This year, the Zilker Kite Festival is on Sunday, March 4 from 10 am – 5:00 pm. 

From a parent’s perspective the Zilker Kite Festival has a big “WOW” factor in the eyes of your children. Brightly colored kites of every size and design zoom throughout the sky.  Pirate Ships, Dragons, Princesses, and three-dimensional geometric designs fill the space over the park.  It is a site to behold- especially with the Austin skyline behind you.

Bring your own kite to fly – it doesn’t matter if you know what you are doing or not – everyone is there to have a great time.  Tangled kite strings?  Don’t worry about it – there is an overabundance of patience and good will – must be the sunny spring weather and the chance to enjoy the great outdoors that puts everyone in such great spirits.

Admission is free to the one-day event.  You will find kite vendors, climbing walls, bounce houses, and food tents to keep you & your family busy if you actually tire of watching the kites.  There is a kite making workshop (11 am - 4 pm) that will make a kite in less than 10 minutes that will fly for you!

Brave flyers enter the Kite Contest (for both adults and children).  Categories include events such as Highest Angle Kite, Steadiest Kite, and Most Unusual Kite.  Check here for more details. 

Plan for a fun day for the whole family - I promise, your kids will be asking to go every year!

Texas Travel Facts on Zilker Kite Festival:

Location: Zilker Park 2100 Barton Springs Rd

Hours: March 4, 2012 - 10 am - 5 pm

Admission: Free

Recommended Time: 2-4 hours

Good to know: All ages welcome (including dogs), lots of walking, lightweight clothing and comfortable walking shoes are recommended, figure out parking in advance - shuttles are available (for more details, click here)

Website: http://www.zilkerkitefestival.com/

Friday Daydreamin': Last Week of LOVE!

It's the last week of February....and the LAST week to show us all a place you LOVE!!  Show us a site that you can't wait to go back to.  Show us something you love to do on vacation.  Show us your favorite activity- come on...it's your last chance!

I've shown you my favorite place that I LOVED seeing in person, I've shown you a city I would LOVE to go back to, and I have shown you a favorite dish that I LOVE to eat.....

One last thing to show you that I love....

Exploring with these guys!

I have always loved to travel, but I think it became even more fun, once I could experience it with my kiddos, see things through their eyes.  These guys are my sidekicks, up for almost anything.

well, almost.  This picture is pretty typical.

My almost-11 year old drama queen on the right, my 9 year old who absolutely hates me taking his picture, and my mischievous 2-year old who is along for the ride and doesn't complain (most of the time).

I drag take them to museums, parks, cool eateries, factory tours, and in this case hunting for cool murals in Austin (I hear a post coming soon....).  We have fun wherever we end up and the best part?  I am making incredible memories with the kids I love the most!

What or Where do you LOVE?  Link up for one last week of fun and we get back to our normal Friday Daydreamin' next week!

Hungry for more travel photo adventures?  Please visit Travel Photo Thursday from Budget Travelers Sandbox and Delicious Baby's Photo Friday.

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On another note, can I ask a HUGE favor?  I am in a photography contest to win a photo session with this amazing local photographer.  I am neck-in-neck with a bathtub picture and need more votes to put me over the top.  It takes less than a nanosecond to click this link and vote for the picture of the 2 kids hugging with the school bus.  THANK YOU SO SO MUCH!!

Cathedral of Junk ~ Austin, Texas

Yep, you heard me right - Cathedral of JUNK.

Now wait Rebecca, isn't that just a fancy name for the Junk Yard?  Or my neighbor's garage??

Nope.  Since 1992, in the backyard of a local artist's home, lives an amazing pile of....well, junk.  But it's amazing junk......

And this past week, I took the kids out to find out why Austin is so "weird".  This place show kept with that tradition:

When you first arrive, you are overwhelmed with the enormity of it all - the fact that it is all built out of stuff that you & I threw away as junk and this artist made it into a work of art.  Surfboard, tires, cd players, toys, bowling balls, motorcycles, glass bottles....the list goes on and on.

As I edited all the pictures I took when we visited, I was saddened that the pictures don't really do the "Art" justice.  I mean, it looks like a big pile of junk.  But look closer......

Get real close and look around you - everywhere you look you are overwhelmed with nostalgia.

 Hey, look, there's that walkman I just to carry with me everywhere!   Look at that huge video camera...kids, you used to have to hold it on your shoulder it was so heavy!  What?  Is that a motorcycle built out of wire?  Yes, this IS a telephone, the rotary would dial the number for you. Aww, look at the smurfs I found...

I must have walked past this one area 7 times and each time I saw something new.

The fact that art is made out of someone's else's junk was fascinating to the kids.  They loved exploring, as the Cathedral is 3 stories high (it's very sturdy). With rooms and passageways, my kids were kept busy finding new and amazing things to point out.

We also enjoyed finding fun photo opportunities.....

The unassuming artist, Vince Hannemann, was working on a "restoration" of the Cathedral when we visited. Facing neighbor complaints and regulatory concerns from the City of Austin, Vince began tearing down the 33-foot tall tower in June of 2010.   Over 100 volunteers spent 7 months getting rid of over 40 tons of junk and rebuilding it to the structure it is today. To learn other creative approaches to trash reuse, check out mfa degree to find classes that can teach you about the concept of recycling and the art of junk.

To him, it's a tree-house of sorts, built lovingly with junk people bring him.  Vince is down to earth and we had a great time hearing how it was built, how it has evolved and funny stories of weddings and plays and other unusual events that he hosts....in his backyard.  How often can you say you talked to the artist kids?

Since it is in his backyard, he doesn't post hours and he doesn't charge an admission (but a donation is sure nice!!).  He is around on the weekends to accommodate visitors.  But you can also give him a call during the week and set up an appointment like we did - we had the place to ourselves the whole time!

The kids gave it a "thumbs up"!  They were fascinated and it was a definite fun stop on our quest to "Keep Austin Weird!"

Texas Travels Facts about The Cathedral of Junk:

Location: 4422 Lareina Dr Austin, TX

Hours: No "official" hours - there most weekends, call for weekday appt. (512-299-7413)

Admission: Free

Recommended Time: 1 hour

Good to Know: great for kids, bring water as it can get hot in the summer, were tennis shoes to explore in, owner has friendly dogs

Dr. Pepper Museum ~ Waco, TX

If you grew up a native Texan, drinking Dr Pepper was a treat.  I mean it's a must, being that it was created in a small Texas town called Waco.  And if you are looking for something fun to do this Spring break, take  a quick trip to the Dr Pepper Museum, located in Waco, Texas.

Dr Pepper was created in 1885 in Morrison's Old Country Store in Waco, Texas by a pharmacist, and no, his name was not Dr. Pepper.  It was Charles Alderton and he made it out of 23 unique flavors.  What are they?  The museum never tells, as it is supposed to be a secret.  However, my little friend Google shared with me that some of the 23 flavors are vanilla, black licorice, carrot, rum, and yes, pepper.  Most people think that it has prune juice in it...nope, not a drop!

           

And why was it named Dr Pepper?  They are a lot of rumors out there that involve young love of a girl with the last name of Pepper, but none have been proven.  As the museum says, "we don't know the true origin of the name, Mr. Morrison came up with it and it stuck."

It was a great little museum that had the original drugstore countertop where Mr. Alderton created Dr Pepper,  the history of the bottling plant, and actually showed the deep well where the water was brought up to make the original Dr Pepper.  

It is proud to have one of the world's largest collection of soda pop memorabilia.  It displayed lots of the old Dr Pepper ads.  Do you remember this one? Just a catchy little tune that I used to sing as a child.

Now the original Dr Pepper was made with Imperial Cane Sugar, not the high fructose corn syrup that is used so much today.  You can get a Dr Pepper in the soda shop at the museum, made the original way with the syrup and carbonated water mixed together.  It has the real sugar in it and it is yummy.  And of course there is a gift shop where you can buy anything you want with the Dr Pepper logo - from a tie to a salt & pepper shaker to a pair of boxer shorts!

         

Other things we learned that day?

Around 1950, the period was taken out between Dr and Pepper.  They wanted to take the "medical connotation" away from the soda.  Never realized there wasn't one there until they pointed it out to me.

The Beatles originally named their Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band as "Dr. Pepper's" but had to change it based on the U.S. soda owning the name.

Many people like to drink hot Dr Pepper, made with lemon and boiled on the stove.  Eww??

Dr Pepper is the oldest "major-brand" soft drink in the United States. Coca-Cola did not come a long until 1886 and Pepsi was invented in 1898.

The Dr Pepper Museum was a hit!  it is a great little stop in Waco - pair it with a trip to the Cameron Park Zoo, a tour of Baylor University and lunch at the Health Camp, and you have a pretty great day ahead of you!

Texas Travels Facts about The Dr. Pepper Museum:

Location: 300 South 5th St Waco, TX

Hours: Mon - Sat : 10 am - 4:15 pm, Sun 12 pm - 4:15 pm

Admission: Adults - $8.00, Students & Children - $4.00

Recommended Time: 1 hour

Good to Know: 2 story museum, strollers will work, go online for an admission coupon

Website:http://www.drpeppermuseum.com

Salt Lick BBQ ~ Driftwood, Texas

What?  BBQ for Spring Break? 

For most Texans, BBQ is really not that big of a deal - don't get me wrong....we LOVE our BBQ, but we can get it (or make it) with ease in these parts.  So why on earth is  The Salt Lick, in Driftwood, TX on my list of ideas for Spring Break?  Because it's all about the experience.....

The Salt Lick opened in 1967 on a ranch in Driftwood, TX.  They came up with this original name by the deer who were attracted to the large rocks found on the ranch.  They would gather around and “lick” salt and minerals found in the rocks.  Thus the name, “Salt Lick”.  

Just a short half-hour drive outside of Austin into the Texas Hill Country, it is a well-know BBQ joint that is busy for both lunch and dinner...and we can see why!  Just take a look at how much charm it oozes, and this is just the outside:

Go on in through the creaky screened front door and find yourself a picnic table to settle in at.  But don't forget to stop and marvel at the array of juicy, sizzling beef, pork, and chicken on the open pit.  This BBQ is seared and slow-cooked over coals - a method the family who owns Salt Lick has used for generations.

    Our meal was fantastic- smokey, juicy, tender brisket, ribs, and sausages with homemade rolls and pickles. We topped it off with homemade peach cobbler.  YOu can order family style or bit by bit - nothing will disappoint you.

Pair a trip out to Salt Lick with a stop in Wimberly at the Blue Hole or after spending a few hours exploring Austin.  It is a scenic, peaceful drive and a relaxing, fun meal.  And for those friends who live in the other 49 continental states (and beyond), if you really want to get your taste of good Texas BBQ, the Salt Lick will ship!!

Texas Travels Facts about Salt Lick BBQ:

Location: 18300 FM 1836 Driftwood, TX (also located in the Austin airport and in Round Rock)

Hours: Everyday 11 am - 10 pm 

Good to Know: Cash only & BYOB, bring a BIG appetite!

Website:http://www.saltlickbbq.com

Inner Space Caverns ~ Georgetown, TX

Texas is riddled with thousands of caves - in fact, I just recently discovered that we have a few located right here in my neighborhood - wow!  We are particularly lucky to have 7 privately owned and operated natural caves that we can visit in Texas, providing a unique family experience like no other!

In 1963, during the construction of Texas' first highway (Interstate 35), a construction crew located this enormous cavern system that sat directly below the highway.  The story is told that an employee was lowered deep into the hole that broke free below 40 feet of limestone into an enormous cavern, what is known at the Inner Space Cavern today.  Construction of 1-35 continued above, which provides an eerie feeling as you imagine all those cars zooming down the highway above you.

Caverns in Texas are breathtakingly beautiful.  And Inner Space Caverns has some gorgeous caves to see.  You almost feel like you are seeing an incredible art exhibit with natural displays called "Lake of the Moon" and the "Flowing Stone of Time".  My kids favorite structures to look for are the "Soda Straws".  

There are 2 guided tours to choose from, the Classic Adventure tour (1 hour and 15 mins) and the Explorer Tour (1 hour and 35 mins).  Both are walking tours, but the cave is a comfortable 72 degrees, so it is a great escape from the Texas heat (especially if you come during the summer!).  The guides have fun stories to tell and teach the kids all about the different structures, including the history behind these cave paintings....

Kids will also enjoy looking for the "chicken nugget" bats and seeing the collection of skeletons of some of the oldest known mammals in North America that were found in the caves (saber toothed tiger!!).   They will also enjoy the tram ride that takes you 69 feet below ground (and yes- takes you back up too!).

Inner Space Caverns is a fun family outing anytime of the year!  

Please note that the pictures I am including really do not do the caverns justice - you have to come and see their beauty in person.

Texas Travel Facts on Inner Space Caverns:

Location: 4200 S. IH-35 Georgetown, TX

Hours: Winter- M-F (9 am - 4 pm), Sat (10 am - 5 pm), Sun (11 am - 5 pm)

             Summer - M-Sat (9 am - 6 pm), Sun (10 am - 6 pm)

Admission: Adults - $17.95-$19.95

                    Children (4-12) - $9.95 -$11.95

                    Children 3 & under - free

Recommended Time: 2 hours

Good to know: All ages welcome, lots of walking, lightweight clothing and comfortable walking shoes are recommended, strollers are not allowed, cameras are welcome (flash is needed), gift shop & snack bar is available

Website:http://www.myinnerspacecavern.com/

Friday Daydreamin': Still in LOVE!

Well Valentine's Day has come and gone....a day full of LOVE in this house....but we are NOT done talking about places we LOVE over here!! After all, February is the Month of Love, right??

It is time once again to show us a place you LOVE on Friday Daydreamin'! We want to see your favorite vacation spot that you would LOVE to go back to.  We want to see a place you love to go and relax at.  We want to see the place you LOVE to get a homemade slice of pie from.....show us the LOVE!!!

And speaking of pie....

I want to show you one of my favorite meals that I LOVE getting whenever we visit my in-laws in Springfield, IL.  

I present, the Horseshoe:

 Before you say EWWWWW - stick with me.

What is it?
Texas Toast
loaded with your choice of meat - I like ham
covered with crinkle fries (must be crinkly in my book)
topped with a wonderful cheese sauce.
This particular guy was a "Pony shoe" - half version of a horseshoe.

Yes, it's a heart attack on a plate.  Yes, I know it doesn't look appetizing (to you maybe).  But gosh, I love this dish. It tends to be one of our first meals when we head back to Illinois.

This past summer, I tried many shoes (we were visiting for 4 weeks, I had time....)

And two of my other favorites included this guy:

 jalapeno cheddar corn bread, BBQ pulled pork, sweet potato fries and a pepper-jack cheese sauce.

y'all, I have dreams about this dish.  seriously.

And then there is this cutie:

toast, scrambled egg, hammor bacon, gravy AND cheese sauce topped with hash browns.  

looks disgusting right??  so delicious.

I'm making y'all see me in a new light huh??

Face it, I do LOVE food - and I really LOVE trying the "local dish".  But the horseshoe tops them all - my favorite "vacation" food!

Now show us what you LOVE!!!  Link up with us!

Hungry for more travel photo adventures?  Please visit Travel Photo Thursday from Budget Travelers Sandbox and Delicious Baby's Photo Friday.

Texas State Capitol ~ Austin, TX

Anyone else get that sense of Texas Pride when driving up Congress Ave. towards the State Capitol? It is such a beautiful building, I always catch my breath when I see it (maybe that means I don't go downtown into Austin enough though?).  Regardless, deep in the Heart of Texas sits a Treasure - the Texas State Capitol.

Most people don't think of the Capitol as a destination to take their families - I hope to convince you otherwise - it is a fantastic place to learn about our State History and teach the kids about Texas politics.  And the best part of it all?  It's absolutely FREE!

Here comes your history lesson:  Austin became the capital city in 1839.  The capital was later moved to Houston in 1842, then Washington-on-the-Brazos before returning to Austin in 1845.  The Texas Constitution adopted in Feb 1876, authorized the sale of public land to finance a new state capitol in Austin.

Here is where it gets interesting:  The builders of our capitol accepted 3 million acres of land in the Texas Panhandle as payment for the building.  This land became the famous XIT Ranch (which has a story of its own).

Originally, the building was to be built with Texas Limestone, but concerns were raised about the uniformity of it.  Good thing they didn't go with it - it would not be nearly as beautiful as it is.  The owners of Granite Mountain in Marble Falls (about one hour west of Austin) offered building stone for free to the state.  And our capitol was built using the beautiful Sunset Red Texas Granite.  

At the time of it's completion, in May 1888, it was the seventh-largest building in the world,  proving that yes, we build everything bigger here in Texas.  And we are all very proud that our capitol is taller than the Capitol in Washington, D. C.

The Capitol rotunda is a beautiful site to see as well.  It is a whispering gallery - a really fun thing to do with your kids! And peer real close to the star at the top - it spells out something near and dear to my heart.

The Capitol does offer tours that feature the Capitol, Texas history, and the Texas legislature.  This free tour begins in the Capitol South Foyer (45 minute tour).  You can also roam about and take in the pubic access areas, including the House Chamber.  I just loved the historical look to it all - the wooden desks were magnificent.

The Capitol Visitors Center is a wonderful museum on the southeast corner of the Capitol grounds.  Free to the public, it's 2 stories provide excellent, hands-on exhibits for every age.  We enjoyed dressing up like a Texan and creating our own "ranch brand".  The Visitors Center also offers a wonderful gift shop as well.

Also, take some time to visit any of the 17 monuments that surround the building.  Our favorite was the Heroes of the Alamo.  Can you find it?

The Capitol is a great half-day adventure in Downtown Austin.  It's a great pairing with the Bob Bullock Museum, a tour of the UT Campus, or a romp in Zilker Park. 

Texas Travel Facts on the State Capitol:

Location: 1100 Congress Ave. Austin, TX

Hours: Capitol - Mon - Fri (7 am - 10 pm) / Weekends (9 am - 8 pm)

             Capitol Visitors Center - Mon - Sat (9 am - 5 pm) / Sun ( Noon - 5 pm)

Admission: Free

Recommended Time: 2- 3 hours

Good to know: All ages welcome, strollers are welcome, lots of walking, bring a picnic lunch and your camera, hours are extended during legislative sessions

Website: http://www.tspb.state.tx.us/CVC/plan/plhome.html