The Austinot

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Did You Know UT’s Collections Contain More Objects Than the Smithsonian?

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The Collections Book University of Texas

Over 700 pages of fascinating information in “The Collections”
Credit: The University of Texas at Austin

The huge educational institution that sits in the middle of our city, The University of Texas at Austin, contains millions of objects that reflect human history. In January 2016, The University of Texas Press published a book called “The Collections,” which details some of the items on campus that exemplify history and culture across more than 700 pages.

As Austinites, we either feel a kinship with The University of Texas campus or we feel detached from it. By learning about UT’s collections, this institution can become more accessible to us and deepen our appreciation for the university. [Read more…]

Day Trip From Austin to See Historical Painted Churches of Texas

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High Hill Texas Painted Church

A Psalm written in German decorates the interior of a painted church in High Hill, TX (Credit: elaine via Flickr CC)

People with a passion for history and architecture dream of traveling to Europe for a chance to see some of the most wondrous buildings, bridges and churches in history. While you may not think of Texas in the same way, it doesn’t lack in history!

Austin is a short day trip away from many historical sites, such as the Texas Hill Country castles. A lesser known day trip is the Painted Churches of Texas tour. It’s perfect for anyone interested in art, architecture and small town Texas history. [Read more…]

The Broken Spoke: Austin’s Texas Dancehall Time Machine

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The Broken Spoke Austin

Welcome to the world famous Broken Spoke (Credit: Christopher Rose via Flickr CC)

The Broken Spoke isn’t just a venue. It’s a symbol of Texan defiance. You won’t take the Alamo without a fight and The Broken Spoke will never change. Even as South Lamar explodes skyward with apartment complexes and hotels, one of the most famous dancehalls in Texas remains intact. A genuine relic of Lone Star uniqueness.

In the course of a four-hour visit, I not only got a chance to breathe in everything this storied establishment has to offer, but I learned why it has endured over 50 years. Underneath the weathered bar neon and aging exterior lies a musical history and sense of family that are unlike anything else Austin has to offer. [Read more…]

Is The Driskill Hotel Really Haunted?

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Driskill Hotel Haunted

The Driskill Hotel, built in 1886 (Credit: John Cabuena)

When you first walk into The Driskill Hotel, you wouldn’t think it’s haunted. From the dozens of columns brilliantly lining the lobby, to the spotless marble floors, the hotel is gorgeous. The ambience screams luxury and comfort. But if you listen closely, it also screams bloody murder.

Look, this place was built in 1886. That’s plenty of time for some messed up stuff to go down within the walls of The Driskill. For example, did you hear the one about the young girl who fell to her death down the grand staircase? How about the two “suicide brides” who killed themselves in the same bathtub in the same room, 20 years apart to the day?

Who knows if these ghost stories [Read more…]

Guide to Barton Springs Pool, Soul of Austin

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Barton Springs Pool Austin

Looking toward the Austin skyline from Barton Springs Pool

Austinites have socialized, fished, waded and swum in the clear blue waters of Barton Springs since the 1800s. The water’s temperature stays at a steady 68-70 degrees while the setting around it changes drastically throughout the year.

I wanted to compile a short guide on what makes Barton Springs Pool quintessentially Austin. In order to scratch the surface of this historical gem, I met with Wayne Simmons, Aquatic Program Manager for the City of Austin, and Clark Hancock, Exhibit Coordinator at the Nature & Science Center. [Read more…]

Then vs. Now: Austin’s Changing Landscape and Our Role

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Austin TX Is Changing

The city of Austin is making news daily. It has appeared in more Top 10 lists than I can reference. But with all these accolades come the naysayers. So today, I want to try something different. I’m not going to rant, rave or try to discourage people from moving here (or convince them to move here, for that matter). Instead, I hope to encourage all of you to support and love the city in which you live. Support small business, your neighbors, strangers and local art. Actively participate in the city you call home–don’t just use it. [Read more…]

Target Austin: How To Survive a Nuclear Attack

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Target Austin Nuclear Preparation Film

The year is 1960 and Senator John Fitzgerald Kennedy is on the campaign trail with a charismatic senator from Texas, Lyndon Baines Johnson. The threat of nuclear war is ever present with families around the country building fall out shelters. The small city of Austin, Texas with a population of 186,545 takes the looming threat seriously as well. If a nuclear bomb were to fall on Austin, would residents be prepared? [Read more…]

Paramount Theatre Celebrates 100 Years with Special Events

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Old Congress Avenue in Austin

Old Congress Avenue in 1947 with the Paramount Theatre illuminated on the right

Guest article by Lindsey Moringy

A walk through the basement of the Paramount Theatre is like a walk through time: its history is literally written on the walls. Over the years, many of the estimated 10,000 visiting artists have left their mark on the famed theatre by signing the walls downstairs, just outside the dressing rooms. Passing through the hallway you’ll notice that performers from BB King to Joan Rivers have left their ‘John Hancocks’ – many with a personalized message or illustration. Admittedly, I laughed aloud upon reading what Parks and Recreation star Nick Offerman chose to leave: “Freedom. [Read more…]

Homegrown: Austin Music Posters 1967 to 1982

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Ramones Music Poster for Armadillo World Headquarters

Micael Priest’s music poster for The Ramones’ show at Armadillo World Headquarters, 1977

Sometimes you see them flitting by in the wind on a city street like a brightly colored bird. Sometimes you see them posted on telephone poles. You see others on walls inside clubs.

I’m talking about music posters. While they are silent in sound, their designs portend grand audio and visual experiences to come, as bands perform at a certain time and place.

For poster collectors, the memories these powerful scraps of paper evoke can be potent. Colored lights, sounds, lyrics, emotions, jockeying for the best position to see the stage, that special night at a club that doesn’t exist anymore…except in your mind.

Preserving Austin Music Posters of the Past

Most posters were ripped off walls after the show or destroyed by weather and time. [Read more…]

14 Facts Before Your Visit: Austin’s French Legation Museum

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French Legation Museum Grounds

Entrance to the French Legation Museum grounds (Credit: French Legation Museum and Daughters of the Republic of Texas)

The oldest wooden frame home in Austin sits alone on a hill with an unobstructed view of the State Capitol.

It dates back to the Republic of Texas, when France seized an opportunity to grab a piece of the new country and its wealth.

But the French sent the wrong man for the job. [Read more…]

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