Stories From the Heart:
A National Memoir Conference
Austin is live music, high tech, Texas politics, the University of Texas,
and the Story Circle Network, of course—plus a whole lot more!
Austin is Beautiful, Naturally
With a river running through it and a mild climate, Austin prides itself on
natural beauty. Greenbelts, waterways and pockets of undeveloped land create
a unique greenscape. Town Lake, the southernmost in a series of seven
manmade lakes along the Lower Colorado River, flows past our conference
hotel, and some 10 miles of hike-and-bike trails are right outside the door.
Austin is Rich, Historically
Originally a Tonkawa Indian buffalo-hunting ground, Austin was originally
named Waterloo for all its springs and creeks. Now more than a million
people live in the city renamed to honor Stephen F. Austin, who helped make
Texas a state. The city's historical importance comes alive in such places
as Bremond Block, an area of stately 19th century mansions; the antebellum
Governor's Mansion; and more than 220 other landmarks. The splendid new Bob
Bullock Texas State History Museum chronicles the colorful history of Texas.
Austin is Appealing, Culturally
With 20 museums, nearly three dozen galleries, 35 theater companies, and
professional ballet and symphony, Austin is a cultural mecca. The University
of Texas libraries are only a short taxi-ride from our hotel, and the campus
offers fine cultural programs.
Austin is Diverse, Ethnically
The Hispanic influence has brought Tex-Mex cuisine and festive celebrations.
In clubs all over town, music-lovers listen to the African-American
community's musical contribution of jazz and the blues. A French connection
is honored at the old French Legation, built during the Republic of Texas
era. And Austin is the gateway to the Texas Hill Country, where thousands of
German immigrants settled in the 19th century, leaving a legacy of food,
music and unique architectural styles.
Austin is Alive, Musically
You can enjoy live performance at more than 100 music venues on any given
evening, Many of those venues are clustered downtown along Sixth Street and
in the Warehouse District. And all over the world, viewers tune in weekly to
Austin City Limits, PBS's longest running series. Tours of the studio on the
University of Texas campus are available each Friday.
And Austin is Lovely, especially in February!
It may be snowing and blowing a gale up north, but Austin’s February average
temperature is 62 degrees, with less than an inch of rain during the average
month. The daffodils, iris, and forsythias are all in bloom, and around
town, the native redbuds and Mexican plums are glorious.
We hope you’ll plan to spend several days in Austin, enjoying not just the
conference, but also our city’s famous Texas hospitality!
Last updated: 11/14/01