If you attend or attended the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) or an Austinite, you likely…read morehave heard of "The Drag". It is the strip of businesses that populate Guadalupe Street near UT Austin. They call Guadalupe Street the Drag because it's the main street where people (mainly students) use to walk, drive, and hang out. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the term "Drag" meant the busiest, most social portion of a city. When the UT Austin opened in 1883, Guadalupe Street ran directly along the west edge of campus and quickly became the most active street associated with UT Austin students...bookstores, cafés, bars, theaters, churches, and retail shops. Some iconic businesses on the Drag include the University Co-Op bookstore, Mile High Mo's, Kerby Lane, The Hole in the Wall (popular hangout spot for students when I attended UT Austin...still open) and Bevo's bookstore. Importantly, as The Drag has grown so has some its challenges. For example, parking can be quite challenging depending on the activities happening and the time of day or night. The Drag has long been a focal point of Austin's music, art and culture. Landmarks like the iconic "Hi, How Are You?" mural by Daniel Johnston remain a powerful indication of the Austin's unique identity ("Keep Austin Weird"). Other historic murals like "Austintatious" and "All Across Texas" murals provide a bridge that connects new students/visitors to Austin's past.

The Drag definitely isn't what it once was even back in the day when my boyfriend was a UT student,…read morethings were so different. An area for students and others to protest, express their thoughts through art and words, hang out, purchase necessities, etc. Thankfully some of the artwork still remains on some of the buildings. The Drag still caters to students but in a much different way than it was. It's definitely more of a commercial and "spend your money" kind of tourist area.

The Butterfly Bridge aka the Second Street Bridge is an architectural wonder. This infrastructure…read moreis a pedestrian and vehicle bridge that crosses over Shoal Creek leading you directly to the Austin Central Library. The arches of the bridge mirror butterfly wings. Hence, the name. This is in the modernized Seaholm District which was once an industrialized setting. We walked from our place in Central East to the Central Library. Crossing the bridge to enter the library felt magical and exciting!

First took a nice little drive, then a nice little walk on the butterfly bridge. Gorgeous!read more

Stevie Ray and I grew up in and around Oak Cliff Texas. I took a photo of this Memorial years ago…read more Austin was still a small laid back city and the tallest building wasn't very tall. You couldn't see any of this new construction behind Stevie. I wonder what he would think of the Austin he loved so much today. I know what he'd say," cool". Laid back attitude prevailed with him. It seems surreal when I see this statue and get caught up in memories of the last time I saw him before he dropped out of High School. Kimball highschool,first week of class, 11 th grade history. Stevie had dropped out before, gone to Austin for awhile but,for some reason was inclined to go back to school. That's really surprising because he was making headway in music. I guess we'll never know why he came back . But it wasn't for long and I think we all agree,he made the right choice . What I do know, is that I was there his last day,hour...minute of school. This is exactly how it went down as I sat in the row of desk to his right and one seat up. The bell rang just as SRV strolled into class and took the seat behind and left of me. I looked back and nodded,he flashed that patented smirk. About then the teacher started making a few announcements and added Mr Vaughan,please take your hat off. Yes,he was wearing his trademark black hat even into class. You just knew he was of a different place and time. He had gained a certain aura by this time. He just sat there gazing down. Again the teacher," Mr Vaughan,will you please remove your hat as they aren't allowed in class"! Still nothing. At this point I was getting nervous for him. Finally from the front of class," Mr. Vaughan,either remove your hat or go to the office". I guess he liked the choice because he stood up and strolled out of the history classroom,out of the school and into the history books. RIP Stevie Ray

It's weird that no one has ever reviewed this iconic sculpture (myself included)…read more This beautiful piece of artwork is a fitting tribute to the incredible talent that Stevie Ray was. Located along Lady Bird Lake (Auditorium) right at the water and walking/bike path (Ann & Roy Butler trail). It makes a long trail walk better when coming up on a familiar face, no matter how many times we've passed it. My most recent visit was to take my dog for his first visit. What a great way to spend an early #sundayfunday A great area to take out-of-town visitors too.

The interactive owl sculptures are at the entrance to the Butterfly Bridge very near the Austin…read moreProper Hotel. The two owls were created by NAPA (New American Public Art). They're made of metal (stainless steel and other materials). Their heads rotate 360 degrees, their eyes light up and move as well. The owls are considered to be Austin's first permanent public artwork (Creative Commons license). Named after Wolfgang Van Kempelen a robotic scientist from the late 18th century. These ten foot beauties are a lot of fun and must-see for locals and tourists alike.

I've been going to these as often as possible since 2017 and have yet to regret it. The…read moreinstallations through the creek are always so creative and sometimes incredibly thought provoking. I love that they also have props for branded digital photos guests can take and share with others. It's a very Austin thing to do and I think everyone should go at least once. If you make it to where the live music is, music is always fantastic though food and drinks highly priced. Given that the show is free, I think that's quite alright.

Short but sweet! Wasn't clear where to park and the entrance was but able to figure out after…read morewalking around the block . Felt safe as there were security in the entrance section. Line wasn't too long and they let us in before the time slot indicated on the ticket. Perfect weather for the event. Snacks available near exit-recommended stop as well!

There are many Prince murals all over Austin. This particular mural done by Sloke & Mez Data (their…read moresolo and collaborative work can be found all over the country; primarily Cali & Texas) is located on East 4th Street across from Cosmic Saltillo. If you're a mural hunter and/or Prince lover, this is one to add to your list.

This mural in the heart of Central East on 11th Street is on the side of Everest Liquor & Smoke. I…read morepass by it everyday when walking my dog. It's a spray paint medium mural depicting Gary Clark, Jr. and his cousin W.C. Clark as well as Rueben Ramos and his brother Alfonso Ramos, Jr. Honoring the music history of the neighborhood, Blues, & Jazz. Painted by: Flip Garza, Oscar Cortez, Raymond Robledo, and Filiberto Mendieta.

This magnificent street art by Sharon Engelstein sits at Seaholm Eco Site 3…read more It's at the extension of the Butterfly Bridge. It's a family of sorts and they look like a cross between snails and some kind of blob characters. They're super fun, adorbs, & cute. It's Big Mama Baby & Little Mama with Tall Solo. Big & Little Mama are directly across from the Austin Central Library while Tall Solo is at the intersection of 3rd & West. This quirky family is sure to bring a smile to anyone.