Extreme Machine & Performance  

If it's in Texas, it must be bigger and better, right? The breathtaking beauty and unusual construction of the Texas State Capitol is truly the stuff of legends in the Lone Star State. Grab your friends and family to visit the rotunda featuring portraits of every person who has served as president of the Republic of Texas or Governor of the state of Texas. View artifacts of Texas history, including the original flag from the Battle of San Jacinto, historical paintings and some of the original Senator desks from 1888. Take a guided tour of the Capitol grounds that span 22 acres featuring historical buildings, 17 monuments, and beautifully landscaped lawns in addition to the Capitol building itself, having nearly 400 rooms and more than 900 windows. Free walking tours of the Capitol are given daily (except on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Day and Easter) and begin at the south entrance. In addition to the normal tours, groups of 10 or more can take specialty tours, including Women in Texas History, The Texas Revolution, Texas Veterans Tour, and Rest in Peace, a tour centered around the urban myths and ghost stories of the Capitol offered around Halloween.

Tour the French Legation Museum, whose original structure was built to accommodate the French diplomat to the Republic of Texas. Special events like the Wine & Cheese Soiree and Hallow's Eve will inspire you to return for another visit.

Indulge in a romantic afternoon of pick-your-own strawberries and more on a date at Sweet Berry Farm in nearby Marble Falls. Worth the trip, the farm also sells homemade ice cream, jams, jellies, fresh tomatoes and other homemade and homegrown goodies.

Esther's Follies is a comical tour de force and a cornerstone of the downtown Sixth Street entertainment district that gives the city of Austin its unique and offbeat vibe. Part variety show, musical comedy and magic show, Esther's Follies has been splitting sides since 1977. The show folds together political satire, innuendo and vaudeville showmanship - to rave reviews from residents and visitors alike. Huge windows at the back of the stage look out on Sixth Street, and the bar hoppers and revelers outside are unwittingly part of the show each night. The venue seats 280 people and seating is general admission. Reserve seating is available for select seats.