Think back to all of the great movies you’ve seen; most start with an awesome opening montage right? If the flick is set in LA, what will you see? Most likely, the Hollywood sign, bikini clad roller bladers in Santa Monica, and Rodeo Drive. What if it was set in Paris? You’d probably see an image of the Eifel Tower, the Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, or a side walk bistro.
I think at some point everyone dreams of working in the films, so I’m going to use this as my opportunity to write an opening sequence for our beautiful city. See if you can find all of these sites while you are visiting…if you are moving here, give yourself a month to do them all!
Now…picture it…a bright, sunny day, not a cloud in the sky and…action:
1. Hi, how are you? This cool mural by musician Daniel Johnston is located at the corner of 20th St and Guadalupe.
2. Threadgills. Not only does this awesome little diner have excellent cobbler, it’s also the place where Janis Joplin got her start singing…check it out and feel the soul just oozing out!
3. Moonlight towers. There are only about 15 of these left in the city, and you might confuse them with cell towers, so be on the lookout. Back in the 1890’s, these towers were meant to provide light at night…the citizens of Austin were fearful that the constant light would make the produce grow continuously out of control, so the idea was jettisoned.
4. The Hyde Park Bar and Grill Fork. This piece of sculpture art is in a state of constant flux; the items that the fork holds up regularly change…you’ll see anything from French fries, a heart, and the UT Logo.
5. Austin Motel Sign. Located on South Congress, there isn’t too much to say about it…it’s just neat!
6. I Love You So Much. A love note written in graffiti, how much more romantic can you get? This note was placed on the side of Jo’s Coffee shop when the owners girlfriend thought that she was having a bad day and wanted to cheer her up!
7. Congress Bridge. If you’re fearful of bats…stay away! Come out between March and October to see the bats fly out from under the bridge; they help to keep the mosquito population low…I’ve not once been bitten while living in Austin! August through September is mating season, so the population is at its highest…you’ll be in for a real batty treat!
8. 360 Bridge. Climb the hill…look at the bridge. It’s pretty nifty…but please, don’t post your pictures of it…seriously, we’ve got enough HD pics to last a lifetime!
9. Hyde Park Gym Arm. No real good way to describe this one…just…drive by.
10. Central Market’s big oak tree. For those who don’t have a gorgeous tree in our yards, you can always come and visit this one. Located on North Lamar, this tree is great for climbing, picnicking under, or just reading a book. On Friday’s, CM puts on a live music show in the background.
11. Stevie Ray Vaughn sculpture.
12. Angelina Eberly Canon sculpture. So back in the day when we were an independent nation, our president, Sam Houston wanted to move our fair capital to Houston…I wonder why? After trying all of the legitimate government tricks, and not having much success, Houston sent a team to steal the government archives in the midst of the night. Luckily for Austinites, Angelina Eberly, a local innkeeper, heard the commotion and decided to investigate. What she found shocked her…Houston’s men were loading the archives onto wagons and trying to steal away! She ran down to the town canon which was located at 6th and Congress to sound the alarm…which she did so quite literally! Angelina shot off the canon, blowing a hole into the side of the land office, and causing enough of a ruckus to alert the sleeping city! The Austinites chased down Houston’s men, took back the archives, and there you have it, we are still the state capital today! Thanks Angelina!
