figbash81

When I worked off Lamar, I'd often go to the Einstein Brother's there and looking up you could see the ramparts of a castle. Curious, I drove up to 11th Street and located the TMI Castle. This beautiful house has been abandoned for years, and was for sale it seemed. Last month, I watched the documentary, "The Unforeseen" and there was the castle again! Turns out it belonged to a real estate company that went bankrupt, and now it in foreclosure. It's now in disrepair. Sad history for a beautiful home.

This road is also called Loop 360, and it loops around Austin. For a scenic drive, I recommend driving north on the road off 183 during the day. You wind around the area with lovely views of the hills of Austin, and eventually you cross over the Colorado on the Percy V. Pennybacker, Jr. Bridge. Keep in mind, however, if you keep going on this highway, you drive a long way without any gas stations, so drive with a full tank of gas. I've also lost cell phone reception out there. But it's a great way to see the scenes around Austin.

This is the best street I've ever lived on, hands down. I sublet a beautiful loft apartment for a summer internship and it was great. This is an area where it's just laid-back college kids with really Bohemian homes. Very quiet and peaceful. The only problem I ever had was loud parties occasionally, but nothing ever got out of hand. I felt safe at all times living alone, and even at night I biked around. This location is very close to Guadalupe, so there are lots of places to eat and shop. Amy's ice cream is nearby, so is Manga Pizza, La Tazza Fresca and more! Just the best. I looked for another sublet when I worked in Austin a second time, but no such luck. I ended up on Camino la Costa, and it was a real letdown compared to 35th Street.

This is a nice road that leads to Lake Austin. As you approach the lake, you will come across an outcropping of restaurants. This is a nice place to take an out-of-town guest or meet a date. I came here a couple of times with coworkers, and once just to be alone for a couple of hours and read a book. The best hangout is Mozarts, a coffee shop/bakery that has a multi-level patio. Beautiful lake views. The only problem with the area is parking is very limited, especially at peak hours, and if you find parking, it's far away from the restaurants. The area is popular, so it's going to be crowded!

My favorite thing about this street is when you head north up it, many of the stores have giant novelty items atop them: for example, a light bulb and a trophy for stores selling those items. I wanted to take photos of all of them, but never got around to it. There are many interesting resale/vintage stores along this stretch, and also some good restaurants, too. This road, however, does have a lot of traffic on it, and it's a little run down. But it's oh so Austin!

I visited the area where Guadalupe and W. 7th Street intersect on an Austin Ghost Tour about three years ago. This area has some beautiful old houses on a quiet portion of the street. It makes for a lovely walk, and it's made even more interesting if you're familiar with the history of the area. I strongly recommend going on a walking history tour- it's a very memorable experience. And as for ghosts- I didn't see any. But given the imposing nature of the homes, I would totally expect a ghost to be peering out the window! Beware of traffic from always-busy Guadalupe, and note there are a lot of hills in the areas, so walking may be a challenge. It's quite a sight to see!

I moved here while I had a short-term job in Austin. I sublet an apartment from another couple. The apartment was nice on the inside, but not nice at ALL on the outside. I would literally run from my car to my apartment if I got home after dark. At night the air would be filled with the sound of police sirens. There were homeless people on the sidewalk outside, and questionable neighbors. There were reported break-ins all around me. Absolutely the wrong place for a single girl. I could never ride my bike in the area, and there were no parks nearby to use for exercise. The rent wasn't too expensive at my apartment complex, but I was very happy to move! Also, I discovered a giant dead rat under my sink shortly after moving in- a very lovely surprise.

My husband used to visit me in Austin while I worked there, and as a musician, he would occupy himself while I was at work by looking at all the guitar shops on Lamar. It really it a treasure-trove of stores, and it's a great testament to how musical Austin really is. Lamar also hosts some other great stores: Book People, a flagship Whole Foods, Waterloo Records, etc. If you turn off 38th Street and head south on Lamar, you can keep yourself busy probably all day. It's a blast, with a little something for everyone!

I always get excited with I turn onto Barton Springs Road off Lamar because I know the springs (namesake of the road) and Zilker Park are nearby. However, there is more to Barton Springs than the fabulous recreational opportunities. The street is lined with eateries, including Romeos, a great Italian restaurant, and there are also cultural venues as well, such as the Palmer Events Center.

I discovered this street while searching on the web for beautiful hiking areas in Austin. Mount Bonnell was mentioned again and again as a fantastic location for hiking (although it is a very easy path), and also to get some great photos of the area. I found Mt. Bonnell Road easily enough--it's right off 35th Street--and quickly ascended into the Austin hills. You pass some gorgeous houses on the way up the road, then at the top is the path up the "mountain". It is absolutely worth exploring.

Past Mount Bonnell, the road starts to descend into a series of very fun turns. Driving this road at night in a stick shift car is fabulous! It finally dead-ends into 2222. Quite an excellent section of Austin streets.