Around the Area at HGTV Smart Home 2015

Take a visual tour of Austin, Texas, a city that boasts legendary live music, a burgeoning restaurant scene, unique culture and now the HGTV Smart Home 2015.

By: Dana Dalrymple

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Photo By: David Sucsy

Photo By: Ben Blankenburg

Photo By: David Sucsy

Photo By: RoschetzkyIstockPhoto

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The Live Music Capitol of the World

With a friendly and eclectic personality, Austin, Texas consistently draws people from across the world to its high quality of life, abundant resources, lively entertainment and active lifestyle.

Endless Outdoor Adventures

In a city with 300 days of sunshine and an average temperature of 68 degrees, the possibilities for outdoor activities are endless. Located in the heart of Austin, Lady Bird Lake is popular among those who enjoy kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. For those who prefer to stay dry, the 10 mile trail that boarders Lady Bird Lake is a social hub for runners, walkers and cyclists.

Texas State Capitol

Located in the middle of Congress Avenue as a testament to the history of the Lone Star State, the Capitol building was completed in 1888, standing taller than the nation's Capitol.

A Creative Center

Founded in 1883, the University of Texas is the heart of the Austin community.

Zilker Kite Festival

Known as the "crown jewel" of the Austin parks system, Zilker Park is a 351-acre park that features a botanical garden, nature and science center, and access to Barton Springs Pool along with a variety of recreational opportunities. Founded in 1929, the Zilker Kite Festival is held on the first Sunday in March and hosts numerous contests such as Most Unusual Kite, Largest Kite, Smallest Kite and Strongest Pulling Kite.

Best Swimming Hole in Texas

Voted the "Best Swimming Hole in Texas," Barton Springs Pool is a man made recreational pool fed from natural undergound springs. Over three acres with an average temperature of 68 degrees, Barton Springs Pool is ideal for year-round swimming.

World's Largest Urban Bat Colony

The Congress Avenue Bridge not only connects North and South Congress Avenue accross the Colorado River, but also houses the world's largest urban bat colony. Every summer night, hundreds of spectators gather to watch the 1.5 million bats take flight from the crevices beneath the bridge to eat their 10,000 to 20,000 pounds of insect dinner.

The Story of Texas

As the captial of Texas, Austin has no shortage of history. While much of Austin's history can be found in the architecture, monuments and legendary landmarks, the Bullock Texas State History Museum is the one place big enough to tell the whole "Story of Texas."

Pennybacker Bridge

Known as both the Pennybacker Bridge and the Austin 360 Bridge, this iconic through arch bridge traverses the Colorado River and boasts an overlook with spectacular views of downtown Austin and the surrounding scenic hill country.

Austin City Limits Music Festival

Austin is the "Live Music Capital of the World," so it is no wonder the city is home to over 250 live venues as well as two extremely popular music festivals. The Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park draws quite a crowd every October and plays host to over 130 artists. Another popular ticket in March is South by Southwest, a 10 day event that consists of film, interactive and music festivals and conferences.

Austin Night Life

As day fades into night, Austin night life revs up with over 250 live music venues that cater to a variety of genres, from country to punk rock.

Capitol Dome

Made of cast iron and sheet metal, the Texas State Capitol dome serves as Austin's grandiose centerpeice and stands 14 feet higher than the U.S. Capitol.

Austin City Limits Live

Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater is a state of the art venue that holds approximately 100 concerts per year. It also serves as the new home for the taping of the acclaimed PBS series, Austin City Limits, the longest running music series in American television history.

Dinner and a Movie

Sixth Street is home to numerous historic landmarks, restaurants, bars, and Austin's world famous movie-and-dinner chain, the Alamo Drafthouse cinema, a movie theater for movie fans, by movie fans.

Zilker Holiday Tree

On the fist Sunday in December, a lighting ceremony is held for the Zilker Holiday Tree, which is composed of 39 streamers with a total of 3,309 lights.