The Bats of South Congress Bridge

Austin is home to the largest urban colony in North America and there are an estimated 1,500,000 bats!  Each night, these little suckers eat 10,000 to 30,000 lb of insects and all the residents of Austin are thankful for it.  That means fewer bugs buzzing around and getting caught in my hair!  July to September is normally the best times of the year to view the bats feeding because the babies are able to fly out on their own and normally the weather permits viewing.     

 

http://www.videocityguide.com/austin/listings/congress-bridge-bats

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Viewers line up along the bridge, on the river banks and even kayak under the bridge nightly.  If you are under the bridge though watch out for bat bombs!  I know what you're probably thinking.  "Doesn't it smell bad?"  Luckily, it doesn't because the bridge is over water and all the guano just floats down toward Houston.

Whole Foods

Austinites seem to be obsessed with all-natural organic everything and who can blame them?  Just the thought of putting anything fake or artificial into my body makes me sick!  Well, I have to admit I can think of one obvious exception to the rule. 

FAKE AND ARTIFICIAL?

You’re probably wondering “Why is she recommending a grocery store, when there’s so much more to do in Austin?”  The downtown Whole Foods location is the flagship for the entire country, and just like me, it truly is a sight to behold.  The staff is friendly, the store is beautiful and the products are top notch.  One of my favorite parts is the buffet and food stands.  Grab yourself a container and pick out your favorites to either take home or you can enjoy them in the dining areas.  This flagship store offers cooking classes and even catering!   And never you worry your pretty little head about chemicals and artificial products, everything is all natural and many of the products come from the surrounding area.

http://wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/lamar/

City Wide Garage Sale

One man’s trash is another man’s…well trash I guess.  For all of you who love to go garage sale hunting, you are in luck.  Every month, the convention center is filled with rows upon rows of stalls showcasing and hocking their goodies.  NOT THOSE KINDS OF GOODIES, get your mind out of the gutter.  Anyway, this is a great alternative to driving around Austin and standing in the heat picking through your neighbors’ old possessions.  You never know what you might find along the way. 

http://www.cwgs.com/index.html

AFMA

Austin Fitness Martial Arts

You know I have to admit, looking as great as I do really comes with a lot of baggage.  It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to maintain my pristine image, not to mention men are always falling over themselves to get their hands on me.  I guess it just goes with the territory of being a fabulous celebrity movie hostess.  What can I say?  Well let me tell you, Austin Fitness Martial Arts is a great place to get in shape or stay fit.  Not to mention learn how to kick some ass!  You never know when some vampire or deranged psychopath is going to get a little too fresh and you are going to need to set him straight.  They offer tons of classes so you should be able to find something that works for you.

http://www.austinfitnessmartialarts.com/

Lady Bird Lake

For all of you insane outdoorsy Austinites, Lady Bird Lake/Town Lake is a great place to enjoy the warm weather, get a tan in the Texas sun, and most importantly feast your eyes on some delicious eye-candy.  If you’re into that kind of thing … I'm not really the outdoorsy kinda gal, but I sure do love to sit and watch the beautiful people go by.   

Kayaking, canoeing, running, cycling and most of it is dog-friendly.  So leash up Fido and lace up your running shoes and get ready to work up a sweat.  Parking can be a mess, so be prepared.  Austin is just BUSTing with events and activities and many of them are actually held at Auditorium Shores, right along Lady Bird Lake/Town Lake.

http://www.austinparks.org/apfweb/park.php?parkId=350

The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum

If your Texas history is a little busty, I mean RUSTY, I recommend going to check out The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum.  Visiting this impressive museum is an excellent way to learn about the history of Texas.  Texans are extremely proud of the state and this museum is proof!  This impressive three-level museum takes visitors from European exploration through modern times.   

If museums aren’t really your thing, there is an IMAX theater inside the museum which plays both educational and pure entertainment movies.  If your brain is tired from all of that Texas learning, you can relax and watch the newest Michael Bay movie in IMAX.  I’ve tried and tried to get them to play some of my favorite movies but to no avail.  Now why wouldn’t you want to play “Bride of Satan” or “They Came From Beyond Space”?  These are classic movies and are good, clean, wholesome, fun for the whole family!  Well I guess that depends on your family.    

http://www.thestoryoftexas.com/

Birds Barber

Mirror Mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest one of all?  Me, DUH!  It takes a lot to keep my hair looking this round and big.  When I’m in need of a trim I head over to one of the Birds Barbershops.  I suggest calling about an hour ahead because they do get busy, especially on the weekends.  Not only do you get a great cut, but the atmosphere is fun and while you wait they have beer and video games!  Birds Barbershop helps me to keep up with my appearance; I am the Real Housewife of Transylvania after all.