Austin High School Class of 1962

Stephen F. Austin High School, Austin, Texas
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Recreational and Outdoor Activities
rev 5-28-18
The gem of Austin is the beautiful Town Lake Hike and Bike trail that runs around Lady Bird Johnson Lake.
Whether you walk the entire trail, or stroll down to a sitting area, you capture the spirit of our city. Enjoy the view of
the lake with swans sharing space with kayaks, row crews, and paddle boards. Park near Austin High and walk across
the pedestrian bridge that is under Loop 1 or park by the Lamar Blvd. bridge and experience the Pfluger Pedestrian
Bridge with its many benches. Canoes and kayaks can be rented from several vendors, including the
Texas Rowing
Center which is close to Austin High.

Remember the old coliseum that was west of the Municipal Auditorium? It's gone and in its place is a lovely park with
a small hill to climb, a labyrinth, and a fountain that children love to play in.

An Austin highlight from March through October is the nightly emergence of the
bats from the Ann W. Richards
Congress Avenue Bridge. When the bridge was remodeled about twenty years ago, it's underpinnings became a
perfect home for approximately 1.5 million Mexican free-tail bats. Their departure about sundown can be seen from a
viewing area on the grounds of the
Austin American Statesman at the intersection of S. Congress Ave.and Barton
Springs Rd.

Another great way to see the bats, as well as the city skyline, Zilker Park, and the beautiful cypress trees lining the
lake, is a cruise on one of the
Lone Star Riverboats' vessels. Family owned since 1987, part of the company's
proceeds benefit the park system. Three environmentally friendly boats are available for sightseeing or private
charter.
Call 512-327-1388 for departure times and reservations.

The
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, located at 4801 La Crosse Ave, is now affiliated with The University of
Texas at Austin. The center is a model of conservation and emphasizes the importance of native landscapes. Its
aqueduct collects water for a 70,000 gallon rainwater collection system. The center now covers 279 acres of public
gardens, woodlands, and sweeping meadows. It is a research center, working with centers around the world to set
aside seeds of flowering plants to ensure their continuance. Education programs are offered to children and adults.
The Wildflower Center Store and the Wildflower Cafe are popular stops for visitors.

Lions Municipal Golf Course at 2901 Enfield Road is one of many public golf courses in the city. Built in 1928 by
the Lions Club, it has hosted many notable golfers, including Ben Hogan and Austin's own Tom Kite and Ben
Crenshaw. Other golf sites are found at the
Guide to Texas Outside.

The Austin High Tennis Center, located along the lake behind Austin High, offers public play, lessons, and
leagues.

Like to swim? Austin's two premier natural springs pools are still open at
Barton Springs and Deep Eddy. You may
see one of our classmates there on a regular basis! (Deep Eddy has been undergoing renovation. Check to be sure
it has reopened before you arrive in swim suit with towel.)

Ready to venture out of Austin a little ways? Take a short ride to Driftwood and visit its two wineries.
Driftwood
Estate Winery has progressed from a doublewide to a hill country tasting room. On a nice day, take a picnic lunch
or pick up BBQ on the way at
The Salt Lick and enjoy it with a glass of wine on their cliff overlooking the vineyards.
Our favorite? Their Longhorn Red. Nearby is the
Duchman Family Winery in a beautiful villa-styled tasting and
processing center. Adjacent to it is
Trattoria Lisina, a Tuscan styled restaurant featuring excellent food in an
Italian/Texan countryside. Call 512-894-3111 for hours of operation as they do close some days of the week. This is
the beginning of the
Texas Wine Country. Maybe you'll visit the more than thirty wineries in the area? Hopefully, not
in one day!

For more information on travelling through Texas, current events, and a free travel guide, visit
TravelTex.com.