Thanks to the University of Texas, the atmosphere in this high-tech capital city is cultural, liberal, and youthfully vibrant to boot. The temperate weather and 12,000 acres of greenbelts invite outdoor recreation-- even the wilderness preservations in Austin boast wheelchair facilities! Though there is really no one gay section, many establishments catering to gay needs exist within sight of the capitol building's dome.
Time Zone
Austin is on Central Standard Time zone; same as Chicago. They adopt Eastern Daylight Savings time on the first Sunday in April and revert to Standard Time on the last Sunday in October.
Language
The language spoken throughout America is, of course, predominantly English. However, a large number of people in Austin speak Spanish or other languages.
Currency
U. S. Dollar - USD = 100 cents
Weather
Austin/Mabry Airport
Current Weather Conditions in Austin, San Antonio or Houston
| Month |
High |
Low |
All time
High |
All time
\Low |
Average
\Rainfall |
Average Rain
\Days |
Percent of Possible
\Sunshine |
| January |
58.9 |
38.6 |
90 |
-2 |
1.71 |
8.1 |
48 |
| February |
63.4 |
42.1 |
99 |
-1 |
2.17 |
7.8 |
51 |
| March |
71.9 |
51.1 |
98 |
18 |
1.87 |
7.3 |
55 |
| April |
79.4 |
59.8 |
99 |
30 |
2.56 |
7.4 |
54 |
| May |
84.7 |
66.5 |
104 |
40 |
4.78 |
9.1 |
56 |
| June |
91.1 |
71.5 |
108 |
51 |
3.72 |
6.6 |
69 |
| July |
95.0 |
73.9 |
109 |
57 |
2.04 |
4.7 |
75 |
| August |
95.5 |
73.9 |
109 |
58 |
2.05 |
5.1 |
74 |
| September |
90.5 |
69.8 |
112 |
41 |
3.30 |
7.1 |
66 |
| October |
82.1 |
60.0 |
100 |
30 |
3.43 |
6.4 |
64 |
| November |
71.8 |
49.9 |
91 |
20 |
2.37 |
7.1 |
55 |
| December |
62.0 |
41.2 |
90 |
4 |
1.88 |
7.6 |
49 |
Airport
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (Code AUS) 3600 Presidential Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78719. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is served by most major carriers and provides nonstop service to a total of 27 cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, Las Vegas, Memphis, Miami, Minneapolis, Nashville, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, San Francisco, and San Jose, as well as 8 cities in Texas. Averaging approximately 260 flights a day through 25 gates. For more information on Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, call (512) 530-ABIA.
Holidays
2007 Federal Legal Holidays
- January 1, 2007: New Year's Day [Jan. 1 every year]
- January 15, 2007: Martin Luther King Day [3rd monday in Jan]
- February 19, 2007: Presidents Day [Washington's Birthday] (observed) [3rd monday in Feb]
- May 28, 2007: Memorial Day (observed) [last monday in May]
- July 4, 2007: Independence Day [July 4 every year]
- September 3, 2007: Labor Day [1st monday in Sept]
- October 8, 2007: Columbus Day (observed) [2nd monday in Oct]
- November 12, 2007: Veterans' Day [Nov. 11 every year]
- November 22, 2007: Thanksgiving Day [4th thursday in Nov]
- December 25, 2007: Christmas Day [Dec. 25 every year]
Getting Around
All major car rental companies operate out of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Yes, rent a car. There is no other way to see Austin. Unfortunately, the airport has almost a 50% tax (if you include the airport access fee) on your car rental. Public transportation is nonexistent and taxis are rare and expensive. Besides, Texans believe they have an inalienable right to freeways and inexpensive parking. They virtually drive everywhere, as the quote goes: "got on his horse to ride across the street". In their defense, who would want to walk when it is over 100 degrees Fahrenheit outside?
Word of caution about car rental companies
Most of them carry absolutely no insurance for their cars while you rent them, thus making your personal car insurance the primary insurer. If you use your credit card to cover your insurance deductible, all credit cards except for Diners Club will be secondary insurers. Yes, we were surprised to learn that even American Express Platinum has gone the secondary route. That means that the accident, whether or not it was your fault will get into your car insurance report. We find Hertz car company the worse offender because they charge for loss of use and add administrative costs to the handling of the accident. (not covered by any insurance we know of). On the cards side, we find Aadvantage Master card Platinum the worst offender. Takes forever to pay and will harass you with millions of forms just to see if you give on them and pay your deductible.
Our recommendation:
- Get a Diners Club card (now with a Master Card logo) which will cover the rental as the primary insurer and use it to rent your car.
- Pay the extra dollars to get insurance from the car rental company
- Avoid Hertz rentals if possible.
- Taxi Services All Austin taxicab companies work 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Rates for Austin are $1.50 per mile, with an initial $1.50 service charge. Trips leaving from the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport are subject to a 50-cent surcharge and rates and hours of operation vary in surrounding areas.
- Ace Taxi (512) 244-1133
- American Yellow Checker Cab Co. (512) 472-1111
- Hearing Impaired (512) 835-7272
- Austin Cab Company (512) 478-2222
- Roy's Taxi (512) 482-0000
- Bus Services The city's extensive Capital Metro transportation network offers more than 48 bus routes, including complimentary downtown trolley service on the Austin 'Dillo. The 'Dillo is free of charge and offers transportation to the downtown, the UT campus, the state office complex, and the 6th Street entertainment district. Mobility impaired services are also available.
Things to see
- Barton Springs Pool 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746. TEL: (512) 476-9044. Austin's largest and most popular park offers swimming in Barton Springs, a 68-degree spring-fed pool, hike & bike trails, playground, picnic facilities, canoe rentals and a miniature train which runs seasonally. Open 5 a.m. - 10 p.m. everyday.
- Congress Avenue Bats Congress Avenue Bridge, Austin, TX 78701. Approximately 1.5 million Mexican free-tail bats, one of the largest urban bat colonies in North America, have made the underside of the Congress Avenue bridge their summer home. When the bat population is at its peak (in August
the newborn bats, or pups, begin foraging with their mothers), it may take up to 45 minutes for the bats to make their exit from beneath the bridge.
- East Sixth Street E. Sixth Street/Congress to I - 35 By day, visit "Old Pecan Street's" many landmarks along this National Register District, which houses a wide variety of restaurants and shops. By night, experience the festive atmosphere and bustling street life with live music and shows.
- Hippie Hollow Park 7000 Comanche Trail, Austin, TX 78732. TEL: (512) 266-1644. On the shore of Lake Travis, this park is the only nude beach in Texas. Nude views aside, Hippie Hollow is quite a pretty park with the limestone rock walls and crystal blue water. You must be 18 or older to enter the park. (This year the Travis County Sheriff's department has targeted Hippie Hollow for undercover vice operations.) There are mostly men here. Beware of the drive-by gawkers on boats and wave runners.
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center 4801 La Crosse Avenue, Austin, Texas 78739-1702. TEL: (512) 292-4200 / Fax 512/292-4627. The Center is more than just a botanical garden of native plants, it is an expression of our founder's love of the land and its natural beauty. Stroll among the display gardens where hummingbirds and butterflies abound; see one of the largest rainwater harvesting systems in the country; meditate on the beauty of a Hill Country Stream; visit Wild Ideas: The Store, our world-class gift shop, and dine on homemade soups and sandwiches at the Wildflower Café. The Wildflower Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating people about the environmental necessity, economic value and natural beauty of native plants. Hours for the Wildflower Center are Tuesday - Sunday 9am - 5:30pm. During March and April the Center is open on Mondays as well. Admission is $7 for adults and $5.50 for seniors and students. Children 4 and younger, and Members are free. The Wildflower Center is located in southwest Austin: Follow Loop 1 south, turn left on La Crosse Avenue, the first light past Slaughter Lane. The Wildflower Center is two blocks down on the right.
- Mount Bonnell Park 3800 Mt Bonnell Drive, Austin, TX 78731-5733. Opened in the 1850s, this is the oldest tourist attraction in Austin. It's said that if a couple climb the 100 stairs to the top of Mount Bonnell once they' fall in love; twice, they'll become engaged; and after three times, they will inevitably get married. The origin of the park's name is the subject of some debate, but most accounts say that the site is named after George W. Bonnell, a man with a reputation as big as Texas. More sentimental historians recount the story of Golden Nell and her hubby, Beau. The pair jumped off the 785-foot peak to avoid capture and torture by Native Americans.
- Sixth Street A night on the town starts and finishes here with a wide variety of bars, dance clubs and more. Austin's slick version of Bourbon Street is lined with dance clubs, bars, pool halls, restaurants, comedy clubs and live-music venues. One can find bars specializing in frozen drinks, shots, beer, reggae, country and punk rock. The biggest challenge when you head downtown is finding parking. Unless you know about the secret spots, plan to spend $5.
- Texas Governor's Mansion 1010 Colorado, Austin, TX 78701. TEL: (512) 463-5516 (24-hour recording with updated information). Since 1856, every Texas governor has called this gracious ante-bellum dwelling home. The Mansion underwent massive restoration, from 1979-1982, leaving it as both a museum of authentic period furniture and a comfortable, functional home for a modern governor. Hours: Mon-Fri, beginning at 10 a.m. Groups require advance reservations. Individuals should call to check for daily status of tours and for handicapped accessibility.
- Texas State Capitol Building 1100 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701. The Texas State Capitol houses offices for the governor, secretary of state and all legislators, as well as the Senate and House chambers, a library, bookstore and cafeteria. The Capitol Building recently underwent a $180 million renovation and preservation project which features an underground extension with open-air Rotunda. The grounds have been historically landscaped with gardens, statues and memorials surrounding the 26-acre complex. Tours every 15 minutes: Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m.-4:15 p.m.; Sat-Sun, 9:30 a.m. 4:15 p.m. Open Mon-Fri, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat, Sun, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed major holidays
- University of Texas, Austin Founded in 1883 as a small campus on 40 acres near the state capitol in the heart of the scenic Central Texas Hill Country, The University of Texas at Austin has come far from its beginning. The main campus now covers more than 350 acres. The academic flagship of the University of Texas System’s 15 academic and health institutions, the university enrolls almost 49,000 students, about 25 percent in graduate and professional programs. The 307-foot-tall University of Texas at Austin Tower was completed in 1937. Through the years, the Tower has served as the University’s most distinguished landmark and as a symbol of academic excellence and personal opportunity. The observation deck offers a spectacular view of the campus and the Austin area. Thanks to the cooperative effort of students, staff and the university administration, the observation deck was remodeled and, in September 1999 reopened to the public for the first time in nearly 25 years. As a part of the renovation process, people with disabilities now have access to this monumental view. Observation deck tours are available by reservation only through the Texas Union Information Center. For information on availability and the schedule of tours, call (512) 475-6633, or toll-free at 1-877-475-6633.
Museums
- Austin Museum of Art 823 Congress Ave, 1st Fl, Austin, TX 78701-2435. TEL: (512) 495-9224. The Austin Museum is housed in two locations, downtown and on West 35th Street at Laguna Gloria. The downtown building is on the bottom floor of a large office building. The other space is at the end of 35th on the grounds of an old historic home.
- The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum 1800 N Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78711. TEL: (512) 936-8746. The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum captures the history and tradition of the Lone Star State like never before, incorporating state-of-the-art interactive experiences and media presentations with original artifacts and exhibits.
- Elisabeth Ney Museum 304 E 44th Street, Austin, TX 78751-3813. TEL: (512) 458-2255. One of the most romantic sights in Hyde Park is the castle-like home of Elisabeth Ney, which is surrounded by a peaceful lawn where wistful walkers like to stop for picnics. German-born adventures Ney came to Texas in the late 19th century and built her limestone Classical and Gothic studio on the banks of Waller Creek. Already famous for her likeness of European notables, Ney used her talents to sculpt Texas figures Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin as well. Her home, Formosa, holds more than 100 of Ney's works and has stood as a public artistic center since 1911.
- Jack S. Blanton Museum University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78713. TEL: (512) 471-7324. Standouts of the permanent exhibits include the Contemporary Latin American Art Collection, the Mari and James A. Michener Collection of 20th Century American Art, and the print and drawing collection. Some of the revolving events include the annual student-faculty show and exhibitions built around loans from galleries and museums all over the world. The Blanton's permanent collection includes more than 12,000 works of art that span the history of Western civilization.
- Lyndon Baines Johnson Library & Museum 2313 Red River Street, Austin, TX 78705-5702. TEL: (512) 916-5136. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the eight-story building has abasement level with offices and an auditorium, three museum levels and a lofty atrium with glass-walled stacks containing Johnson's papers, housed in red leather boxes with gold seals. Next to the library and museum is Sid Richardson Hall, the home of the L.B.J. School of Public Affairs and UT's Latin American and American history libraries. Free and open every day except Christmas (at Johnson's request), the museum tells the story of L.B.J.'s life from his Hill Country birth to his retirement from the presidency. Also on display are gifts from heads of state, photos of the Johnson White House and L.B.J.'s 1968 stretch Lincoln Continental.
The Scene
BEACHES
- Hippie Hollow Legally clothing optional area just west of Austin on the rocky slopes around man made Lake Travis.
Associations & News Magazines
Shopping
While shopping in Austin, you can find one-of-a-kind creations in traditional and unique shopping venues. South Congress Avenue offers an eclectic selection of antique shops, folk art, retro furniture and costumes. Guadalupe Street, otherwise known as The Drag, caters to students and locals with the open-air Renaissance Market where locally made jewelry and crafts are displayed. The Drag also has numerous music, clothing and bookstores. The Sixth Street area just west of Lamar has quaint gift shops, art galleries and fantastic furniture. Austin also offers several malls convenient whether you're staying north, south or central. Whether you are seeking unique jewelry, a new wardrobe or the latest high-tech gear, Austin provides a wide range of choices.
Day Trips
SAN ANTONIO
Some of you may not know this, but San Antonio is just an hour south by car on I - 35. It makes a great lunch or dinner. Experience the Riverwalk Project and just come back after you are done. If you are planning to make the night of it, here is a sample of gay venues.
Organizations
- We Are Alive, Inc. 14427 Brook Hollow #165, San Antonio, TX 78232. Tel: 210-737-1411 or 866-737-1411. Email An agency for assisting the terminal and Chronic severe ill, without discrimination as to illness, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, or religion.
Recommendations
The 2.5-mile cobblestone trail known as the Riverwalk or the Paseo del Rio charts a meandering course along the San Antonio River. Verdant and usually teeming with tourists, the path's personality reflects the changing seasons, whether festooned with millions of Christmas lights, dyed green in honor of St. Patrick, drained dry for the February coronation of the annual Mud King and Queen, or covered with Fiesta floats.
Houston
Houston is an easy drive from Austin. Just go South on 71 to I - 10 East, you will be in Houston in about 2 1/2 hours. (You can also just go 290 East but it takes about three hours). Either way, Houston is an easy escape from Austin. We chose to go for two nights.
Getting Around
-
The gay neighborhood is the Montrose west of downtown. Most bars are located in that area. The Galleria is the shopping district and another place to visit along with many museums and cultural attractions. You will need a car to get around, and there are many areas in which you will need to be careful of your belongings. Use your judgment. I would advise a trip to The Menil Museum, 1515 Sul Ross, Houston, Texas 77006. Tel: 713-525-9400. Thursdays attendance is free of charge. The Menil Collection is a unique museum environment located in the Montrose-area Museum District housing the collection of John and Dominique de Menil. The museum building is the centerpiece of a neighborhood featuring satellite gallery spaces and related cultural institutions set in a park like setting. The Museum of Fine Arts 1001 Bissonnet Street, Houston, TX 77005. Tel: 713-639-7300. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, is the largest art museum in America south of Chicago, west of Washington, D.C., and east of Los Angeles. The collection contains more than 45,000 artworks, which date from antiquity to the present. The major civilizations of Europe, Asia, North and South America, and Africa are represented.
Magazines and Organizations
- AIDS Foundation Houston 3202 Weslayan Annex, Houston, TX 77027. Tel: 713-623-6796. Email
- Aquafest GLBT Group Cruises 4801 Woodway #400W, Houston, TX 77056. Tel: 800-497-1924 or 713-426-5993. Offering group GLBT vacations as an alternative to full ship charters. we offer affordable rates and incredible "value-added" packages exclusive to Aquafest passengers.
- The Assistance Fund 1116 Jackson Blvd, Houston, TX 77006. Tel: 713-529-4788. Email The Assistance Fund is a 501 (c) (3) that is dedicated to improving the quality of life of those living with HIV/Aids by maintaining continuity of medical care. Services include the payment of Health Insurance Premiums until Medicare eligibility begins as well as a Medication Program. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- The Center for AIDS P.O. Box 66306, Houston, TX 77266-6306. Tel: 888.341.1788 or 713.527.8219. Email DIFFA Houston is the largest source of private dollars for HIV/AIDS care in the greater Houston area and has granted over $2.6 million to local service providers since its inception in 1987.
- DIFFA Houston Rodney Honerkamp, Director, P.O. Box 131605, Houston, Texas 77219. Tel: 713-528-0505. Email
- Donald R. Watkins Memorial Foundation 4900 Fannin, Houston, TX, 77004. Tel: 713-528-1748. Email Provides medical treatment and social services to Houston-area people with little income who are affected by HIV/AIDS.
- Eclipse
- Gay and Lesbian Switchboard Houston 701 Richmond, Houston, TX 77006-5511. Tel: 713-529-3211. Email GLSH provides information, nonjudgmental support, crisis intervention and referral services. The Switchboard can also put hate-crime, sexual-assault or domestic-partner violence survivors in touch with an advocate or an emergency shelter. The Switchboard is a service of the Montrose Counseling Center
- Gay Men's Chorus of Houston (GMCH) P.O. Box 541004, Houston, TX 77254-1004. Tel: 713-521-7464. Email
- Greater Houston Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 66129, Houston, TX 77266. Tel: 713-523-7576. Email
- Houston Area Bears PO Box #66443, Houston, TX 77266. Tel: (713) 867-9123. Email
- The Houston Council of Clubs (HCC) Organizers of the LUEY weekend.
- Houston Gay and Lesbian Film Festival 3400 Montrose Blvd., 2nd Fl., Houston, TX 77006. Email
- Houston Gay and Lesbian Parents 9955 S. Post Oak, PMB#263, Houston, TX 77096. Tel: 713-284-4939. Email
- Houston Grand Opera 510 Preston, Ste.500, Houston, TX 77002. Tel: 713-546-0256. HGO is a producer of the highest quality live musical theater. Its mission is to bring larger and more diverse audiences together for exciting live opera in a financially responsible way. Performances are held at the Wortham Theater Center, 510 Preston, in downtown Houston.
- Houston Montrose Athletic Association P.O. Box 667364, Houston, TX 77266. Tel: 713-661-8919.
- Houston Pride Band P.O. Box 300788, Houston, TX 77230. Tel: 713-524-0218.
- Houston Voice 500 Lovett Boulevard, Suite 200, Houston, TX 77006. Tel: 713-529-8490. Email A free weekly publication.
- Houston Women's Festival P.O. Box 70102, Houston, TX 77270. Tel: 713-861-3316. Email The Women's Festival is a celebration of music, art, culture and community. This year, the annual festival is on October.
- Lone Star Volleyball Association P.O. Box 130423, Houston, TX 77019. Email
- Montrose Clinic 215 Westheimer Houston, TX 77006. Tel: (713) 830-3000.
- Montrose Softball League P. O. Box 541954, Houston, TX 77254-1954. Tel: 713-867-3913.
- Out Smart Magazine Up&Out Communications, 3406 Audubon Place, Houston, TX 77006. Tel: 713-520-7237. Email Houston's GLBT monthly magazine is distributed free to over 300 locations in Houston, Galveston and Beaumont and across the U.S. by subscription.
- PAWS Houston Pets Are Wonderful Support 14900 Woodham, Ste.170-A, Houston, TX 77073. Tel: 281-443-3360. Email A non-profit organization that serves the needs of low-income pet owners who are living with terminal illness.
- Pride Committee of Houston P.O. Box 66071, Houston, TX 77266-6071. Tel: 713-529-6979 Email
- Queer Voices P.O. Box 66075, Houston, TX 77266-6075. Email QV offers news, interviews with local and national figures and features such as arts reviews, commentary and spotlight interviews with representatives of local community organizations. Queer Voices airs Mondays, 8-10 p.m. on KPFT 90.1 FM, a community-based, public radio station dedicated to peace through cultural diversity.
- Stages Repertory Theatre 3201 Allen Parkway, Houston, TX 77019. Box Office 713-527-0123, Administration and Production Offices 713-527-0220. Email Stages Repertory Theatre is a professional Equity theater dedicated to providing Houston's diverse audiences with challenging, provocative theater produced with the highest artistic standards.
- Texas Gay Rodeo Association P. O. Box 130585, Houston, TX 77219-0585
- Texas Human Rights Foundation PO Box 667157, Houston, TX 77266. Tel: 713-522-0636. Email
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