Courtney Caplan, Sarah Miller, and Elizabeth Elias of Caplan Miller Events have dazzled clients at some of the city’s most celebrated gatherings, with such notable guests as Gwyneth Paltrow, Willie Nelson, Lance Armstrong, and Coldplay.
Megan Thompson Lovoi
Austin Hot Spots
Outdoors and Sightseeing
Barton Springs Pool
Anchoring Austin’s 360-acre Zilker Park is Barton Springs Pool, a spring-fed oasis that maintains its 68-degree temperature,
no matter what happens in the air above it. This is a favorite swimming hole for Austinites and visitors alike, and it’s great
for families. Closed on Thursdays. 2101 Barton Springs Road, 512/476-9044, www.cityofaustin.org/parks/bartonsprings.htm
Insider tip: Walk around the pool and stake out a spot on the grassy hill, where there’s more shade and less crowds.
Congress Avenue Bridge Bats
The Congress Avenue Bridge spans Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin and is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America.
Each night from April through October, the bats emerge from under the bridge at dusk to blanket the sky as they head out to
forage for food. The most spectacular bat flights are during hot, dry nights, when multiple columns of bats emerge. www.batcon.org
Insider tip: Head into the bar at the Four Seasons Hotel Austin and order a Batini Black, and then sit back in a comfy lounge chair as
you enjoy a great view of the nightly flight. Lobby Lounge at Four Seasons Hotel Austin: 98 San Jacinto Blvd., 512/685-8150,
www.fourseasons.com/austin
Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail
At 10.1 miles long, it stretches the entire length of Lady Bird Lake and is one of the oldest urban hike and bike paths in
Texas. Pack a picnic and take in the view of the skyline while people-watching. www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/trails
Insider tip: Take a break along Auditorium Shores, just west of the South First Street bridge. That’s where you’ll find the iconic Stevie
Ray Vaughan statue, as well as many dog lovers playing fetch in the leash-free zone.
Texas State Capitol/Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
Austin keeps its liberal personality, even as the seat of Texas government. The capitol building is an extraordinary example
of late 19th-century public architecture. Constructed of sunset red granite and standing 14 feet taller than the nation’s
capitol in Washington, D.C., it is widely recognized as one of the nation’s most distinguished capitol buildings. Just north
is the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, where the story of Texas comes to life with three floors of interactive exhibits.
A must-see for any first-time visitor. Capitol: 1100 Congress Ave., 512/936-8100, www.tspb.state.tx.us; Museum: 1800 North Congress Ave., 512/936-8746, www.thestoryoftexas.com
Insider tip: Pony up the extra $5 for a ticket to the Texas Spirit Theater in the State History Museum. The 25-minute The Star of Destiny
presentation is a whole lot of 4-D fun.
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