Austin Outdoors

The Driskill Hotel

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Access

Fly into Austin at Robert Mueller (prounounced Miller) Airport, located about 10 minutes northeast of downtown off of I-35. Aerolitoral Airlines, America West, American Airlines, Austin Express, Continental Airlines, Delta, Northwest, Southwest, TWA, and United fly here.

The long-awaited opening of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, east of the city on State Highway 71, is scheduled for May of 1999. This project, initiated to deal with the city's growth and problems with noise pollution, is being built on the former site of Bergstrom Air Force Base, which was closed in 1990 by the Base Realignment and Closure Commission.

Amtrak's Texas Eagle (from the East) and Sunset Limited (from the west with a transfer at San Antonio) can each get you to Austin.

Transportation

Like most western cities, a car is pretty much the only way to get around Austin, especially if you want to visit the more far-flung outdoor recreation areas. Most of the national car-rental chains operate offices here.

The city does, however, operate a bus system. Capital Metro (which, incidentally, uses all natural gas powered buses), which can be reached at 512-474-1200. All buses have bike racks, so, with a $10 monthly bike pass, you can use a combination of bus and bike travel to get where you're going.

Campgrounds

Austin Capitol KOA
7009 S. 1-35
3-way hookups, tent village, 8 cabins
512-444-6322, 800-284-0206

Emma Long Metropolitan Park
6.5 Miles off RR 2222
on City Park Road
3-way hookups, tent
sites, all facilities
512-346-1831

Lake Travis Camp Grounds
Various Sites
800-776-LCRA

McKinney Falls State Park
7102 Scenic Loop
512-243-2643, 800-792-1112

Shady Grove RV Park
1600 Barton Springs Road
50 3-way hookups
512-499-8432

Pecan Grove RV Park
1518 Barton Springs Road
13 3-way hookups,
self-contained Rvs only
512-499-8432

Lodging

The Driskill, Austin's most famous and historic luxury hotel (built in 1886), is located downtown on the northwest corner of W. 6th and Brazos Streets at 605 Brazos. For reservations, call (800) 252-9367.

The Roadway Inn, a more modestly priced option, is located near the University of Texas—about a mile from downtown.2900 I-35 North. For reservations call 800-792-9466.

The Holiday Inn Austin, Town Lake, is south of downtown right on Town Lake. It's located at 20 North I-35. Phone 1-800-HOLIDAY for reservations.

Local Shops

Whole Earth Provision Company
1014 N. Lamar Blvd.
2401 San Antonio Street
(512)476-1414 (Lamar)
or (512)478-1577 (San Antonio)
Climbing gear, hiking boots, outdoor clothing, travel guides

Ace Fishing Tackle
3601 Parmer Lane
(512)836-1788

Central Texas Water Sports
10900 FM 2222
(512) 343-7250
Waterski boats and equipment

Ozone Bikes
3204 Guadalupe Street, Suite C
(512) 302-1164
Mountain and road bikes and gear

Oshman's Supersports USA
2525 W. Anderson Lane
(512) 459-6541
You name it, this mega-store's got it.

REI
9901 Capitol of Texas Highway
(512) 343-5550
The national chain offers all sorts of outdoor gear

Austin Canoe and Kayak Rentals
9705 Burnet Road
(512) 719-4386
Boat rentals, service, and lessons.