Explore nature at its best at the Austin Nature and Science Center, where visitors can experience exhibits, nature trails and educational events all year long. The nature center has dedicated its resources to educating and instructing Austin citizens on how to appreciate the natural world and experience its wonders.

The Austin Nature and Science Center is home to almost a hundred native animals that are unable to live in the wild. From birds of prey to porcupines, bull snakes and deer, the animals are displayed in all-natural enclosures and receive top quality care and medical attention. The Birds of Prey Exhibit, Small Wonders Exhibit and the Mammals Exhibit are all designed for maximum viewing as well as the ultimate comfort to the animals.

Living animals aren’t the only things worth visiting at the Austin Nature and Science Center. Dinosaur enthusiasts can participate in several activities associated with the center’s paleontology efforts. With a Dino Pit on site, visitors can dig up dinosaur replicas just like the paleontologists do, learning about fossils that are native to Texas. Dinosaur tracks can also be found, and guests can learn all about fossils that once belonged to dinosaurs that roamed the Texas countryside. Visitors of all ages will feel the joy of discovery as ancient creatures are unearthed before their eyes.

The other features of the Austin Nature and Science Center are equally as entertaining. The Discovery Lab is a place where hands-on science labs are set up to explore nature, including botany and geology. The Eco-Detective Trail is a walking trail that winds through natural Texas landscape and treats the visitor to a true outdoor experience. The Sheffield Education Center is the home of the Splash! exhibit, an active aquifer with flora and fauna on display.

Programs, summer mini camps and more await the visitors who are interested in checking out the Austin Nature and Science Center. Several events are hosted annually, and there is always room for special group guests, such as Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. Schoolchildren look forward to a visit to the center during field trips, and the center even hosts home school programs. This living museum is an Austin highlight, and the Austin Parks and Recreation Department has highlighted the center as a model for conservation and education.

Whether for an individual, family or group, a visit to the Austin Nature and Science Center is a fine way to spend a day getting to know the natural wonders of Central Texas and experiencing them in a memorable way.

Author Bio: Eric Bramlett is the broker & co-owner of One Source Realty in Austin, Texas. Eric currently manages his Austin Real Estate website, his Austin condominiums website, & his Austin Texas website.

Austin’s mild winter temperatures ensure that golf enthusiasts will be able to play on the greens all year long. The city has plenty of quality courses to inspire even the most beginning golfer, and the diverse natural beauty of the area provides a perfect backdrop to head outdoors. Austin has more than 20 golf courses in and around the area. From resort courses to public courses and driving ranges, the Austin golfer will be able to find something that is perfectly suited to his needs.

There are several public golf courses that are within minutes of downtown Austin. For scenic and challenging 18-hole courses, try the Falconhead Golf Club, open all week long and is considered one of the top courses in the area. The Teravista Golf Course is a 7,200 yard championship golf course. Just 5 minutes from Austin’s downtown area, the Riverside Golf Course caters to locals and visitors alike, and has hosted golf champions like Tom Kite and Ben Crenshaw. The Avery Ranch Golf Course, the Lakeway Live Oak Golf Course Austin, the Roy Kizer Golf Course Austin are also considered premier municipal courses that give golfers the opportunity to play on courses that can be appreciated at any level. All are located in Austin, so accessing these public courses is convenient.

Austin is also the home to several semi-private and resort courses, and the experience of playing at one of these courses is unparalleled as far as amenities go. The Wolfdancer Golf Club is located amid the rolling hills of Lost Pines, just east of Austin. Its world class golf in a spectacular setting, and should not be missed. The ColoVista Golf course is the top semi-private course in the Austin area. With recognition for its challenging 18-hole course, the ColoVista has been ranked as one of the best new courses in Texas. Beautifully manicured greens beckon the golf enthusiast, and a membership is all that is needed to relax and go for par. The River Place Country Club is an exclusive location west of downtown Austin, and the immaculate landscaping and attention to detail is worth the membership. The 18-hole championship course was designed by Tom Kite, and takes advantage of the hills, valleys and waterways to give the golfer an amazing game experience in a luxurious resort atmosphere.

For those interested in working on driving, Austin has several driving ranges that are suited to golfers looking to squeeze in a few minutes hitting a bucket of balls. The Oak Hills Driving Range is the perfect place to accommodate beginners seeking to improve or advanced pros looking to perfect their swing. Either way, the Oak Hills Driving Range can help out with the driving range, pro shop or even provide lessons. 

Austin golf courses, whether public or private, are interested in catering to the needs of guests. Whether it’s a weekend game with friends or a business deal that can be made on the green, spending time on Austin’s golf courses is a fine way to experience Texas Hill Country at its finest.

Author Bio:
Eric Bramlett is the broker & co-owner of One Source Realty in Austin, Texas. Eric currently manages his Austin Real Estate website, his Austin real estate blog, & his Austin condos website.

The presidential primary March 4th in Texas may decide which Democrat faces the likely Republican Party nominee, Senator John McCain of Arizona. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, the final two Democrats left, face off in a tough, high-profile showdown in the Lone Star State.

The Democratic candidates are almost in a dead heat in the state, according to a Houston Chronicle poll. Texas voters in the Democratic Party primary are diverse, with just more than half either Hispanic or African-American. The 228 delegates will be split according to vote totals in the 31 state senate districts, with precinct conventions and a state caucus deciding the rest. Also, voter participation in the 2004 and 2006 elections for each district decides how delegates each senate district receives. For example, a heavily Hispanic district in south Texas with low voter turnout in the last two statewide elections could receive 7 delegates, while a high-turnout district in Houston gets 10 delegates, according to Chronicle. This complicated system of choosing delegates has some Democrats unhappy and calling for a change.

The estimated cost to campaign in Texas’ diverse markets is an expensive million dollars a week, and Senator Obama has been raising that much per day, collecting $32 million in January, while Senator Clinton just loaned her campaign $5 million, and some of her senior aides are working without salaries this month. After raising $13.5 million in January, Clinton announced Feb. 7th that her campaign raised $7.5 million in just one week; Obama’s campaign then went out and raised that much in 36 hours. That’s why Mrs. Clinton wants to debate Senator Obama once a week on television, since such publicity is free. So far, Mr. Obama has agreed to only one debate, and that’s in Cleveland, Ohio, February 26th on NBC. There’s also talk about one Texas debate.

Former White House Senior Advisor Karl Rove proclaimed on Fox News Feb. 7th that the Democratic nominee will come out of the Texas Primary, and that may be the case.
If Senator Obama momentum continues and he wins the most of the contests  Feb. 19th, as polling suggests, he will come into Texas ahead of Mrs. Clinton. Already in big trouble, if Hillary then loses Texas,  she would come into the Democratic Convention an underdog, if not outright loser.  If Obama loses in Texas, Hillary may still win the nomination. With Ohio also voting March 4th, Texas may decide which Democrat faces Mr. McCain November 4th.

 Eric Bramlett is the broker & co-owner of One Source Realty in Austin, Texas. Eric currently manages his Austin Real Estate website, his Austin condos website, & his Austin welder website.

The economic outlook for Texas during 2008 points towards slower growth, yet that’s still better than most parts of the country, which will see no growth at all. Texas, with the 2nd largest state economy in the U.S. and the 15th largest economy in the world, will record growth of about 2.2% annually, according to the Texas Workforce Commission.

Warm weather, undervalued real estate, lack of a state income tax, and good jobs
continues to attracted people to the Lone Star State.  These new residents all need a place to live, so the real estate market statewide should continue to be busy, though less busy than recent high-water marks, like 2006.

Recent national uncertainty about a slump in the housing market and a “credit crunch” has lowered consumer confidence, and the United States may now be in a recession for the first time since 2001.  Higher energy costs, mainly the near $100 per barrel price of oil, are now reflected in the price of many goods and services. The Federal Reserve Board (the Fed) cut a key interest rate, the federal funds rate, twice over a two week period, by 125 basis points (1.25%), to increase lending and public consumption. The Federal Reserve Board Open Market Committee, which sets the federal funds rate (the overnight interest rate that banks charge each other), meets again March 18th, and MarketWatch.com reports that the Fed could lower the rate again, this time by 50 basis points (.5%). Controlling this interest rate is how the Fed regulates the money supply in the U.S. economy, and this in turn helps manage inflation and interest rates. Such actions by the Fed make it appear that either the economy is in a recession now or quickly sliding into negative growth.

The Fed reports that banks are raising credit standards at a rate not seen since quarterly surveys of senior bank officers began 17 years ago. Mortgages, consumer loans, commercial real estate loans, and just plain business loans will see higher credit standards, the Fed reports. As most economists know, tighter credit generally slows down economic growth.

To increase growth, Congress just passed a stimulus package worth about $160 billion dollars, and President Bush is expected to sign it into law, though some economists doubt that it will have any effect.

However, with high population growth and low unemployment, like a 4.3% jobless rate at the end of December, Texas continues to outperform the national economy.  Economists predict this growth to continue throughout 2008, according to the Real Estate Center at Texas A & M University.

Eric Bramlett is the broker & co-owner of One Source Realty in Austin, Texas. Eric currently manages his Austin Real Estate website, his Austin Texas real estate company's website, & his Austin Texas welding website.

The economic outlook for Austin generally mirrors the Texas forecast: local job and population growth outperforms the national economy. The Texas Workforce Commission predicts 3.1% job growth, while local economist Angelos Angelou predicts 2.3%. The unemployment rate for December 2007 was estimated at 3.6%, down from 5.1% in the Austin area during October 2006.

Austin population growth is driven by the high quality of life in the region, with the area being ranked as the top destination for relocating singles and families by several publications. Also, MSN recently ranked Austin as “The Greenest City in America” , continuing a string of “best ofs”  for the city.  Located on the Interstate 35 Corridor, the city has grown in population the 3rd fastest in America this decade, with Ft. Worth first and San Antonio fourth, according to data from the U.S Census Bureau. Population growth of 42,000 is projected for 2008, down from a high of about 60,000 experienced in 2006, according to the Austin-American Statesman.

Demand in the local real estate market is down as compared to 2006 but is still positive, with generally more houses on the market. Angelou predicts that if local homebuilders react to negative national trends, housing starts in Austin will fall while the local market is still healthy and homes are still in demand, which would then create a low inventory of new homes for sale. The result, he predicts, would be an increase in demand for rental housing such as apartments and result in a spike in rental prices.

Another indicator of the local real estate market is how much work property inspectors are doing, since their work is usually in demand when real property changes hands. According to my survey of inspectors, most say their number of inspections has dropped more than 50% since September 2007. Many did say, however, that the drop could be seasonal and that demand for their service should increase by May 2008.

Most job growth should appear in Austin’s traditional strong areas, like government, education, and health services. As the state capital and seat of Travis County, local, state, and federal government employs more than 150,000 workers, and that’s expected to increase, according to Texas A & M’s Real Estate Center. As an education hub, with the University of Texas and more than 20 other colleges within 30 miles, and several large public school districts, Austin will need more education workers. The “Live Music Capital of the World” continues to employ many in the leisure and hospitality industry, and large healthcare employers like Seton and St. David’s are expected to add workers.
 
With the quality of life high and the population continuing to increase, Austin should see positive job growth through 2009.Eric Bramlett is the broker & co-owner of One Source Realty in Austin, Texas.
 
Eric currently manages his Austin Real Estate website, his Austin Texas real estate company's website, & his Austin Texas welding website.

A mainstay of Austin culture and art since 1916, and in its present location since 1996, the Austin Museum of Art has provided the community with accessible artwork to enlighten and educate its citizens. Echoing the words of museum patron Clara Driscoll, the museum is a place that "brings pleasure in the appreciation of art to the people of Texas."

Today, the Austin Museum of Art-Downtown continues to educate a broad audience on 20th century and contemporary art, with a world-class gallery, continually changing exhibits and even an Art School. For you and your family, it's a place to appreciate loveliness and creativity in many forms, as well as release your inner artist. You will find that the museum is centrally located downtown and housed in a contemporary-style building, perfectly reflecting the modern art inside. Each exhibition at this Austin, Texas museum is generally paired up with listening or reading stations, interpretive programming and museum guides who can reveal the unique and important impact that the visual arts create. Past exhibits have included everything from photography, sculpture, paintings, charcoal drawings and pottery collections.

The downtown location is a permanent expansion from the original museum, and provides a broad range of community-oriented features. The Community Room can be rented or reserved for activities or private functions as needed. The Art School holds classes in many different mediums for all ages. Try a beginner's class in watercolors, or enroll your child in the 3-D Art class designed for kids. The museum store is also located on-site and provides art-related gifts, books, toys and jewelry. It's perfect when you need a gift for the person who has everything or simply for browsing after an afternoon of viewing the latest exhibits in town.

The Austin Museum of Art is also dedicated to education enhancement, in the form of teacher seminars, adult education, group tours and family programs. It's a way for Austin, Texas residents to connect with the arts on a personal level and walk away with an increased understanding of their world. With an active volunteer program that enables Austin, TX citizens to act as museum docents, it's easy for just about anyone to get involved.

The museum is open from Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday hours are from noon to 5:00 p.m, and closed Mondays and holidays. Located at 823 Congress Avenue at 9th Street, the museum is adjacent to a convenient parking garage at 9th and Brazos. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and students and free for children 12 and under. Eric Bramlett is the broker & co-owner of One Source Realty in Austin, Texas. Eric currently manages his downtown Austin condos Guide, his downtown Austin company's website, & his Austin TX Welder website.

If you are a water-lover, but afraid that a move to Austin, Texas means the end of lake sports, you obviously haven't heard about the three most popular lakes in the Austin, TX area. Lady Bird Lake, Lake Austin and Lake Travis are full of recreational opportunities to suit every level of play, from swimming and boating to jet skiing and lake cruises.

Lady Bird Lake is a calm and peaceful lake in the city of Austin, Texas, and it's just right for canoeing or kayaking. You can rent canoes or paddle boats at the Rowing Dock for a moderate fee. At six miles long, this lake runs between Riverside Drive and 1st street, making it a restful oasis in the urban downtown area. Take advantage of the walking trails that circle the lake and enjoy a stroll or a jog among the beautiful scenery. You can enjoy a boat tour of Lady Bird Lake, including dinner cruises for special events or group outings and get a glimpse of Austin, TX as you've never seen it before-from the water. Swimming, motor boating and jet skiing are prohibited at Lady Bird Lake.

Lake Austin is one of the most popular lakes in the area, and was created by Mansfield Dam and Tom Miller Dam on the Colorado River. Boating enthusiasts will really enjoy Lake Austin, with its high cliffs and lush shorelines. There are several launch sites where you can put your own boat in, or contact any of the rental boat services to get out on the water as soon as possible. There are several charter boat services that can take individual passengers or even large groups for scenic tours of the lovely Lake Austin. Imagine riding an old-fashioned riverboat around and learning more about the sites and stories that occurred on or near the lake.

Lake Travis, the longest lake in the region at more than 60 miles long, lies northwest of Austin, TX. Perfect for all kinds of boating, such as motor boating or sail boating, the lake features several boat docks, boat rental companies and even personal watercraft rentals. Several small communities encircle Lake Travis, and there are dozens of boat rental or boat storage facilities in each one.

Lake Travis is also the hub for a variety of other recreational activities. Fishing and swimming are always popular, as well as canoeing, kayaking and jet skiing. Check out the Volente Beach and Waterpark, a fun place for exciting water rides. The rolling hills of Texas Hill Country are wonderful for golf, and there are several resorts and clubs lakeside. It's a true resort atmosphere at Lake Travis, just 40 minutes from Austin, Texas.

These are just a few of the lakes and waterways that surround Austin, Texas. Take some time to get familiar with area lakes and the unique outdoor adventures that each one has to offer. Whether you own a boat or just like to play on one, Austin-area lake cruises and boat rentals can make it happen for Austin, TX residents. Eric Bramlett is the broker & co-owner of One Source Realty in Austin, Texas. Eric currently manages his Lake Austin Guide, his Lake Austin real estate company's website, & his Austin Lake real estate website.

Now in its 97th year, the Austin Symphony is the pinnacle of cultural events in the Austin, TX area and the beginning of the live music scene that dominates the modern entertainment culture of this vibrant Texas city. Showcasing classical music that spans continents, genres and generations, the Austin Symphony brings together almost 100 musicians who work together to create memorable music.

Even if you've never attended a symphony before, you can appreciate the Austin Symphony. With a quick introduction to the strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion and a little insight into the pieces that will be played, you can enjoy just about any presentation. Simply let your mind follow the highs and lows of the piece and feel the music as it wraps around your emotions and feelings.

The Austin Symphony presents a wide variety of music from many different composers. In one season, you might have the choice between Beethoven, Strauss and Handel as well as a "Simply Sinatra" concert, a string quartet or a guitar quartet. The diversity means that everyone will be able to find some kind of music that appeals to them. Tickets are easy to purchase online or at the ticket office for the Austin Symphony.

It's easy to find out what's in store as far as concerts from the Austin Symphony-their easy to use website shows the season calendars and the events and featured artists that are coming up. Generally, the Austin Symphony performs eight classical concerts, four pops concerts and two family concerts. Elsewhere in the community, the Austin Symphony performs at such exiting venues such as during the city's Fourth of July events and the free concerts in the park during the summers. The symphony also performs holiday concerts for the residents of Austin, Texas to enhance the holiday atmosphere.

The Austin Symphony even holds concerts that are appropriate for children, presenting some of the more classic works in a friendly and shortened concert. There is also a chance for children to learn more about the different instruments, meet the conductor and learn more about the composers of whose work is being played. The Children's Day Art Park is a fine place to see the musicians up close and listen to new music from the Austin Symphony.

Several award-winning education programs are organized through the Austin Symphony. These programs allow for musicians to visit classrooms in the Austin, TX area, provide study guides for music teachers, bring students for field trips to the concert hall and allow young musicians the chance to play with a real orchestra. Designed to enhance art appreciation in youngsters, the Austin Symphony has been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts and the American Symphony Orchestra League. Eric Bramlett is the broker & co-owner of One Source Realty in Austin, Texas. Eric currently manages his Austin TX Real Estate Guide, his Austin real estate company's website, & his Austin Welder website.

Touted as the "Live Music Capital of the World," the city of Austin, Texas, has a rhythm of its own. With more live music venues per capita than any other music center in the world, Austin, TX dominates over other places known for music such as Nashville, Los Angeles or Las Vegas. The city of Austin, Texas offers several programs to assist musicians and to promote their music in a variety of genres, from country to blues.

Whether you are just arriving in Austin, Texas for the first time or you are a local coming home, you will be greeted at the airport with live music at three different airport venues. The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is just the first reminder that you've entered the "Live Music Capital" of Austin, TX.

The Plaza at the Austin City Hall puts on a music showcase with different scopes that highlight different musicians and their music. Free concerts are given between April and October at The Plaza, making the music series "Live From The Plaza" one of the more popular music venues around. The Parks and Recreation Department also highlights musical performances, with summer concerts in various locations, such as the Zilker Hillside Theater.

Many private organizations have emerged as a result of the hot music scene in Austin, TX. The city's famous Sixth Street is the heart of the live music scene, with more than 50 nightclubs, restaurants, bistros and dance clubs showcasing the latest musicians in a variety of music styles. West of the business district lies what is known as Austin's Warehouse District, fast emerging as another neighborhood devoted to live music. With edgier restaurants and clubs renovated from old warehouses, the Warehouse District features trendy bars, restaurants and amazing concert halls.

There are several theaters in Austin, Texas that spotlight more live music, such as Esther's Follies. Located on Sixth Street, Esther's Follies has featured live acts of magic, comedy, music and sketch comedy for more than two decades. The Frank Erwin Center hosts many concerts and other musical events from its Red River Street location. The Zachary Scott Theater is another place to enjoy a wide variety of live entertainment, from seasonal plays to old-fashioned music concerts. Austin, Texas has many other theaters located throughout the city that are just waiting to be discovered by eager residents.

Of course, the "Live Music Capital of the World" wouldn't be complete with out music festivals, and Austin, TX hosts several noteworthy ones. Try out the Austin City Limits Music Festival, a 3-day celebration of Austin's music. The Southwest Music, Film and Interactive Festival highlights worldwide talents in each category. The Urban Music Festival and the Old Settler's Music Festival are two more popular events just right for the whole family. Eric Bramlett is the broker & co-owner of One Source Realty in Austin, Texas. Eric currently manages his Austin TX Real Estate Guide, his Austin real estate company's website, & his Austin Welder website.