Georgetown, Texas was established in 1848 by George Washington Glasscock on a fork in the San Gabriel River. Glasscock donated the fertile land, replete with numerous sources of clean, clear water, and the city became the seat of Williamson County. Until the mid-1800s, the area had primarily been inhabited by the Tonkawa Indians, and farming was a common source of income after the arrival of the settlers, as was the timber and logging industry.

The community remained mostly agrarian until the late 1800s, when the railroad was built, and about the same time, Southwestern University was established in the small community. The Chisholm Trail, which was used to transport cattle from Texas to Missouri and Kansas, also ran through the heart of Georgetown, so the cattle industry also provided jobs for settlers, along with cotton farming.

A large flood damaged the community in 1921, and efforts to control flood waters eventually led to the dam which created Lake Georgetown, which was finally complete in 1979, when the lake was officially opened for public use. Many of the city's historic homes were restored after the flood, and the downtown area of Georgetown reflects the Victorian style popular at the time, especially on historic Main Street. The Beaux-Arts Williamson County Courthouse, which dates to 1911, is considered the centerpiece of the historic downtown district.

Georgetown is also a very popular community for retirees, and the Del Webb retirement community of Sun City boasts numerous residents of retirement age; the area is quite popular with retirees due to its temperate weather, country flavor and rural charm, yet its close proximity to Austin, with its many benefits and big city amenities.

In the census of 2000, the population of Georgetown was around 28,000 inhabitants, but by 2008, the population had expanded to nearly 50,000, and a population density of 1241 people per square mile. The square area of Georgetown is just less than 25 miles, and 2.1 square miles of the area is water, mostly the river and Lake Georgetown. At the time of the census, there were 7,711 families in the community, and 10,393 households. The majority of the population is Caucasian, at 85%, and the remainder is an ethnic mixture of Hispanic, African-American, Asian, and a smattering of other nationalities.

The per capita income in Georgetown is a bit over $24,000, and the median household income in the city is about $54,000, and there are about 10,000 housing units in the city. Roughly 31% of the residents have children under the age of 18, and around 65% of the residents of the local households are married, and the percentage of women in the community slightly exceeds the percentage of men.

The San Gabriel River meanders throughout Georgetown, and there are parks along the river in many locations, most with hike and bike trails that border the river in many places and offer park visitors the opportunity to recreate in a serene and natural setting. One of the most well known parks is named for the river: the San Gabriel Park, and there are also two popular art galleries in the downtown area, the Winberg Art Gallery, and the 8th Street Art Studio, along with another popular park, Founders Park.

There are also many popular restaurants and nightspots, as well as libraries, museums, and ample shopping in the community. One of the most popular attractions in the Georgetown area is Inner Space Cavern, which is a natural cave on the south side of Georgetown near Interstate 35.

With its abundant amenities, beautiful scenery, and rural charm, as well as its historic past and proximity to the metropolitan advantages of nearby Austin, Georgetown is truly a place that has it all!

Escapeso Realty helps buyers looking for properties in central Texas. Their site has a search of the Austin MLS along with information on Austin Texas real estate and Georgetown Texas real estate.

In 1990, Bergstrom Air Force Base, which was the primary military facility in the Travis County area, was considered as a site for possible closure, at which time it was also considered as a possible site for a new international airport, since Robert Mueller Airport was no longer big enough to support the population and numerous flyers as Travis County expanded. A study was conducted, and in August of 1991, the Austin City Council officially announced the site as the home of the new international airport to be built.

In 1993, the residents of Austin approved a $400 million bond proposal to build the new airport, and later the same year, Bergstrom Air Force Base officially closed its doors and construction on the airport began a short time later. In late 1994, the name Austin Bergstrom International Airport was chosen, and later the same month, a groundbreaking ceremony was held at the site, and construction began a few months later, in early 1995. Later that year, the FAA announced the relocation of the Del Valle public schools, which was necessitated by the construction of the new airport, and construction was begun on the new airport traffic control tower and other facilities.

In early 1997, it was announced that the new passenger terminal would be named in honor of Texas Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, and plans were finalized a few months later to commence relocation of the local schools, which were in the planned flight paths of the new airport, at a cost of over $45,000.000. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in June of 1997 for the new air cargo facility, and operations began at the facility a few months later. Also in 1997, the Southwest Region of the FAA awarded the 1997 Environmental Achievement Award to the new airport for being a model environmental airport.

In February of 1999, the east runway of the airport opened, and in April, the new passenger terminal was dedicated to Barbara Jordan. A month later, in May of 1999, the airport officially began passenger service to and from the Austin area to numerous national and international destinations. By January of 2007, the new airport reported a record breaking 8.2 million passengers through the airport for the year of 2006, and the airport had gained a reputation for providing excellent service and various amenities for travelers and their family and friends, including various eateries and live music on a regular basis.

Today, twelve different airlines offer service to and from Austin, and nonstop flights are offered to fifty different destinations from the airport, some international. Parking is ample at ABIA, and many rental car companies offer a variety of services along with numerous shuttle services to and from parking areas as well as the city itself for flyers who choose not to drive to the airport, including the city bus service, Cap Metro.

While waiting at the airport, patrons can enjoy a full meal with a regional flair from Matt's Famous El Rancho, the Salt Lick BBQ, or Waterloo Ice House, or a quick snack or drink from Amy's ice Cream, Austin Java, or Mangia Pizza, among many other choices. Those interested in beer, wine, or a cocktail have a choice of Earl Campbell's Sports Bar, the Highland Lakes Bar, or Lefty's Bar and Grille, among other spots, and shoppers can peruse the wares of Book People and Waterloo Records and Video for something to read or music to listen to, among various other options.

Live music is available regularly at all three bars listed above, as well as the Austin City Limits location which is affiliated with Waterloo Records and Video at ABIA, and art exhibits are on display throughout the airport as well.

All in all, ABIA is a great asset to the Austin and Travis County area, and worth a visit even if you are not traveling, and a welcome addition to the Austin transportation scene if you are!

Escape Realty is a group of realtors helping clients in the Austin Texas Real Estate market. Their blog covers news and statistics in the Austin real estate market. They also has a free map search of the Austin MLS.

Austin families are lucky indeed to have a facility such as the Austin Children’s Museum. With 7,000 square feet of interactive and educational permanent exhibits, inventive traveling features, story-times and public events, this museum serves as a hub of Austin’s family community. Upon entering, kids are delighted to board a scaled down Austin Metro bus. Sitting in the driver’s seat or holding a strap in the passenger section, this exhibit is cleverly planned to distract the kiddos as the adult pays admission and learns about the day’s events. Other permanent exhibits include the dairy cow, an oversized milk-cow statue with a looping video about dairy farming, with a doll-house sized barn and toy cows to play with. The Rising Star Ranch provides a wonderfully varied sensory experience especially designed for the under-two set, while the Tinkerer’s Workshop allows older kids to experience creating their own structures by inventing, designing, building and testing their ideas. This being Austin, music is emphasized in the amazing Austin Kiddie Limits. Fun for all ages (including adults), this room is a kid-oriented interactive version of the acclaimed live music television show Austin City Limits. With toy instruments, cowboy hats and other costume pieces, a stage and a video monitor, kids can play along with their favorite Austin musicians including Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett, Miss Lavelle White, Asleep at the Wheel, Kelly Willis, Flaco Jimenez, and Toni Price. The best part is that the kids can see themselves on the video monitor, making it a real rock-star experience. Their program offerings include something for every age group. Baby Bloomers is a weekly opportunity for kids under three to explore the entire facility with only toddlers and their caregivers in the museum. Discovery Time offers daily, hands-on activities that enhance the permanent and changing exhibits. Storytime, held in their large foyer, is offered for different age groups, and often includes music making, bubble blowing, and other interactive elements. Gallery programs include the popular Wednesday Community Night, featuring different performances, storytelling, music and activities, and Science Sundays, featuring hands-on activities led by real honest-to-goodness scientists. Checkout the Childbloom guitar program for a cacophonous and hilarious take on combining story telling with accompaniment by the kids, or the Austin Keyboard Orchestra program to learn how to build and play an instrument. Located in downtown Austin the Austin Children’s Museum is centrally located for people in different areas of the city. It is also located close to other Austin attractions like Zilker Park the famed bat bridge so that visitors can see a number of fun Austin attractions in an afternoon. The Austin Children’s Museum offers camps during the summer and spring break, for ages 4 to 10. They offer seasonal programs including the popular Gingerbread House workshop in December. The facilities are available for birthday (and other kids of) parties, including sleep-over parties. Special events can also be held on the premises. With a stated goal to help Austin’s kids and families become more creative, more inventive, and more competent, the Austin Children’s museum combines fun and education in a world-class facility. Ki lives in Austin and enjoys the local music scene. He works as a realtor in the Austin real estate market. He also regularly writes on his blog about updates on Austin Texas real estate. His site features a graphical search of the Ausin MLS.

Austin, Texas is home to many different attractions with great food, shopping, and entertainment venues. Many think of Sixth Street as Austin's premiere hotspot, but there are several other interesting yet relatively overlooked areas in town. One of the most popular and diverse places in Austin for great food and entertainment is a strip along Guadalupe Street affectionately referred to as the Drag. From around 34th Street at the northern edge to Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, great food and shopping abound, along with a few curiosities.

Austin is renowned for its live music scene, but the clubs aren't all downtown. The Hole in the Wall is one of the most renowned and stored venues in the history of Austin, with 25 years of experience bringing in both great local talent and road shows in many styles ranging from old-school country to rock and pop. With its dim lighting and homey atmosphere, the Showdown is a great bar in which you can kick back and observe the tides of burnt orange flocking to and from class. Spider House is one of Austin's most eclectic places to share a pitcher of Lone Star, the National Beer of Texas with friends, with regular influxes of live music and DJs. The decor is based most obviously from vintage gliders, chairs and tables with dozens of Christmas lights to provide illumination and the odd sculpture of a naked child urinating in a bathtub. Such expression is much more commonplace in Austin in part because of its long connection with the University of Texas.

Since the University of Texas at Austin is located directly off Guadalupe, many businesses have taken advantage of the huge influx of students. As a result, there are many great stores to check out. As far as apparel, American Apparel has recently opened a store directly across from the West Mall of the University. Other stores include Whole Earth Provision Company and Tyler's, the source for "Keep Austin Weird" shirts and assorted UT-related garb. Toy Joy on 29th and Guadalupe offers a plethora of creative gifts and eccentric toys for all types.

As far as food goes, the Drag offers more choices than many other areas in town, partially because of the diverse student body that frequents the area. Madam Mam's makes great Thai and Chinese food, while just down the road lie several venerable Austin establishments such as Burger Tex, Dirty Martin's (Home of the Kum-Bak Burger), and Veggie Heaven, a favorite for vegans and health-conscious people. Kerbey Lane Cafe is the place to go if you're looking for late-night food ranging from enchiladas to classic American fare. Don't forget to try the famous pancakes, which come is several delicious and fruity flavors. Tom's Tabooleh offers great falafel and other various Middle Eastern fare, using locally grown and organic ingredients. They also have a wide selection of fresh hummus and Greek dolmas available every day. Wheatsville Co-op is a local grocery which sells local and organic produce as well as a variety of health foods and a great deli to boot. For those in search of a tasty ice cream treat, options abound: The famous Amy's Ice Cream has many different and unusual types of creamy delights, including Guinness or Shiner Bock ice cream. So if Austin's where you want to be, don't forget to check out the Drag (it's kind of hard to miss).

Ki is a realtor working in the Austin Texas real estate market. On his site he runs a blog about Austin real estate and provides visitors a free search for Austin Homes.

Many of the historic buildings in Austin are either privately owned, have been turned into modern-day businesses, or are open to the public in the form of museums. Luckily for those looking to actually live in such a building, even if for just one night, both the Driskill hotel and the Stephen F. Austin hotel are waiting downtown.

In 1886, cattle baron Jesse Driskill purchased the land, and built the Romanesque Driskill hotel in the heart of downtown Austin. Driskill, who had provided beef to the confederate army throughout the civil war, found himself fairly wealthy, and spent $350,000 on the building, and an additional $50,000 on furnishing his upscale hotel. Unfortunately for Driskill, the $2.50 to $5.00 per night charge was out of reach for most staying in town, and well over the 50 cents per night fee that most other hotels were charging at the time. A year after opening the hotel, Driskill had a cattle-killing drought which wiped out most of his savings, and he sold the hotel to his brother-in-law Doc Day in 1888 (though rumor has it the hotel was lost in a poker match).

The hotel went through a variety of owners throughout the 20th century, and in 1969 when a large renovation fell through, most of the hotel’s furnishings were sold, and the hotel was scheduled for demolition. Austin, being a city to stand behind a good cause, ended up raising $2 million dollars to save the historic hotel, and Braniff International Hotels purchased the building in 1973. In 2005, Lowe Enterprises purchased the Driskill for a reported $55 million dollars, and currently runs the hotel.

For Austinites, and those visiting Austin, staying at the Driskill is a treat, with many old furnishings, and its original upscale opulence still intact. With suite rates hovering around $2500, some might opt to take in the Driskill’s beauty while sipping on a cocktail in the lounge or with a nice dinner at the Driskill Grill. The Driskill is also considered one of Austin’s most haunted places. Though the current owners don’t like to advertise this fact, a quick check in with the concierge will get the curious a list of supernatural tales about the old building.

Just a few blocks from the Driskill lies another of Austin’s grand hotels, the Stephen F. Austin, at the corner of East 7th Street and Congress Avenue. This landmark hotel opened in 1924 to bring more lodging to town. What started as an 11 story hotel quickly grew to 16 stories on the site of the old G.A. Bahn Optical and Diamond Co. and the Keystone Hotel. Much like the Driskill’s elegance, the Stephen F. Austin was decked out in granite floors and marble staircases, oriental rugs and Italian chairs.

Though the hotel has had its share of owners over the years, the hotel still holds many of its original features, though each owner has added their own flair. In 1997, the hotel’s owners Highgate Holdings, brought the Stephen F. Austin back to its original opulent state by following the original architectural plans of the building. Now the hotel is a mix of turn-of-the-century charm, and state of the art amenities, drawing a similar elite crowd as the Driskill.

Today, a table at the second floor veranda overlooking Congress Avenue is hard to come by, and was once the area where oil and cattle deals were made. Also the hotel’s restaurant directly below the veranda, the Roaring Fork, adds their own Texan twist to many upscale menu items, such as grilled jalapeno shrimp and green chile macaroni.

Both the Driskill and the Stephen F. Austin provide a chance to relive the ritzy past of the city, whether staying in a room or just stopping in for a drink or a bite to eat.

Escapeso Realty works in Austin and helps buyers interested in the Austin real estate market. Their site has a free search of the Austin MLS along for a tool that provides current mortgage interest rates