BAY CITY

 Established in 1894; seat of Matagorda County. Today commercial center for farming, ranching, oil, and nuclear energy. Port on Colorado River Feeder Channel connecting with Intracoastal Canal; recreation on river includes boating, skiing, fishing and a 28-space RV park. On the bank of the Colorado River, park features 40 campsites with full-service RV hookups. Other facilities include jogging trail with a 10-station exercise course along the way, boat ramp, day pavilion, and fishing. Adjacent to park is Rio Grande Golf Course, a beautiful 18-hole Gary Player designed course.

Matagorda County Museum - Early clothing, books, Texas maps, furniture, paintings. Century-old carpentry tool collection, late 17th Century music, archives. Children's museum features exhibits and activities for kids. It's in the basement of the museum.

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AUSTIN

 In 1839 five mounted scouts ranged over a broad area of wilderness seeking a site for a new capital city for the Republic of Texas. Location on north bank of Colorado River was chosen, where rich blacklands meet scenic hills. Name honors Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas". The city bills itself as the "Live Music Capital of the World". Austin has it all - blues, country/Western, reggae, jazz, conjunto, Tejano, swing and rock. Performed in various clubs around city and  at night spots along Sixth Street. Austin is home to  many computer chip makers and other computer industries. The city is home to nation's largest urban bat colony found under the Congress Ave. bridge during the summer.

CONGRESS AVENUE and the STATE CAPITOL

State Capitol Building, a massive, classic statehouse of famous Texas pink granite, dominates the 46 acre, park-like area. It was completed in 1888. The handsome building underwent major renovation during 1993-1994 when it was restored to original splendor. Striking state office buildings surround the Capitol. 

 

 

Visit Austin: Live Music Capital of the World 

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