Over the past two decades, Austin has become better known as a capital of live music than the capital of the state of Texas. If you're more familiar with Austin's famed music venues than its political landmarks, make your way over to the Texas State Capitol, where free guided and self-guided tours will teach you everything you need to know about the Lone Star State's majestic seat of government. For one thing, it's absolutely enormous. Built on the city's highest point, the 1888 red-granite Renaissance Revival building towers 94 meters into the desert sky, providing panoramic views and giving the city a dramatic silhouette. In fact, it's the largest in gross square footage of all the state capitols and is second in total size only to the National Capitol in Washington, D.C. Tours take visitors to various landmarks, including the Capitol Rotunda and Dome - which is filled with portraits of everybody who has ever served as governor or president of Texas - and the Senate and House of Representatives Chambers, the latter being the building's largest room. Legal buffs will appreciate the Supreme Court Courtroom, which served as the core of the Texas judicial system from 1888 to 1959, while the Legislative Reference Library is filled with books and artifacts. If you're still up for more walking after seeing the inside of the Capitol, continue the adventure with a tour of the 22 acres of Capitol Grounds, which are gorgeously landscaped and dotted with lush lawns, trees, shrubs, and flowers. It's a beautiful way to learn about one of the country's most inspiring cities. Starwood has three Austin hotels, including the nearby Sheraton Austin Hotel at the Capitol.
[image via tspb.state.tx.us]
