Round Rock Express Baseball

We love our sports in Austin. We have a number of farm teams, including the Round Rock Express in the suburban city of Round Rock. The team is the AAA affiliate of the Texas Rangers (which they became affiliated with in 2010 after severing their affiliation with the Huston Astros) and owned by hall of fammer Nolan Ryan. Recently my beautiful wife and I attended a game. The night we went they happened to be having a tribute night for the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings. This commemoration was under the banner "Run Austin Love Boston."

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

(April 26, 2013) Austin area residents and Boston Marathon runners (David Garza, Maria Groten and Matt Harmatuk)
who symbolically finished the race at Friday nights Round Rock Express game.
photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Handicapped Accessibility:
The stadium is handicapped accessible, however, we could not reach our actual seats, but they have have accessible spots at the top of each section.

Not every night is a tribute night, but the games are still fun.
Ticket prices range from $7 to $16. Other ticket options include various packages where food may be included in the admission price.

Location: 3400 East Palm Valley Blvd Round Rock, TX
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What do think? Have you been to baseball game here?

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Editors Update: The Round Rock Express contacted me to send me a copy of the official video taken by their staff the night of this tribute. Below is that video.

Buddington-Benedict-Sheffield Compound

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Inscription:
Albert and Rebecca Buddington built the first part of this compound as their home c. 1860. In 1921, it became the home of Dr. Harry Y. Benedict, a mathematician who served as University of Texas Professor and President. Delia Edwards, a later owner, commissioned Arthur Fehr to alter the original house and design an adjacent Rustic-style cottage with a fireplace mantel carved by Peter Mansbendel. Wilhelmine Sheffield, who bought the property in the 1940s, added another house and an enclosing wall, as well as ironwork crafted by Fortuanat Weigl and his company.


Erected:
2004

Handicapped Accessibility:
The marker can be seen from a wheelchair, but it could be hard to access, due to it's location. It seems when they placed the marker in 2004, well after ADA laws were passed, no thought was given to handicapped person having an interest in this. The marker is located on the outside wall of 500 W. 34th, but can only be seen if you enter and go to the front of the carport. So if cars are parked there forget about seeing it if you are handicapped.

Location:
500-508 W 34th St, Austin TX 78705

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What do think about this attraction?

Eeyore's 50th Annual Birthday Party - April 27, 2013

Eeyores Birthday Party is a fund-raiser to benefit non-profit groups in Austin. Some of these groups will be selling hot and cold food (including vegetarian), soft drinks, juices, spring water, and Texas beer at the event. Look for commemorative Eeyore Birthday Party T-shirts.

1. Please wear a costume. There will be costume contests and other games with prizes for children of all ages.
2. Artists will be doing face painting and temporary tattoos.
3. Musicians playing non-amplified instruments are invited to play.
4. There will be Maypoles for the young and young at heart.

About:
Eeyore's Birthday Party is an all day festival taking place annually right here in Austin, since 1963. It typically occurs on the last Saturday of April in Pease Park. It includes live music, food and drink vending which benefit local non-profit organizations, attendees in colorful costumes, and large drum circles. The event is a family friendly festival that is named in honor of the Eeyore character from the Winnie-the-Pooh stories.


When:
Saturday, April 27, 2013
11:00 a.m. until dark.
Children's Area from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Live Music from 12 noon to 6 p.m.
In case of rain event will be held Saturday, May 4, 2013


Handicapped Accessibility:
Handicapped parking will be available at the state parking garage "E" and lot 3 on Colorado between 16th and 17th streets, special needs buses will be available.

Pease Park is accessible, however some venders/attractions may be set up in grassy areas that may be hard to navigate for some persons with mobility issues. 

Parking:
Don't even think of trying to park at the Park.
There will be absolutely NO parking available at the park. Please take the bus, ride a bike, or walk!
Parking is FREE at the state parking garage "E" and lot 3 on Colorado between 16th and 17th streets where our shuttle buses will pick you up and return you all day long!!! Handicapped parking is also available at the same location, special needs buses will be available.

Website:
www.eeyores.org

Location:
Pease Park
1100 Kingsbury Street

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All Saints' Episcopal Church

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Inscription:
This edifice stands on the mid-1840s land grant of former Republic of Texas President Mirabeau B. Lamar, and near the official residence of the second Bishop of the Diocese of Texas, the Rt. Rev. George Herbert Kinsolving (1849-1928). Aided by the Bishop and his wife Grace, the Diocese of Texas bought this land as site for a residence for women students of the University of Texas. Built in 1897, that structure called “Grace Hall” was in use for nearly 70 years.

All Saints’, erected in 1899 as a chapel for Grace Hall, was dedicated to the memory of the Rt. Rev. Alexander Gregg (1819-93), first Episcopal Bishop of Texas. Austin architect A.O. Watson designed the Gothic Revival structure of native limestone. Its stained glass windows of Medieval Mosaic style are recognized as fine examples of American art.

By 1910, All Saints’ had become a parish in the growing university neighborhood. In time, three of its Rectors became Bishops. The crozier of office of Bishop Kinsolving stood in the chancel for 35 years. He was revered as the founder, benefactor, and lifelong friend of the parish. As he had wished, his body was buried beneath the altar in 1939.

Erected:
1975

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Handicapped Accessibility:
The marker is at street level making it accessible to persons of all mobility issues.

Location:
 209 W 27th St Austin, TX 78701

What do think about this attraction?

Peter and Clotilde Shipe Mansbendel House

Peter & Clotilde Shipe Mansbendel House

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

The Peter and Clotilde Shipe Mansbendel House is an historic home in the Hyde Park Historic District in Austin, Texas, United States. It is also a part of the Shadow Lawn Historic District, a subdivision within the Hyde Park neighborhood established by Hyde Park founder Monroe Shipe.
The house was built in 1925 by Peter Mansbendel, a master carpenter who personally added carved-wood decorations to the home. Mansbendel also carved wooden doors for the mid-century restoration of the Governor's Palace in San Antonio, and provided work for Austin's first permanent public library in 1933.
The house is located at 3824 Avenue F. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
- Wikipedia

Hours:
Not open to the public


Location:
3824 Avenue F
Austin, TX 78751


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Fun Times for Those Who Attended The Attic Film Fest 2013

The 2013 Attic Film Fest is now in the books.  The Audience Choice Award went to M. Legend Brown and Hiding in Plain Sight, which officially releases May 7, 2013. Dallas Jenkins, son of best selling author Jerry Jenkins won several awards from the judges for both of his entries What If... and The Ride (which won't be available until later this year). Below is the 22 minute video of the awards presentation, delivered by Steve and Amy of Spirit 105.9.



Organizers say that attendance at the sixth annual film festival was down, but submissions for entry was up. Personally, I am hopeful that next year will be the biggest year yet in ticket sales.

M. Legend Brown winner of the Audience Favorite Award
at Attic Film Fest.
Photo by Kevin Surbaugh

What do think? Did you make it to the Attic Film Fest this year? Will you try to attend next year?

Arboretum Cow Sculptures

About:
These five stone bovines, are located in the Arboretum, which is an upscale shopping center on Austin's northwest side. Some may find it surprising, that these stony bovines are not connected to the nearby Amy's ice cream parlor in any way.

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Artist:
Harold F. Clayton

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Materials Used:
Stone

Handicapped Accessibility:
The best way for a handicapped individual to make their way to see the cow sculptures is to park in the limited number of handicapped parking spaces in front of Five Guys and to take the lengthy and winding series of ramps near Amy's Ice Cream, down to the open park like area. Be warned though the ramp is narrow, and two people cannot pass on the ramp.

Location:
10000 Research Blvd
Austin, TX 78759

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What do think about this attraction?

Bailey Park

Some say that Bailey Park is one of the best-kept secrets in Austin. That in part is because the park is neatly tucked away just off of north Lamar, about 2 blocks south of Seton Medical Center, in Central Austin. It has a sand volleyball court, a well-maintained public tennis court, splash pad and public bathrooms are on site. Parking on 33rd street is easy, free, and within close walking distance.

This is must visit if you're central and looking for something free to do with the family during summer.

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Handicapped Accessibility:
Like most parks some areas are accessible, but other areas like the playground handicapped persons were forgotten about.

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Location:
1101 W. 33rd Street
Austin, TX 78705

What do think about this park? Have you been here? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Andrew Jackson Zilker

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Inscription:
Voted Austin's most worthy citizen twice, Indiana native Andrew Jackson Zilker (1858-1934) grew up with a strong respect for the laborers along the Ohio River. He came to Austin penniless in 1876 but quickly became a businessman and bank director. He contributed to his community at the neighborhood, city and county levels. Believing in the importance of "practical" education, he indirectly funded school industrial programs when he sold 366 acres of parkland including Barton Springs, to the city. The payments on the land were required to go to the school district. A gift of 32 additional acres in 1934 added to the city's most cherished recreation area, Zilker Park.

Erected:
2003

Handicapped Accessibility:
This marker is accessible to persons of all mobility.

Location:
2201 Barton Springs Road
Austin, TX 78746

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Barton Springs Pool

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Inscription:
Clear and icy, these springs over the years have drawn Indians, pioneers, and tourists to this spot. The waters are brought from the limestone strata to the surface by the Balcones Fault, which bisects Central Texas. Average flow is 27,000,000 gallons daily.

During 1730-1731, Spanish friars located three missions here. Colorful settler William "Uncle Billy" Barton patented the land about 1837, naming two of the springs for his daughters Parthenia and Eliza. His two tame baby buffalos soon began to attract sightseers to his place, in spite of constant danger from Indian attacks.

As the place gained in popularity, one astute Austin merchant installed a merry-go-round here and rented bathing suits to swimmers. In 1871 he and several others built ice-making machines at the springs. In addition, flour mills, sawmills, and a quarry appeared along the creek banks.

About 1875 the riverboat "Sunbeam" ran excursions to Barton's at 50 cents a round trip. At one period a ferry was located here on a main road to Austin.

Between 1901 and 1913 A. J. Zilker, leading merchant, bought this land and in 1918 and 1931 deeded it to the people of Austin for use as a park.

Erected:
1970

Handicapped Accessibility:
This marker is fairly accessible to persons with all mobility.
Location:
Outside the Barton Springs Pool.
 2201 Barton Springs Road
Austin, TX 78746

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Texas Newspapers, C.S.A.

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Inscription:
Among privations endured in Texas during the Civil War (1861-65) was the shortage of newspapers, which dwindled from 82 (combined circulation: 100,000) to fewer than 20 by early 1862. Many newspapermen had closed shop and enlisted at once, when the war began. Others were forced to quit for lack of ink and paper, available only through Mexico or the blockaded Gulf Coast. A good pre-war paper had four 5-column pages, but many wartime issues were limited to half a page, printed on bill forms, wallpaper, tissue, straw paper, or brown wrapping paper. State subsidies for paper making resulted in very little production. Citizens made ink substitutes, but in very small quantities.

To get news, editors copied months' old letters or clippings from soldiers or blockade runners. The "Texas Republican" (Marshall) led in coverage, as it had the use of army telegraph items. The "State Gazette" (Austin) kept a pony express rider at the Brenham railhead to bring in Houston papers only 18 hours old. The Houston "Telegraph" had a staffer with the army, and shared with the Galveston "News" the expenses of a courier to and from Virginia--who also carried family and Confederate mail when slipping through Federal lines to cross the Mississippi.


Erected:
1971

Handicapped Accessibility:
This historical marker is not accessible at all. It hangs on the side of the building at the top of the steps. If a person with mobility issues wanted to see this historical marker they would be out of luck.

Location:
718 West 5th Street
Austin TX 78701

Austin World Music Festival (WobeonFest) - April 6-7, 2013

On April 6 and 7, 2013, Austin will host WobeonFEST (also known as the Austin World Music Festival) at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center in downtown Austin. International and local artists, both established and rising - and spanning several world music genres - will be performing including:

• Angelique Kidjo
• Collie Buddz
• Dubtonic Kru
• Fatoumata Diawara
• M.A.K.U. Sound System

Admission:
ALL-WEEKEND Apr 6+7 GA PASS

2-Day General Admission 11AM - 10PM (Age 13+; Kids 12 & under admitted Free) $49.50

SATURDAY GA PASS (Apr 6)
Sat General Admission 11AM - 10PM (Age 13+; Kids 12 & under admitted Free) $29.50

SUNDAY GA PASS (Apr 7)
Sunday General Admission 11AM - 10PM (Age 13+; Kids 12 & under admitted Free) $29.50

SATURDAY VIP PASS (Apr 6)
Saturday VIP Pass - includes up-close stage view, catered food, snacks, drink tickets, t-shirt, limited seating $149.00

SUNDAY VIP PASS (Apr 7)
Sunday VIP Pass - includes up-close stage view, catered food, snacks, drink tickets, t-shirt, limited seating $149.00

ALL-WEEKEND Apr 6+7 VIP PASS
2-Day VIP Access - incl up-close stage view, catered food, snacks, drink tickets, t-shirt, limited seating $249.00

When:
April 6-7, 2013

Handicapped Accessibility:
The Mexican American Cultural Center meets  ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements.


Location:
Emma S. Barrientos MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER
600 River Street, Austin, TX 78701

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Philosophers' Rock

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

A larger-than-life-size bronze sculpture of three renowned Austin writers that sits under a pecan grove at the entrance to Barton Springs Pool. J. Frank Dobie, Roy Bedichek, and Walter Prescott Webb used to meet at Barton Springs every afternoon and hold forth in what has been characterized as "Austin’s first literary salon." The men met on a rock at the edge of the pool that Bedichek dubbed "Philosophers’ Rock." The statue, by renowned sculptor Glenna Goodacre (who created the Women in Vietnam memorial in Washington D.C. and the image of Sacajawea on the new dollar coin) is an unforgettable depiction of three good friends engaged in an informal but intense discussion. A monument to friendship, ideas, the glory of nature and the joy of conversation, Philosophers’ Rock quickly became a beloved Austin landmark. The Austin Chronicle, in naming Philosophers’ Rock the "Best Public Art" in Austin, wrote: "It does what great statues do: recognize achievement, convey a sense of the community from which it sprang, and inspire us." The Austin American Statesman declared it "an irresistible connection to Texas’ literary past."

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Historical/background information credit: Capital Area Statues (of Austin, TX

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Location:
Outside Barton Springs Pool  
2101 Barton Springs Rd
Austin, TX 78704

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Attic Film Fest - April 19-20, 2013

The Attic Film Festival, is an Independent Christian film festival held each spring in Austin, TX is back. This year will make the sixth year for this great annual film festival, whose mission is to support and empower Independent filmmakers to spread Christ’s message through film. According to their website, it is their sincere prayer that the films screened will honor Christ and that His message of forgiveness and love for all will bless everyone watching them. We at 2TourAustin.net are proud to be among the sponsors of this event.

At last years festival the wife and I
had a chance to meet
Michael Landon Jr., who produced
a film for World Vision
(JOURNEY TO JAMAA)
which won the competition.

The 2013 schedule is as follows:

Thursday, April 18 – TAFF Family Dinner and Fundraiser (tickets separate from Festival Tickets)

Friday, April 19, 5:30PM-10PM – Winning films from last Year

Saturday, April 20, 10AM-10PM – Competition Films, Awards Ceremony

Admission:
Weekend Pass $20
One Day Pass $15

Official Website:
http://www.atticfilmfest.org/

Location:
For The City Center,
500 East St John’s Ave
Austin, TX, 78752


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Smith-Marcuse-Lowry House

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

The Smith-Marcuse-Lowry House is an historic home in the Hyde Park Historic District in Austin, Texas. It is also a part of the Shadow Lawn Historic District, a subdivision within the Hyde Park neighborhood established by Hyde Park founder Monroe Shipe.
The house's original footprint was square, with two stories. It had a cedar shingle roof upon its completion. At the time of its construction, it was built with all the modern conveniences for its time period. The house was wired for electric light, featured a gas fireplace-in-the-round for heating, transoms and double hung windows for circulation and had a water collection and retention system. Texas Victorian homes have much less ornate scrollwork than traditional Victorian homes, yet the work is still interesting. The porch railings and decorative elements of the Marcuse-Lowry home have been retained or reproduced in their original form. The house is located at 3913 Avenue C. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.

- Wikipedia

Location:
3913 Ave G.
Austin, TX


Hours:
Not open to the public