Fall feels blessed in Austin, Texas. Why? In plain English, because it's not summer anymore. Or in Texspeak, because in the fall, the world is no longer "as hot as a stolen tamale," or "as hot as a billy goat in a pepper patch," or as hot as... well, you get the picture.
In the state capital, folks celebrate the pleasant weather by eating killer barbecue, ambling through the nearby Hill Country--oh, and gazing at the astounding sight of a million-plus soaring bats. The main attraction: The bats. At sunset, same bat time, the 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats that live under Austin's Congress Avenue Bridge take flight over Town Lake. It looks amazing, like pepper being flung into the sky. The bats migrate to Mexico in November, but until then you can get a good view by heading to the east side of the bridge or hopping aboard Capital Cruises' bat-watching boat (512-480-9264; www.capitalcruises.com). To check the bat's exact departure time, call The Austin American-Statesman's bat hot line (512-416-5700, ext. 3636).
Where to stay: Hyatt Regency Austin on Town Lake offers some prime bat-viewing rooms. Rates start at $175; subject to availability (800-233-1234). Embassy Suites Hotel Austin Downtown/Town Lake. Also bat-venient, and rates start at $169 a night for a family of four; subject to availability (512-469-9000 or 800-EMBASSY).
Where to eat: Matt's El Rancho. This Tex-Mex institution was founded in 1952 and is the real thing. Don't miss the fabulous chile relleno and strawberry sopapillas (512-462-9333). Kreuz Market. Arguably the acme of barbecue. Kids will love that plates (and utensils) aren't an option; food is served on butcher paper. In Lockhart (512-398-2361; www.kreuzmarket.com).
What else to see: The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. Kids get in free to this hoot of a place, which features a rattlesnake roundup movie and the bullet-pierced Bible rumored to have saved Sam Houston's life (512-936-8746; www.thestoryoftexas.com).
Kathryn Hopper is the author of Family Fun's forthcoming vacation guide to the Southwest.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated August 2005.
