Austin, one of America's best kept secrets!

 

Austin is the capital state of the US state of Texas, it is about three hours drive from home (McKinney). My research indicates that it is one of the most populous cities in the country. Austin has been named no. 9 best places for business and careers , no. 3 in job growth, no.16 in education and more, by Forbes magazine. The city is also considered to be the 6th top city where people feel safe (Gallup-Healthways, April, 2013), the friendliest city to small businesses(Under30CEO, March, 2013), the 6th best city to retire in (Forbes, February,2013),named best city for doing business (Area Development, October, 2012), named the cleanest tech city (Clean Edge October, 2012), Best performing city among top 50 metro areas- Austin is no. 1, also no. 1 best city for young professionals (Austin Business Journal, March 2010), no.1 best city for housing market (Builder Magazine, February 2010), Austin is the no.1 best city in the US economic recovery (Forbes, March 2010), Austin is the 3rd strongest metro economy in the country, and the list goes on and on and on. Every time I visit this lovely city, I always vow to myself that I will eventually move there and enjoy everything it has to offer. I recently visited Austin with my family to celebrate my nephew's graduation, and was able to take a few pictures. Most of the pictures are taken on the way to and at the hotel, Barton creek resort and spa. It is a lovely, hidden gem which was recommended by my sister, who happens to be a travel agent, she strongly recommended this particular resort. Because of her experience in the industry, I knew it would be worth our while. I enjoyed every bit of it. I hope you enjoy the photos, considering the fact that I am an amateur photographer:)

 

 

 

On the way to the hotel...

 

 

 

                                                 
                                          Finally there!!! (Barton Creek Resort & Spa)

 

Paintings by some well known artists, including Pablo Picasso. I sneaked in before the auction :)

                                           Sandals, just perfect for exploring :))

                               This painting was about to be auctioned, it was very cool..

                                                         The view from the window...

                                                                        Bella's Boutique..

 

                                        At the parking lot :) ....... I had to include it..

               Nice..... water, I'm sure it's refreshing and all but why does it have to be $9.90? "Kid's let's stay away from this water", lol..

                                                  Pablo Picasso art, priceless....