I'm a nerd and I don't mind admitting it.
This week I went to Austin to attend a conference and the night before the conference got underway we were given the opportunity to visit the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library and Museum. I was thrilled. It's hard to say what I enjoyed most. He did so many things during his presidential term - declared the war on poverty, began Headstart to help jump start education, kick-started efforts to support the arts, funded NPR, continued the civil rights act, voting rights act, Medicare, and seriously, the list goes on. I loved being able to walk through the museum to see his notes, and photos of personal moments.
I also loved being able to see Lady Bird's office and see so many special family photos and memorabilia. The docent shared so many stories with us making the tour so special. Throughout the museum you can listen to recorded conversations and my favorite was when the President was practicing his speech and Lady Bird critiques him ultimately giving him a B+.
Across the street from our hotel was a wonderful Italian restaurant that is housed in a gorgeous building. It was a treat to enjoy non-hotel air, food and atmosphere.
There was a "Pun-Off" taking place next to our hotel.
Maybe I'll come back next year and next time maybe I'll get to see more of whatever it is that is supposed to make Austin "weird" but I was happy to leave town after enjoying a Brisket Frito Pie (yes, we slipped out of one of the hotel lunches to go try some brisket) and a fantastic tour of the library.
This week I went to Austin to attend a conference and the night before the conference got underway we were given the opportunity to visit the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library and Museum. I was thrilled. It's hard to say what I enjoyed most. He did so many things during his presidential term - declared the war on poverty, began Headstart to help jump start education, kick-started efforts to support the arts, funded NPR, continued the civil rights act, voting rights act, Medicare, and seriously, the list goes on. I loved being able to walk through the museum to see his notes, and photos of personal moments. I also loved being able to see Lady Bird's office and see so many special family photos and memorabilia. The docent shared so many stories with us making the tour so special. Throughout the museum you can listen to recorded conversations and my favorite was when the President was practicing his speech and Lady Bird critiques him ultimately giving him a B+.
Across the street from our hotel was a wonderful Italian restaurant that is housed in a gorgeous building. It was a treat to enjoy non-hotel air, food and atmosphere.
There was a "Pun-Off" taking place next to our hotel.
Maybe I'll come back next year and next time maybe I'll get to see more of whatever it is that is supposed to make Austin "weird" but I was happy to leave town after enjoying a Brisket Frito Pie (yes, we slipped out of one of the hotel lunches to go try some brisket) and a fantastic tour of the library.
Hmmm - that meal sounds very interesting - even a little exotic!
ReplyDeleteI always liked Lady Bird Johnson and would enjoy visiting this exhibit.
we toured the LBJ ranch when we were in Texas a few years ago, a glimpse of ranch life and the cars he had...Oh my! It was wonderful. I guess I'm a nerd too!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorely disappointed! I wish I had known you were going to be in town, Cheryl. I would have loved taking you to dinner or lunch and showing you around Austin. If you do find yourself here again, please let me know.
ReplyDeleteGlad you got to the LBJ Library. Lots of other interesting things to visit here too.