The Grand Dame of Congress Avenue

We recently had a CouchSurfer from Australian and what would a good tour of Austin be, without showing our guest the most beloved institution in downtown Austin. As an architect, he was drawn to the enchanting offerings and antique accoutrements of this grand building.

I personally, absolutely love historical architecture and am drawn to structures I deem worthy of my humble attention. One such building “The Driskill Hotel”, exists in my home town of Austin Texas. Its been around for approximately 125 years and was constructed in 1886 by a cattle baron named Jesse Driskill. Its western motif is attractive and appeals to everyone’s virtual Cowboy side!

It is a member of the Historic Hotels of America and has a very illustrious past. President Lyndon Baines Johnson used it at every level of his ascension from Senator, to Vice President to the Presidency in 1964, for political gatherings. The iconic hotel has catered to many politicians, businessmen and the occassional movie star over the years.
The Driskil Grill, its award winning restaurant, has been recognized by Zagat in the Top 25 Hotel Restaurants and the Grill has received many associated honors through the years. Its current menu really isn’t that expensive and I know for sure I would have the Duck Confit or the 16oz Ribeye, if I was dining at the Grill.
The hotel is outfitted with many retro and western themed furnishings and one can’t help but take a vast amount of photos, no matter how gauche this may appear. I certainly recorded my visit with an array of appealing items and am pleased to share them. If you find yourself in Austin, you cannot afford to bypass a visit to this established hotel and view the assorted relics. I promise you will not be disappointed!
Safe Travels and Saludos!

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6 responses to “The Grand Dame of Congress Avenue”

  1. Wow, looks like a gorgeous building. I love that stained glass atrium looking structure on the ceiling in one of your pictures.

  2. NOMADICTEXAN says:
    Ted,
    It is a very special place and we try and take all our visitors to see the Hotel, if they have the time! Makes me feel like I am back on a Cattle Drive and celebrating at the end! Ha! 
    Mike
  3. Jess says:

    I love the glass – but my favorite part is the painting on the side of the cow. Not a lot of hotels get one of those!

  4. NOMADICTEXAN says:
    Jess,
    You come up stairs and there it is (Cow). It hits you right between the eyes and knocks you over. Its rather gauche, but I loved it. Glad you did also! Safe Travels.
    Mike
  5. Lisa Hardy says:

    Interesting post. Some great photos you have taken there.

  6. NOMADICTEXAN says:
    Lisa,
    I appreciate your comments and thank you for stopping by. Austin is a great city. If you haven’t been you need to visit! 
    Mike

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Amateur Traveler Episode 471 - Travel to Austin, Texas