Austin, the state's capital,
is located on the Colorado River at the edge of
the rugged Texas hill country. Austin offers a
variety of outdoor activities. Swimming, boating
and water skiing are popular at many of the local
area lakes. Excellent running and biking trails
are available within the city's extensive park
system. Opportunities for hiking, camping, and
rock climbing are available at the local state
parks. The city also offers a variety of restaurants,
movie theaters and clubs. The popular (and famous)
6th street is filled with live music, bars and
restaurants. Austin is considered by many to be
"the live music capital of the world." Austin
has a thriving symphony, ballet, and opera. Austin
is home to a booming high-tech industry, a great
university, and the nation's largest urban bat
colony.