Things to do for parents first visit to Austin? (Allen: rentals, house)

[mezman]

Ok, so my parents are coming to Texas for their first visit and we will be staying in Austin on March 12th (we didn't know this visit would be during South by Southwest, btw). I'm trying to put together a list of things to do/show them during our stay. There is one catch though my father has terminal cancer and as such he can't walk a ton without running out of energy fairly quickly. So we'd be looking for things to do that don't require a lot of physical exertion. I haven't come up with a ton thus far:

1. Drive the Great Hills area
2. Watch the bats (we're staying at the Hyatt Regency would we be able to see them from there or is there a better place to watch them?)

What would C-D denizens do if they were in our situation? This will likely be my father's only visit to Austin so I'd like it to be special for him. Thanks for any help!

[Cymbyz]

Watch the bats (we're staying at the Hyatt Regency would we be able to see them from there or is there a better place to watch them?)

Probably too early in the year for bat-watching, better check and see before including that. I hear the best views are from the Congress Avenue bridge, or the ends thereof, but if you do that, be sure to take an umbrella. Bats tend to discharge when they take off.

[10scoachrick]

Drive the Capital of Texas Highway Loop 360...some nice views of the hills and river/lake. Sunset at the Oasis or Iguana Grill...very nice view.

Sorry to hear about your DAD...Please make the most of the time you have with him.

[AustinTraveler]

Take a picnic to Emma Long Park, or take some charcoal and have a cookout. It's a great place and no walking required.

Check the UT Tower schedule and see if they are offering tours. Very easy physically but something unique to do and see.

Takes a little walking, but don't miss the Capitol. Also, an IMAX movie is a great thing to do, especially if they are from a city with no IMAX theater.

[atxcio]

Originally Posted by Cymbyz

Probably too early in the year for bat-watching, better check and see before including that. I hear the best views are from the Congress Avenue bridge, or the ends thereof, but if you do that, be sure to take an umbrella. Bats tend to discharge when they take off.

The winter must be over, because I saw the bats emerge yesterday evening while I was running across the Congress bridge. It was about 6:40pm. Pretty big show, actually. There weren't many people watching because it is early in the season, but the bats were coming out in full force.

[eichlerfan]

I had these same questions last year when my mom visited for the first time. Due to some health issues, she also has a hard time walking very far. Her two favorite things where the sunset at the Oasis and the LBJ Ranch. There is not a lot of walking at the ranch as they offer a self guided driving tour once inside the grounds. Also once inside the house there is a wheel chair available for use.

I'm sorry to hear about your dad. I went through the same thing with my dad - hang in there and I hope you all enjoy your visit.

[someguyatx]

Take them down to Salt Lick for BBQ and check out Luckenbach and some wineries in the hill country.

[jobert]

Originally Posted by mezman

Ok, so my parents are coming to Texas for their first visit and we will be staying in Austin on March 12th (we didn't know this visit would be during South by Southwest, btw). I'm trying to put together a list of things to do/show them during our stay. There is one catch though my father has terminal cancer and as such he can't walk a ton without running out of energy fairly quickly. So we'd be looking for things to do that don't require a lot of physical exertion. I haven't come up with a ton thus far:

1. Drive the Great Hills area
2. Watch the bats (we're staying at the Hyatt Regency would we be able to see them from there or is there a better place to watch them?)

What would C-D denizens do if they were in our situation? This will likely be my father's only visit to Austin so I'd like it to be special for him. Thanks for any help!

I'm very sorry to hear about your father's condition.

If possible, take him to see the sunset at the Oasis on Lake Travis. Go to Zilker and fly a kite, maybe watch the children fly kites. The Botanical Gardens are right there as well. Beautiful place, very peaceful.

[hoffdano]

Just a note on the Oasis. There are now three restaurants in that complex. You can eat better food at Soleil, next door to the Oasis. Also Uncle Billy's Brew and BBQ is next door. I have not eaten at Soleil but have heard good things so far. I went to Uncle Billy's during its first week and the beer is very good, the food wasn't bad either.

SOLEIL
Uncle Billy's on Lake Travis (http://www.unclebillysaustin.com/laketravis/ - broken link)

If your dad likes to fish, you might consider a guided fishing trip on Lake Travis. Allen Christensen operates out of Lakeway Marina and you can hire him for half a day for bass fishing. I have been out with him twice and tell you he is good. March might be just a bit early for really good bass fishing but call him to check.

Other ideas - Esther's Follies is an easy choice for parents if they have a good sense of humour. Might be crazy during SXSW though.

[RooCeleste]

They might enjoy one of the riverboat tours on Lake Austin or Lady Bird Lake: www.lonestarriverboat.com, Welcome to Lake Austin Riverboats, or Capital Cruises - Sunset Bat Watching, Dinner Cruises, Boat Rentals.