Tourism Texas, Texas Attractions, the Bob Bullock Museum in Austin

Just in case you were wondering what the state song is (I asked that question in my last hub - Texas travel, tourism, and information - Texas attractions - Lady Bird Johnson Lake) it is a 3 word title and 2 of the words are 'Texas', the answer is.... wait for it.... Texas Our Texas !

Here's another overlooked Texas attraction - the Bob Bullock Museum. I visited there when it first opened and took these photos and I've never posted them. I love to go to places that are more or less unheard of and this Austin museum is one of those places.

The 35-foot-tall bronze Lone Star sculpture greets visitors in front of the Museum, and a colorful terrazzo floor in the museum’s rotunda features a campfire scene with enduring themes from Texas’ past.

The grand entry hall, the rotunda mentioned above, has a mosaic on the floor that is best viewed from the second or third story and there are elevators available for those gravity challenged individuals like myself. There is a rather decent lunch room on the second floor and it does serve a few Texas favorites. The exhibits on all 3 floors are interactive and very well put together.

The big star out front is just a taste of what's inside. Aside from having a nifty theater (The Texas Spirit Theater) that makes you feel like you were there for the hurricane that wiped out Galveston Island, there is a huge Imax theater that I've been to many times. It's one of the best Imax screens in the state.

Big Tex in neon! "It ain't braggin' if it's true!" You got that right mister. You may have heard some exaggerated claims about Texas and even some weird things about Austin, but I'm here to tell you, it's all true. Yep, every last word!

Now, if you get tired, I don't recommend sitting in the chair made of horns. It''s Texas quaint, but it sure don't look comfortable! Texans were always into recycling things, I reckon.

The museum even has a prom dress! With sequins and all, it probably weighs more than I do and that's saying a lot! Still it's nice understated attire for your date tonight. Don't you think?

You can find out all about this museum at The Story of Texas web site. There is information about the museum, the Imax theater, hotels nearby, parking, and a map to show you how to get there. If you come to Austin, you really should visit this museum!

The rumor is that this car belonged to one governor's wife who was also referred to as the "Yellow Rose of Texas" who often drove the car in various parades. The original Yellow Rose of Texas was thought to be a mulatto woman that saved the state by keeping General Santa Ana busy while General Sam Houston kicked his butt. The lyrics were penned by an unknown author and the 1836 paper they were first known to be written on is still here in Austin at the University of Texas. Read the legend behind the song.

There's a yellow rose in Texas
That I am a going to see
No other darky knows her (darky was changed later to "soldier")
No one only me

She cryed so when I left her
It like to broke my heart
And if I ever find her
We nevermore will part

She's the sweetest rose of color
This darky ever knew
Her eyes are bright as diamonds
They sparkle like the dew

You may talk about dearest May
and sing of Rosa Lee
But the yellow rose of Texas
Beats the belles of Tennessee

Lance Armstrong - Lance was born in Plano, Texas and raised in Dallas, but he has adopted Austin as his favorite city. Lance is known for kicking French butt in the Tour de France. He's also famous for his foundation that unites, inspires, and helps people with cancer.

This mural was on the wall when I first visited the Bob Bullock museum. I don't know if it is still there, but it is a tribute to this incredible man.

Neon anyone? Last, but not least for this hub is the beautiful neon Texas sign hanging in the museum. I'm threatening to have a duplicate made and hang it in my patio area. Wouldn't that look totally Texan awesome?