Being A Star In Your Business Is A Matter Of A Handcrafted Business

Some of the extra gadgets on the convertible include a spring device to open the doors like that of the first Lincoln Continental. Being custom-built, the Avanti II necessarily cost more than Studebaker's version, competing in Cadillac Eldorado territory instead of Chrysler country like the $4,445 original. Choose between a coach (authentic 1920s rail car) and lounge (more modern cars with complimentary snacks and soft drinks) car, and enjoy the ride. Give your feet a rest and kick back on the Hill Country Flyer (610 Brazos) for a leisurely train ride through Austin and the surrounding Hill Country. The Crossings Austin (13500 FM 2769, near the intersection of Bullick Hollow and Volente Road), a holistic, continuing education, and healing retreat with a day spa, wellness center, has classes to feed your soul and move your body, and a setting that takes full advantage of the introspective beauty of the Hill Country. Overlooking parts of Lake Travis and just a half-hour from downtown Austin, the Crossings offers workshops with the likes of Martha Beck, David Whyte, and others, and personal retreats where you stay for as long as you want. Capital Cruises Austin (208 Barton Springs Rd, 512/480-9264) offers tours of Town Lake with a sunset cruise on the Lone Star Riverboat, an authentic, double-decker paddleboat.

2006 ACVB Photo The spring water in Barton Springs Poolis an average of 68 degrees year round. The Hilton Austin (500 East 4th St), across the street from the Austin Convention Center and within walking distance to several bars and restaurants, opened about a year ago. There's also Pete's Dueling Piano Bar (421 East 6th), where Texas heritage is celebrated, bawdiness applies, and fun is a requirement. For those who aren't into the bar scene, check out Esther's Follies (525 East 6th) for a night of laughs and pure entertainment. Other top picks include the upscale Uchi sushi bar (801 South Lamar), where Coldplay star Chris Martin and wife Gwyneth Paltrow dined several times when the band was in town for the 2005 ACL Festival. The Veloway, located about 15 minutes south of downtown Austin in south Austin just off South Mopac (4801 La Crosse Ave) is another unexpected oasis of activity. See Austin from the land and from the lake in an authentic amphibious military landing vehicle with Austin Duck Adventures Tours (1605 W 5th St). In September 1965, the Vatican announced that Pope Paul VI would visit New York City on October 4. Ford was enlisted to supply an appropriate vehicle and it gave the job -- and the publicity that went with it -- to Lehmann-Peterson.

Even though the Lehmann-Peterson limos passed every test given them, it's believed that a fear of the unknown gave Ford an excuse to begin withdrawing support from the limousine program. Don't miss a stop at Waterloo Records (600 North Lamar), Austin's fiercely independently music store that has given many musicians their start, and pick up compilation discs from local radio station KGSR 107.1 as gifts for music-loving friends. Given its aluminum body, the car weighed only 3,190 pounds. As far as security goes, the car was a rolling arsenal. Ford Motor Company absorbed the estimated $500,000 in cost and then leased the car back to the government for a nominal $100 per month. Lehmann-Peterson. Company was formed in 1963. (Its shop at 2710 N. Sawyer Ave. in Chicago would be the company's home throughout its lifetime.) With Lehmann's money and salesmanship skills, plus Peterson's superior mechanical ability, they began a quest to win approval from Ford Motor Company to provide Lincoln-based limousines.

Three lakes grace this city, and it's home to some of the nation's best hiking trails. Located about 85 miles northwest of Austin and heading in toward the city itself, these six lakes in the eastern part of the Texas Hill Country (including Lake Buchanan, Inks Lake, Lake LBJ, Lake Marble Falls, Lake Travis, and Lake Austin) are oases in the midst of rolling hills and greenery. The Highland Lakes are another worthwhile daytrip -- or overnight stay for true relaxation. Don't miss the Fried Pickles -- they are worth every calorie! Don't miss the Gruene General Store (1610 Hunter Rd, New Braunfels), where you'll discover homemade fudge, honey, preserves, gifts, and much more. Don't miss the Taniguchi Oriental Garden; it's truly a transcendental and peaceful place. The Oasis (6550 Comanche Trail) is an Austin institution when it comes to the place to watch the sun go down over Lake Travis. If you'd rather propose at home, create a trail of rose petals leading from the front door to the bedroom, and place the ring at the end of the trail. Did this mark the end of a dream? Zilker Park (2100 Barton Springs Rd) and the Town Lake Trail are literally across the street, so enjoy a leisurely stroll or a jaunt on a canoe or kayak.