Circle C Ranch - Austin, TX

Outer Southwest Austin was home to Tonkawa and Comanche tribal lands until the 1830s. Farmers moved into the area as tribal Indians were pushed further west. Communities near Oak Hill experienced an economic boom in the 1880s. New railways connected local limestone resources to downtown Austin for the construction of the capital. The region experienced limited growth until the suburban sprawl of the 1970s increased population rapidly.

Most of Austin's museums are located near the downtown district. However, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is different type of museum, providing conservation education to children and adults. The Center for Plant Conservation partners with the Wildflower Center to house and grow rare and endangered species of the Texan landscape.

The Art Garage Austin on Circle Drive introduces the arts to children and adults with its variety of classes.

A wide variety of Mexican restaurants dot the landscape of Outer Southwest Austin. Argentinean, Italian, American and barbecue restaurants can also be found along Highway 71 and US Route 290.

Visit Zingers Bar & Grill for a popular evening retreat. Patrons come in for Monday night football, Tuesday karaoke and live music on Fridays and Saturdays. Sit down for a Texas longhorn burger and a cup of baked potato soup. If you stop by on a Wednesday, be sure to order boneless wings. Stay as late as you'd like with draft beer and smooth cocktails.

The Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen plates fine entrées and pairs them with delectable wines. Dine at the Lakeway or West Lake Hills location for vodka shrimp linguini or the roasted airline chicken breast. Sample wine in three round flights, order your favorite pairing by the glass or share a bottle with the table.

For more nightlife in Outer Southwest Austin stop by the Backspin Sports Bar. Open late with 10 flat screen televisions broadcasting your favorite games. Order a draught of beer and a plate of wings to entertain your taste buds while you watch your favorite teams. The 400 Rabbits Bar, adjacent to the ever-popular Alamo Drafthouse keeps its customers happy late into the night. Treat yourself to a queso con carne with a serving of a paloma cocktail to get a great night started.

Most visitors or residents of the Outer Southwest Austin communities drive. The farthest bus stop is in West Oak Hill on Highway 71 and Covered Bridge Drive. Bicycle-friendly roads connect Bee Cave, the Oak Hill neighborhoods and Bear Creek to the city's business district. Uber users can travel to and from their residences in Outer Southwest Austin. Neighborhood sidewalks line the majority of the paved roads for pedestrian use.

Austin Classic Limo is located near Circle C Ranch on West Slaughter Lane. Hailing a cab may not always be feasible in the area, but a ride is never farther than a phone call away. The mix of suburban and rural communities means finding a parking spot is simple and generally free.

US Route 290 and Highway 71 are the primary highways for outer area commuters. Farm to market roads provide paved streets that connect the majority of residents to their homes and businesses. Highways 45 and 1 are also used by Alamo Drafthouse patrons and residents of Circle C Ranch.

The Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary on Rawhide Trail educates the public and rehabilitates rescued animals. The zoo cares for over 350 animals of 100 different species.

Dripping Springs has five public parks with over a dozen activities for patrons of all ages. Sports and Recreation Park has a basketball and volleyball court, walking trails, a playground, and baseball and soccer fields. Founders Memorial Park keeps residents cool with a public pool, covered pavilion and a concessions stand. Leashed pets are welcome at all sites. Lakeway sponsors nine free pet friendly parks with activity fields, courts, playgrounds, walking trails and a skateboard park.

The Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce presents the biggest festival in the smallest town of Outer Southwest Austin. Locals enjoy the annual SpringFest, where you can experience craft brews, a WineStomp, live music, appetizing fair food, a boat expo, a barbecue cook-off and much more. The event celebrates spring with fun for children, adults, visitors and residents.

The average one-bedroom residence rents for $1,149. The cost of living in Outer Southwest Austin is 18 percent higher than the city average. Bus tickets cost $1 per connection, but it's usually cheaper to purchase a day pass for $2, as heading to downtown Austin requires three connecting buses. Gasoline costs 5 percent less than the national average. Beer from the tap costs $3, but happy hour specials can stretch beer money even further.

Hill Country Galleria in Bee Cave and the Highways 71 and 290 interchange both provide excellent shopping opportunities. Additionally, retail outlets carpet the 290 and the 1, including Oak Hill Centre, Westgate Shopping Center, and Barton Creek Square.

A colorful boutique that provides unique fabrics and patterns to crafty customers, Valli & Kim also holds classes for creators of all skill levels. Cofounder Kim helps visitors find the perfect yard, ball of yarn or crafting accessory when you visit the Dripping Springs location, or order online for convenient delivery.

Navidad Farms specializes in pecans and homemade gift boxes. Located in Texas Hill Country, Navidad sells candy tins, specialty sauces and baskets that present the best of Texas.

Bee Cave houses a Whole Foods Market and Mandola's Italian Market, Dripping Springs and Oak Hill have an H-E-B, and Randalls can be found on Highway 1 and West William Cannon Drive. Dripping Springs Farmers Market connects local farmers to the general public. The market meets every Wednesday in the Dripping Springs Triangle. The Barton Creek Farmers Market gathers at the mall on Saturday mornings with hot food, fresh produce, specialty products and works from local artists.