The Majestic Driskill in Austin

While we were in downtown Austin visiting the capitol, my son took me to what is said to be one of the most haunted hotels in the country, also said to be the most haunted place in Texas. Doesn't it figure I totally forgot my iPad has a T.A.P.S. app on it? Silly me. In case you're wondering I'm speaking of The Driskill. More on the ghosts later.

The Driskill is a gorgeous building inside and out. Built in 1886, it is on the National Register of Historic Places. You can find out more about the building's history on their timeline page. If you want to see a few of the famous people who have stayed there, and the Driskill's ghostly guests, visit  their video page. I've spent quite some time browsing around their excellent website.

The inside of this building is stunning. 

Here are some of my photos.

The floor tiles are so shinny it reflects the ceiling light shown in the previous picture. 

 We stopped in at happy hour and sat here for drinks and appetizers. I was thrilled they were so open to tourists even though we were not hotel guests.

One of the best things about Austin is the unique food, and the The Driskill Hotel ranks right up there. Although I will have a separate post on Austin food, I had to mention the Driskill now. I was so impressed. I of course asked our waitress (the word waitress seems almost too diner-ish for this place) if she had ever seen a ghost. Without a flinch, she nonchalantly confirmed that people have seen them, but she herself had only heard them.

In the basket we have (as worded on their menu) Hand-Crafted Baked Hot Pretzel Sticks - Cheddar & Peppercorn, Prosciutto & Goat Cheese, Maytag Blue & Bacon. My taste buds were overjoyed.

In the little tray we have Bacon Wrapped Medjool Dates stuffed with Manchego, Smoked Chorizo. (My spell check was going nuts with that line!) Now I get the bacon and dates part, but have no clue what the rest of it was---but who cares! It was delicious.

I'll leave you with a picture of my son, Nick (above), killing time texting while his mom plays tourist. Proportionately to Nick, you have an idea how majestic the inside of the Driskill really is.

And a photo of me, looking regal thinking if I ever become one of them there famous author types (HA!) I'm booking me a room at this place!