Texas schoolchildren learn at an early age that the grand capitol building perched smack dab in the middle of Austin is bigger than any other state capitol, and the tip of its pink granite dome is actually about 15 feet higher than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Bigger isn't necessarily better, of course, but the elegant Renaissance revival edifice completed in 1888 and fully restored in the 1990s is quite beautiful as well.

Begin your visit at the Capitol Visitors Center (www.tspb.state.tx.us), which is housed in a castle-like building on 11th Street near San Jacinto, erected in the 1850s as the state's General Land Office. Free guided tours of the capitol itself are available every day except major holidays, or you can pick up a pamphlet and explore the building at your own pace. When the legislature is in session, visitors may catch some of the proceedings from a balcony viewing area on the third floor.

If you want to see where George W. Bush lived before moving into 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, pay a visit to the Texas Governor's Mansion (www.txfgm.org) at 11th and Colorado, just across the street from the capitol. Since it was completed in 1856, more than 40 governors have lived behind the fluted Ionic columns of this elegant Greek revival mansion, and the home is filled with 150 years worth of accumulated art and antiques.

The Texas Governor's Mansion is currently closed for tours to undergo extensive maintenance. Call 512-463-5516 for more information.