From the path that winds around Lady Bird Lake you can see the entire Austin skyline etched into the sparkling blue Texas sky. It's a breathtaking sight, particularly at sunrise or sunset. Go for a spin around the lake as the sun peeks over Austin's buildings to get a glimpse of the pretty panorama in a spot not too far from Lamar Union.

Along the way, take a break under the shade of a knotty tree. Or you can skip the run all together and pack lunch, a good book, and a blanket, and sprawl out on the grass for an afternoon. Striking purple flora lines the trail here and there, making for a colorful distraction in the midst of your stroll or jog. Don't forget to stop by the Steve Ray Vaughan Memorial Statue during your tour of Lady Bird Lake. It pays tribute to the iconic American musician born and bred in nearby Dallas. He presides over the lake from a sunny perch right by the water.

Lady Bird Lake
Austin, TX
www.austintexas.gov/page/lady-bird-lake
www.yelp.com/biz/lady-bird-lake-austin

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/javsthemute

A popular place for pizza in Austin, House Pizzeria brings inventive takes on the classic pizza pie to a spot not far from Lamar Union. Some options feature classic ingredients like pepperoni and sausage; others, more inventive options like caramelized onions, salami, pork belly, dates, and goat cheese. The Margherita with tomato and basil is a popular choice, and the plain cheese includes a touch of oregano for extra flavor.

In addition to pizza, this place has a few smaller dishes like spinach salad, focaccia bread, and roasted olives. A list of wine and beer options includes a number of great pairings, and House also has a changing list of menu specials like asparagus and prosciutto pizza, polenta, and panna cotta for dessert.

House Pizzeria also offers their pies for take-out, but the website notes that they may suspend take-out orders when the dining room's exceptionally busy. Check out the House Pizzeria website to find out more!

House Pizzeria
5111 Airport Boulevard
Austin, TX 78751
http://www.housepizzeria.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/house-pizzeria-austin

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Owen H R

Austin's food scene may be known more for its barbecue and breakfast tacos than its Italian fare, but that doesn't mean there aren't some quite well-regarded Italian restaurants near Lamar Union. For example: Numero 28. This place is part of a small chain with outlets in places well-known for pizza (think: New York City), and the Austin outlet brings pizza, paninis, and more to downtown Austin.

Pizza has its own menu here, and guests can opt for choices with red sauce or white sauce. The Tartufo pairs mushrooms with truffle oil; the Austin features hot peppers and sausage; and other pies use ingredients like salami, prosciutto, artichokes, and potatoes. This place is a wine bar, too, and it offers cheese plates and meat plates for pairing. Numero 28's lunch and dinner menus branch out into entrees like lasagna, eggplant parmigiana, and baked ziti, and the eatery also serves classic desserts like tiramisu, gelati, and cannoli.

If you'd like to try this Austin eatery for yourself, Numero 28 is located just a short trip from Lamar Union.

Numero 28 Pizzeria and Vineria
452 W. 2nd Street
Austin, TX 78701
http://www.numero28austin.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/numero-28-austin

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr pscf11