So, what makes us so weird? For starters . . .

We have the largest urban bat colony in North America. Nearly 1.5 million (you read that right, million) Mexican free-tailed bats call the Ann Richardson Bridge over Lady Bird Lake home each year. The bridge is just three blocks west of the Convention Center, so you’ll be able to walk over easily from your hotel. Since the bats emerge each night at dusk, the flight times vary. You’ll need to call the Bat Hotline at 512.416.5700, Category 3636 for the current schedule.

Austin has the only clothing-optional public park in Texas. Hippie Hollow is located on Lake Travis and is about a 30-minute drive from downtown.

You can “party [responsibly] at the moon tower” like the kids in Richard Linklater’s movie Dazed and Confused. The city still maintains and operates 17 of the original 31 moonlight towers erected in 1894 and 1895. The towers were designed to illuminate several city blocks at once with a glow reminiscent of a full moon. Austin is the only city that still operates the moonlight towers. You’ll be able to see a tower near the southwest corner of the Convention Center (Cesar Chavez Street and Trinity Street).

Since 1963, we’ve been celebrating Eeyore’s Birthday each April at Pease Park. The annual event has grown to a festival that attracts thousands, especially those who identify with the strong hippie subculture in Austin.

The modern roller derby got its start here in Austin. We have two leagues: Texas Rollergirls and TXRD Lonestar Rollergirls. The A&E reality show “Rollergirls” followed the skaters from TXRD Lonestar Rollergirls. The Texecutioners will have a bout against the Charm City Rollergirls on June 27th – you can get tickets here. The venue is about 10 miles from downtown.

And then there’s Leslie. Perhaps the most famous cross-dressing, homeless, three-time mayoral candidate ever, Leslie Cochran was a fixture at the intersection of 6th Street and Congress Avenue for years. He could be frequently seen in a leopard thong and high-heeled shoes. Unfortunately, in October he was the victim of an apparent assault that left him in a vegetative state and near death for several days. He made a dramatic recovery and was eventually released to a rehab facility.

More weirdness to come in future blogs. Next time, we’ll talk about day trip options if you’d like to extend your stay (okay – that one won’t be that weird).

Over the coming months, I’ll write about Austin and all the things that make it quirky and wonderful. Some of the topics we’ll cover: BBQ and Tex-Mex, cultural options, live music and other things you must see while in town. We will also preview some of the activities planned for the conference itself. Anything else you want to know about? Leave me a comment and I will add it to the list.

I love showing off my town to guests, so my goal is to get you fired up to visit the best city in the Lone Star State (That’s right, Houston, Dallas, Ft. Worth and San Antonio. I said it.).

In the meantime, enjoy my favorite song about Texas by one of my favorite Texas artists, Lyle Lovett: That’s Right (You’re Not From Texas).