Photographer: Kevin Stillman

The Capitol, a massive statehouse constructed of Texas pink granite, dominates the 46 acre, park-like area. Free guided tours offered Mon. - Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Sat. 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Sun. noon - 3:30 p.m. Striking state office buildings surround the Capitol.

Capitol Visitors Center is housed in the renovated General Land Office building constructed around 1857, the oldest state office building. Exhibits include a pictorial history of the Capitol's renovation and a 23-minute informational video, plus the history of the Texas General Land Office. One gallery features rotating exhibits. Gift shop. 512/305-8400.

Located on the State Capitol grounds in the old General Land Office Building is one of the 12 Texas Travel Information Centers operated by the Texas Department of Transportation for the convenience of the traveling public. Uniformed, professional travel counselors welcome visitors and provide a wealth of free literature, information, and suggestions to make every Texas trip more pleasant.

Working with the Texas Official Travel Map, counselors expertly chart routes to any area of Texas. They point out the most convenient short-line directions, or leisurely scenic drives to your destination. They supply comprehensive statewide travel publications, plus detailed brochures about points of interest, attractions, and recreational areas along the way. All of those services are free. Open Mon. - Sat. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sun. Noon - 5 p.m. 11th Street and Brazos Street. 512/463-8586. www.txdot.gov.

To speak to a professional travel counselor for travel information and trip planning assistance, call 800/452-9292 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. central time, daily. Travelers may also call for 24-hour automated road condition information and seasonal reports on locations of scenic spring wildflowers and fall foliage.