Residentially, Hyde Park has experienced growth and a real estate price increase over the last decade.  Small apartment complexes line the larger streets such as 45th and Red River, while quaint front porch homes line the smaller residential side streets.  Most roads in Hyde Park are lined with old Live Oaks and ivy crawls over fences and hangs from the power lines lending a forest atmosphere to the neighborhood.  Waller Creek zig-zags its way through the center of the neighborhood so driving over old stone bridges is a common occurrence.

The actual park is a gem.  It is small and woodsy with many public amenities including bathrooms, tennis courts, a basketball court, a playground, and a pool.  Across the street the rolling grassy mounds and oak trees of the lawn area are surrounded by a waist high stone wall.  While tossing a ball or relaxing on the grass you may notice a small castle hidden in the trees, this is the former studio turned museum of acclaimed female sculptor Elisabet Ney.

Built for Ney in 1892 and named “Fomosa,” this small castle is now a free and very unique museum showcasing many of Ney’s gorgeous white marble sculptures – most of which still reside in the museum.  Her two most famous sculptures of Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston are now on display in the State Capitol.

The oldest golf course in Texas, Hancock Golf Course, built in 1899 is located in the heart of Hyde Park.  By modern standards this public nine-hole golf course is short, but the layout is tough and the greens are meticulously well maintained; furthermore, Waller Creek snakes its way through center of the links.

Eateries around Hyde Park are plentiful.  For variety try the Hyde Park shopping center, home to Julio’s, Hyde Park Bar and Grill, and Asti.  Asti is an upscale Italian Restaurant specializing in pizza and pasta.  Hyde Park Bar and Grill is the most well know of all restaurants and boasts the best homemade spicy fries in Texas.  Julio’s, a mild mannered Mexican restaurant, located between the aforementioned two restaurants is often wrongfully overlooked.  The salsa is fresh and spicy, the chicken slow roasted, and the green enchilada sauce authentic.  For those special nights order a Julio’s Mexican Martini, a tasty concoction of tequila, Cointreau orange liqueur, sweet and sour mix, lime juice, orange juice, Sprite soda and olive.

With the State Capitol, LBJ library, University of Texas, Town Lake, and a vibrant downtown it seems simple to wear yourself down visiting all the big sights, but try to save yourself an afternoon for a relaxing jaunt through Hyde Park.

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