Report card

Austin airport flies high on travel authority's new list of world's best

Delta lounge austin bergstrom international airport

This new Delta Sky Club outdoor lounge will only add to ABIA's coolness.

Photo courtesy of Delta

During the hectic summer travel season, travelers can find solace in this news: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is among the best airports in the world.

That's according to travel authority Fodor's list of the world's best and worst airports, in which ABIA is one of only 11 airports recognized.

Part of the inaugural Fodor's Travel Awards, the list honors "hubs with the coolest amenities in the world." It features five "best" categories, ranging from best international airport to best shopping, with a winner and runner-up for each, as well as one recipient for the title of world's worst airport.

Austin-Bergstrom comes in as the runner-up for best U.S. airport. Calling ABIA a "delightful extension of the city," Fodor's editors applaud the airport's local influence, from food to music to art.

"Restaurants are mostly local offshoots (not national chains) and include iconic Austin foodie favorites," the site says. "Live music plays at different 'stages' throughout the airport in the afternoons ... and the airport's Changing Exhibits program features a rotating schedule of art, history, and culture displays, in case you aren’t in the mood for shopping," it continues.

The site also nods to ABIA's expansion plans, which "should keep its low-key, easy to navigate, quick-through-security cool vibes in check with even more options for flights."

Out west, Los Angeles has the honor — and misfortune — of being home to the best and worst airports on the list. Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) earns rave reviews as the best in the U.S., while Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is named the worst in the world.

Here's how the rest of the list breaks down:

Best international airport: Singapore Changi Airport (winner), Seoul Incheon International Airport (runner-up)
Best airport for shopping: London Heathrow Airport (winner), Tokyo Haneda Airport (runner-up)
Best airport for foodies: Newark Liberty International Airport (winner), Hong Kong International Airport (runner-up)
Best tiny airport: Jackson Hole Airport (winner), Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (runner-up)

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the bigger the better

Enchanted Rock to double in size after 3,000-acre land purchase

Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

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Enchanted Rock Natural State Area, a popular Hill Country destination in Fredericksburg, is continuing its expansion after purchasing a 3,073-acre property in Llano County for $43 million.

The recent purchase comes nearly four months after Texas Parks and Wildlife Department purchased a 630-acre tract of land in nearby Gillespie County, adding to Enchanted Rock's current 1,644 acres of land.

The park's expansion, which doubles the amount of publicly available land, is also a great investment for Texas tourism, according to Governor Greg Abbott.

"Texas is home to 88 state parks that showcase our great state’s natural beauty to Texans and visitors from all over the globe," said Governor Abbott in the release. "The expansion of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area will allow tourists from across the state and around the world to enjoy even more of the majesty of Texas. Together, we will continue to ensure that what makes Texas unique and beautiful is preserved for generations."

The sale was made possible thanks to TWPD's Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, a voter-approved $1 billion fund dedicated to the acquisition and development of new state parks. Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, the department's official nonprofit partner, also helped review the property's potential as an extension of the park.

The release explains that the Llano County land was previously used as a private hunting ground, but TPWD will seek public input to decide future recreational activities and conservation opportunities for the land.

"Enchanted Rock is cherished by Texans across the state, and we are thrilled to add a property of this size and scope to this beloved park," said Chairman of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Jeff Hildebrand. "I look forward to families experiencing this new addition to Enchanted Rock SNA and creating lasting memories for generations to come."

TPWD expects planning may take "many months to complete" before announcing an opening date for the new property.

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