[Greenbuilding] A permaculture tour of Austin, Texas?

[Airlie Sattler Rose]

Dear Green Builders,

My family is coming to Austin for the next few days. While my husband 
is at a meeting at The Crossings, I am planning to explore the city. 
I'm a big fan of sustainability, green building, and solar 
technology. There is NOTHING in the Rio Grande Valley where we 
currently live. I am excited about the opportunity to travel to a 
city known for its green mentality, but am not sure where to start. 
If you have a moment, where would you tell a woman exploring the town 
(with a GPS) with two young children to go to...

(1) See examples of green building and sustainable 
landscaping/construction. I am particularly interested in seeing a 
rammed-earth or strawbale home since I've read a great deal about 
both, but never actually been in one. (Well, maybe one straw-bale but 
it was brief and a long time ago).

(2) Shop for a solar hot water system, wind generator, efficient air 
conditioning system, and composting toilet. (quite a shopping list I 
know).

(3) See permaculture designed gardens (particularly if there are any 
friendly to young kids).

(4) shop for organic cotton kids clothes (and/or a really good thrift 
store to reuse some old clothes).

(5) Find organic seedlings for a spring garden (It is planting time 
in "The Valley").

We'll be in town Sunday PM - TH. If you know anyone who likes kids 
and would want to give a personal tour, that would be great as I'll 
be eager for some adult company.

Just throwing my wish list out there to see if anyone sees something 
they can offer.

-Airlie Sattler Rose (airlie at mindspring.com // cell: 956-249-9997)