Flat Stanley: The Adventure Begins

Flat Stanley was recently our guest.

Who is Flat Stanley? Typically, a child is assigned Flat Stanley as a school project. He/she sends Stanley out to family and friends that live in different places. The host family takes Flat Stanley out to experience the town he is visiting. Then, the host family sends FS back to the kid along with pictures and a letter describing Flat Stanley's experience.

I was pretty excited about participating in the Flat Stanley project. I knew it would mean that Dale and I would have to do some fun things in Austin. I decided against visiting the obvious Austin landmarks (the capital building, The UT Tower, ets) and go with a more unique experience. 

The first place we took FS was The Noble Pig for breakfast. 

John Bates (co-owner/co-chef) was kind enough to hold FL up on the menu board. What a nice fella. He and Brandon Martinez opened the Noble Pig in 2010. Since then,it has built up a loyal following of very satisfied customers.  It has also been featured on a couple of Food Network shows. Dale and I love this place. If you have never been, you really should go. Call Dale and I first and we will go with you. 

After breakfast, we traveled to South Austin to visit The Cathedral of Junk. 

The owner and creator of The Cathedral is Vince Hannemann. Here he is holding FS:

 Vince began building the Cathedral in 1998. You can read all about his creation in the book Weird Texas, or just by searching The Cathedral of Junk online. Many articles have been written about Vince and his creation. 

Dale and I have lived in Austin for 13 years now and this was the first time we visited the Cathedral. I can't wait to go back when I have my nieces this summer. 

There is so much to look at and discover! He has areas dedicated to color, areas dedicated to old technology, areas dedicated to toys, and on and on and on. 

If you visit Vince and his Cathedral, remember to bring a little cash for his donation box. He is really cool to allow anybody and their grandmother into his back yard. Be cool back and slip him a little cash for his kindess. 

I'll post part two of Flat Stanley's Austin Adventure soon. Mmmm-kay?