Cooling off this Summer in Austin
Summer is upon us with the weather already blasting its beloved heat and causing us to jump-start ways to stay cool and be entertained at the same time. Sticking around the neighborhood and gathering at either Blue Valley or Hilltop Pools is one way to get in the groove of summer. Here is a list of additional places to consider a little further out to explore, cool off, and create memories. Welcome to SUMMER 2022!
Barton Creek Greenbelt — Did you know that our neighborhood has direct access to both Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls? Depending on where you pick up the trail to go to the falls from the neighborhood it is as quick as a twenty-minute walk, or longer if you get stuck up on the trails along the ridge trying to find your way down to the falls, which is what we did the first time years ago when our family walked down to the falls. But, once we got there, we loved exploring the area and taking a dip in the cool, refreshing water of Barton Creek. Kids love to sit in the waterfalls and point out all the small fish. The greenbelt is a wonderful place that is brag-worthy of living in Travis Country.
Blue Hole — This jewel nestled near Wimberly is a great spot to cool off, and work on your best Tarzan moves with the rope swing. The grassy areas surrounding the area is great to bring a blanket and snacks to lull away the day sunning and napping after cooling off in the 75* water. Reservations are required on the City of Wimberly website.
Blanco State Park — During the first summer of COVID we made reservations and brought our tubes, picnic lunch, and folding chairs, then headed to Blanco State Park for a very relaxing afternoon. We found a great spot to park and put out our stuff, then hopped in the tubes and went floating around and relaxing. It was a really great spot that we intend to go back to this summer. Reservations can be made online on the Texas Parks & Wildlife website. Search for Blanco State park.
Krause Springs — I haven’t been to Krause Springs yet, which I intend to do this summer with our family. I have heard really nice things about it, and it is relatively close enough to Austin in Spicewood. Boasting 32 springs, there is plenty of space to swim and cool off. Also located on the property are butterfly gardens, wind chimes and serene fountains. I am looking forward to checking it out!
Landa Park Aquatic Complex—When you think of New Braunfels your first thought is likely Schlitterbahn, but Landa Park is a great spot with lots to do which includes swimming. There is a great park with a miniature train and picnic tables. You might also be familiar with this area in October when they host Octoberfest at the park. Our family has enjoyed meeting up here with our extended family and making a day at the park, and then swimming at the Aquatic Complex. It has a great big slide that all the kids had a blast shooting down into the cool water.
There are so many places to cool off and enjoy the summer near Austin and even within Austin. A few of my close-by favorites include:
I hope you have the chance to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors next to a cool body of water. Summer is for making great memories with friends and family.
Focusing on the important things and work at letting the smaller things fall by the wayside
At its core, Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude.
Halloween is a time for creativity, fun, and community bonding.
Fall feels like a fresh start
A lot of thought goes into what I do and how I go about doing my work.
So many beautiful camping destinations near the Texas Hill Country
I hold the summer in Travis Country close to my heart
Those looking for more personal time, a home maintenance company may be just the ticket
Historically, Austin still appears to be a good long-term investment