Zilker Park

…was Christmas time. I was staying in my Mother’s apartment downtown and I could see the Christmas tree from her window and it just looked gloriously festive. I didn’t have any transport, so I tried to get a horse and buggy to take me… but they said it was too far. Nobody could explain which bus to get, so I ended up walking. And it was worth it to spin under the lights…

When I lived in Austin in the early 1990’s they used to have concerts in Zilker Park on 4 July. Usually a bunch of bands played all day long and after the last set finished there would be a fireworks show over the stage. It was so close and so LOUD! Dang, I really miss that.

Zilker is great and has something for every one.Peacefull trails through the park, beautiful botanical gardens. Playscapes designed for younger children as well as one designed for older children. Theres a nice little train ride through the park.In the summer its home to Shakesphere in the park at the Amphitheater.The annual kite festival is also held in zilker. Not to mention the outdoor concerts there.Lots of places for picnics and BBQing.

If you are bored and in Austin, go rent a canoe for an hour or two- either go out on Town Lake and see the city from an entirely new view point, go turtle hunting, or bring bread and feed the ducks (but watch out for the evil hissing swans of death!). When I go I usually eat dinner on the canoe with a friend and watch people jump off of the bridge by Barton Springs. It’s great exercise and it’s worth trying!

just once. I remember that they were going to have free theater there too! Everyone brought their lawn chairs, and blankets.