Tacos, live music and hot, sunny summers – it’s what Austin is known for. Even native Austinites who grew up in this climate look for ways to cool off while still enjoying the summertime season, which extends well past August. Even when it’s fall and everything is pumpkin flavored, it’s still pool season in Texas. Thankfully, Austin is packed with plenty of activities to keep you busy year-round. Here are some of Wick Marketing’s recommendations to enjoy summer while staying cool.
Take a dip
A multitude of swimming holes is one of the best perks of living in Austin during the warmer months! Barton Springs Pool is one of the most well-known, and for good reason. Spring-fed, this natural pool is always around 68-70 degrees, so it’s perfect for taking a refreshing swim then lounging around the grassy areas. The only downside? It’s the most well-known, so it can get crowded during weekends.
Deep Eddy Pool, on the other hand, is a local secret. It has all of the benefits of Barton Springs: cool, spring-fed waters, plenty of shade and grassy areas for relaxing. Plus, it’s typically much less crowded, so you won’t be bumping elbows with your neighbors.
Treat yourself
Ice cream – a summertime classic. In Austin you’ll find Amy’s Ice Creams, famous for its creamy, custard-like ice cream and fun mix-ins. You don’t want to miss the Mexican vanilla flavor, which has a cult-like following. If you’re looking for something different, then try Lick Honest Ice Creams. Here, you’ll find unique twists to classic favorites, like sea salt olive oil dark chocolate, goat cheese and thyme, and roasted beets with fresh mint. Don’t knock it ‘till you try it – you’ll be shocked how good even the strangest flavors are!
What could possibly be better than ice cream? Snow cones, of course. When you’re looking for a lighter, but equally refreshing treat, Casey’s New Orleans Snowballs can’t be beat. Soft, fluffy ice with nearly any flavor you can imagine, plus fun toppings like caramel, lime juice or sweetened condensed milk. And if you’re in South Austin, the Shaved Ice Island food truck is just as good – and you can order a pup cup for your four-legged friend, which includes shaved ice topped with whipped cream.
And treat your pup
Austinites love dogs! The city is one of the most dog-friendly areas you’ll find. And there’s plenty of places to take your pup to cool off, too. Onion Creek Metropolitan Park is a 517-acre park, which offers plenty of shade and trails to explore. But the best part is Dog Park Blue, which is an off-leash area with each access to Onion Creek itself, so your pup can splash and play with their friends. Pro tip: there’s a dog treat food truck here and it has cold, refrigerated treats!
Red Bud Isle is another unique dog park you’ll only find in Austin. Its own little island, this 17-acre lakefront dog park sits in the middle of Lady Bird Lake and offers plenty of water access. You can also explore the trails, or go kayaking or canoeing from this location. Just make sure to check on the communications from the City of Austin before you go – on the rare occasion, there can be toxic algae in Lady Bird Lake.
Go out and explore the city while keeping cool. When you come back, we’d love to chat. Whether you’re in Austin or somewhere else, we’d love to learn more about your business, and how we can help make your vision a reality. Just reach out to Barbara Wray at barbara@wickmarketing.com or (512) 479-9834.
