Places to go in Texas

Since you have several long weekends during this term (including a 3-day weekend this weekend), I'm giving you some of my recommendations for places to go outside of Houston. Actually, there are several great places to visit in Texas if you want to have some fun during the summer.

The first place I recommend is South Padre Island, which is located about 5 hours south of Houston. The beaches are beautiful and my family and I saw lots of dolphins when we took a boat ride there. It's a great place for seafood and for playing in the sun and sand. It doesn't look anything like Galveston. You can trust me as I'm a Floridian who knows her beaches!

The second place my family and I love is Austin because its beautiful and there is so much to do. Austin has wonderful nightlife for those of you who love music. Original bands play nightly on Sixth Street, which is downtown. In fact, a lot of famous bands get their start on Sixth Street. During the daytime there is also a lot to do and see. You can visit and tour the Texas State Capitol and wander around the campus of the University of Texas.

For water activity in Austin, you can go to Zilker Park, where you will find Barton Springs, a natural pool of really, really cold water (icy yet refreshing!) the length of 2 football fields. In addition to the pool, at Barton Springs you will also see lots of college students and other Austinites scantily dressed. If you are thinking about getting a tattoo, you can see many on display there! For children, there is a train ride and playground at Zilker Park as well as an outdoor theater that presents free performances throughout the summer (similar to Houston's Miller Theater). Finally, when you are at Zilker Park, you can rent a canoe or kayak and paddle along Town Lake. It's a true delight.

Another great place to swim in Austin is Lake Travis. The beach is a bit rocky but the temperature of the water is just perfect. You can rent jet skis and boats at various spots along the lake. There is also a water rides park in that area (I forget the name, but you can google "waterpark Austin Lake Travis" to find it, I'm sure). Finally, when in Austin make sure to enjoy some chips and salsa, or an entire meal, at the Oasis restaurant, which overlooks all of Lake Travis. It's quite a sight. You will ask yourself if you are really in Texas.

The last place I recommend to you today is about 45 minutes west of Austin, called Hamilton Pools. From the parking lot, you have to hike a short path and then you arrive in a swimming hole which feels like paradise and looks like Hawaii. The pool extends out from a grotto (like a cave) and you can swim or just float in the cool turquoise water. I visited Hamilton Pools for the first time nearly four years ago--it was the week after Hurricane Ike paid a visit to Houston--and we all agreed that we must return there again soon. The only thing I need to tell you is that you must check to see if the park is open before you go. If there are problems with bacteria levels in the water, they close the park. Here is the website:
http://www.co.travis.tx.us/tnr/parks/hamilton_pool.asp

Finally, if you have been to any great places here in the Lone Star state, please share the information with all of us!