When you think of Texas, what do you picture in your mind? Do You only see farmland? Do you see cowboys and horses? Can you picture smoked meat and the Lone Star stamped on every building? These depictions are stereotypical Texas, but in reality, Texas much more. This summer I had the chance of visiting this unbelievably cultured state and I can't wait to share all of my experiences with all of you:
Barton Springs Pool, Austin, Texas
The weather in Texas in the summer is extremely hot. The moment you step outside you can feel the sweat beads forming on your forehead as you run for an air conditioned store or restaurant. Unfortunately, you cannot spend your entire vacation in air conditioning, so my family found a natural springs in the heart of the city! Barton Springs is located in Zilker Park and is public swimming hole for people of all ages. The pool ranges from 0' to 18' and has ramps and even a slide. It was the perfect activity for the day to cool off and relax as a family.
Joe's Coffee, Austin, Texas
I had seen teenagers from Texas posting on social media a coffee shop with a wall mural that had "I love you so much" spray-painted in red against the green wall. I was so intrigued by this venue that I had to check it out. Although we did not have the coffee, we did end up back at the cafe later at night for what was live music night. We danced the night with tons of locals as the live band played a range of music from country to pop. Lastly, the venue showed a documentary of a local celebrity, Crazy Carl, in a drive-in movie style. We got a little taste of Austin history from the '70s.
HOPE Outdoor Gallery, Austin, Texas
Austin, Texas is well known for their art. Driving through the city, many store fronts and restaurants have artsy and abstract murals on the side of the buildings. That led my family to the HOPE Outdoor Gallery, which is abandoned walls that have been used for art in means of graffiti. My dad and I paid $10 for our own spray-paint can and we got to leave our mark in Austin.
Congress Avenue Bridge Bats, Austin, Texas
We had heard from many locals to go to the Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset to view the flights of over 1.5 million bats. At around sunset we arrived at the bridge and stood around taking in the breathtaking view of the lake. People on paddle boards, in kayaks, paddle bikes, and little boats had floated over to the bridge to watch the bats. Over on the right of the bridge were large gatherings of all people with picnic blankets, coolers with snacks, and music; all of them waiting. There is large involved Deaf community in Austin and a lot of deaf people were on the bridge and signing together. As a speech pathology major, I hope to learn American sign language and work with the deaf. It was a really cool experience to see such an amazing community.
San Antonio River Walk, San Antonio, Texas
I promise you that my family did explore outside of Austin. We took a drive to San Antonio one night for a family stroll through the San Antonio River Walk. This was one of my favorite places to see in Texas because it's a nonstop party in an underground city. So many people and families are taking river tour boats, milling around the shops and walkway, and eating at the tons of restaurants. I have never seen so many Mexican restaurants in one place and I have to say, it was really cool. My mouth was practically watering at the sight and smell of the food. This is a place I recommend to anyone and everyone!
All in all, visiting Texas was one of the greatest experiences I have had. It was very family oriented which I loved and it was full of new adventures. I highly recommend visiting Texas in your next travels!
