The Zilker Zephyr is a miniature train located in Zilker Park, and it is exactly the type of strange attraction that makes Austin so unique. The small train takes a 20- to 25-minute-long journey around the park, offering both kids and adults a way to see the area in a different light. Like any train, the Zilker Zephyr has its own train station, albeit a much smaller one than you might be used to, and the tracks wind through many different areas of the park and along the banks of the scenic Barton Creek and Lady Bird Lake. Children love to chug along the tracks aboard the Zilker Zephyr’s bright green cars, though it provides a relaxing escape from the everyday for adults as well.

The Zilker Zephyr is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The train departs the station every hour on the hour on weekdays and every 30 to 40 minutes on weekends.

Zilker Zephyr Miniature Train
2100 Barton Springs
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 478-8286
www.zilkerpark.org/zilker-park-amenities/zilker-park-train
www.yelp.com/biz/zilker-zephyr-miniature-train-austin

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/kiukey

Washing your hands thoroughly can help to prevent you from contacting diseases, reduce the risk of food borne illness, and can even stop you from spreading germs if you’re already sick. Here are a few tips that will show you the correct way to wash your hands.

1. Apply soap and water. First, completely soak your hands with warm water. Apply as much soap as you need in order to cover both hands—remember, the more the better.
2. Rub palms together. Vigorously rub your palms together in a circular motion to clean germs from the center of your hands.
3. Clean between fingers. Clean the hard-to-reach places between your fingers by placing one hand on top of the other as if you were holding hands with another person. Rub the fingertips from one hand between the fingers of the other hand, and then vice versa.
4. Clean fingernails. Rub the fingernails of one hand across the palm of the other hand to remove dirt and germs. Clasp the hands together with the backs of your fingers to the opposite palm, and then rub the hands back and forth.
5. Rinse and dry. Rinse hands completely with water, and then dry them with a single-use paper towel. Don’t forget to use the towel to turn off the faucet in order to prevent contacting more germs, and then toss it away.

When & How to Wash Your Hands [CDC]
How to Wash Your Hands Properly by Mary Calvagna, MS [BIDMC]
Clean hands protect against infection [World Health Organization]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Horia Varlan

The folks behind South Congress Cafe were inspired by Austin’s growing artist community and its new generation of foodies, and in 2003 they set out to open a restaurant that reflects that creative culture. The restaurant itself is housed in a former 1940s drugstore, and it maintains much of the original charm. The exposed brick bar is one of the main focal points, but the rest of the restaurant is colorful and modern.

South Congress Cafe is best known for its delicious brunch, and its bloody Mary was voted one of the best in America by the Huffington Post! Brunch is served daily and includes unique dishes like jalapeno venison meatloaf, carrot cake French toast, and gumbo with duck and oysters. With a stylish, mid-century aesthetic and a menu full of creative Texan dishes, South Congress Cafe is a truly out-of-the-ordinary eatery.

South Congress Cafe is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekends.

South Congress Cafe
1600 S. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 447-3905
www.southcongresscafe.com
www.yelp.com/biz/south-congress-cafe-austin

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Bing