Barton Springs Pool: Cool Off Where Robert Redford Learned to Swim

Any pool that's good enough for Robert Redford should be good enough for the average swimmer. Barton Springs Pool is that pool. Redford took his very first strokes here as a 5-year-old while on a trip to visit his relatives. Perhaps what drew the Redford family to Barton Springs was its one-of-a-kind aesthetic, unlike any other public pool. You see, the pool's waters filter into it from a hot underground spring, so it's a cross between a typical pool (with lifeguards, diving board, and concrete walls) and a natural lake (with algae underfoot).

Head to Barton Springs Pool any time of year for a swim in crisp waters. They average around 70 degrees no matter the season due to the font from which they flow. Locals love cooling off in the chilly pool on an oppressive Texan summer day or just coming here to sunbathe and people-watch.

Barton Springs Pool
2201 Barton Springs Road
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 476-9044
www.austintexas.gov/department/barton-springs-pool
www.yelp.com/biz/barton-springs-pool-austin

Kids Learn and Create at the Thinkery

The Thinkery takes the STEM a step further, adding an A to the mix—for "arts." With the fields of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) in mind, curators for the children's museum have designed a collection of interactive exhibits that are as engaging as they are educational.

Many families particularly enjoy the Backyard, an outdoor play area where kids organically learn about body mechanics while they play. Its jungle gym is probably unlike any you've seen at a park, enormous and accessible for kids of all physical abilities. Watch while your little one scurries up the enclosed ramp to a bulbous watchtower or as he splashes in a winding stream. Inside the museum, kids can learn about the chemistry of cooking in the Kitchen Lab, let their creativity run wild in the Innovators' Workshop, or master the art of sewing or soldering in the Space 8 area (which is only open to ages 8 and older).

Thinkery
The Meredith Learning Lab
1930 Simond Avenue
Austin, TX 78723
(512) 469-6200
www.thinkeryaustin.org
www.yelp.com/biz/thinkery-austin

Find the Perfect Gift for the Women in Your Life at Atown

Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for your mother, a friend or your significant other, you’ll find it at Atwon. This women’s clothing boutique and gift shop sells something for just about everyone, and they often have sales that benefit local charities and community organizations.

Browse the handmade cards and candles if you’re on the hunt for a small yet thoughtful gift, or peruse the nail bar, which is well stocked with polishes from top brands. There is always a great selection of artisan jewelry and accessories from makers around the Austin area, and it all pairs perfectly with the cozy flannel shirts, boho-style dresses, and graphic print T-shirts that you’ll often find in Atown’s clothing section.

Grab some complimentary cookies, agua fresca, or a glass of wine while you wander around this popular local boutique, and don’t forget to pop in to the other shops in the Allandale area!

Atown
5502 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 323-2533
www.shopatown.tumblr.com

Maverick’s Country Rock: Pull on Your Boots to Boogie the Night Away

Austin is known for its live music venues, but Maverick’s Country Rock shows off the city’s dance moves, as well. If you love to kick up your heels to upbeat country music, Maverick’s spacious dance floor and some of the area’s best DJs will ensure that you have a rocking good time.

The dance floor isn’t just your usual open space, however: Here, a 5,000-square-foot dance floor features state-of-the-art lights and sound and a number of multimedia projectors that work in time with the music. Outside, Maverick’s 3,000-square-foot deck area features lots of outdoor seating and another full bar to service those who wish to enjoy the Texas evening. The bar also makes a fun place to dance the night away.

Maverick’s is open 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Maverick’s Country Rock
1700 Grand Ave Parkway
Pflugerville, TX 78660
(512) 514-5650
www.maverickscountryrock.com
www.yelp.com/biz/mavericks-country-rock-pflugerville

End of an Ear: Buy, Sell or Trade at This Hip Record Store

In one of the country’s most musical cities, a great record store is imperative. End of an Ear is one such record store in the south Austin area, selling an eclectic mix of vinyl records, DVDs, and even some musical equipment in the back. The record selection includes new releases that are updated weekly, as well as old classics and even some underground gems that are hard to find at other stores.

The staff is incredibly knowledgeable, if a bit standoffish, as is to be expected from a busy record store. If you want to test out a record before purchasing it, there are a few turntables with attached headphones scattered throughout the store. Many customers also turn to End of an Ear to exchange old records or DVDs, and the shop offers generous store credit or cash for consignment items.

End of an Ear is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 8 p.m. Sundays.

End of an Ear
2209 S. First Street
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 462-6008
www.endofanear.com
www.yelp.com/biz/end-of-an-ear-austin

Highland Lanes: Join a Bowling League at This Old-Fashioned Alley

If you’re looking for an old-fashioned bowling alley where you can enjoy an affordable game with your friends, Highland Lanes might be just the place near Nalle Woods. This well-maintained facility contains numerous lanes complete with electronic scoreboards and high-tech flatscreen televisions displaying your score. There is ample seating for your entire team at the end of your lane, and on weekends, you can even play in the dark using glow-in-the-dark equipment during Electric Bowl.

There are optional bumpers on each lane for the little ones, as well as a well-stocked pro shop where you can rent shoes and balls if you don’t have your own. Grab a juicy, grilled hamburger or a hot dog from the attached Lebowski’s Grill to make a day (or night) out of your bowling experience.

Highland Lanes is open 9:30 a.m. to midnight Sundays through Thursdays and 9:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Highland Lanes
8909 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 458-1215
www.highlandlanes.com
www.yelp.com/biz/jumpoline-park-austin?sort_by=date_desc

Treat Your Hair to a Trip to Salon Aura Veni

Salon Aura Veni isn't your typical hair salon. Yes, its stylists boast an array of specific talents (go to Leigh for short hair and Lori for hair extensions), and yes, they take on every styling task you can imagine, from cutting and coloring to curling and straightening. However, the stylists at Salon Aura Veni rely solely on the highest quality products to achieve their jaw-dropping cuts and colors.

These include Kevin Murphy products, a professional line that shies away from any harmful parabens or sulfates. Pureology, another brand the stylists enlist, also shirks all sulfates in favor of safer ingredients that won't damage strands. Moroccan Oil is another common name in professional hair care, one known for its powerful antioxidant ingredients and UV protection; it's generally used to condition hair to make it shiny and soft.

Salon Aura Veni
210 W. Riverside Drive
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 474-2872
www.auraveni.com/Salon_Aura_Veni/About.html

www.yelp.com/biz/salon-aura-veni-austin

Design Your Own Dessert at Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt in Austin

With reliably friendly service, a clean, modern atmosphere, and ample seating inside and out, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt. This might just be one of the best places in North Austin to satisfy your sweet tooth (without too much guilt!), as the cafe offers an ever-changing selection of frozen yogurt flavors and a vast array of toppings.

Banana pudding, original tart, cotton candy, and caramel salted popcorn are just a few of the flavors loaded into the colorful self-serve stations along the wall. Dose out your chosen froyo flavor, then add toppings from the toppings bar. There, you'll find cookie dough bites, fresh fruits, granola, and candies, and you can add as many as you want before paying by the ounce at the end.

Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt
13429 US Highway 183 N
Austin, TX 78750
(512) 257-0886
www.tfyogurt.com
www.yelp.com/biz/tutti-frutti-frozen-yogurt-austin

Mills Pond: Relax by a Countryside Pond

Mills Pond is a tranquil oasis tucked into the middle of Austin’s Lakes at Wells Branch subdivision, and locals say it's a great spot to gather with friends and family. The pond offers a pier for anglers who want to try their hand at catching the local fish, as well as a floating boat dock for use by any non-motorized boats.

Winding trails around the pond's perimeter offer scenic views and the chance to glimpse local ducks, geese, and cranes, as well as the opportunity for a bit of exercise (joggers and bikers are both welcome). Sunny, grassy fields nearby are ideal for spreading out a blanket and sharing a picnic, reading a book, or just enjoying the fresh air.

Whether you decide to enjoy the view from a park bench on the bank, or climb into a canoe to explore the pond itself, you can expect a quiet, peaceful visit to Mills Pond.

Mills Pond
15108 Wells Port Drive
Austin, TX 78728
(512) 251-9814
www.wellsbranchmud.com/parks/mills-pond.html
www.yelp.com/biz/mills-pond-austin

Treat Yourself to a Little R&R at Avant Salon & Spa

Whether you’re looking to debut a new hairstyle for the upcoming season or simply to treat yourself to a day of pampering, Avant Salon & Spa is one of the best places in Austin for all things hair, skin, and body. This luxury salon and spa employs a number of skilled stylists who can sculpt flattering haircuts on both men and women, as well as administer highlights, lowlights, and all-over color. Relaxing massages are available in the chic, private massage rooms, and there are also other body treatments, like full-body exfoliation and waxing for the arms, legs, or bikini area.

Avant Salon & Spa also offers professional makeup application for special occasions, like weddings and school dances, using Aveda’s popular Uruku line of cosmetics. For all of your beauty and relaxation needs, Avant Salon & Spa is a truly reliable and high-class option in Austin.

Avant Salon & Spa
9901 North Capital of TX Highway
Austin, TX 78759
(512) 502-8268
www.avantsalon.com
www.yelp.com/biz/avant-salon-spa-austin?sort_by=date_desc

Pin It on Pinterest