Play Everyday in South Austin
Hippies, hipsters, musicians and artists flock to South Austin to kick back, create and enjoy the culture that is unlike any where else. The residents of south Austin take living a laid back lifestyle very seriously. From sunbathing on the grassy banks of Barton Springs to the monthly South Congress block party simply known at First Thursday, south Austin is a community that knows the importance of kicking back with your neighbors and relaxing.
The heart of south Austin is South Congress. Some of Austin’s favorite eateries, coffee joints and boutiques are located on SoCo. One of the best ways to check out this happening hot spot is by attending South Congress’ monthly First Thursday. Every first Thursday of the month, musicians, artists and restauranteurs keep their doors open a little later to display their crafts on South Congress. The party starts in the early evening with music at every venue, a craft fair and food and beverages pouring out of every restaurant.
One of Austin’s favorite hang outs is located in South Austin. Barton Springs Pool a semi-man made natural bottomed pool that is fed by the Main Barton Spring. Its sparkling clear waters stay a constant 68 degrees year round, making the pool feel warm in the winter and ice cold in the summer. It is the most popular swimming destination in Austin and on any given day you can find folks cannon balling off the diving board, sun bathing on the lawn or reading under the area’s many trees. Though admission is $3 for adults, 10% of the pool’s proceeds to to saving the endangered Barton Creek salamander.
When the party’s over and its time to go home, residents of South Austin are lucky to have some of the best neighborhoods in the city. One such neighborhood, Travis Heights, is truly the best of the best. Built in 1912, Travis Heights is one of the older neighborhoods in Austin. Its shaded streets and public parks and pools gives it a retro vibe that will remind you of times when neighbors barbecued together and the milkman delivered. Its proximity to Lady Bird Lake allows residents of Travis Heights to go out and play everyday.
South Austin is has a unique vibe and culture that has yet to be replicated. South Austinites are so proud of their neighborhoods, you will see bumper stickers proclaiming simply, “78704” throughout the Austin area. But the south is more than just a zip code, it is a way of life.