Nomad's Adventures in Austin, TX

Even though Texas is pretty hot in the summertime, we're in no rush to leave. At the moment were situated in Austin, where we are house sitting for some good friends and enjoying this extraordinary city. We've discovered so many free or low-cost things to do here.

Highlights so far:

Deep Eddy pool, a glorious, crystal-clear swimming hole filled with spring-fed water:

 

Barton Springs pool, not as clear as Deep Eddy but also spring-fed - and you can look at fossils and chase little fish as you swim:

 

Cost for both pools: $3 per adult, $1 per child (for city residents... Which we aren't, but since we are house sitting, we counted ourselves as temporary residents)

The trail around Lake Austin, where I've been able to get in several enjoyable runs, including a four-miler with two of the women in my online Beachbody challenge group:

 

 

Cost: Totally free! Even parking near the trail is free. 

The Thinkery, a children's museum with an enviable outdoor climbing structure and loads of exploratory activities inside:

 

 

Cost: Free with the ASTC Travel Passport Program! (Totally worth it!)

And of course, many delicious and vegan-friendly places to eat:

Chi'Lantro, which is like a Thai version of Chipotle:

 

It was at Chi'Lantro that Trent ordered the famous kimchi fries... Picture an enormous pile of french fries covered in meat, kimchi, and squeezable cheese (he's an at-home vegan so he's always thrilled to go out and gobble up meat).

Sweet Ritual, a vegan and gluten free ice cream shop: 

 

Tacodeli, because can you go to Austin without getting tacos? I think not:

 

Summer Moon Coffee Bar, for coffee made with fire-roasted beans:

We're house sitting until the weekend and then we'll be moving back into the RV and settling in at a local campground. I'm thrilled that we have more time to explore this city! On the agenda for today: finally try some kolaches!