Heated to a constant 68 degrees, Austin's Barton Springs Pool is a popular swimming hole that can be enjoyed year round. Located in Zilker Park, the pool is fed by water from the Main Barton Spring. Swimming during any season is allowed at the Barton Springs Pool, but costs a small fee in the summer months. With grassy picnic areas nearby and plenty of places to play and relax, Barton Springs is a must-see for every Austin visitor.

Once considered holy by the local Native American tribe, the Tonkawa, the springs were used for bathing and purification ceremonies. When the Spaniards discovered the large springs in the early 1700s, they built a mission near the site. Once settlers moved into the area, the springs became popular tourist attractions, and eventually it evolved into the swimming hot spot it is today. In its current management by the city of Austin, the Barton Springs Pool provides an invigorating and refreshing way to cool off, exercise, hang out and relax. It has quickly evolved into a hangout place for young adults, but bathers of all ages will enjoy themselves at the Barton Springs Pool.

At more than 900 feet long, Barton Springs Pool has a natural gravel bottom and is full of fresh, naturally warmed spring water. With diving boards, stairs and ladders, swimmers can easily enter and exit at several different points around the pool. Summer weekends might find the pool quite crowded, but the spaciousness of the place allows everyone a good refreshing swim no matter what.

Occasionally the pool is closed for safety concerns, such as when there have been heavy rains or the creek that feeds the pool is running high. In these instances, swimmers can call ahead to the Barton Springs Pool to determine if the pool will be opening. The hotline is operating 24 hours per day for the convenience of its guests.

The cost to get into the pool is minimal-just $3 for adults and $2 for young adults 12 to 17 and $1 for children under 12 and senior citizens. The doors open at 5 a.m. and usually close at around 10 p.m. Although the pool is billed as a family-friendly area, topless sunbathing is allowed at the pool and many patrons take advantage of that.

Barton Springs Pool is a wonderful way to combine history and recreation when checking out all the things to see and do in the Austin area. It's especially easy to see this Austin landmark when it's a hot Texas afternoon.

Author Bio: Eric Bramlett is the broker & co-owner of One Source Realty in Austin, Texas. Eric currently manages his Austin Real Estate website, his Austin condominiums company's website, & his Austin Texas website.

A mainstay of Austin culture and art since 1916, and in its present location since 1996, the Austin Museum of Art has provided the community with accessible artwork to enlighten and educate its citizens. Echoing the words of museum patron Clara Driscoll, the museum is a place that "brings pleasure in the appreciation of art to the people of Texas."

Today, the Austin Museum of Art-Downtown continues to educate a broad audience on 20th century and contemporary art, with a world-class gallery, continually changing exhibits and even an Art School. For you and your family, it's a place to appreciate loveliness and creativity in many forms, as well as release your inner artist. You will find that the museum is centrally located downtown and housed in a contemporary-style building, perfectly reflecting the modern art inside. Each exhibition at this Austin, Texas museum is generally paired up with listening or reading stations, interpretive programming and museum guides who can reveal the unique and important impact that the visual arts create. Past exhibits have included everything from photography, sculpture, paintings, charcoal drawings and pottery collections.

The downtown location is a permanent expansion from the original museum, and provides a broad range of community-oriented features. The Community Room can be rented or reserved for activities or private functions as needed. The Art School holds classes in many different mediums for all ages. Try a beginner's class in watercolors, or enroll your child in the 3-D Art class designed for kids. The museum store is also located on-site and provides art-related gifts, books, toys and jewelry. It's perfect when you need a gift for the person who has everything or simply for browsing after an afternoon of viewing the latest exhibits in town.

The Austin Museum of Art is also dedicated to education enhancement, in the form of teacher seminars, adult education, group tours and family programs. It's a way for Austin, Texas residents to connect with the arts on a personal level and walk away with an increased understanding of their world. With an active volunteer program that enables Austin, TX citizens to act as museum docents, it's easy for just about anyone to get involved.

The museum is open from Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday hours are from noon to 5:00 p.m, and closed Mondays and holidays. Located at 823 Congress Avenue at 9th Street, the museum is adjacent to a convenient parking garage at 9th and Brazos. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and students and free for children 12 and under. Eric Bramlett is the broker & co-owner of One Source Realty in Austin, Texas. Eric currently manages his downtown Austin condos Guide, his downtown Austin company's website, & his Austin TX Welder website.

If you are a water-lover, but afraid that a move to Austin, Texas means the end of lake sports, you obviously haven't heard about the three most popular lakes in the Austin, TX area. Lady Bird Lake, Lake Austin and Lake Travis are full of recreational opportunities to suit every level of play, from swimming and boating to jet skiing and lake cruises.

Lady Bird Lake is a calm and peaceful lake in the city of Austin, Texas, and it's just right for canoeing or kayaking. You can rent canoes or paddle boats at the Rowing Dock for a moderate fee. At six miles long, this lake runs between Riverside Drive and 1st street, making it a restful oasis in the urban downtown area. Take advantage of the walking trails that circle the lake and enjoy a stroll or a jog among the beautiful scenery. You can enjoy a boat tour of Lady Bird Lake, including dinner cruises for special events or group outings and get a glimpse of Austin, TX as you've never seen it before-from the water. Swimming, motor boating and jet skiing are prohibited at Lady Bird Lake.

Lake Austin is one of the most popular lakes in the area, and was created by Mansfield Dam and Tom Miller Dam on the Colorado River. Boating enthusiasts will really enjoy Lake Austin, with its high cliffs and lush shorelines. There are several launch sites where you can put your own boat in, or contact any of the rental boat services to get out on the water as soon as possible. There are several charter boat services that can take individual passengers or even large groups for scenic tours of the lovely Lake Austin. Imagine riding an old-fashioned riverboat around and learning more about the sites and stories that occurred on or near the lake.

Lake Travis, the longest lake in the region at more than 60 miles long, lies northwest of Austin, TX. Perfect for all kinds of boating, such as motor boating or sail boating, the lake features several boat docks, boat rental companies and even personal watercraft rentals. Several small communities encircle Lake Travis, and there are dozens of boat rental or boat storage facilities in each one.

Lake Travis is also the hub for a variety of other recreational activities. Fishing and swimming are always popular, as well as canoeing, kayaking and jet skiing. Check out the Volente Beach and Waterpark, a fun place for exciting water rides. The rolling hills of Texas Hill Country are wonderful for golf, and there are several resorts and clubs lakeside. It's a true resort atmosphere at Lake Travis, just 40 minutes from Austin, Texas.

These are just a few of the lakes and waterways that surround Austin, Texas. Take some time to get familiar with area lakes and the unique outdoor adventures that each one has to offer. Whether you own a boat or just like to play on one, Austin-area lake cruises and boat rentals can make it happen for Austin, TX residents. Eric Bramlett is the broker & co-owner of One Source Realty in Austin, Texas. Eric currently manages his Lake Austin Guide, his Lake Austin real estate company's website, & his Austin Lake real estate website.

Now in its 97th year, the Austin Symphony is the pinnacle of cultural events in the Austin, TX area and the beginning of the live music scene that dominates the modern entertainment culture of this vibrant Texas city. Showcasing classical music that spans continents, genres and generations, the Austin Symphony brings together almost 100 musicians who work together to create memorable music.

Even if you've never attended a symphony before, you can appreciate the Austin Symphony. With a quick introduction to the strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion and a little insight into the pieces that will be played, you can enjoy just about any presentation. Simply let your mind follow the highs and lows of the piece and feel the music as it wraps around your emotions and feelings.

The Austin Symphony presents a wide variety of music from many different composers. In one season, you might have the choice between Beethoven, Strauss and Handel as well as a "Simply Sinatra" concert, a string quartet or a guitar quartet. The diversity means that everyone will be able to find some kind of music that appeals to them. Tickets are easy to purchase online or at the ticket office for the Austin Symphony.

It's easy to find out what's in store as far as concerts from the Austin Symphony-their easy to use website shows the season calendars and the events and featured artists that are coming up. Generally, the Austin Symphony performs eight classical concerts, four pops concerts and two family concerts. Elsewhere in the community, the Austin Symphony performs at such exiting venues such as during the city's Fourth of July events and the free concerts in the park during the summers. The symphony also performs holiday concerts for the residents of Austin, Texas to enhance the holiday atmosphere.

The Austin Symphony even holds concerts that are appropriate for children, presenting some of the more classic works in a friendly and shortened concert. There is also a chance for children to learn more about the different instruments, meet the conductor and learn more about the composers of whose work is being played. The Children's Day Art Park is a fine place to see the musicians up close and listen to new music from the Austin Symphony.

Several award-winning education programs are organized through the Austin Symphony. These programs allow for musicians to visit classrooms in the Austin, TX area, provide study guides for music teachers, bring students for field trips to the concert hall and allow young musicians the chance to play with a real orchestra. Designed to enhance art appreciation in youngsters, the Austin Symphony has been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts and the American Symphony Orchestra League. Eric Bramlett is the broker & co-owner of One Source Realty in Austin, Texas. Eric currently manages his Austin TX Real Estate Guide, his Austin real estate company's website, & his Austin Welder website.

Touted as the "Live Music Capital of the World," the city of Austin, Texas, has a rhythm of its own. With more live music venues per capita than any other music center in the world, Austin, TX dominates over other places known for music such as Nashville, Los Angeles or Las Vegas. The city of Austin, Texas offers several programs to assist musicians and to promote their music in a variety of genres, from country to blues.

Whether you are just arriving in Austin, Texas for the first time or you are a local coming home, you will be greeted at the airport with live music at three different airport venues. The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is just the first reminder that you've entered the "Live Music Capital" of Austin, TX.

The Plaza at the Austin City Hall puts on a music showcase with different scopes that highlight different musicians and their music. Free concerts are given between April and October at The Plaza, making the music series "Live From The Plaza" one of the more popular music venues around. The Parks and Recreation Department also highlights musical performances, with summer concerts in various locations, such as the Zilker Hillside Theater.

Many private organizations have emerged as a result of the hot music scene in Austin, TX. The city's famous Sixth Street is the heart of the live music scene, with more than 50 nightclubs, restaurants, bistros and dance clubs showcasing the latest musicians in a variety of music styles. West of the business district lies what is known as Austin's Warehouse District, fast emerging as another neighborhood devoted to live music. With edgier restaurants and clubs renovated from old warehouses, the Warehouse District features trendy bars, restaurants and amazing concert halls.

There are several theaters in Austin, Texas that spotlight more live music, such as Esther's Follies. Located on Sixth Street, Esther's Follies has featured live acts of magic, comedy, music and sketch comedy for more than two decades. The Frank Erwin Center hosts many concerts and other musical events from its Red River Street location. The Zachary Scott Theater is another place to enjoy a wide variety of live entertainment, from seasonal plays to old-fashioned music concerts. Austin, Texas has many other theaters located throughout the city that are just waiting to be discovered by eager residents.

Of course, the "Live Music Capital of the World" wouldn't be complete with out music festivals, and Austin, TX hosts several noteworthy ones. Try out the Austin City Limits Music Festival, a 3-day celebration of Austin's music. The Southwest Music, Film and Interactive Festival highlights worldwide talents in each category. The Urban Music Festival and the Old Settler's Music Festival are two more popular events just right for the whole family. Eric Bramlett is the broker & co-owner of One Source Realty in Austin, Texas. Eric currently manages his Austin TX Real Estate Guide, his Austin real estate company's website, & his Austin Welder website.