I heard not too long ago Zilker Park was coined the “Central Park” of Austin and though I expect many New Yorkers would beg to differ (most politely I’m sure) one can imagine in a uniquely Austin kind of way that Zilker Park embodies the spirit of Austin just as Central Park is the heartbeat of New York City. Regardless of age, gender or time of year there is always something entertaining to do. Like to swim? Take a dip in the natural spring fed Barton Springs pool featuring 68 degree year round water temperature. Chilly, I know, but next to a giant grape snow cone, the pool is hands down the perfect remedy for a hot August day in Austin. Outdoorsy? Take a canoe ride on the picturesque Lady Bird Lake brimming with a colorful assortment of ducks and swans. Walk the shoreline and they eagerly waddle right up to you hungry and expectant for goodies. If water isn’t your thing walk, jog or bike the over 50 miles of tree-lined hike and bike trails where at several rest spots you can find ice cold water provided year round - truly a joggers paradise. For the kids (and kids at heart) there is a colossal playscape covering several acres. The centerpiece is the famous life sized fire truck where kids can be seen taking their turn climbing into the driver’s seat while make believing they are on their way to put out an imaginary fire. Next to the playground is the historic “Zilker Zephyr” miniature train giving an entertaining twenty minute ride year round to anyone who cares for a scenic tour of the park. Did I mention the events at Zilker? If you haven’t walked the Zilker “Trail of Lights” at Christmas then you truly haven’t done Austin. The spectacular display of Christmas lights puts Clark Griswold to shame and is a must see if you ever visit Austin. Summing up Zilker’s magic is one of the U.S.’s longest continuously running kite festivals, the “piece de resistance” of Zilker, the Annual Zilker Kite Festival. Held annually in March, rain or shine you can see any size, shape or color of kite imaginable. I was fascinated at last year’s festival to see a gigantic pair of men’s pants with dangling legs soaring in the sky (fake of course)-anything goes at the festival. The downtown Austin horizon is spotted with thousands of kites, truly a site to see and definitely something not to miss. From afar you can see them dotting the sky like tiny exclamation points. Central Park or not, Zilker has toped my list of favorite places in Austin since I first laid eyes on it over thirty years ago. It is a “must see” if you visit Austin and a “must do” if you really want to say you’re a truly cool Austinite.
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