Mount Bonnell

One of the great things about Austin that has captured my heart is how beautiful the city is and the dynamic views it offers. From the skyline view from Barton Creek Mall to the view of the lake from Mount Bonnell, Austin offers a unique beauty not found in many cities. I first discovered Mount Bonnell when I decided to take my parents their for a mother’s day picnic. The family I babysit for told me told me about how beautiful it is, so my parents came down the weekend after mother’s day and we packed a small ice chest with sandwhiches, chips, and sodas and headed down 2222. I think my parents enjoyed their time, though my mom did complain (alot) about all the steps she had to walk up. All in all I would definitely recommend Mount Bonnell as a place to hang out with your favorite people.

– Brittany

Lady Bird Lake Love

After yesterday’s video downer, I decided to bring us back up again. I love our lake.

The beautiful Lady Bird Lake, seen through the trees. (Photo by Lewisisms)

Formerly known as Town Lake, Lady Bird Lake was renamed for Lady Bird Johnson, a well-loved Texas icon who helped beautify the lake’s shorefront in the seventies. The lake is a reservoir on the Colorado River, and sits in the middle of downtown Austin.

I already mentioned how I love the city at night, and the lake has a great deal to do with this. I love the way the lights of our city play on the slow waves of the lake. I love it in the daytime too, though. There are so many fun activities involving our lake. You can go watch UT’s Women’s Rowing Team kick some butt, join Austin’s rowing club and do it yourself, go fishing, run around it on the hike and bike trail, or just gaze and relax. When I tried my hand at rowing as a freshman in college, I also got to jump in the lake for a brief swim – it was a little icky, but all in all not too bad.

Rowing at night on Lady Bird Lake. (Photo by Laura Mundee)

Having a lake in the middle of the city really gives Austin a special kind of character. It makes everything seem more calm and fresh. And it is certainly something I adore about Austin.

-Caitlin