Barton Springs Archives

Unplugged at the Grove Series Celebrates 25 Years of Free Music

Posted on May 8, 2018 by Bill Tucker

Swimming With Bears Unplugged at the Grove

Swimming With Bears performs during Unplugged at the Grove (Credit: KGSR/John Gutierrez)

In the midst of Austin’s ever-evolving landscape, there are places and events that should never go away. Spots like The White Horse and shows like Austin City Limits are crucial to the fabric of our fabulous city. If The Broken Spoke turns into a Jamba Juice, then I’m high-tailing it to Asheville, North Carolina…

Unplugged at the Grove is one of our local institutions. Five months out of the year for 25 years, Thursday evenings at Shady Grove have been synonymous with exceptional music at the lowest price humanly possible. And thanks to long-time partner KGSR, this year’s lineup is filled to the brim with local talent.

[Read more…]

Barton Springs Bathhouse Marks 70 Years With Community Plunge

Posted on May 10, 2017 by Jaclyn Hubersberger

Barton Springs Bathhouse Dedication in 1947

1947 Barton Springs Bathhouse dedication ceremony (Credit: Barton Springs Conservancy)

Located within Zilker Park’s 358 acres is Barton Springs Pool, a three-acre, underground fed spring that has been referred to as the “Heart and Soul” and “Crown Jewel” of Austin. If you’ve been there, you understand why. In 1947, Barton Springs Bathhouse opened its doors for the first time, welcoming swimmers from all walks of life who sought fun, relaxation, and healing in the water beyond its walls.

This year marks 70 years that the historic Barton Springs Bathhouse has been open. On May 13, Austinites can celebrate this anniversary during the 70th Birthday Splash: Parade and Plunge. The event is hosted by Barton Springs Conservancy, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to honor, preserve, and enhance the Barton Springs experience through education and facility improvements. [Read more…]

Guide to Barton Springs Pool, Soul of Austin

Posted on September 8, 2015 by Kelli McDonald

Looking toward the Austin skyline from Barton Springs Pool

Austinites have socialized, fished, waded and swum in the clear blue waters of Barton Springs since the 1800s. The water’s temperature stays at a steady 68-70 degrees while the setting around it changes drastically throughout the year.

I wanted to compile a short guide on what makes Barton Springs Pool quintessentially Austin. In order to scratch the surface of this historical gem, I met with Wayne Simmons, Aquatic Program Manager for the City of Austin, and Clark Hancock, Exhibit Coordinator at the Nature & Science Center. [Read more…]

Austin Playdate with Comic Ralph Hardesty

Posted on July 24, 2015 by Guest Blogger

Playdate with Austin comic Ralph Hardesty

Guest article by Colin Gray

Ralph Hardesty is an up-and-coming standup comic you may have seen at Cap City Comedy Club, ColdTowne Theater and other venues, or co-hosting Greetings From Queer Mountain with comedian Michael Foulk. You may also have seen him in a caftan or witch’s cloak if you’ve attended Gurl’s Night, a gay- and women-focused standup show he co-hosts with Daniel Webb of Obama fist bump fame.

Ralph is very, very funny off stage, but it comes across naturally. You don’t get the sense that’s he’s switching on a persona. He’s comfortable with himself (remember the caftan?) and well adjusted, which is not always the case with comedians (something of an understatement).

We built our playdate around some of his favorite things to do in Austin, and I’ve been promised that with two cups of coffee in his system, I’ll be getting “the full Ralph.” [Read more…]

10 Beautiful Sights from Umlauf Garden Party 2015

Posted on April 29, 2015 by Kelli McDonald

Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum is located at 605 Robert E Lee Rd near Zilker Park
(Credit: Rebecca Belcher Photography)

Last week, I joined local photographer Rebecca Belcher at Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum for one of the loveliest events in Austin, the 17th Annual Umlauf Garden Party.

This major fundraiser featured fare from 20 local restaurants, wine, a silent and live auction, live music and, of course, striking artwork. Though the humidity that night made us feel like we were in Houston, the event was unmistakably Austin with excited chatter, beautiful summer dresses and a garden full of sculptures made by a man who loved this city, Charles Umlauf (1910-1994). [Read more…]

Zilker Kite Festival 2015 Returns to Zilker Park March 1st

Posted on February 24, 2015 by J. Alan Nelson

The 87th Annual Zilker Park Kite Festival is March 1, 2015 (Credit: David King)

One of the best ways to forget yourself and all the baggage that comes with you is to buy or make your own personal aircraft. You can use string, paper, sticks or whatever’s handy. Just make sure you’re finished by March 1, 2015, when Zilker Kite Festival returns for another year. [Read more…]

The Story of Umlauf Sculpture Garden’s Beloved Artist

Posted on September 23, 2014 by Kelli McDonald

Umlauf Sculpture Garden, with Ballerina in the foreground (1977, bronze)

“You don’t have to know. It’s just beautiful,” a man said while shrugging, after his friend seemed confused about a piece at the Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum.

It’s true; visiting the Umlauf can be enjoyable with little or no knowledge about Charles Umlauf (1910-1994) or his artwork. The grounds feature nice gravel paths, lush native plants, a waterfall, two ponds and a museum all nestled in the heart of the city next to Barton Springs and Zilker Park. [Read more…]

Best Places to Eat Before Blues on the Green

Posted on July 30, 2014 by Guest Blogger

Blues on the Green at Zilker Park (Credit: Bill Oriani via Flickr CC)

This guest blog article is by Adam Rosenfield.

Ah, KGSR’s Blues on the Green, the quintessential summer event in Austin. The evening features free live music from prominent artists in Zilker Park on Wednesday night. You and your friends can set your DVRs for Modern Family and still enjoy the hot, yet beautiful, summer night.

With musical acts like Charlie Mars, Quiet Company and Shinyribs still to come, Austinites have a convenient excuse to sample the delicious culinary options located within two miles (!) of Zilker Park. Lucky for Austinot readers, I’ve come up with food choices for every Blues on the Green occasion. [Read more…]

The Picnic Brings Food Trailers to Barton Springs

Posted on May 12, 2014 by Jessica Pino

If you’ve been in Austin a while, you fondly remember the collection of food trailers that used to be on South Congress at the corner of Monroe. For years, this prime stretch of real estate remained frozen in time and seemed immune to the high-rises popping up around town. But Austin grew a little less weird when it was announced in 2013 that a hotel would take the place of our beloved food trailer park.

But all is not lost. I’m happy to report that we have recovered a part of that weirdness, relocated to Barton Springs Road. The Picnic is the new home of a collection of food trailers, along with some extra perks. Equipped with a covered pavillion, ceiling fans and bathrooms, this assemblage of food trailers gathers some of the best chefs in town and creates a unique outdoor dining experience.

[Read more…]

Best Burger Joint, Farmers’ Markets, Farrah Fawcett and Barton Springs

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Brittany Highland

What is this mysterious structure behind a fence at Barton Springs? Find out on today’s episode!

Click Play on the podcast player above to listen to this week’s episode of the Austinot Podcast or find us on iTunes.

After a two-week sabbatical, the Austinot Podcast is back! Thanks to everyone who has continued to send in awesome questions about Austin on Facebook and Twitter.

We really enjoyed answering your questions this week.