The Austin Zephyr

All of the city pools are open for business. They actually opened on June 6, but we're just now getting around to posting about it. But, all of the schedules in our swimming spots section have been updated! And we're working on getting more photos and write-ups about the different pools for you, soon. Read more about Austin City Pools are Open for the Summer

From the consistently-cool Monofonus Press comes the first issue of their first digital magazine, Transgressor. Read more about Transgressor Magazine: Issue 1 Out Now

Hipstercrite just posted a nice write-up of In.gredients, the new zero-packaging grocery store in East Austin. I was especially glad to hear that the prices are reasonable, which was a concern of mine. I have yet to make it over there, but when I do, expect more info! Read more about Hipstercrite on In.gredients

Today as I was driving around to gather more photos and information for the Zephyr's Swimming Guide, I happened to pass this old set of walls at 11th and Baylor Streets. I have a few memories of being in college and going to these walls late at night to sit around, drink beer, and throw things. Back then I think we called it "The Castle" (there's a big castle house behind it), although I've also heard "The Foundation". Anyway, Google Maps shows it how I remember it, barren and gray (and the angle gives it a war zone feel): Read more about Stumbling into the Baylor Street Art Wall

The Austin Chronicle just published a 20-year retrospective on the Save Our Springs movement, which began with "the Save Our Springs Ordinance – a voter-driven initiative to protect Barton Springs against unrestricted development in the Barton Creek watershed". Read more about Twenty Years of Saving Barton Springs

Rob Patterson at the Austin Post has written a great 3-part story on South Lamar (specifically the stretch between Barton Springs and Ben White), covering the street's past, the current booming development and rising prices of land, the resulting effect on businesses, and what we might expect for the future of the street. Even as an Austinite of 10 years or so, I didn't know most of this stuff. Check it out: Read more about South Lamar: History and New Development

Today, the Austin Zephyr Street Team (consisting of me, my bicycle, and my iPhone) set out to gather some more information for our swimming guide. The first stop was the Lott Splash Pad, which was completely deserted and functions in mysterious ways. Next was a quick stop by the HOPE farmers' market, to get a photo. We also ended up taking a dip in both Martin Pool and Parque Zaragoza Pool. Read more about Sunday Street Team Swimming Survey

I regularly read Steve Crossland's Real Estate Blog. About a year ago I spent a few months trying to buy a house, and failed. But in the process, at least I stumbled onto his blog, which is usually an interesting read for anyone with a general curiosity about what's going on with residential real estate in Austin. Read more about Newsflash: It Keeps Getting Harder to Buy a House in Austin

You may have heard about the big development project planned for the shopping center on South Lamar that is home to the Alamo Drafthouse, Highball, Heart of Texas Music, and other businesses. The developer, Greystar Properties, had planned a large vertical mixed-use project that was going to result in a lot of those businesses closing or moving elsewhere (Austin Drafthouse and Highball were going to stay). Read more about What's Happening with that South Lamar Shopping Center?

I live a few blocks away from Swede Hill Park, a tiny plot of land with 2 benches, a few trees, and a streetlight. As far as I can tell, it's used as a place for people to let their dogs take dumps. I saw my first-ever non-dog-walker this morning, when I went to the park to take some pictures. There was a guy sitting on one of the benches, smoking something. Read more about Lonely Little Swede Hill Park