Get Outside! It is Austin after all!

They say there's about 300 days of sunshine in Austin (that's better than 82% of the year). Even if it's an off year with a paltry 275 or so, it kind of limits your excuses for not going outdoors. Outside magazine ranked Austin as it's number 4 city to live in. Forbes ranked Austin in their top 10. I rank it number one. Not only are there many fairly cheap, exhilarating opportunities, there are plenty of free ones as well.

RunTex/Jack and Adam's - If you're into running or cycling, Austin can be your sanctuary. Zooming around Town Lake, the Green Belt, or one of the other hundreds of great spots can be a joy because of the scenery and nature. Jack and Adam's is one of a dozen great bike shops in Austin offering free classes and Run Tex is (only slightly less) nationally recognized (than the Longhorn Football team) and helps promote running by offering water jugs and cups at different runner hot-spots around town.

Zilker Park - 351 of the prettiest acres in Austin make this great park a must see. If you haven't spent a significant amount of time doing something here, you're doing yourself a disservice...and if that doesn't do it for you, you can at least party at the moon tower.

Barton Springs - If you go when the sun is out to fully enjoy the 68 degree water, it costs $3 - not a substantial amount for one of the best and most popular swimming holes around. But we're about being thiftier than that here. Every morning between 5 AM and 9 AM + every evening between 9 PM and 10 PM, there is no charge for swimming at Barton Springs Swimming Pool at Zilker Park (Especially if it's a full moon)