I have always been a fan of visiting Austin’s 6th street for its popular nightlife scene. With its many bars, pubs, festivals, and music events, one can never go wrong with keep things weird and making lots of fun memories. On my recent visit to the music capital of the world, I attended the launch of Doyle Bramhall II’s new album titled, “Rich Man” at Waterloo Records. Musicians and fans filled up the place, drank some cold Shiner Bock beer and enjoyed the newly released music; can’t go wrong with listening to the Blues in Texas played beautifully by someone born in the same state. Doyle Bramhall II is an American musician and the son of songwriter and drummer Doyle Bramhall; he is also a producer, guitarist and songwriter known for his work with Eric Clapton, Roger Waters and many others. After our event we took a drive through the city and took advantage of the local scenery and got to check out some of Austin’s finest setting up for ACL. One of the places I had not visited was Barton Springs.
The spring fed pool was absolutely beautiful. I think visiting the Springs at sunset enhanced its greenish blue hues and the sparkle of the water was so inviting, it made you want to jump right in it. The natural spring filled Barton Springs Pool is a recreational outdoor swimming pool located on the grounds of Zilker Park in Austin, Texas. The pool is the fourth largest spring in Texas, exists within the channel of Barton Creek and utilizes water from Main Barton Spring. Swimmers enjoy the popular swimming venue year-round; its temperature maintains as stable 68 °F (20 °C) in the winter and summer.
Another cool thing I learned while visiting Barton Springs, is that it has a salamander species known as the Barton Springs Salamander that resides solely in Barton Springs, Austin, Texas. The salamander is small (1/2″ to 3″ long), obligately aquatic, paedomorphic and retains juvenile characteristics, such as gills, throughout its life. If you really want to learn more about Barton Springs and its salamander, be sure to visit The Splash! Exhibit which is right beside the entrance to the springs. The exhibit is inside a simulated limestone cave and offers a fun exciting learning experience. You will get to see interactive exhibits and multimedia displays demonstrate how the aquifer was formed and maintains its average daily flow of 32 million gallons of water at Barton Springs.
Waterloo Records is the only place to buy local music, vinyl & listen to some tunes! Sounds like you had a great time in our town.