Free Idea of the Week: Town Lake

Located smack dab in the middle of town, Town Lake is the dammed in portion of the Colorado River. Recently named after the wife of former president Lyndon B. Johnson, Lady Bird Lake offers a serene getaway within walking distance of downtown.

The lake deserves credit for keeping many Austinites healthy through its extensive hike and bike trails. Running on either side of the waterway, the trails provide a much better alternative to the treadmill. For a small fee, visitors can rent kayaks to take out on the calm waters.

Free Idea of the Week: Greenbelt

Austin's very own Greenbelt includes approximately 8 miles of trail and 800 acres of pure nature. Thousands of visitors a year come to hike, bike, walk their dogs, and enjoy the great outdoors. Best of all, it's free.

Located off of Loop 360 and MoPac, the Greenbelt offers a more rural and natural setting than Zilker Park. With Barton Creek running through it, their are plenty of watering holes for you and your dog.