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Barton Springs
When you first move to Austin it seems like all people talk about is Barton Springs. It's like, "Okay, okay, we get it: Austin is home to a three-acre spring-fed pool that maintains an average temperature of 68-70 degrees, ideal for year-round swimming. Cool." And then you go there (for only $3, mind you) and suddenly you're a mermaid swimming amongst the most interesting breeds of people, fish, and turtles. If you're really lucky, you'll bump into a Barton Springs salamander. The water is freezing, and there is a man doing yoga in his Speedo on the edge of the pool, but it all just adds to the experience. You've lost count of all the different types of the tattoos you've seen, and a single tear runs down your face when you realize that you'll have to leave when it closes. Everything everyone told you about this place is true. You tuck yourself into bed that night still warm from the Texas sun and the feeling of finally knowing what it means to be a lover of Barton Springs – cozy in the truth that you are now a true Austinite.
Barton Springs Pool
2131 William Barton Dr., 512/974-6300
austintexas.gov/department/barton-springs-pool
