This natural spring fed swimming pool stays a remarkable 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 C) even on days that reach 108F (42 C) degrees. It has saved my life.

My favorite thing about being in Austin is driving while listening to: Country, Swing, and Rockabilly Jamboree, Country Roots, The Lounge Show, Non-Breaking Space, The Cutting Edge, Jamaican Gold, Strictly Bluegrass, and Slappy Pinchbottom's Odd Preoccupation, and many more fine programs on offer from the all volunteer community local FM radio station.

Situated in a beautiful building with a real art (biased here), Elizabeth St. serves the best breakfast báhn mî and makes you feel good just being there.

This is a home-made oasis for those of us who believe in fairies. The painted alleyway boasts tiny hidden doorways and even provides a generous cup of glitter for true believers to disperse showers of shimmering magic among the fish and flowers.

Casa de Luz is a macrobiotic cafeteria nestled behind a learning center, a series of alternative medicinal practices, and yoga studios. I like to go there in the summer after a swim at one of Austin's spring-fed pools, Deep Eddy or Barton Springs.