One of the questions I get a lot when meeting someone new is: What do you like to do for fun in Austin? There are countless blogs and helpful websites that can tell you all the HUNDREDS of activities that go on in and around Austin all the time, but for this post (with some difficulty), I narrowed it down to 3 things that I personally like to do for fun in Austin! AND they happen to be budget-friendly!
1. Three mile running loop around Lake Austin.
The run I like to take goes from MOPAC bridge, east to Lamar and around. It’s about 3 miles.
I come from a small town in Northern California called Chico. In Chico people like to get outdoors. Growing up, there were many swimming holes and hikes that I would visit with friends and family throughout the year. This love of outdoor activities followed me into adulthood. (I get kind-of anxious at gyms!)
Maybe this is why the first time I ran around the lake when I was just visiting Austin, I felt at home and knew it was the right place for me. Even now, two years in, I often get a rush of happiness when I look over the water during a run and see nature all around me. Sometimes I’ll even blow the “never give up” sign a little kiss for good luck. I hope to never live too far to visit the lake at least a couple times a week.
2. High quality donation-based sliding scale Yoga classes
I have been doing yoga for 15 years and I absolutely love it! However, since starting my own practice, sometimes I have to tighten the purse strings a bit. I love that there are a couple different options for donation-based yoga in Austin. This was part of my inspiration for starting a sliding scale practice!
I am a particularly big fan of Practice Yoga, and my girls Karlie Lemos, Laura Joy Debolt and Stacie (thestacecadet) Hawkins at Practice! Go check them out!
Some people don’t think of yoga as “fun”, but I feel like this studio (and these teachers), keep it fun and playful and there is a real sense of community there.
3. Violet Crown Cinema
I still love, love, love a great indie film. This theater feels so good to me for so many reasons. From the sleek bar to the delicious food, smaller audiences, comfy seats, nice bathrooms, free parking…I could go on.
Violet crown also shows documentaries and locally made films that you wouldn’t be able to catch in theatres otherwise, AND if you happen to be free before 1pm they have a $7 ticket! (See, told you it was budget friendly.)
SO… What do YOU like to do for fun in Austin?
