The Must See Congress Bridge Bats

     So you've taken your date to a lot of cool places in Austin but you really want to blow your date away this weekend. What better way to impress your date than to take one to see the bats fly above the Congress Bridge.

     Austin has the largest colony of bats in North America. It's estimated that there are 1.5 million Mexican free-tail bats living in the Bracken Bat Cave. The cave is located near the Congress Avenue Bridge which spans from downtown Austin to Town Lake. The bat colony emerges from underneath the Congress Bridge each night from mid-March to November.

The bat colony flying above the Congress Bridge (Siouxsielaw.com)

     My boyfriend and I recently went to see the bats last weekend.The view was nothing like we've ever seen and it was quite spectacular. There were so many bats flying in the same direction across the blue sky. Although, the sight only lasted for a couple of minutes, it was well worth it. Afterwards,  everyone around talked about how amazing it was to see this colony of bats depart from the bridge.

The amazing view of the bats flying from the cave (Siouxsielaw.com)

     As I said before, this is a perfect date to really wow your date so why wouldn't you take that special someone here? Oh, I know what you're thinking. There must be some sort of admission fee to see the bats or you'll have to pay to park to get to the Congress Bridge. Well, you're absolutely wrong. There is no admission cost to see the bats and the parking is free! Yes, I did say free and no you're not dreaming!


     So are you ready to amaze your date without breaking the bank? Of course you are, all you need now is the directions to the site. The address is 100 S Congress Ave Austin, TX 78701 so just plug that in your GPS and you'll be on your way. I won't waste my time wishing you well because I know your date will be more than satisfied.


XOXOXO


-Tasha

Zilker Botanical Garden

     So you’re low on cash (as usual) but you’ve promised your significant other a fun date somewhere new in Austin. And you can’t just take your date just anywhere. You really need to impress them and what better way than going with a romantic environment.

The wonderful bridge to the Zilker Botanical Garden (Zilkergarden.org)

      Zilker Botanical Garden is the place to go if you want to see the most beautiful gardens in Austin, TX. The garden spreads out over 31 acres of land and is located near downtown Austin, right next to the south bank of the Colorado River. More specifically, its located right in between Zilker Park and Lady Bird Johnson Lake, two other great attractions.  Zilker Botanical Garden has nine gardens in total: Cactus and Succulent Garden, Hartman Prehistorica Garden, Herb and Fragrance Garden, I samu Tangiguchi Japanese Garden, Mabel Davis Rose Garde, Doug Blachy Butterfly Trail and Garden, Pioneer Village, and the Children’s Garden. Now, I could tell you about all nine gardens but I figured you would be most interested in ones for your date.

Our favorite butterfly (Zilkergarden.org)

     Doug Blachy Butterfly Trail is my favorite garden out of all the Zilker gardens because it is filled with butterflies. These butterflies are attracted to this particular garden because of its local flowers and plants located inside. Recently, the staff has added new flowers and plant species (both nectar and larval) to the garden to attract even more butterflies. These new plants include sedums, passionflowers, and coneflowers.

     Last weekend, my boyfriend and I went on a date to the Zilker Botanical Garden. We walked around the butterfly trail and found it be amazingly beautiful. This particular garden is very colorful and just filled with every single flower you could ever think of. There were also tons of butterflies flying everywhere. My boyfriend and I saw all different types of species but we preferred the big butterfly (yeah the fake one) located on the trail. The butterfly trail has a certain romantic feel to it and is the perfect date for couples. My boyfriend and I found it nice to have a conversation in a beautiful environment.

     So now that you know about Zilker Botanical Garden, you should take your date there for just $2 a person! Zilker Botanical Garden is located at 2220 Barton Springs Road. The garden is open everyday from 7a.m. to 5p.m. so feel free to go for a morning or afternoon date! You two love birds will love it.

XOXOXO

-Tasha

Calming Commons Ford Park

     So summer's approaching and you want to impress your date with a trip to the great outdoors. Well, look no further and head out to one of the most serene and beautiful places Austin has to offer; Commons Ford Park.

Pecan Grove Trail (Austinparks.org)

     Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park is one of the best parks in Austin yet many people do not even know it exists. Because of this, many people find the park to be calming and very peaceful. The 215 acres of land is located right next to Lake Austin and has two scenic hiking trails. The first trail known as the Waterfall Trail is 1.25 miles long and features a number of small waterfalls along the wooded creek. The second trail, Pecan Grove Trail, is a bit shorter than the first and leads you straight to Lake Austin's shoreline. This trail is the one my boyfriend and I walk along on our date.
     Aside from the park's hiking trails, Commons Ford Park offers a number of amenities. The main hillside located next to the lake features a volleyball court and a picnic area (perfect for a fun game and lunch date). In addition, the park has several picnic benches located near the Lake Austin shoreline, ideal for taking in the view. There are also picnic benches and a gazebo on the west side of the park. Some of the most interesting features of the park is its historical structures and dwellings left from when it used to be a ranch (hence the name Commons Ford Ranch).

View of Lake Austin from the dock (Natasha Walker)   

     However, my favorite feature of the park is the dock on the lake. You can fish off the pier or even use the boat ramp (considering you have a boat) to take a trip on the lake. Now don't fret if you don't have fishing gear or a boat to impress your date, you can always treat your significant other to a simpler pleasure...cough cough SWIMMING! This is exactly what my boyfriend and I did on our visit and we had a blast. I must warn you though before you jump in, the water is a bit cold (but I'm sure you can handle it). 
     So whether you want to take a hike along one of the trails with your date, share a picnic on the hillside or just take in the beautiful view of the lake, there is a lot for you and your significant other to do together without the price! Yes, you heard me right. Commons Ford Park is free and open to the public.

Park's sign with the strangest hours (Localism.com)

     Commons Ford Park is opened Tuesday through Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. (yes, these are the strangest hours ever). Don't worry though if you lose track of time on your date, you can easily call the park's help center to get the code to open the park's gate which is what my boyfriend and I had to do.
     So how do you to get there exactly? Just take Mo-Pac and from there get on FM 2244 heading west. Continue on FM 2244, passing the Capital Texas Highway intersection. After about 3.5 miles, turn right on Commons Ford Road and the entrance to the park will be on the left-hand side. Or, just plug this address in your GPS: 614 N. Commons Ford Road. Either way you get there, you'll be sure to thank me!


XOXOXO


-Tasha

Sweet Mount Bonnell

     If you're looking to go beyond the usually movie-and-dinner date, you should consider taking your significant other to one of the higher points in Austin: Mount Bonnell.

Daytime view from Mount Bonnell (Videocityguide.com)                                           

     Mount Bonnell overlooks beautiful Lake Austin. From the mount, you have a wonderful view of the most extravagant houses and mansions along the coast and up the mountain side. Also, you're able to see all the water activities including skiing, fishing, boating and wake boarding that take place on Lake Travis. Mount Bonnell has a small sitting area where visitors can sit and take in the beauty around them.

     So why should you take your significant other to Mount Bonnell as a date? BECAUSE IT'S FREE AND OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC! In addition, it happens to be one of the most romantic spots for couples in Austin. Lastly, its perfect for either a daytime date or an evening date. The decision is up to you!
     My boyfriend and I have been on a couple dates to Mount Bonnell. The first time we went to the mount, it was around noon and we decided to have a little picnic date. We ate sandwiches, fruit, and veggies as we enjoyed the beautiful view. After we ate, we talked as our feet dangled over the cliff (don't worry, it's not too scary). Overall, I had a wonderful time and I know my boyfriend did too considering we didn't have to pay for anything.

Evening view from Mount Bonnell (Videocityguide.com)    

     If you're looking for a unique evening date, Mount Bonnell is also the perfect place. The benefit of going a little later is that there tends to be less people, creating a more romantic feel for the evening. Recently, my boyfriend and I went to Mount Bonnell to go stargazing. We could every little bitty star which was nice since you rarely see stars in the city.We also got to see the beautiful Austin skyline. I can't begin to tell you how nice it is to just have a moment of peace, away from the chaos of school and work, with that special someone.
     Don't let this wonderful date offering, only Austin has to offer, go to waste! So woo that special someone by taking them to Mount Bonnell for either a nice picnic date during the day or a romantic stargazing session at night. You'll be sure to thank me!

XOXOXOXO

-Tasha