Hottest Coolest Time

Schlitterbahn declared one of the 20 best water parks in America

Schlitterbahn water park New Braunfels tubing 2015

Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels is one of the top water parks in America. Schlitterbahn New Braunfels/Facebook

The "hottest coolest time in Texas" is officially one of the coolest times in the country. According to TripAdvisor's 2015 Travelers' Choice Awards, popular Central Texas water park Schlitterbahn ranks among the best attractions in the U.S.

Millions of comments and opinions from TripAdvisor travelers were used to determine the annual awards. Based on reviews, Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels ranks No. 20 on the list of the top water parks in the United States.

Founded in 1979, Schlitterbahn also has locations in Galveston, South Padre Island, Corpus Christi and Kansas City. The original New Braunfels water park, which has four sections, features a ton of activities, from wading pools and tube chutes to water coasters and slides.

Many travelers give the family-friendly park props for its huge range of water rides and entertainment options for every age.

"This water park has something for everyone to enjoy. There are fast-paced slides and tube rides, lazy river floats and bring-your-own picnic areas," writes one local reviewer. "Schlitterbahn is the ultimate water park destination, and it literally has something for everyone. The rides are incredible, and the park is clean and well-maintained," echoes another traveler.

The No. 1 water park in America is Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park in Orlando, Florida. Dallas-Fort Worth's NRH2O Family Water Park ranks No. 6 in the country.

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Thom's Retirement

Iconic Austin grocer Thom's Market closing all stores after 18 years

Visiting Barton Springs will feel a bit different without this lady watching over the park. Thom's Market/Instagram

Austin neighborhood grocery store Thom's Market is closing for good after 18 years.

Store officials say all three locations — on Barton Springs Road, Riverside Drive and Burnet Road — will close their doors one final time on Easter Sunday, April 20.

The owner of Thom’s Market, Bill Thom, is retiring.

Thom’s Market has been in operation since 2007.

In a statement, Thom wrote, “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you, Austin. You've made these 18 years unforgettable.”

He said the market has served as a community space and “a trusted source for local goods,” where neighbors and food lovers connect.

The location on Barton Springs Road was the most well-known, thanks to its prime location and convenience for park-goers looking for a snack, a drink, or last-minute day-at-the-springs needs like hats and sunscreen.

Although the store became an Austin institution — and its pin-up cowgirl street sign became an icon in her own right — it was inspired by Thom's grandfather John Love Thom's first grocery store in Northeast Harbor, Maine.

According to the Thom's Market website, the younger Thom's goal was to establish "a modern new neighborhood grocery with an old-school twist." He payed homage to his grandfather's stores with antique counters at each of the Thom's locations.

The three addresses opening up to new tenants are: