Austin pedals into the 5th-best ranking for naked biking among U.S. cities

Skin in the game

Photo by Dmitry Ganin on Unsplash

Austinites just will not do things clothed, apparently. We slid in our ranking for naked gardening in 2023, but No. 2 ain't bad. Naked biking sounds a lot less appealing, but Austin is a great place to do it, coming in at No. 5 overall.

According to LawnStarter, who compiled the research out of the 200 largest cities in the U.S., Austin beat every other Texas locale, with Houston coming in at No. 13, San Antonio at No. 45, Dallas at 58, and everyone else doing pretty abysmally.

Austinites interested in trying this fringe sport can look into the World Naked Bike Ride, with the slogan, "Less Gas, More Ass." The next ride is scheduled this month, which is what inspired LawnStarter to do this important work. Austinites will have to travel to Houston to participate officially on September 9.

Not that having a black plastic bike seat between your cheeks in the blazing sun isn't a good idea in Texas — it just doesn't sound like a great one. Still, naked biking is surprisingly popular among Ausitnites, earning the city the 12th ranking in that category, tied with Madison, Wisconsin, and Boston, Massachusetts. If you're racking your brain for the last time you saw a naked biker cruising by in Austin, you're not alone. It may be more popular than it is in most other states, but it's certainly not the norm.

Austin's top category ranking was in friendliness to nudists (No. 2), which definitely fits our image as a city, and often comes back to our legally-protected toplessness, even in public places without nudist designations — a rarity in the United States. We were beat by Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in that category and overall; The City of Brotherly Love also loves biking with their bits out.

Austin's worst ranking was in safety (No. 182), which was dragged down by our prevalence of sex offenders. Apparently, almost any U.S. city is better to live in if you don't want to live near a sex offender.

One would think Austin's climate would be anything but conducive to biking with nothing but sunscreen between your vulnerable human form and the punishing summer rays, but the city achieved No. 81 in the category, which is basically average.

The worst city for naked biking is one called Surprise, Arizona, which is a pretty sad surprise. Naked biking is decidedly unpopular, and the city's worst rank is in biker friendliness. If you're going to be out on the street like a modern-day Lady Godiva on gears, it does seem important that your city like bikers. The worst Texas city is Pasadena, for similar reasons.

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8 Pride events that actually benefit LGBTQIA+ communities in Austin

Proud for a reason

It’s Pride Month, and the rainbow flags are popping up again. Austin is known for being especially queer-friendly, so in many ways, it’s just business as usual in the capital city.

But the extra-celebratory events are now in full-swing, as is the discourse around the sides of pride that really aren't that useful: selling products with a gay image and no real community support, leaving out parts of the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, and creating pressure to smile through the hard parts of embracing a marginalized identity.

The following events around Austin this June all drive revenue for queer artists, offer free wellness opportunities to community members, or gather donations for advocacy organizations. Not only are they fun — celebrating adds something tangential to LGBTQ life in Austin. Then, rest up in July and plan to get right back at it in August for Austin Pride.

Before June 24

Waterloo Greenway — "Pride in the Park"
June 5-10
Part of the fun of Pride Month is watching community spaces transform for the occasion, and Waterloo Greenway is a great example of how mainstream that can get. The park's summer programming plan, like a few others in the city, includes a block of Pride scheduling: fitness classes June 5-7, a conversation about intersectionality on June 8, a family-friendly event on June 10, and four hours of performances later that evening headlined by the House of Lepore.

Circle Brewing and Equality Texas — "Beer for All"
June 10
Equality Texas was very busy during the recent legislative session, fighting bills that target drag performers and gender-diversity. Circle Brewing, an Austin brewery known for its events, is helping to support the advocacy organization through donations — the new "Fanny Pack Kolsch" will be released on June 10, and each pack sold will send a $1 to Equality Texas. The release event will include live music, face painting, and a vendor market. Plus, guests can take home "Fanny Pack" in themed cans and Yeti can insulators for extra fundraising.

Electric Shuffle — "Shuffle with Pride"
Sundays throughout June
The new high-tech shuffleboard venue Electric Shuffle is partnering with Qwell, a community organization for better LGBTQIA+ health and wellbeing, for a weekly fundraising drag brunch series. Electric Shuffle will donate 10 percent of each brunch's sales to Qwell. Every Sunday in June starting at 12 PM, we’ll be hosting a fabulous Drag Brunch and donating 10 percent of those brunch sales to QWELL. For guests, that means well-known performers and a "Drag Race Royalty special guest," shuffleboard games, DJ sets, and an over-the-top menu with a bottle of sparkling wine for each guest. A new Prickly Pear Margarita, available through August, also generates a $1 donation for each sale.

Paramount Theatre — "Majestic Ball Week"
June 20-24
Reading may be fundamental, but so is watching LGBTQ films. Some of those are screening at the Paramount Theatre leading up to its Majestic Ball: sapphic thriller Bound; rock and roll trans identity film Hedwig and the Angry Inch; 2017 Best Picture at the Academy Awards, Moonlight; indie trans sex-work film Tangerine; and influential drag film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. The ball on June 24 invites Austinites to attend a special ballroom competition hosted by Diamond Dior Davenport and the Legendary Mother Natalie Lepore, with a performance by Fat Bottom Cabaret. Tickets ($22-34) are available at austintheatre.org.

June 24

Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce, KUTX, and local 4th Street businesses — "4th Street Block Party"
The LGBT Chamber of Commerce has ties with tons of businesses in Austin that don't just espouse positivity during Pride Month; They create meaning and revenue in the community year-round. This end-of-Pride block party on June 24 serves as the 4th Annual Pride in Local Music celebration with performances by Gina Chavez, Primo the Alien, Promqueen, and more. The Little Gay Shop will be there with its curated market, and so will local businesses like Rain on 4th, Oilcan Harry’s, Neon Grotto, and more, including the brand-new Estelle’s. Tickets (suggested donation of $10) are available at austinlgbtchamber.com.

Mutual Love — "Rest Fest"
Our asexual comrades don't see tons of representation during Pride, but they belong at these events all the same. One that is not specifically ace-allied still gives a respite from the louder, more mainstream events for a softer side of Pride: yoga, relaxation, and pizza. The trans-led event welcomes all ages, and opts out of alcohol. Activities include a mobile tattoo studio, tarot readings, massages, bounce houses, and a dunk tank fundraiser for trans healthcare, among other activations. RSVP for the free event on Eventbrite.

Communities for Recovery — "Peace, Love, Joy & Recovery: A Celebration of LGBTQIA+ Wellness"
LGBTQ people have a unique — and sometimes uniquely challenging — relationship with mental health, substance use, and self-care that can be deeply impacted by a sense of community or isolation. Communities for Recovery, at the Austin State Hospital, is partnering with The Phoenix Austin and Thrive: Neurodivergence and Mental Health Activities Group for a local artist showcase. They're looking for visual art and poetry, as well as collaborations with organizations working on similar goals, so they can connect visitors with the help they need. RSVP on Eventbrite.

After June 24

Sky Candy — Local Pride: Student Showcase
June 30
Few communities, if any, know more about celebrating our differences than circus artists, and one of Austin's most popular aerial studios is holding a special student showcase in honor of pride. The showcase sets choreography on silks, lyra, sling, trapeze, and cube to music by local queer musicians, and the studio will offer free rapid HIV testing and information on PrEP the day-of and after the show (June 30 and July 1). Tickets ($15-120) are available on Eventbrite.

Photo courtesy of Whataburger

Whataburger weighs in as healthiest cheeseburger in the nation

THEMS EATIN' WORDS

With its love of greasy enchiladas, gluttonous fried steaks, and fat-speckled brisket, Texas isn’t always known as a healthy eating mecca. But it turns out that one locally beloved dish isn’t as unhealthy as one might think.

Inspired by February’s American Heart Month (albeit belatedly), Gambling.com decided to dig deep into which fast-food burger was best for the ticker and the body overall. What that has to do with online slots is anyone’s guess, but perhaps open-heart surgeries are not conducive to risk-taking.

Surprise, surprise, surprise! Local favorite/ food cult Whataburger took the top slot, earning honors with its standby cheeseburger. Assumably, the gambling site considered the mustard-slathered original, eschewing calorie bombs like bacon slices and creamy pepper sauce. Where’s the fun of Whataburger if you can’t get it just like you like it?

To arrive at the rankings, Gambling.com analyzed each burger for sugar, fat, salt, and calorie content per ounce. Each metric was given a one to ten score that factored into the final report card shared with content-hungry food journalists everywhere.

Coming in a close second was In-N-Out’s cheeseburger, a comforting fact for Texans who enjoy complaining about Californians. Rounding out the top five were Checker’s Checkerburger with Cheese, Culver’s ButterBurger Cheese, and Del Taco’s del Cheese Burger.

For those trying to make better eating choices, that list should give some pause. Yes, Whataburger beats out other fast-food faves, but it was competing against a chain that literally toasts all their buns in churned cream. Health is a relative concept.

Elsewhere on the list was another Texas darling, the No. 6 ranked Dairy Queen. Apparently, all that “hungr” is being busted by a hefty dose of sodium. Yes, we will take fries with that.

Photo by Andrea Calo

Dip your toes into these 7 Austin pools with passes, snacks, and summer events

Wet Hot Austin Summer

Memorial Day is here, which means so are the days of sitting in a lounge chair and sweating while looking unreasonably fabulous. Whether it's to beat the summer heat or to show off a new swimsuit, Austinites may have more options than they think to take a swim at the many pools around town. Even if you haven't committed to an overnight stay, most hotels offer day passes, and some even offer other deals or poolside programming.

One great way to find passes not just to pools around town, but also to spas and other hotel amenities, is to browse ResortPass. (Not sponsored, just cool.) There are 26 Austin options on the site right now.

But we wanted to let you know what's going on beyond the pass — who will set you up for a great meal, who lets you drink out of a coconut, and whose views (or lack thereof) provide the best ambiance for your day off. Some of our choices aren't even on the platform.

Go grab your sandals, and save us a towel.

Greater Austin YMCA
Let's start with the less glamorous before we break out the poolside fashion. The YMCA is a family staple for a reason, and if your goal is just to get in the water regularly throughout the summer, especially with kids, it's a great place to start. There are "interactive hours" at the outdoor pools (more fun than swimming laps) at the East Communities, Hays Communities, Northwest Family, Southwest Family, and Springs Family YMCAs, as well as the YMCA at Camp Moody. The Y is semi-affordable; It would probably be cheaper to visit a hotel pool once or twice, but a Y membership includes a month of access, guest passes, and much more, and may replace your gym membership for the summer. $69 per month, with age and household discounts. austinymca.org

Hotel Van Zandt
If your pool visit doesn't include spritz and giggles, why are you even there? Hotel Van Zandt is opening up its stylish rooftop pool for the "Spritz & Giggles Poolside Happy Hour & Sunset Swim" event series. Every Monday through Thursday, visitors can enjoy $8 frozen Aperol spritzes, $8 specialty cocktails, and a special pool menu with items like a refreshing green salad, pork belly al pastor tacos, and a spicy fried chicken sandwich. Geraldine's, the main restaurant, is right inside for even better drinks, expanded bites, and sometimes live music. Starting at $48 per day for adults, $15 for kids. hotelvanzandt.com

Carpenter Hotel
If one day at the Carpenter Hotel pool is just not enough, the hotel has now added monthly passes. In addition to unlimited access to the secluded pool in the Zilker neighborhood, a pass gets a $30 discount for the new monthly BBQ Pool Parties (bringing attendance down to $25). That will include a great spread of less commonly seen barbecue items like grilled bay scallops, mushroom skewers, elotes, deviled potato salad, and more. Monthly pass holders also get to bring one child under 8 for free. $40 daily, $200 monthly. Both Monday through Thursday. carpenterhotel.com

South Congress Hotel
The South Congress Hotel is right in the middle of where many Austinites want to be on a summer day, if it weren't so dang hot. This rooftop pool solves that problem in style, with daily pool passes every day of the week, as well as cabana rentals. Café No Sé supplies poolside drinks and snacks, and downstairs, Austin's Best New Restaurant Maie Day offers a hearty meal after a day of napping in the sun. Cabanas can be rented for four people and include self-parking, bottled water, and a bottle of champagne or bucket of High Noon. Days for $40 and cabanas for $300 on weekdays; days for $75 and cabanas for $400 on weekends. southcongresshotel.com

Hotel Viata
Hotel Viata is a bit of a sleeper hotel among Austin boutiques, as it's located a little beyond West Lake Hills. Still, if you want a taste of Italy, the drive to this retreat will be worth it. Not to mention, with the extra room these downtown hotels can't offer, a pool pass includes access to a hot tub, fire pits, and great views of the hills around the city. Pool passes are available, but if you want to see it for free before you spend, wait for June 10; The hotel invites guests 21 and up to check out the pool for free at the "Summer Festa in Piscina" party, with a "Taste of Italy" add-on ($55) for Aperol Spritz, limoncello lemon drops, and negronis all day. $45 per day for adults, $25 for children. resortpass.com

Wax Myrtle's
This rooftop bar and pool is known for its never-ending events calendar, and of course that energy extends to poolside entertainment. There will be live music on the weekends, plus live DJ sets on Saturday nights, alongside whatever other programming happens to be going on inside. Even if it's a do-nothing day, these large, over-the-top drinks will give you a delicious challenge. The "Boot Scootin Fruity" mixes rum, an aperitivo, hibiscus, and lime in a cowboy hat punch bowl ($90); the luxe "Mojito 75" combines Moët & Chandon with rum and mojito must-haves in a disco ball ($230); and an unnamed cocktail is worth trying just to enjoy it from a real coconut. Starting at $15 for adults, $10 for children, and more for daybeds and cabanas. waxmyrtles.com

Austin Motel
Perhaps one of the best known pools in Austin for its retro vibes, fun events, and accessibility to on-foot wanderers is the Austin Motel. This is a great, less expensive choice that's probably more fun for casual pool revelers who would feel a little put out by having to dress up and behave in a more luxe hotel setting. There are also frequent poolside events at this motel, like the free "Bounce Motel" series with live DJs, or the body-positive "Chunky Dunk." The pool is offers daily passes every day, even when there's nothing on the calendar. $25 on weekdays, $45 on weekends, or $600 in three-and-a-half-month "waves." austinmotel.com

Photo by Andrea Calo

Austinites don't need to stay at a hotel to be invited to the pool. (Pictured: The Carpenter Hotel)

Photo courtesy of Texas Original

It only takes 3 steps to get medical cannabis in Texas

Easy As 1, 2, 3

As the Texas Legislature convenes for its 88^th session, many patients, physicians, and advocates are pushing for expansions to the Compassionate Use Program, the state’s medical cannabis program.

Since 2015, the program has expanded twice, allowing for more than 150 conditions to qualify for medical cannabis.

For thousands of patients in the state, medical cannabis provides a safe alternative to opioid medications and effective relief for symptoms like pain, insomnia, anxiety, nausea, muscle spasms, and more.

Texas Original, the state’s leading medical cannabis provider, makes the process of getting a prescription easy. Receiving a medical cannabis prescription starts with a few simple steps:

Step 1: Find out if you qualify
The first step is to find out if you qualify by scheduling an appointment with a doctor registered in the Compassionate Use Program.

Several registered doctors offer convenient virtual appointments through telemedicine practices so patients can meet with the doctor from anywhere in Texas.

To set your appointment, visit Texas Original’s website and fill out the form. Veterans, first responders, teachers, and medical professionals are eligible to receive a free first appointment for a six-month prescription. If you belong to one of these eligible groups, simply check the box on the form.

Step 2: Talk to a doctor
During your appointment, the doctor will review your medical records and confirm if you are eligible for medical cannabis, then discuss your treatment plan.

Once approved, your doctor will add your prescription to the online medical cannabis registry, where it can be accessed by licensed dispensaries.

Step 3: Receive a prescription
After your appointment, call 512-614-0343 to place your first order. Texas Original offers the state’s leading medical-grade cannabis products, including Texas’ first fast-acting medical cannabis gummies.

All products undergo rigorous testing and the results are published publicly on Texas Original’s website for patients to access anytime.

The dispensary team will help you select your products, then schedule you for a pickup at a location nearest to you or arrange home delivery.

Medical cannabis provides Texans an all-natural option that may help alleviate symptoms like pain, insomnia, and anxiety that are commonly associated with approved medical conditions.

If you or a loved one are ready to start your journey with medical cannabis, reach out to Texas Original to get started. Plus, enjoy a 20 percent discount on your first order at Texas Original.

Photo courtesy of the Sims Foundation and Soundwaves Art Foundation

Songs by Spoon, Shakey Graves, and other Austin artists become wall art for mental health fundraiser

look and listen

In Austin, listening to local artists is just the first step. There's an ethos here around celebrating local talent — they're on our playlists, our T-shirts, and posters on our walls. But tour posters aren't everyone's style, so something more abstract might better fit the bill. Bonus points for art that benefits a local music nonprofit.

Checking all these boxes, local mental health champion the Sims Foundation (stylized SIMS Foundation) and Soundwaves Art Foundation, a nonprofit that visualizes music in prints in psychedelic waveforms, have partnered for a limited edition collection that launched May 1 and is available until the end of the month, for Mental Health Awareness Month. More than 20 musicians from around Texas — some of whom have benefitted from the Sims Foundation's services — have contributed their music for this representational art, including Spoon, Shakey Graves, the Black Angels, Blackillac, and several more from Austin.

"We are thrilled to partner with Soundwaves Art on this exciting project," said executive director of the Sims Foundation Patsy Dolan Bouressa. "The funds raised from this collaboration will go directly towards providing life-changing mental health services for those in the music community. We are incredibly grateful for the support of Soundwaves Art and the musicians who have generously contributed their time and talent to this project."

The pieces are all hand-signed and numbered by the artist, come in multiple sizes, and include a certificate of authenticity. Some will be auctioned off with a handwritten lyric as part of the composition.

Hardcore fans have likely already rushed to the website to make their obvious selections, but anyone interested in shopping around can see the art in person during a monthlong residency at Hotel Van Zandt. These pieces will appear among "autographed original artwork and collector’s pieces by likes of Ray Wylie Hubbard, Jimmie Vaughan, Spoon, Shakey Graves, and more," according to a press release.

An open house on May 15 from 5-8 pm provides a more immersive look at nearly two dozen signed pieces with live music, snacks, and cocktails. Admission is free and open to the public, but the Sims Foundation will also be accepting donations.

Based in Lockhart, TX, Soundwaves is also a local organization, but its pieces span many genres, decades, and occasions, including works by artists far beyond Texas. It has raised more than $7.5 million for various charities, listed on the website for each piece.

"With our roots in central Texas, we know it’s important to support our own music community so we are honored to be a part of this collaboration with The SIMS Foundation," said Soundwaves Art founder Tim Wakefield. "We believe in the power of music to heal, and we are proud to support and help raise funds for an organization that provides such vital mental health services to those in the industry.”

Artists from this limited Texas run include:

Ray Wylie Hubbard
Jimmie Vaughan
Spoon
Hayes Carll
Shakey Graves
The Black Angels
Toadies
Bob Schneider
Band of Heathens
Joe Ely
Ruthie Foster
Eric Johnson
Midland
James McMurtry
Arc Angels
Blackillac
Quiet Company
...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead
Sue Foley
Shinyribs

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Property Showcase

Check out these 6 Austin hotels for a swanky summer staycation

Stay, Don't Go Away

Summer is in full swing, and you know what that means – time to staycation!

We've already rounded up some of the best Austin hotel pools for a summer day pass, but when you're needing max relaxation, here are some of the best Austin hotels for a more extended stay.

For the traveler who just wants peace, quiet and good food.
If you're eager to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Austin, head over to the Omni Barton Creek for authentic rest, relaxation, and a good meal or two at the Blind Salamander. When we say it's quiet out at the Omni Barton Creek, we're not kidding. With an incredible full-service spa, a gym that makes Lifetime look flimsy, multiple pools and restaurants, and a golf course, the Omni Barton Creek is the ideal getaway for solo travelers seeking solitude, couples wanting privacy, or foodies wanting to take a culinary tour of the hotel's seven, yes, seven, in-house restaurants.

For the traveler who wants a side of history with their hotel booking.
Did you even visit Austin if you didn't take a photo on the iconic Driskill Hotel staircase? Originally established by a rich cattle baron back in the 1800s (yes, his name was Colonel Driskill), the Driskill Hotel has become the historic hotel to stay at in downtown Austin. In addition to the decadent interior design. and iconic restaurants, the Driskill has also played host to a vast array of festivals like the Austin Film Festival and the ATX TV Festival. Do yourself a favor and order a Batini from the Driskill Bar when a festival is going on at the hotel — you might just spot a celebrity or two.

For the traveler seeking a bonafide Instagram-worthy experience without leaving their hotel.
Lavaca St is home to the Hotel ZaZa, a boutique hotel that has a variety of themed suites (from a log cabin room to a suite that looks like a rockstar designed it), the Za Spa, and in-house dining experiences like Group Therapy and the picturesque cabana bar. So put on your best Austin outfit, order yourself an Audrey Hepburn Timeless Rita from Group Therapy, and live your best Instagram-worthy life at the Hotel ZaZa.

For the traveler that wants to be close to all the action and have access to one of the best rooftop bars in town.
The Thompson Hotel Austin is centrally located in downtown Austin on San Jacinto Blvd, with all the luxury amenities that the Thompson brand is known for, in addition to the gem that is their rooftop bar — Wax Myrtle's. The view of the Austin skyline at Wax Myrtle's can be paired perfectly with one of the bar's many signature cocktails. Don't forget to bring your bathing suit because there will more than likely be a rooftop pool party happening at Wax's during your stay!

For the traveler wanting the best views (and also peace and quiet).
Rounding out our list is the Hotel Loren, an elegant getaway with stunning views of Lady Bird Lake and Nido, a rooftop restaurant that has gone viral on social media. The Hotel Loren definitely has some of the best views in town, and while it's a bit further away from downtown Austin than the Thompson or the ZaZa, it's still relatively close by. The Hotel Loren also has the Milk + Honey spa, a pool and fitness center, and of course, a coffee shop.

For the traveler wanting to feel like a local celeb
The Fairmount Austin literally has a Gold experience for this very reason! Get the full VIP treatment at the Fairmount without having a single movie credit to your name. This hotel is a Forbes Travel Guide four-star property, with a heated swimming pool, seven bars and restaurants (Garrison for example, is a quintessential dining experience), and a spa.

5 Austin shops to keep you looking cool this summer

RETAIL THERAPY

Who doesn't love a bit of retail therapy? Especially now that it's finally time to break out the breezy tops, the fun sun hats, and a well-fitting pair of sunglasses.

If you need help deciding where to find a summer gift, outfit, or skincare item, we've gathered a few Austin shops that will have you looking too cool to let the summer heat get to you.

Chicago-based convenience store Foxtrot opened its new Austin flagship location at the corner of South 1st and West Annie Streets on June 6. Think of it as a combination between a bodega and your neighborhood café, wine bar, and gift shop. And we can't forget about its spacious indoor-outdoor covered patio. The South 1st location is the second of four planned stores throughout Austin; their Burnet Road store opened in February 2023.

If you need a new pair of glasses or sunnies to go with your summer 'fits, Warby Parker's refreshed Summer 2023 Collection debuted June 6 to bring you new designs and color palettes. Whether you try online or visit one of their three Austin locations, eye-catching frames such as Lottie in green tea crystal or sophisticated Keiko in polished gold are sure to bring on the compliments with any outstanding outfit you put together.

Speaking of summer releases, Austin's favorite vodka Tito's has launched their Tito's X Summer accessory line just in time for your next trip to Town Lake or your favorite pool. Their Floating Cabana Bar in collaboration with luxury pool float makers Funboy is sure to catch the attention of fellow day-drinkers and fun lovers at any function. You can shop online or in person at their storefront on Lavaca.

A local, BIPOC, women-owned "anti-beauty" beauty brand is working to keep your skin healthy in the Austin summer sun.Daybird's 4-in-1 Tinted Skincare combines a sheer foundation with a serum, moisturizer, and mineral SPF 50. It's also vegan, Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free, and the product container is fully recyclable. The Tinted Skincare, which is currently their only available item from their line, can be found on their website, Urban Outfitters, and Poosh.

Contemporary womenswear boutique Estilo's first Estilo Kids (stylized estilo KIDS) store opened in Tarrytown at the beginning of May. Owner Stephanie Coultress O'Neill has had her clothing boutique for 18 years, and expanded her brand to include menswear in 2020. Now, the new children's boutique will offer gifts and clothing for children aged three through 14. Estilo is located at 2727 Exposition Boulevard in Tarrytown's Casis Village.

Plan a summer play-cation in Frisco for golf, pools, music, and more

The City That Plays

Looking to take a play-cation this summer? Obviously Frisco, The City That Plays, is the perfect fit. It offers so many activities to fit every interest, from sporting events and unique golf activities to kid-friendly attractions and pools.

Summer sports
Watch a Frisco RoughRiders baseball game like never before from the in-stadium lazy river, or tour The Star, the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters, to take in some NFL history and see where the pros call home.

While you are visiting The Star, you’ll find shopping and dining, with everything from sushi at Sushi Marquee to sweets at Cow Tipping Creamery.

Pro tip: if you love America’s team, plan your trip in August to get a pre-season glimpse of the Dallas Cowboys at training camp, open to the public at Ford Center.

PGA Frisco awaits with its two championship courses, a short course and putting green that’s lit at night, an entertainment district full of shops and dining options for the whole family, and the newly opened Omni PGA Frisco Resort, where it’s easy to cool off in one of the four pools.

Frisco offers golfers a range of play options, including The Fazio Course at The Westin Stonebriar Golf Resort & Spa, Frisco Lakes Golf Club, Plantation Golf Club, The Trails of Frisco, and the unique indoor option of the Swing Suite Lounge by Topgolf.

Cool tunes
Now that Frisco is officially designated a Music Friendly Texas Community, there’s plenty of live music to enjoy over the summer.

Friday nights in June are for listening to live music at Frisco Square during the free outdoor Summer Concert Series on the lawn in front of City Hall.

Visitors can get into the groove anytime at one of Frisco’s many venues that host live music and entertainment throughout the summer.

Happy 4th
Frisco celebrates the Fourth of July big, too. Mark your calendar for two major events with food, music, games, and fireworks: Frisco Freedom Fest and The Independence Day Celebration at Omni PGA Frisco Resort.

Kiddo time
Escape the Texas heat with a visit to Frisco’s unbelievable new library. The bright, open design has spaces to inspire, create, innovate, and collaborate, plus you can say hi to Rexy, the 20-foot-tall T-Rex dinosaur skeleton.

Check out the high-tech Makerspace and active learning spaces like Tiny Town, for kids up to age 5, and Kid’s Club, for kinder through 5th graders.

Take a dip
Cool down poolside in Frisco. With rooftop views, cabanas, adults-only, splash pools, and the Frisco Water Park, families, couples, and friends can all find the right place to cool down during your visit.

Whatever your summer style is, rest your head at one of Frisco’s 26 hotels while experiencing a weekend play-cation with things to do for visitors of all ages.

Soak up all Frisco has to offer this summer — visit the website for more vacation ideas.

Photo courtesy of Visit Frisco

See a baseball game from the water at Riders Field.

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