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Play: Epcot Festivals, Walt Disney World, Orlando FL

9/14/2018

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Epcot is my favorite park. I love daydreaming that I've traveled to a far-off country in the World Showcase. I set my silly fears aside to ride Soarin' and Frozen (no, I don't have the guts to ride Test Track or Mission:Space!) And EVERYONE should ride Spaceship Earth and Living with the Land at least once in their life!

There are several great times throughout the year to be in Epcot - especially during their annual festivals. After all, no one knows how to throw a party like Disney!

International Festival of the Arts (mid January-mid February)

​In January and February, the newest festival that offers a lot of fun is the International Festival of the Arts. Statues come alive. Paint a picture along the water. Catch a Disney Broadway music stage show. Plus there are Disney animators and artists on hand to discuss, sell, and autograph their work for you to take home. 
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A big hit are the (FREE!) paint-by-numbers murals that get recreated every day with a fresh canvas and guest artists - you! 
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​Grab a paintbrush and find your numbers in the grid to be a part of the creation. Brushes up!
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The murals start to come to life - can you imagine what the picture will be in the end?
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Even the samplers from the Food Studio kiosks around the park are a work of art - a beautiful and tasty palette for your palate!


Be sure to check out this winter art festival as Epcot expands its offerings every year!
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International Flower & Garden Festival (March-May)

One of the most beautiful - and best-smelling! - times to go to Epcot is during the Spring when the whole park is full of gorgeous gardens and topiary plants trimmed into the shape of your favorite Disney characters. My first trip to Walt Disney World was during the International Flower & Garden Festival so it will always hold a special place in my heart!
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Stop by the flower-filled butterfly tent to see all the stages of a butterfly's life! This is located right behind the building for Club Cool and the Character Spot. On your way to the World Showcase, check out the colorful landscaping around the ponds below the Monorail.
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Wander around the World Showcase and throughout Future World to see all the creative topiaries and fragrant floral displays.
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And let's not forget the fresh-grown garden food to sample - after all, it wouldn't be an Epcot festival without it!
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International Food & Wine Festival (late August-mid November)

Personally, this is where I spend most of my fall weekends and look forward to it every year! The International Food & Wine Festival is a fabulous way to eat and drink your way around the world, without flying across an ocean. World Showcase is home to 11 countries year-round, but during the fall, this grows to represent delicious food, wine, beer, and other delights from 30 countries!
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Samples are served tapas style, perfect portions to share with a friend. Food bites typically cost between $4-8 each, alcoholic beverages run $4-14 each, and nonalcoholic beverages are about $3-6 each. I'm a fairly cheap date... usually after 3 kiosks, I'm full! 
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One of my first stops is usually in Future World West, where you'll find some lick-the-plate-clean farm fresh delicacies. I also love to swing by the Islands of the Caribbean... they're Jamaican me hungry for a bite, mon!
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Gluten free? You must grab some pao de queijo (cheese bread) and crispy pork belly in Brazil, which you can get with or without black beans!
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Canada is my #1 favorite with their steak! Every time I go, I savor this fork-tender filet mignon with wild mushrooms and truffle butter,  paired with a sweet ice wine, if you care to drink your dessert.

Enjoy every morsel while relaxing in Canada's hidden gem - my favorite gardens, designed after the real thing in British Columbia's  Butchart Gardens.

Candlelight Processional & International Festival of the Holidays (mid November-late December)

For years, Disney fans have flocked to Epcot for the Christmas season to see all the countries decked out in their holiday best! The main attraction - Candlelight Processional - has been a crowd favorite for decades! It has been one of the most popular performances in the park throughout the holidays. Running from Thanksgiving to New Year's, you will find the American Adventure pavilion bursting at the seams with holiday classics at the America Gardens Theatre.
With three performances every evening, the air is filled with beloved Christmas carols and hymns by a 50+ piece orchestra and 300+ person choir, including the Voices of Liberty representing a shining Christmas Tree, topped with a star. 
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​The Christmas story is woven throughout the Processional, narrated by dozens of celebrities who love Disney. Over the years, I've had the pleasure to see readings by the two most popular narrators, Whoopi Goldberg (left) and Neil Patrick Harris, as well as first-timer Matt Bomer (below) and others.
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I even passed Whoopi Goldberg while she was shopping in Disney Springs and on her way to Rivers of Light in Animal Kingdom, where she was seated in the VIP section.
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The warm weather in Florida isn't as noticeable with the Christmas decorations around the World Showcase, decked out  in all the finest traditional trimmings of the holidays for each country. There are also a number of Epcot's famous food kiosks to fill you with the Christmas spirit and a few holiday treats from around the world. 
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Which Epcot festival is your favorite? Drop your comments below to share your best Disney memories!
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Play: Things to Do Around the Bay - Tampa/St Petersburg, FL

12/16/2017

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The Tampa/St Petersburg metro area is a great place to visit on the Gulf Coast in central Florida. I have lived here for several years now and enjoy taking visitors to a lot of fun places in the area - I've always loved being a tourist in my own city!

Animals & Wildlife

  • Big Cat Rescue
  • Busch Gardens
  • ​Clearwater Marine Aquarium - see Hope & Winter, the famous dolphins from "Dolphin Tale" and "Dolphin Tale 2"
  • ​Dade City's Wild Things - hold baby lions, tigers, bears... and more, oh my!
  • Dinosaur World
  • Florida Aquarium
  • ZooTampa (formerly Lowry Park Zoo)​
  • Safari Wilderness
  • Sea Bird Hospital & Sanctuary

Beaches & Parks

  • ​Busch Gardens
  • Clearwater Beach - Sand Key Park great for shells
  • ​Fort DeSoto County Park & North Beach - good for shells
  • Honeymoon Island State Park & Beach
  • Indian Rocks Beach - great for shells
  • Indian Shores 
  • Lettuce Lake Conservation Park
  • ​Madeira Beach
  • Siesta Key - Sarasota, great for shells
  • Sunken Gardens
  • USF Botanical Gardens
  • ​Weedon Island Preserve

Culture, History, and Museums

  • ​SS American Victory
  • Chihuly Collection
  • Dali Museum
  • ​Fort Foster State Park
  • Glazer Children's Museum
  • Great Explorations Children's Museum
  • Henry B Plant Museum
  • Heritage Village
  • Florida Holocaust Museum
  • Museum of Fine Arts St Petersburg
  • MoSI (Museum of Science & Industry)
  • Polk Museum of Art
  • ​St Petersburg Museum of History
  • Straz Center for the Performing Arts
  • ​Tampa Bay History Center
  • ​Tampa Museum of Art
  • Tampa Theatre: Nonprofit Movie Palace
  • Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks and Spongeorama's Sponge Factory

Eat & Drink

Fine Dining
  • Bern's Steakhouse - Tampa
  • Oystercatchers at Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
Casual Dining
  • Crabby Bill's - Indian Rocks Beach
  • Hott Mess Cafe & Food Truck
  • Nico's Arepas Grill & Food Truck
  • O'Maddy's Bar & Grille - Gulfport
  • The Refinery
Tacos, Tacos, and MORE TACOS!
  • California Tacos
  • Chronic Tacos
  • Don Julio's Mexican
  • ​Fuzzy's Tacos
  • Loli's Mexican Cravings
  • Rocco's Tacos
  • Taco Bus - check out the original Bus in Tampa!
  • Tijuana Flats
Sweet Treats
  • ​Haze Ice Cream including allergy friendly options, like dairy free/sugar free/gluten free ice cream and gluten free cones!
  • Strachan's Ice Cream
  • Sweet Divas Chocolates

Shop

  • Downtown Dunedin
  • International Plaza & Bay Street
  • ​The Shops at Wiregrass

Sports

  • Amalie Arena
    • Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)
    • Concerts & Events
  • Raymond James Stadium
    • Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL)
    • USF Bulls Football (NCAA)
    • Concerts & Events
  • Tropicana Field
    • Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)
  • Yuengling Center
    • USF Bulls Men's Basketball (NCAA)
    • USF Bulls Women's Basketball (NCAA)
    • Concerts & Events
Have more places you love to visit in the area? Comment below and be added to the list!

Last updated: April 8, 2019

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Play: Planning a Walt Disney World Vacation, Orlando FL

9/24/2015

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If you are planning a Walt Disney World trip and would like some tips, here is some of my "expert" advice!
  • You do not need to have kids or be a kid to enjoy Disney! All ages are welcome and have a magical time!
  • Stay at a resort on property - you get more perks and inclusions! (Magical Express transfers to/from the Orlando airport, Magic Bands, dining plan, Extra Magic Hours, and more!)
  • Stock up on Disney gift cards at Target with your Red Card - get 5% off!
  • Combine your Disney gift card balances at disneygiftcard.com (up to $1000 per card) so you aren't carrying a stack of cards with you - also your travel agent or Disney agent will greatly appreciate your efforts when you call in to make a payment 
  • Book dining reservations 180 days prior to your travel dates (or as soon as you book the trip if it's less than 6 months out) - then sit back for 6 months and don't worry about getting into the best places! Especially if you want dinner at Ohana, breakfast at Chef Mickey's, anything at Cinderella's Royal Table and Be Our Guest, or any type of character dining. Do NOT use one of those paid services that sets up reservations - contact Disney directly (Call 407-WDW-DINE to get the reservations all set up for your visit at one time!)
  • Plan which park(s) you are going to on which days, based on the number of theme park tickets you get and if they are 1 park per day or Park Hopper tickets. Check the park hours for each day to see which ones are open the most hours (based on Extra Magic Hours or possible closings for special events). This will cut down on time spent on transportation if you spend all day in one park but if you do park hop, you can have an idea of what you want to do at each park for the day and plan time for going between parks.
  • You can set up FastPass+ (FP) reservations - basically a FREE and easy way to "cut to the front of the line" included with your theme park tickets - 30 days prior to your trip (60 days if you're staying at a Disney resort) You must have a theme park ticket purchased and linked in your My Disney Experience account or app to set up FP ... you can set up 3 per person per day (in 1 park). There is no charge to set them up and you are not penalized if you miss or don't use the FP. You can modify them at any point. I personally set up my FP for early in the day - morning and early afternoon - because once you use up the 3 FP for the day, you can go to the FP kiosks in the theme parks and set up another FP, one at a time, every time you use one up (based on what is available for later in the day). If you have Park Hopper tickets, you will need to use up your 3 FP in the first park before you go to the next park. Once you get to the next park, you will need to go to their FP kiosks to see what is available for the day there.
  • The Disney theme parks are popular and open 365 days a year - but the tickets are cheaper when you buy them ahead of time... there are NO authorized third party dealers for Disney park tickets, no matter how fancy their websites might be and what they claim. Buy your tickets DIRECTLY from www.disneyworld.com or call 407-W-DISNEY and a friendly Disney agent will help you! 
  • Leave your selfie stick at home (they're just going to confiscate it).... BUY A MEMORY MAKER - especially if it's your first visit or you're taking a large group/family. TOTALLY WORTH IT!!!!!!!!!!!!! Set it up at least 3 days prior to your trip to get the discount rate.
  • If you don't have park tickets for your entire stay, spend your partial days at Disney Springs - you don't need a ticket for this outdoor shopping mall with lots of shops, restaurants, and fun things to do! There are also fun things like carriage rides at some of the resorts, parasailing and other water sports at Sammy Duvall (Contemporary Resort's Boat Nook Marina), and a number of tours that you can book 3-6 months in advance!
  • Universal Studios and Sea World are NOT owned by Disney and no, Disney doesn't sell the tickets for them. Disney only offers tickets for Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM), Animal Kingdom, and Epcot!
  • If it's your first visit, birthday, anniversary, or any other type of celebration, stop by the Guest Relations desk and get your free button! :)
I promise - it will be magical and you will not starve or run out of things to do and see, no matter how many days you stay and play!
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Play: How to Enjoy a Rainy Day at the Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World, Orlando FL

7/28/2015

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It's been a little over a month since I drove across the country and moved to Florida for a new job. You will be seeing me post a lot about the most magical place on earth, as I have a new pass that allows me entrance anytime I want... and I will admit I've been going just to eat some of the wonderful gluten-free food sometimes!

Today I visited the Magic Kingdom, despite the forecast calling for a rainy day. Yes, it rained. It's Florida in the middle of summer - it happens. EVERYDAY.

But I know there are many families who save up - sometimes for years! - to go to Walt Disney World and no one wants the weather to spoil their plans. So I'm here to help reassure you that there are a lot of fun things you can do here on a rainy day!
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It's a Small World
Yes, the song plays the entire ride... however I was more mesmerized by the colorful representations of countries from around the world that I tuned it out after a few continents! It was my first time getting to take in this iconic Disney experience! The mellow boat ride takes you across the globe and gives you some time to dry off. Be sure to get a FastPass+ set up for this ride to avoid the long wait line (some of it is under cover but not the very end... and it can get to be a long wait!) The FastPass+ line will get you indoors for shelter from the rain quicker.
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The Liberty Belle
All aboard for a relaxing ride along the riverway, passing the route of the Festival of Fantasy parade, Big Thunder Mountain's rollercoaster ride, as well as some other hidden gems along the way - things you wouldn't otherwise see walking through the park. There's plenty of shelter on this lovely old steamboat - mostly standing room, but there are several areas where you can sit down as well. The only parts that aren't really covered are the back of the top deck and the front of the bottom deck.
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The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Take a winding ride with Pooh and pals on a blustery day - there will be a lot of twists and turns, bumps and twirls, just so you are warned! (I was expecting a calm ride and it definitely was not relaxing!) There is a refreshing blast of air here and there on the ride to dry you off too!

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Haunted Mansion
I'll admit that going on this ride was a first for me because I typically don't like anything creepy, scary, or dark. But I am slowly conquering some fears that had given me anxiety over the years - including large crowds and traveling on my own - which I've also been able to calm my nerves with these trips to Walt Disney World so far. I wandered the dark hallways of the mansion with the group of mortals in the FastPass+ line (also highly recommended to avoid the wait, even though the majority of this standby line waits under awnings) and was almost ready to grab the arm of a nearby dad when they put you in a room and all the doors close and the lights go out... but I restrained myself... and lived to tell about the experience at the end of the ride! Yes it's dark and creepy so I am not sure I would take small children on it (though there were plenty on my ride and no one screamed!) but that's just my personal opinion - you can base it on your child's personality and perceptions! Again, this is a longer ride so you can abandon the rainfall and enjoy the dry indoors on a stormy day!

Along with the activities above, there are plenty of other rides, character meet & greets, shops, and restaurants that will allow you to duck inside and stay out of the elements. Enjoy your Disney vacation - rain or shine - and stay dry! Have a magical day!
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Play: Walt Disney World, Orlando FL

5/8/2015

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It's been a whirlwind few months and I apologize for my blog getting put on the back burner.

I literally just got home from an AMAZING trip to Disneyworld - my very first trip to Disney EVER! I did shed some tears when it was time to go home... it truly was magical and I can't wait to go back! There was still so much left to do and see, food to eat, and places to stay. I will greatly miss the warm Florida sunshine too!

Here is my Top 10 list of things EVERYONE should do at Walt Disney World - please be sure to add your favorites in the comments below!
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Photo Pass cast members are happy to shoot you... er, take your photos!
10. Get the Memory Maker package (Photo Pass) - it is absolutely worth the opportunity to have professional photographs, along with some video clips, to remember your trip. You can download and use them - unlimited - and you can add special features for some of the poses the Cast Members will suggest for you. I felt like I was able to make up for my terribly dorky senior photos, let alone capture the great memories from this adventure.

9. Hang out with Gaston near his tavern in Magic Kingdom and just watch his witty interactions with guests - this dude is completely full of himself and HILARIOUS! Get your autograph books handy to meet Mickey & Minnie, the princesses, and all their friends too - the characters are happy to meet one and all! (For "Frozen" fans, be sure to either get your FastPass+ or arrive at the Magic Kingdom gates before 7:30am and walk swiftly - no running - along Main Street USA, through Cinderella Castle, around Prince Charming's Regal Carousel, and straight into the meet & greet line for Anna and Elsa to avoid hour-plus long lines!)
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Gaston was one of the BEST characters to interact with - he has one witty comment after another!

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The Loch Ness monster in Lake Buena Vista at Downtown Disney - made entirely of LEGO blocks!

8. Shop at Downtown Disney, check out the LEGO creations around, and take an Amphicar boat ride at The Boathouse or a hot air balloon ride! Try some great food too - I would also highly recommend getting a Disney Dining Plan (I did NOT on this trip and the prices of some meals made my credit card cringe!) I will have another list with my favorite gluten-free findings posted shortly!

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Sing along as you "swim" past the brilliant colors of "Under the Sea"!
7. Go "underwater" without getting your hair wet for the "Under the Sea" ride with Ariel's crew in Magic Kingdom... as well as "Turtle Talk with Crush" at Epcot (I am still trying to figure out how they do it, dude!)

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6. Check out the West Wing at Be Our Guest in Magic Kingdom and see the Beast's mystical enchanted Rose - as my friend Rachel stated: "Everyone who grew up in the '90s has to see this!" (Note: Get up close and turn off your flash for the best photographs!)

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5. Explore "Living with the Land" at Epcot and see some awesome techniques they are experimenting with to grow food in some crazy ways - many are harvested to be served in the Disney restaurants around the parks!

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4. Eat and drink your way around the World Showcase at Epcot. (We had a fabulous "dinner & show" at the Teppan Edo hibachi restaurant - so fun and delicious!) !The park was beautifully adorned with the flowers and topiaries of the International Flower & Garden Festival during my visit (early May 2015), which added some extra vibrant pixie dust and fragrance. Be sure to stop by The Kunstarbeit In Kristall in Germany for your sparkly crystal tiaras and beer stein souvenirs - they'll even ship your fragile items home for a very reasonable flat fee.
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3. See "Finding Nemo - The Musical" at Animal Kingdom - this colorful performance is entertaining and breath-taking for the whole family!

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2. Go on the Kilimanjaro Safaris tour at Animal Kingdom, especially closer to the end of the day's schedule. Get your cameras ready - the wildlife sightings are incredible!

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1. Get to Magic Kingdom before 8:30pm and park yourself in front of Cinderella Castle to get a prime seat along the parade route edges (score a FastPass+ preferred seating area if you can!) for the evening's Mickey's Electrical Parade and Wishes fireworks show! 


Not a night owl? During the day, around mid-afternoon, you can also find a spot along the "Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It! Street Party" parade route through Adventureland and Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom. The "Fantasmic" show at Hollywood Studios is also a great lights, water, and fireworks show for later evening entertainment!)


Again, this was my very first visit and there are still many things on my list for the next time... open to suggestions from others on what they love too! (Also note that my stomach doesn't handle rollercoaster style rides, so I did only the "Any Height" rides!)
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Play: Austin TX

2/1/2015

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Austin greeted us with a warm, sunny, 70-degree January weekend - quite different from the cold and snow that we left at home in Milwaukee. It's amazing what some sunshine can do to transform a person's mood and soul!
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FULL DISCLOSURE: Admittedly, I have always had a "thing" for Capitol buildings. I grew up in Madison WI, which boasts a beautiful replica of the nation's Capitol in DC. (Fun fact: It is ALMOST as large, with each wing just 1" shorter than the original!) As an impressionable 3rd grader, touring that grandiose building hits you straight in the heart, as you gaze up at the dome in awe. My love only grew when I came back to Madison for college a decade later, where the campus is nestled in the shadow of the Capitol Square. I even took a shortcut through the gorgeous building every day when my senior internship and apartment were on direct opposite corners of the Square.
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Texas is one of the more impressive Capitol buildings I have visited - I would rank it in my Top 5 (I've seen a lot!) Wandering the grounds, you will find gorgeous sculptures, including a miniature Statue of Liberty, a below-ground plaza, as well as dedications to the Pioneer Woman and Pearl Harbor survivors.

Inside, Texas dresses to impress. From doorknobs to hinges, from the mosaic tile floors to the star in the top of the dome, there are so many great details to admire as you wander the halls. 
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Austin offers a laid-back buzz of energy for locals and tourists alike. On the glorious Sunday afternoon we spent in town, everyone and their dogs hit the park - Zilker Park, to be exact. Trails meander between the large open green space and the Colorado River, welcoming walkers, runners, dogs, bikes, and more. Kayaks float alongside ducks and turtles, while heron and double-crested cormorants watch from the shores. The Zilker Zephyr, a miniature green train transports excited families around the park's perimeter, slowing down as it goes under the Barton Springs bridge. Kids of all ages played games, while some couples relaxed on blankets with their books. Dogs ran around and happily played fetch. All with a fantastic view of the downtown Austin skyline. 
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Another spot for a little workout and great views is Covert Park at Mount Bonnell. Take advantage of the natural stairs from the lower entrance and climb up to the summit. From the edge of the path, there are many open spots to look out over the Colorado River and the expensive homes with manicured lawns along its banks below. Just stay behind the barriers - it's a long way down!
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 There's a platform at the top where you can see the skyline of downtown Austin to the left and the river to the right. Take the stairs down from this end of the trail to the parking area below, a quicker route than the way up. 
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