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Old 04-24-2008, 03:40 PM
 
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Coming from Europe, I love to spend time in the park, meeting up with friends, watching my kids play and enjoying a coffee at the same time.

But it seems all the parks I have seen here are devoid of cafes (apart from Barton Springs) and cafes have no open play spaces (apart from Central Market). We often go to Aussie's, which is fun too, but not quite a play-park.

Is there anywhere outdoors that is pleasant to be - that might serve coffee, cake, ice cream - even real food?

btw I'm not looking for a Macdonalds with a playscape next to a highway

Last edited by southdown; 04-24-2008 at 03:55 PM..
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Old 04-24-2008, 08:13 PM
jco
 
Location: Austin
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There's a huge play area at Southpark Meadows in South Austin, and we go to Austin Java and watch our son play. Also, Central Market on Lamar has this sort of set-up, too.
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Old 04-24-2008, 09:29 PM
 
Location: Hutto, Tx
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Doesn't Zilker Park have a snack bar or something.
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Old 04-24-2008, 09:45 PM
 
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Elizabeth Milburn Park in Cedar Park has a great playscape and it has a Shakes (frozen custard) within walking distance. The Shakes itself has a huge grassy seating area under giant oak trees...but it is by a busy road. Our playgroup used to meet at this playscape and women came from all over Austin....we usually brought sack lunches. A cafe would be nice!
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Old 04-25-2008, 12:10 AM
AGA
 
Location: Knoxville, TN
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The playscape at Southpark Meadows is surrounded by Jasons Deli (which has a great kid menu), Mama Fu's Chinese, Java, Amys Ice Cream and a few other places. Great Fun! There is also a fountain there next to it that kids play in quite often (a squirt from the ground fountain, not a pond type)

Also, the Waterloo Ice House at Escarpment has a playscape next to it's outdoor seating area.

Last edited by AGA; 04-25-2008 at 12:11 AM.. Reason: add
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Old 04-25-2008, 07:49 AM
 
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I am absolutely with you in wishing for a cafe/park experience. When we were in Europe it was our most favorite aspect of daily life. I've thought about opening my own but have no clue on where to begin and really I'm not sure if Austinites would like that sort of thing or not. Please let me know if you ever find something like that. Cheers
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Old 04-25-2008, 09:46 AM
 
Location: Hutto, Tx
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I think a lot of people would like it, especially ones with little kids that go to the park a lot. Like me!
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Old 04-25-2008, 12:46 PM
 
Location: NW Austin
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Quote:
Originally Posted by justanothercalifornian View Post
I've thought about opening my own but have no clue on where to begin and really I'm not sure if Austinites would like that sort of thing or not.
I'll give you business too!
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Old 04-25-2008, 01:21 PM
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by justanothercalifornian View Post
I am absolutely with you in wishing for a cafe/park experience. When we were in Europe it was our most favorite aspect of daily life. I've thought about opening my own but have no clue on where to begin and really I'm not sure if Austinites would like that sort of thing or not. Please let me know if you ever find something like that. Cheers
Austinites seem to love the outdoor cafes and restaraunts -Oasis, Central Market, Iguana Grill, all are packed to the eyeballs on a sunny day or a warm evening! That's why I am surprised there are so few park cafes - I guess it must be due to zoning laws or....?????
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Old 04-25-2008, 01:58 PM
 
Location: Austin, TX
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The city allows very few concessions on public property. A few of the notable ones around town are the various things at Zilker Park (food, canoes, and I think the train) and the rowing docks on the lake. In some ways, it is a good thing, since it keeps there from being the overwhelming captalism wherever you go, but sometimes it would be nice to have more 'things' around.
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