Holly's Texas Recommendations in Essay Form

Here is my simple essay entitled, "Great Places to Visit in Texas in the Summer"

Thesis:
There are several great places to visit in Texas if you want to have some summer fun.

The first place I recommend is South Padre Island, which is in the southernmost part of Texas. The beaches are pristine, the shells on the beach are enormous, and the water is a sparkling turquoise. If you love the beach, then this place is for you. People say that this is the best beach in Texas and I have to agree. Also, don't forget to take the dolphin cruise if you want to come nearly face-to-face with the dolphins. And of course, enjoy the day at Schlitterbahn, which is an amazingly fun water park (there is one in Galveston and another in New Braunfels as well).

The second place my family and I love is Austin. Austin has wonderful nightlife for those of you who love music. Original bands play nightly on Sixth Street, which is downtown. In fact, a lot of famous bands get their start there on Sixth Street. During the daytime there is also a lot to do and see. You can visit and tour the Texas State Capitol and wander around the campus of the University of Texas.

For water activity in Austin, you can go to Zilker Park, where you will find Barton Springs, a natural pool of really, really cold water (icy yet refreshing!) the size of 2 football fields. In addition to the pool, at Barton Springs you will also see lots of college students and other Austinites scantily dressed. If you are thinking about getting a tattoo, you can see many on display there! For children, there is a train ride and playground as well as an outdoor theater that presents free performances throughout the summer (similar to Houston's Miller Theater). Finally, when you are at Zilker Park, you can rent a canoe or kayak and paddle along Town Lake.

Another great place to swim in Austin is Lake Travis. The beach is a bit rocky but the temperature of the water is just delightful. You can rent jetskis and boats at various spots along the lake. There is also a water rides park in that area (I forget the name, but you can google "waterpark Austin Lake Travis" to find it, I'm sure).

Finally, when in Austin make sure to enjoy some chips and salsa, or an entire meal, at the Oasis restaurant, which overlooks all of Lake Travis. It's quite a sight. You will ask yourself if you are really in Texas. The view is so beautiful!

The last place I must recommend to you today is about 45 minutes west of Austin, called Hamilton Pools. From the parking lot, you have to hike a short path and then you arrive in a swimming hole which feels like paradise (if not paradise, then maybe Hawaii). The pool extends out from a grotto (like a cave) and you can swim or just float in the cool turquoise water. We visited Hamilton Pools for the first time last year--it was the week after Hurricane Ike paid a visit to Houston--and we all agreed that we must return there again soon.

(Concluding sentence) So these are my recommendations so far, and when I think of others, I will let you know.