A Hollow Called Hippie And a Park with Peacocks

In the beautiful Hill Country, just outside of Austin, Texas, lies a hidden treasure of a different ilk.

Hippie Hollow

By Mary Lou, OTL Seat Fillers

Hippie Hollow the clothing-optional (yes, Mildred, clothing optional) swimmin’ hole of a nudist’s dream is a mere half-hour from downtown Austin.
 
This is a beach for adults. There will be nudity. If it offends you, do not go. Clothing is optional so you won’t feel out of place in a swimsuit, but….
 
No one likes rules, but everyone must play nice when at Hippie Hollow. You can sunbathe or swim in your birthday suit, but any overt sexual acts can get you arrested and some folks have found themselves in the slammer for breaking this rule. Hmmm. I wonder what they were wearing.

beach chair

A Towel Isn’t Enough

The beach itself is a bit rocky, okay, a lot rocky, like all rocks. So, while clothing is optional if you value your ability to walk without assistance later, put some shoes on. There is no sandy area to relax, and some folks say that a towel to sit on is not enough, so try to bring a beach chair.
 
Remember, sturdy shoes, beach chair, and, oh yeah, there is no concession stand, so bring in food and drink if you plan to stay awhile.
 

Do’s and Don’ts

Alcohol is actually allowed at this park, but pets are not. Go figure! Also, no feeding of wildlife, unless they are your friends and part of your picnic.
 
If bringing in alcohol remember – it’s a beach, folks. Glass bottles are not permitted. Also be aware that in addition to lowering inhibitions, alcohol dehydrates. You will be in the sun. Pace yourself and drink responsibly. Intoxicated persons will be removed from the park. Perhaps they will be sent to join their overly sexed pals in the slammer. Sure would like to be a police person on duty with a jail full of drunk, nekkid folks.

Bring More Sunscreen Than Usual

Be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. You are there to have fun, not be hospitalized. Ditto for the sunscreen.
 
There have been weddings at Hippie Hollow in the past. If you are planning your wedding and inclined toward the au naturel, this just might be the place.



If Hippie Hollow Isn’t Your Thing

We’ve got an alternative outdoor destination if you’re not ready to strip down in public.

Austin’s Beautiful Mayfield Park

You can strut your stuff with the peacocks at Austin’s beautiful Mayfield Park.

Hiding in plain sight in the heart of Austin is a photographer’s dream. Mayfield Park, on the National Register of Historic Places, boasts a historic cottage and two acres of cottage gardens. The Mayfield Preserve surrounds the park with 21 acres of walking trails and wildlife habitats. Just be sure to leave the dog at home. No pets are allowed in the park or preserve. Are you seeing an anti-pet trend here?

Adopt a Garden

If you have a green thumb you can Adopt a Garden in the park. For a small fee, which goes toward supporting the beauty surrounding you, you will have your nameplate on your garden. You will be expected to plant flowers (from the approved list), maintain the plot, and try to introduce heirloom varieties of plants to your adopted area.

There is even an implement shed for your use as you work on your plot.

Austin parks, Mayfield Park

Mayfield Birds

While the garden is great, the peacocks are a big draw. These beautiful birds call Mayfield Park their home.

You’ll find yourself enjoying peacock watching as much as people watching.

We are impressed when a peacock fans his plumage, but what we think doesn’t matter a whit to him. He is looking for a date for Saturday night. Is the female he is trying to impress paying attention?

Hippie Hollow, Mayfield Park, and Some Indoor Fun, Too!

OTL is all about things to do and things to learn. So, we hope you’ll return frequently. Oh, and be sure to check out OTL Seat Fillers. Austin has been one of the best seat filling cities in the US. You might think that it’s all about music (you are in Austin after all), but theatre reigns supreme – clothing required!