Austin, TX, is definitely NOT car-free or carefree. But, it does have sun at the time of year that Cleveland OH's UV rays begin to wane.  So, I took the opportunity to stay with family and crash by the pool for a few days.  

Guess what?! Even in the best parts of Austin - unless you drive a car - you are trapped by the horrid car infrastructure and the climate.  It's dry, it's hot - and Austinites are actually looking forward to their cool fall and winter weather.  You might ride a bike in Austin, but not when it is 105 degrees. 

(Lakeway Spa outside Austin TX: Despite the beautiful weather with temps in the 80s - most folks were out riding a bike and jogging rather than swimming on this gorgeous day)

So CLE - think how we might make our neighborhoods spa-centric. I know that I can get up in the a.m. - take a run (if I could run) through beautiful Riverside Cemetery or the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.  I can walk to Estabrook Rec Center and work out in their pool (as a taxpayer for "FREE).  Sadly, our road conditions pretty much rule out real serious cycling - but I do have the National Park in my backyard.  

And, on a sunny day, CLE has the lake breezes to rival any spa-destination - photos below taken on the east bank of the Cuyahoga River in mid-October.  A short bus or bike ride from Detroit Shoreway neighborhood.