Mayfield Park: Peacocks, and Lilies, and Trails! Oh My!

      Exploring a big town like Austin with little cash can be a hard thing to do. You want to try something new and exciting. You want to find what the town has to offer, but everything seems to cost money.

      This blog is based on my experience with this exact situation. I want to help people who aren’t yet aware of all the cool things to do and see in Austin—things that are absolutely free, or truly affordable for a college student.

      For starters I want to introduce Mayfield Park. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to reflect on your crazy week or just need a special spot to spend the day with your significant other, Mayfield Park is the perfect getaway.

      “It’s just a nice romantic spot to take someone special and spend the afternoon enjoying each others company,” said Jacob Merrit, an alumnus of The University of Texas at Austin. “My girlfriend and I like to go out to the park with lunch and just watch the peacocks run around the grounds." 

      From peacocks to lily ponds this scenic spot is sure to take your breath away. The small nature preserve is filled with various spots that encompass the beauty of nature; spots that are perfect for picture taking.  

  

A pink lily basking in the sun. (Photo: Mandie Medina) 

      Now when I say peacocks, I mean strikingly gorgeous peacocks with beautiful vibrant feathers. The park is home to nearly two dozen resident peacocks that walk the grounds freely.

A male peacock struttin' his stuff on the grounds of Mayfield Park. (Photo: Mandie Medina)

      The birds can be found in the trees, on the rooftops, lying in the gardens, or just wandering the park grounds. These friendly creatures make the perfect park greeters and are sure to make any picture look great.

      On another note, they also seem to stay close to those who have food so be warned, and watch your chips.

      If you’re not too much of a bird lover don’t be worried... there’s more. The park offers a nice set of trails for those who love to hike or just want to take a nice walk.

      The trail that I chose took me on a nice cool walk that led to views of Lake Austin. It was nice to walk off my lunch after a sweet afternoon date with my boyfriend. Whether or not you have a picnic at the park, I highly suggest this walk.

      The trails seem well maintained and easy to walk along although a lot of the trails do cross each other. I suggest you follow whichever trail looks the best and go get lost. Enjoy the scenery and appreciate the outdoors!

      Mayfield Park is located at 3505 W. 35^th St. The park is open on a daily basis from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. but does not allow pets at any time.

      The best part about the park is that it’s absolutely free. Go check it out and then come back for more ideas on affordable things to do in Austin.