summer staples in...
- Kylynne Zeleah
- Apr 8, 2025
- 3 min read
as i learn about my friend Nadiya more and more, i've grasped her experience being from North Carolina through the memories she has shared with me. it's beautiful that New York is full of everyone from everywhere. there are so much niche things to appreciate that only one hometown holds among the rest of the towns in the world, which makes me curious to ask the people around me, what is theirs?
Austin, Texas
Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park is a 215-acre public park that has beautiful scenic views of Lake Austin. the park has hiking trails, picnic areas, a swimming area, and a boat dock. the park is home to prairies, canyons, and wildlife, making it perfect for birdwatching. there's a 2,500-square-foot ranch house, pool, and areas for volleyball and horseshoes.
Pavement is a buy/sell/trade retail store, offering a curated selection of new and gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories. they have two locations in South Lamar and Guadalupe. the store handpicks their merchandise tailored to customers' tastes, featuring new items, vintage wares, and gently used clothing sourced directly from the community. the store's buy counters are open daily, where customers can get 40% cash or 50% trade of the store's retail price. Pavement is committed to sustainability through its RePaved initiative, where a tailors and designers repair and rework garments, creating unique pieces and reducing garment waste.
this an authentic go-to spot for those craving a traditional Thai dining experience known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious menu. the menu has a range of classic Thai dishes, from pad see ew and crab fried rice to comforting tom kha. open from 10AM-3AM Sap's is perfect for lunch and late-night cravings. the spot offers a welcoming environment and a menu full of bold, authentic flavors.
The Tunnels is an underground music venue beneath the Mopac Expressway and Cesar Chavez Street interchange. in the 1970s, the spot was a gathering place for hippies' full moon drum circles and has evolved into a lively hub for Austin's underground music scene. they host punk rock concerts and electronic dance music gatherings. access to the Tunnels is typically through word-of-mouth, with events often announced via social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. The Tunnels' Facebook page updates upcoming shows and events.
San Jose, CA
deadass fuck this ran through ass spot but i cannot deny it is certainly iconic.... Communications Hill is a neighborhood that overlooks stunning views of the Santa Clara Valley. originally a quarry site, it transformed into a vibrant community with over 2,200 homes, parks, and recreational spaces. Communications Hill has Vista Park, the 252-step Communications Hill Grand Staircase, and an annual block party.
this beloved food truck serves delicious tacos and Mexican street food from 10PM-3AM. the menu is packed with al pastor, carnitas, carne asada, and lengua tacos, all served with generous portions of meat. the crispy tacos in particular, are a favorite, but there's also burritos and quesadillas for those looking for a more filling meal. Spartan Taco Truck is well-regarded for its friendly service and consistently flavorful food, earning rave reviews from the late-night crowd.
this market has a diverse range of vintage clothing, accessories, collectibles, etc. at Garden at the Flea, this event is held on the 2nd and 4th Fridays and Saturdays of each month. there is a welcoming community atmosphere of live music, food trucks, and a merry-go-round. i have made so many memories here and my BFFs and i sell here during the summer!
Pink Elephant Bakery is a family-owned bakery known for its delicious Mexican pastries and custom cakes. the bakery is a local favorite, offering a wide variety of sweet breads, traditional desserts, and personalized cakes for special occasions. they have an assortment of pan dulce, conchas, cuernos, and empanadas, made by their traditional recipes.
Northridge, CA
Shik Do Rak's menu is centered around quality meats and traditional Korean flavors. the restaurant is a local favorite for casual group dining and special occasions. they have kalbi, duk bo sam, and a wide assortment of banchan. guests can cook their own meats at the table, a hallmark of Korean BBQ, or have them prepared in the kitchen. they're known for their friendly service, generous portions, and welcoming atmosphere.
Bellevue, WA
nature is so incorporated into home in Bellevue, and my friend Aless really noticed it when she went back home for the 1st time after moving. her entire neighborhood throughout her childhood was along a huge creek and it was very normal for kids to walk through this entire 3.7-mile trail to go to school. it was normal for wild animals came onto campus or in the backyard. the trail has dirt and woodchip surfaces. the trail connects to Cougar Mountain Regional Park.
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