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    World's Best Olympic Park

    The world's best Olympic Park: Munich defies its dark history with outdoor joy — an Astrodome example?

    Clifford Pugh
    May 26, 2014 | 11:28 am

    MUNICH — For three weeks every four years, the site of the Summer Olympics is the center of the universe. And then everyone gets the hell out of town, leaving the host city millions of dollars in debt with facilities no one knows what to do with.

    It took Canadian officials 30 years to pay off the cost of the 1976 Montreal Olympics and they're still stuck with a stadium that's rarely used. In Atlanta, the scene of the 1996 Olympics, the stadium, which was reduced in size for the Braves baseball team, is being demolished as the team move to the suburbs.

    Inventive park officials now offer popular adventure tours that include a climb on the stadium roof with an astounding finish by rappelling off the side or ziplining across the field. (Hey, maybe that's what they can do with the Astrodome.)

    In Athens, where the Olympics returned in 2004, a beach volleyball court, baseball stadium, an 8,000-seat tennis table venue and other buildings are unused and crumbling, sparking public outrage as the Greek economy stagnates. In Beijing, the famed Bird's Nest stadium that was the central venue for the 2008 Olympics has no consistent tenants, and costs $11 million in yearly upkeep.

    But in Munich, things are different. Even though the the Bavarian capital was the scene of one of the darkest days in Olympic history, when terrorists took Israeli athletes hostage and 16 people were killed in 1972, the Olympic Park now teems with vitality as one of the city's prime sports for relaxation, sports, dining and entertainment.

    Think of it as New York's Central Park — with better buildings.

    While in Munich as a guest of United Airlines on the inaugural launch of daily nonstop service between the German city and Houston, our group headed almost immediately to the OlympiaPark, which was teeming with crowds on a sunny day. Kids encased inside big see-through plastic balls were frolicking on a lake while couples stopped by a Currywurst food truck for a quiet bite.

    The best views are atop the Olympic Tower, where can see all the way to the Alps on a clear day. Or look just across the street and see the BMW headquarters, with a distinctive tower that, from this vantage point, looks like four cylinders in a car engine. A revolving restaurant and rock music museum — billed as the world's highest — atop the tower are prime stopping points.

    The distinctive plexiglass roof of the Olympic Stadium and other buildings still look quite futuristic although the complex was built more than 40 years ago. Even though the stadium isn't used as much since the FC Bayern München soccer team moved to Allianz Arena in 2005, inventive park officials now offer popular adventure tours that include a climb on the roof with an astounding finish that includes rappelling off the side or ziplining across the stadium field. (Hey, maybe that's what they can do with the Astrodome.)

    Other guided tours focus on architecture, with a walk through important sites, or an overall tour of the park grounds on a small train. You can even stop for a dip in the pool where Mark Spitz won a then-record seven medals or jump off the high dive.

    Boat rentals, mini-golf and good people watching make this a great place to spend a few hours and catch the laid-back Bavarian vibe. The park is easily accessible by the efficient U-Bahn subway system.

    But don't expect much of a mention of the massacre. For those who trek to the former Olympic Village, which was converted into apartments, the scene of is low-key, with only a small memorial near the entrance.

    Among the tours are one that lets visitors walk on the roof and rappel or zipline down.

    Olympic Park Munich
      
    Photo by Henning Schlottmann Wikimedia
    Among the tours are one that lets visitors walk on the roof and rappel or zipline down.
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    news/travel

    where to travel right now

    Kick back at a water park + 9 more Texas travel ideas for May

    Amber Heckler
    May 1, 2025 | 9:35 am
    Lace Bass and Joey Fatone at Great Wolf Lodge
    Photo by Mark Ashman
    There are two types of people: Those that want to relax at Great Wolf Lodge, and those that want to float on the lazy river all day long.

    Summer is nearly upon us, and now is the time to plan those getaways before the heat gets too overwhelming. We've got some brilliant ideas for May, from a Hill Country winery and brewery tour to a pirate-themed festival on the Gulf Coast. If hitting the road seems a bit much, there are ways to kick back in Houston including checking into an award-winning new hotel or visiting a family-friendly water park.

    Here is our big monthly roundup of top travel tips around the state:

    Throughout Texas

    Great Wolf Lodge – which has two parks in Dallas and Houston – is taking "It's Gonna be May" to the next level by partnering with *NSYNC members Lance Bass and Joey Fatone for the resort's Summer Camp-In celebration from May 24 through August 25. Special programming will include campfire sing-a-longs, family trivia, and more. For one day only on May 1, guests can save up to 51 percent on their upcoming stays using promo code "BEMAY". Pricing varies by date at each location.

    Waco

    Houstonians that want to catch a wave this summer will get their chance starting May 10, when Waco Surf's water park opens for its 2025 season. This popular water park boasts a surf lagoon spanning two and a half acres, new mini slides for young swimmers, and new dining options at its three on-site eateries. Water Park day passes start at $39 for adults and are $14 for children, or $99 for a family with two children from 6-16 years old. Surf session pricing varies by date and skill level.

    Waco Surf LagoonThe summer season at Waco Surf begins May 10. Photo courtesy of Waco Surf

    Houston

    Houston's chic Hotel Saint Augustine has been raking in award after award over the last month. It was the only Texas hotel to earn acclaim on Esquire's list of the Best New Hotels in the World 2025, and most recently landed on Travel + Leisure's list of the 100 Best New Hotels of the Year. Both national publications noted the hotel's historical details and its sophisticated-yet-approachable feel. Room rates begin at $429 per night.

    Gulf Coast

    Pirates and buccaneers in Corpus Christi are getting ready to celebrate the Buc Days Festival from May 1-11. The extravaganza will be full of family-friendly activities like the Stripes Carnival, parades, vendor market, a robotics rodeo, and a barbecue competition. Rodeo Corpus Christi will also take place from May 6-10. Single-day gate entry admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children, and tickets for the rodeo and concert series can be purchased via Ticketmaster.

    Austin

    The downtown-based W Austin hotel has finally completed its $40 million renovation, and has unveiled its upgraded premium penthouse suites – the largest in the city. The Penthouse I spans nearly 1,800 square feet and includes two bedrooms with king-sized beds, plus two marble-accented bathrooms with a large tub, where guests can enjoy a bubble bath while soaking up the views of Lady Bird Lake. Curious and cash-flush visitors can now book stays starting at $1,800 per night.

    W Austin Penthouse suiteW Austin features a 1,798-square-foot penthouse suite, the largest in the city. Photo courtesy of W Austin

    The Loren Hotel is offering travelers a sweet deal on its most luxurious accommodations with its new "Spring Suite Room" package for two-night stays. Guests that use the code "SPRINGSUITE" will receive a bottle of chilled sparkling rosé and Matok Bakery treats in their room upon arrival, as well as a chef-prepared picnic. Guests will also have access to premium e-bikes to explore downtown, and a 2025 Lexus convertible to take on a drive through the Hill Country. Nightly rates for the package begin at $453 in May.

    San Antonio

    The historic Hotel Emma was just named one of the top 10 best hotels in the U.S. in Tripadvisor's annual Travelers' Choice Awards. Tripadvisor praised the hotel's "unique blend of history and luxury," and gave nods to its numerous nearby dining and shopping options at Pearl. Room rates start at $447 per night.

    The Hill Country

    Charleston Taylor Estate Winery and Black Chapel Brewing Co. will celebrate their grand opening on May 3 in Johnson City, about 210 miles from Houston. Both venues are located on the same estate at 6212 W. U.S. Highway 290. The winery will host haunted tours, tasting events, and workshops, while the brewery will have an indoor taproom with games and big screens, outdoor seating, and offer access to the rest of the 30-acre property.

    Charleston Taylor Estate Winery exteriorThe new winery will host cooking classes to pair with its Cabernet wines. Photo courtesy of Charleston Taylor Estate Winery

    Dallas-Fort Worth

    The award-winningBowie House hotel in Fort Worth is amping up for pool season with weekday access pool passes and a "Day Escape" package that includes access to the pool terrace, Whinny's poolside restaurant, and a spa treatment at Ash Spa. Pool passes are $75 per person, and prices for the Day Escape package vary. Both experiences are open to the public Monday-Thursday with complimentary valet. Reservations can be made by calling Ash Spa.

    Two DFW hotels were recently lauded among Travel + Leisure's list of the "Top 500 Hotels in the World." The Omni PGA Frisco Resort and Hotel Drover in Fort Worth were selected for the 2025 list based on their recognition in the 2024 World's Best Awards, chosen by T+L readers in a worldwide survey. Rates at the Omni PGA begin at $454 per night in May, and $391 per night at the Hotel Drover.

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