South Congress Avenue exudes the hip vibe and laid-back attitude that has made Austin, Texas, a popular destination. Located south of Lady Bird Lake, South Congress Avenue (nicknamed SoCo) boasts impressive views of the Texas State Capitol.
While strolling down South Congress Avenue shops, it's likely that visitors spot all kinds of rare goodies like 1950s-era furniture or doughnut-scented air fresheners. It's easy to see why SoCo is a must-see Texas destination. This unique Central Texas shopping district has even caught the eye of American celebrity chef Rachael Ray.
She featured her favorite South Congress Avenue spots in her magazine Every Day with Rachael Ray. For a sampling of Austin's funkiness, check out some of South Congress Avenue's quirkiest shops full of creative gifts and local art.
South Congress Avenue Vintage Clothing, Antique Furnishings, and Accessories
- Cream Vintage — Looking for a lunchbox featuring The Smurfs? Need a gag mustache comb for a hairy friend? Cream Vintage offers more than just clothing. Check out the vintage boots and funky accessories here too.
- Off the Wall — Peruse this antique store's many oddities and find something special — perhaps an autographed baseball glove or a vintage oak vanity dresser.
- New Bohemia — To satisfy vintage-hungry shoppers, New Bohemia adds to South Congress Avenue's eclectic fashion mix. Check out the vintage jewelry and home decor here. For more upscale vintage items, shop on their online store.
- Uncommon Objects — Rows and rows of oddities and curious goods fill this popular Austin antiques store. Patience is key as shoppers look for hidden treasures here.
Local Austin Art
- Austin Art Glass — Local artists are at work in this glass-blowing studio and gallery. Colorful and one-of-a-kind pieces here fill the space with whimsical style. Private glass-blowing classes for aspiring artists are also available here.
- Yard Dog Gallery Austin — Unique works of art are exhibited in this fun gallery that describes itself as "maximalist: colorful, edgy, representational." Artists from outside Austin are also featured.
South Congress Avenue Latin American Art and Gifts
- Mi Casa — Get lost in the endless aisles filled with Mexican folk art. Mi Casa features everything from traditional Talavera pottery to decorative crosses and crucifixes. They even have a handy online store.
- Tesoros Trading Company — From Colombian bangle bracelets to Peruvian Valentine cards, Tesoros carries gifts from more than 20 different countries, including many non-Latin American countries like Vietnam or Madagascar.
Austin's Fashion Forward Shops
- Blackmail — For the shopper who loves black clothing, this boutique is heaven. The philosophy behind the concept is that more emphasis is placed on the texture, line, and form of each piece.
- Service Menswear — Listed in GQ Magazine's Top 100 Men's Stores. Austin's casual fashions are dismissed here where men dress in style.
South Congress Avenue Boots and Costumes
- Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds — Looking for a wig or a feather boa? Or just want to experience local Austin at its best? Then step into perhaps the most beloved of the South Congress retail shops. Visitors can't miss this Austin landmark with it's psychedelic colors and zebra pattern exterior paint. With costumes crammed up to the ceiling, shoppers will have no problem finding either an adult or child's costume any time of the year.
- Allens Boots — This Western Wear shop has been a South Congress Avenue landmark since 1977. Check out the big red cowboy boot that greets visitors. Look for the latest in Western Wear including ostrich boots and Texas-style belt buckles. Allens Boots has been known to lure some high-profile rock and movie stars.
Nancy Flores - My freelance work, which ranges from writing articles, producing and editing online video and shooting photos, focuses on Mexican travel, ...
