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Hometown Tourism

Hometown Tourism: South Congress in Austin, Texas

South Congress Austin

Nothing really says “Austin” quite like the “Keep Austin Weird” bastion of South Congress. A street known for its quirky stores and businesses, this is a great place to spend an afternoon if you’re into people watching, great food, and vintage/antique shopping. This should be on your list of what to do in Austin.

It can be a quick picker-upper for the soul on a warm and sunny day just taking in all the sights, sounds, and general awesomeness that the South Congress vibe creates. Here are a few of my favorite spots to hit up when you are down there:

Homeslice

What to do in Austin
Consistently listed as one of the top 10 restaurants in Austin, this is where I get my New York pizza intake when not in New York. Post coming soon. This place rocks my face.

Guero’s

What to do in Austin
What used to be a feed store in the 1800s (to ~1995) became a TexMex institution. Guero’s is a GREAT place to sit outside and people watch while eating tacos and sipping your hand-shaken margarita.

Lucy in Disguise

South Congress
If you’re looking to burn a few hours, your time will easily be sucked away inside this costume shop. Established in 1984, this has been the place to go for your random all year long costume parties and celebrations. They have just about EVERYTHING.

Uncommon Objects

Austin Texas
I really wish they would allow cameras inside the store because it is a place like no other. These guys are garage and estate sale gurus, bringing you the best from the Central Texas area. From mannequins from the early 1900s to old signs, I had to talk myself out of buying an old, green arsenic bottle once… because, you know… IT IS AWESOME.

Big Top

Big Top Candy Store
Also with a pending post on it’s gloriousness, this newish establishment (well, new for South Congress) is not going ANYWHERE. Founded by Shorty Stump, the 7ft tall ukulele player from one of my favorite Austin bands, the White Ghost Shivers, this place is a steampunk-circus DREAM. Make sure to order some chocolate covered bacon to go with your Italian soda.

Food Truck Lot

Food Trucks in AustinSouth Congress Austin
Austin is going through a sort of food renaissance where the city has more than 1500+ food trucks. For a city of less than a million, that is quite the number! With so much to choose from, keep your mind open and your stomach empty when traversing this part of South Congress.

Walk Around and Soak the Weirdness

Keep Austin Weird
After stuffing your face, make sure to take a quick walk around the neighborhood. There are some amazing gems that you can find.

What to do in Austin

South Congress Austin

Quirky Austin

South Congress

If you ever do happen to find yourself in Austin, make sure to drop us a line. We would love to meet up with you for a coffee or beer down ’round these parts. Let us know!

….and our welcome back home…

South Congress Austin-29

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21 thoughts on “Hometown Tourism: South Congress in Austin, Texas”

  1. I LOVE Austin, and have always had good things happen every time I’m there. It was always a nice escape when I lived in Houston. My very good friends were always the best part of the city.

    I have great memories of most of the places you’ve shown (I need to get me to Big Top soon), and a very special one of Guero’s. It was the place I gathered my girlfriends and told them I was leaving my then-husband, and they told me they still loved me. We cried a. lot. and drank a. lot.

    Everybody needs girlfriends like that. Lucky me.

    Thanks for the photos, and bringing back such great memories!

  2. I’m planning on going to Austin this year, for the Formula 1 race. I’ll make sure to check out some of these places and rent a truck 😉

  3. It has been a long time since I was in Austin. The photos have brought back some faded memories.

  4. I’ve never been to Austin but I’ve heard it’s amazing. Hopefully whenever I do make it there for a visit, you guys will be in town!

  5. Austin is straight blowing up with all these NYC and LA transplants burning out on their adopted homes and looking for somewhere, cool, laid back and less pretentious. Lets hope Austin is able to withstand the influx and keep its down to earth charm and relatively cheap rents…

  6. Hey! Just moved here about 5 months ago (originally from the Boston area) and lists like this are really helpful. I’m actually going to venture onto S Congress this afternoon, I’m on a hunt for old record stores and thrift shops and it seems this area would be a good place to start? What’s the best place in town to find out of print, used vinyl and CD’s? I’m even looking for a few cassette tapes as well for my collection!

    Thanks! xx- E

    Oh, PS… we have the same name 😉

  7. Half Price Books is a great place to find vinyl records and CD’s and I would bet there are some cassette tapes too.

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