For over 20 years, Waterloo Records has been one of Austin's favorite record stores. Why? The selection of music is unbeatable. Shoppers will find every genre of music here, including current popular favorites and many Texas artists. Waterloo has supported the local music community for years, allowing bands a place to sell their handmade tapes, vinyl and CDs. The store is also famous for its large selection of imports and world music. If you are looking for music that is a little off the beaten path, this is a good place to start. If you are not sure what you are looking for, grab a set of headphones at one of the listening stations and sample anything your heart desires. The shop also carries a great selection of music-related books, magazines, posters and T-shirts. You will also find an excellent blank tape and CDR selection with pro-recording tapes available.
Stag has captured the eye of men's magazines (GQ, etc.), and for good reason: it's about more than just the apparel and accessories for sale. The store caters to a specific demographic of men--those that are transitioning from undergraduate education to the professional realm, and those that are wanting to stay young and hip, but stylish. Among other things, vintage books (such as a collection of Dennis Hopper photographs from the 1960s), retro posters (like Farrah Fawcett's famous red bathing suit photo), and home decor (rum scented candles, for example) are up for grabs.
The premise behind this upscale store is simple: sophisticated fashion that allows the wearer to express their individual style. Looks are classic, yet hip and contemporary. Designer lines of shoes, clothing and accessories include Diesel, BCBG, Jill Stuart, Vivienne Tam, Theory and Kate Spade. By George, what a lovely place to shop!
Allens Boots has been in the South Congress shopping district for years. The tan stucco exterior is pretty nondescript, but the boot-emblazoned sign by the door leaves no doubt as to what might be sold here. This is a serious shop for serious Western wear, from the Wranglers to Justin boots and more. This is where you can grab a classic Resistol hat and a pair of ropers, or a fancier set of lizard or snake skin boots. Fancy duds are available, but so are serious work clothes. While urban cowboys are welcome to shop here, the store caters to the real thing, too.
Walk in and breathe deeply. You're within range of 300,000 titles, all arranged on three floors, along with a coffeehouse and complete music department. This is one of the bookstore-as-community places, where shoppers are encouraged to put their feet up and read, or to sit at a convenient desk and copy a recipe from the latest cookbook. Children gather for story time every week, and a community room is available for book clubs and other meetings. Of course, they have a huge selection in every conceivable category, from anthropology to zoology. Notable are the shelves of small-press and foreign-press titles, as well as spiritual and religious books.
For aficionados of the chic movement, there is no better stop in South Austin than Uncommon Objects. It is crammed full of antique items and collectible furniture. Need a faded piece of crockery for the kitchen? You will find it here. Looking for a soft, old quilt for baby's bed? Most likely you will find a plethora to choose from. If you like to decorate your home with something that has character, then this is the place for you.
Smokey Denmark is a family owned company that has been making premium smoked sausages for more than 50 years. Adhering to the highest standards in quality they offer a variety of sausages and flavors. The must try are their beef with pork, Jalapeño cheese sausage, Cajun boudin to name a few. Patrons can enjoy their sausage dishes with a glass of beer. They have a food truck beside their store where one can barbecue their favorite meal and enjoy it at the picnic tables under the shade of the trees in a relaxing atmosphere. One can also rent their food truck for an event or celebration.
Tom's Dive & Swim is one of the oldest dive shops in town, established in 1982 and serving Austin for over 25 years. It offers local diving trips and excursions to the coral reefs of the Cayman Islands and Honduras. The professional instruction team offers a variety of classes for all skill levels and the store is filled with ski equipment, scuba gear, rental equipment and a repair center. There are class schedules to fit your time frame. Check the website for further information.
A one-stop Texas lifestyle brand, the mission of Austin's No. 4 St. James is to spread the culture and history of Texas all around the world. Featuring all things made in Texas, this charming store on Springdale Road offers everything from scented candles, knives, chairs, food items, clothing and photographs. A collaboration of talented locals, this unique studio focuses on showcasing the best of what this Lone Star State has to offer thus making its mark on the globe.
Out-of-the-ordinary, children clothes are the rule here, where everyone from baby to size 14 big can find an outfit. Comfortable and cute 100% cotton leggings match equally comfortable and cute tees and tops. Pretty party dresses hang nearby, and they are not the run-of-the-mill smocked variety, but more fashion-forward, playful styles. Boys will find their niche here, too, with play wear and dress-up clothes for any occasion, save perhaps the most fancy. The designs are fun and easy to wear for the most free-spirited child. Baby gifts and some toys are also available.