Shopping Day on South Congress in Austin, Texas
South Congress, or “SoCo” as people call it, is definitely one of the most popular shopping destinations in Austin. It has truly been exploding lately with new stores and buildings. If it’s been a while since you’ve visited, you may have a tough time recognizing it!
Personally, I like to start at the top of the hill and make my way down. Given how hot and humid it often is in Austin, I’ll take the downhill walk anytime! If you want to start off your day with a meal, then give the pancakes a try at the famous Magnolia Cafe, or the breakfast chalupa at June’s. The former is a classic diner situation, while June’s is more upscale, and they’re both dee-lish.
Personally, I like to start at the top of the hill and make my way down.
As you begin your walk, stop in the new outpost of Good Company, which opened in February 2019. The inviting store is stocked with chic casual choices in a wide range of sizes. At my size, I’m thrilled when I can actually fill a dressing room up with gorgeous goodies to try on! The wide selection of both new and vintage jewelry is gorgeous. And don’t worry if you’ve also visited the original store location, as the merchandise doesn’t completely overlap.
South Congress, or “SoCo” as people call it, is definitely one of the most popular shopping destinations in Austin.
Moving along, cross South Congress and visit Sunroom, which is a little store located on the left side of the South Congress Hotel. (A super fun place to stay, by the way!) This jewel of a shop carries swimwear year-round. In spring/summer, it’s chock-full of resort staples from the likes of Loup Charmant, Kamperett, Miranda Bennett, and Warm. I was thrilled to see the carefully curated selection of fine jewelry as well. I tried on Dezso by Sara Beltran, Celine Daoust, and necklaces from CVC Stones.
Crossing back over South Congress (while noting that the crossing signals actually talk to you – so cool!), you must stop in the famous Allens Boots, a family run business founded in 1977. Even if boots aren’t your thing, it’s quite amazing to see over 4000 pair on the racks just waiting to be tried on. And I’m sure if you take a look down the aisles, you are very likely to find just the right pair for you. No surprise, mine were embellished with Swarovski crystals. I do like my bling! And don’t panic if they won’t fit in your suitcase – they will happily ship them home for you.
iI’s quite amazing to see over 4000 pair of boots on the racks just waiting to be tried on!
A few doors down from that is a new addition to the neighborhood, Maufrais. You can get a custom Stetson hat in just about an hour. They’ve got styles in both felt and straw. Soon they’ll be adding a coffee bar and even more vintage furniture to the sales floor.
Another must-see shop is By George. It’s the smaller, more casual sibling of their North Lamar location. Not only can you find brands such as Isabel Marant Etoile, Zimmermann, and Acne, but you can also pick up a Celine bag, and jewelry from local designer Vada. It’s also a wonderful place to find chic items for the home as well as apothecary.
By this time, you may be ready for a little cocktail. The Frose at the Hotel San Jose comes highly recommended. It’s made of frozen rose with lemon. Or, you can also enjoy a Marina’s Fizz on the patio at Perla’s. You really can’t go wrong. I hope you enjoy your wanderings, and definitely let me know if you come across somewhere you love.
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