How to Shop Austin's South Lamar

As the saying goes, South Austin isn't so much a place as it is a state of mind. South Austinites are truly proud of their part of town, noting that its laid-back vibe is much more in keeping with the way Austin used to be. Not surprisingly, there are plenty of cool areas to shop in South Austin, one being along South Lamar Street.

Instructions

1. Clothe yourself with glad rags from Strut at 2200 South Lamar and Sola at 2005 South Lamar, both of which are known for their cute duds and accessories for gals. If your taste runs more to vintage there's always Bitchin' Threads/Kimono at 1030 South Lamar Suite. Big Bertha's Bargain Basement at 1050 South Lamar sells both women's and men's clothing.

2. Stock up on wonderful Mediterranean edibles at Phoenicia Bakery and Deli at 2912 South Lamar. It has amazing baked goods, pastries, olives, sandwiches and hard-to-find food items from overseas. Sun Harvest Farms at 4006 South Lamar is grocery store built on a human scale--it impresses not with the size of the facility, but rather the quality of the merchandise. Organic, bulk and natural foods, meat, cheese, vitamins and supplements--everything's here. There's even a little dining area where you can spend a peaceful hour reading the paper and munching on a sandwich.

3. Buy or sell books at Half Price Books Records Magazines at 2929 South Lamar, # 1007. The selection changes constantly, so you'll never know what treasure you might turn up on your next visit. The vinyl, DVD and collectible sections are fairly extensive. Whole Life Books at 1006 South Lamar is hands-down the best place in town to buy books on New Age subjects. There are sections dealing with Buddhism, Hinduism, divination, the occult, meditation, yoga, metaphysics, comparative religion--even childrens' books. There's also posters, crystals, art work and vast amounts of incense. You can buy New Age music and lectures or listen to them through headphones in a comfortable corner of the store. Special events are frequently scheduled.

4. Rock out with your credit card at South Austin Music at 1402 South Lamar and Ray Hennig's Heart of Texas Music at 1002 South Lamar, both of which are well-stocked with electric and acoustic guitars, as well as other instruments and band gear.

5. Furnish your home in retro, kitschy, June Cleaver-esque oddities from Let's Dish at 1102 South Lamar and Lowbrow Emporium at 2708 South Lamar, Suite 1-C. Whether you're looking for a clever wall clock, a set of dishware, or a glass ash tray the size of a hubcap, you'll likely find it all here.

6. Feed your hunger at Mr. Natural, a vegetarian restaurant at 2414 South Lamar, the 24-hour Kerbey Lane Café at 2700 South Lamar or the venerable Tex-Mex place Matt's El Rancho at 2613 South Lamar.

7. Relax after your hard day of shopping at one of South Lamar's many entertainment venues. The Zach Scott Theatre on 1510 Toomey Road, just west of South Lamar, is a popular place to see musical and comedic shows. Peter Pan Mini-Golf at 1207 Barton Springs, east of South Lamar, has been delighting Austinites for decades. The Alamo Draft House at 1120 South Lamar shows first-run and cult films and sponsors all sorts of special events and theme nights. A full food and drink menu is available, with your orders brought to your seats. The Broken Spoke at 3201 South Lamar is one of the most venerable of all old-time Texas dance halls.