Living on the hilltop has it’s perks. Located on one of the most popular streets in Austin, St. Edward’s is literally minutes away from countless trendy little shops to explore. If you haven’t taken the time to roam around South Congress, consider checking out these places the next time you have a free weekend.
Shops:
1. South Congress Books
If you’re in the need to visit a trendy bookstore, SoCo Books is the shop for you. The shelves contain countless vintage books that have tons of history. Stop in to find a good read at this used bookstore.
2. Uncommon Objects
Take a trip to Uncommon Objects to find a true adventure. Grab some friends and explore the maze of thousands and thousands of old knick knacks and treasures. If you browse right, you could spend hours in the store.
3. Kendra Scott
It’s asbsolutely okay to splurge and treat yo’self at Kendra Scott. Walk out with some new earrings, or stop by the convenient location when you need a last minute gift for your girlfriend’s birthday.
4. St. Vincent DePaul
If you like thrifting, this stellar thrift shop has tons of gems you can purchase for cheap! Decades worth of clothes can be found at St. Vincent DePaul, and you can always donate clothes you don’t need!
5. TOMS
Doubling as a store and coffee shop, the TOMS house on South Congress has a nice backyard which is perfect for sunny day studying if you feel like being outdoors.
Food:
1. Homeslice
A South Congress landmark, Homeslice is known for serving the most delicious New York style pizza Austin has to offer. Make your way to the restaurant, or get a slice to go, but just remember that they’re closed on Tuesdays!
2. Lucky Robot
If you’re in the mood for a classy Chinese food night, Lucky Robot is the place to be! Having a beautiful set up, Lucky Robot has wall paintings, cool chairs, and a killer sushi selection.
3. Amy’s
Try Austin’s most well-known ice cream chain located right on SoCo. Your punch card will have you going frequently and you won’t even mind.
4. Burro Cheese
Eat at this grilled cheese food trailer for lunch sometime! Famous for making appearances at ACL and other local events, Burro has some of the most brilliant grilled cheese sandwich selection.
5. Big Top Candy Shop
Feed your sweet tooth by stepping into the wonderful world that is Big Top candy shop. Ask for an old-school soda from their soda fountain, or fill up your plastic baggies with jawbreakers and gummy sharks for good measure.
Bonus:
1. Jo’s
You obviously know what Jo’s coffee is if you go to St. Edward’s, but the main one exists further down South Congress besides the two locations on campus! One of the classic stops on your South Congress adventure should be Jo’s Coffee’s “I love you so much” wall. If you don’t snap a photo and post it online, do you really even live in Austin?
Hope you’ll take advantage of Sunny ATX days and venture off to take on South Congress and all it has to offer!