Must-see shopping in Central Texas

  • Uncommon Objects

    Austin

    'Curious oddities' is what they advertise at this quirky antique store that sells all manner of fabulous knickknacks, all displayed with an artful eye…

  • Pearl Brewery Complex

    San Antonio

    The old Pearl Brewery has received a massive face-lift as part of the new Pearl development north of downtown, including shops, cafes and restaurants. The…

  • Austin Art Garage

    Austin

    This cool little independent…well, we hesitate to call it a 'gallery' because that would needlessly scare some people off. Anyway, it features some pretty…

  • Paris Hatters

    San Antonio

    Despite the name, this is no French haberdashery, but a purveyor of fine cowboy hats, established in 1917. You'll walk out looking like a real cowboy with…

  • Big Top Candy Shop

    Austin

    If you're trying to tame your sweet tooth, don't step into this colorful candy emporium where old-school treats like Squirrel Nut Zippers and Charleston…

  • Dave Little's Boots

    San Antonio

    This high-quality bootmaker's shop, established in 1915, now caters to country music stars, actors and locals alike. Get your custom pair with a belt to…

  • Luckenbach General Store

    Hill Country

    This old trading post, established back in 1849, is the heart of the, er, action in Luckenbach. The front half holds the store, while the saloon is down a…

  • Wimberley Market Days

    Hill Country

    Local art galleries, shops and craftspeople set up booths for Wimberley Market Days, a bustling collection of live music, food and more than 475 vendors…

  • Blue Velvet

    Austin

    Western wear, vintage T-shirts and even oddities such as all-American bowling wear hang on the racks at Blue Velvet, where you'll find an equal number of…

  • Melissa Guerra

    San Antonio

    San Antonio's answer to Williams Sonoma, Melissa Guerra has upscale kitchen implements and table settings with a Latin flavor, layered in with Mexican…

  • Lucy in Disguise

    Austin

    Colorful and over the top, this South Congress staple has been outfitting Austinites for years. You can rent or buy costume pieces, which is this place's…

  • Twig Book Shop

    San Antonio

    For biographies, fiction, children's books and Texas-related titles, step inside this indie bookstore in the Pearl District. Traveling with young kids?…

  • Adelante Boutique

    San Antonio

    Like a romantic breath of fresh air, this shop has mix-and-match pieces in vibrant prints and fabrics you won't find anywhere else, along with designer…

  • Allens Boots

    Austin

    In hip South Austin, family-owned Allens sells row upon row of traditional cowboy boots for ladies, gents and kids. A basic pair costs from $100 or so,…

  • Cavender's Boot City

    San Antonio

    Cavender’s Boot City is an affordably priced Western-wear chain around town. There are two other locations in San Antonio (303 NW Loop 410 and 8640 Four…

  • Alamo Gift Shop & Bookstore

    San Antonio

    You'll find an amazing array of area history books in this busy shop that is part of the Alamo complex. Don't miss the diorama depicting the famous battle.

  • Book People Inc

    Austin

    Grab a coffee and browse the shelves of this lively independent bookstore across the street from Waterloo Records. Great travel section. Hosts authors for…

  • San Angel Folk Art Gallery

    San Antonio

    Located inside the Blue Star Arts Complex, this store has a fabulous collection of colorful and whimsical folk art, and is a good place to start when…

  • Tesoros Trading Co

    Austin

    Browse folk art and crafts from around the world, with a heavy Latin American influence of metalwork, jewelry, colorfully painted handicrafts, the Virgin…

  • Waterloo Records

    Austin

    If you want to stock up on music, this is the record store. There are sections reserved just for local bands, and listening stations featuring Texas,…

  • FarmHaus

    Hill Country

    It's hard to leave this antique and home furnishings store empty handed. It's filled with decor for the modern cabin or cottage, plus items for your patio…

  • Domain

    Austin

    Stores like Apple, Neiman Marcus and Anthropologie line the streets of this upscale outdoor shopping center in far northwest Austin.

  • Stag

    Austin

    Embrace the art of manliness at this stylish SoCo store that's just for the guys, or for girls who are shopping for guys.

  • New Bohemia

    Austin

    When it comes to retro thrift shops, New Bohemia is the place to look for vintage jewelry and clothing.

  • Yard Dog

    Austin

    Stop into this small but scrappy gallery that focuses on folk and outsider art.

  • Papa Jim's Botanica

    San Antonio

    Embracing more than a couple of belief systems, Papa Jim's Botanica offers help from above or help from the beyond for a wide variety of problems. It's…

  • Market Square

    San Antonio

    A little bit of Mexico in downtown San Antonio, Market Square is a fair approximation of a trip south of the border, with Mexican food, mariachi bands and…

  • Tanger Outlets

    San Antonio & Hill Country

    What? You're not exhausted from shopping in San Marcos yet? You still have money left to spend? The Tanger Outlets center holds another 100 stores, just…

  • San Marcos Premium Outlets

    San Antonio & Hill Country

    There are around 150 name-brand factory-outlet stores at this enormous – and enormously popular – shopping complex. Outlet shops offer at least a 30%…

  • Alamo Quarry Market

    San Antonio

    Making fine use of an old 19th-century cement plant, this outdoor mall has plenty of top-brand stores, a multiplex cinema and restaurants. A few Austin…

  • Hogwild Records

    San Antonio

    Featuring an expert selection of vinyl, Hogwild also sells tapes and CDs. If you're after alt-country, punk zines or rare drum 'n' bass records, this…

  • Rivercenter Mall

    San Antonio

    It's the most accessible megamall in town, and its setting on the River Walk isn't bad at all. Thanks to the cinemas, IMAX theater, comedy club,…

  • Antone's Records

    Austin

    North of UT, legendary Antone's was founded in 1972 and has a well-respected selection of Austin, Texas and American blues music (with plenty of rare…

  • Amelia's Retrovogue & Relics

    Austin

    Austin's queen of vintage high fashion, Amelia's brings together Vogue-worthy dresses, retro '50s bathing suits and other old-school glamour for both men…

  • Amelia's Retrovogue & Relics

    Austin

    Austin's queen of vintage high fashion, Amelia's brings together Vogue-worthy dresses, retro '50s bathing suits and other old-school glamour for both men…

  • Nine Lives Affordable Books

    San Antonio

    This large and broadly stocked used book store is located in the Village at the Summit strip mall off the NW I-410 loop. Stop here to buy books on the way…

  • Pieces of the Past

    Hill Country

    Salvaged doors, metal sign letters, movie theater lights…you never know what you'll find wandering around the yard at this place specializing in…

  • CD Exchange

    San Antonio

    This reliable chain music store has lots of cheap secondhand CDs, DVDs and videotapes in all genres. Call for other locations around San Antonio; this one…

  • Buffalo Exchange

    Austin

    The Austin branch of this nationwide used-clothing chain has an impressive selection of vintage clothes and shoes for men and women, including Texas…

  • University Co-op

    Austin

    Stock up on souvenirs sporting the Longhorn logo at this store brimming with school spirit. It's amazing the sheer quantity of objects that come in burnt…