2 Best Shopping in Austin, Texas

Texas's largest independent bookstore is a homegrown alternative to monster chain stores. It was established in 1970 and has been voted Austin's best bookstore for more than 20 years, stocking bestsellers along with books on topics such as women's studies, personal growth, and alternative home building; there's also a good children's section. Browse magazines; shop for quirky, hard-to-find gifts; and catch readings and signings by local authors, literati luminaries, and even former presidents who make stops here while on book tours.

This large independent shop is an Austin institution that's been an integral part of the local music scene since 1982. With an outstanding selection, superb customer service, and free in-store concerts (including some pretty impressive names during SXSW), it may be the only Austin record store you'll ever need.