Austin Pedal Party is back again and we are so glad to have you here reading with us! Here on The Austin Insider, we can’t wait to tell you all about Austin! Whether you’re looking to find the right gift or just want to find out what Austin’s locally owned commercial scene has to offer, you have stumbled upon the right corner of the internet today. Here we help you find out more information about some of our favorite spots to buy cool stuff while also supporting the community. Souvenirs from the big named stores might be cheaper, but they don’t hit the same as something hand-picked by the locals who love living here.
Alexa James Baby
5.0 ★
Boasting a distinctly New York City vibe, Alexa James Baby is a modern children’s clothing boutique that is stocked full of charm and creativity. Decorate your own nursery or seek out the perfect gift for those special young people in your life at Alexa James Baby, where style is entirely ageless. Open from 10 am – 5 pm every weekday you can find this store in the Kerbey Lane Village shopping center.
American June
5.0 ★
1st is home to American June, an all woman owned business that inspires people from every end of the fashion spectrum to come in and find a piece that will spice things up. Taking immense pride in their ability to remain affordable, American June believes that everyone should have access to the wardrobe of their dreams. Check out their website for hours as they differ by day and know that Tuesdays are reserved for appointments only. Who knows, maybe you will walk out with an entirely different aesthetic after going down a “sale rack” rabbit hole.
Antonelli’s Cheese Shop
4.6 ★
Let’s be honest here, we shouldn’t have to say much more about Antonelli’s other than the fact that “Cheese Shop” is in the name. Featured in publications like The Wall Street Journal, Wine Spectator and Cheese Connoisseur, you won’t have any trouble finding out about Antonelli’s epic reputation. From selection to board assembly, this is one location that ensures you will enjoy your purchase or experience. Take on a cheese tasting event or just let one of their experts guide you in selecting a prime pairing for your next date night. From 11 am until 7 pm every day, Antonelli’s Cheese Shop can’t wait to host you.
Black Butterfly Bath and Body
5.0 ★
If you’ve got your visit to Austin planned for a Saturday, put Black Butterfly Bath and Body at the top of your “must visit” list. Only open one day a week but worth the pre-planning, you can find a little something of everything from fragrances to coffee! The website runs all day every day but you won’t want to miss their setup on Saturday from 11 am until 3 pm on 13th street.
Black Pearl Books
5.0 ★
Impacting the community with a selection of literature as diverse as the folks who are buying the books, Black Pearl Books is ready to help you find the book you didn’t know you needed. Burnet Rd is home to this gem (lol) of a storefront, as cozy as it is stocked to the top with your favorite (and soon to be favorite) titles. Except for Monday and Sunday, Black Pearl Books is open from 11 am until 6 pm, ready for your visit.
BookPeople
4.7 ★
Since 1970, BookPeople has lead the race in independent bookstores, even winning the title of “Best Bookstore in Austin” for 20 years. Every day from 10 am to 7 pm, come in to BookPeople on north Lamar Blvd and find your new favorite book. If you can’t wait to get home before cracking open the latest new release, sit for a bit at CoffeePeople, a built in coffee shop with everything on the menu from coffee to gluten free snacks.
Coco Coquette
4.7 ★
For just about a decade, Coco Coquette has been THE shop to visit when you want to truly step up your outfit. You won’t have to search hard for the quaint little white building on Cesar Chavez St, the artwork adorned outside absolutely gives it away. Step inside of what feels more like a tea room upon entrance and take a look around. Find wigs, jewelry, makeup and more to set your look off for any occasion. Open from 12-6 pm (5 pm on Sundays) every day except on Tuesday, when they are closed, Coco Coquette can’t wait to have you come in!
End of an Ear
4.8 ★
When you’re the type of person who collects vinyl, a well organized presentation is as important as the selection available. End of an Ear is not only known for the expansive selection of music up for sale or trade, but the ease with which you can navigate the shop. Stop into their Clawson Rd location from 11 am – 7 pm any day and ask about the b-side you’ve been trying to get your hands on. Vinyl collection enthusiasts will jump for joy and probably never want to leave this location, don’t say that we didn’t warn you.
Fortress of Inca
5.0 ★
Featuring a full stock of handmade items exclusively from Peru, Fortress of Inca provides only the highest quality footwear for men and women. From 11 am – 5 pm any day outside of Sundays, make your way to 43rd street to find the leather shoes that you will find any excuse to wear. Comfortable, long lasting and stylish, every product available in Fortress of Inca is one that will last with you and gain a ton of compliments along the way.
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League of Rebels
4.2 ★
For the sharp dressed man in your life, League of Rebels on 2nd street is the place to be for any modern man’s attire needs. Stick to the classic styles, presented in a modern, sleek way that will add some spice to anyone’s closet or even ask about their tailoring services. No matter what size, League of Rebels is dedicated to providing you with the perfect fit. All days outside of Sunday, come in between 11 am and 6 pm the next time you need to amp it up for a big event.
Hearth & Soul
5.0 ★
Along with being quite the clever name for a shop, Hearth & Soul is the store that you will want to use to decorate every inch of your house. Come in from 10 am – 6 pm (12 -5 pm on Sundays) any day and shop an assortment of stock that is sure to fit in with your home. Take some time to explore Casis Shopping Center on Exposition blvd here in Austin and don’t be shocked if you leave with an entirely new aesthetic for your living room.
Rae Cosmetics
4.7 ★
Feel great about where you are purchasing your beauty products when you shop with Rae Cosmetics, and not just because shopping with locally owned businesses is essential to giving back to the community. Along with having been a trusted name in makeup long before the creation of Rae Cosmetics in 2005, these products are made to last and endure the life of any busy woman, but that’s not even the best part. What makes Rae Cosmetics on 38th street so noteworthy is the quality of this product series. Made with cruelty-free, natural ingredients that are built to last, this makeup will stick with you all day long. Closed on Sunday and Monday, but open from 10:30 am through 5:30 pm every other day, the fine folks at Rae Cosmetics can’t wait to have you come in.
Revival Vintage
4.7 ★
Local artist’s pieces mix with old-school furniture, home décor and vintage apparel that you will not find in major retailers at Revival Vintage. Upcycling and rehoming since long before their brick and mortar storefront’s opening in 2013, Revival Vintage on Lamar blvd is saving the planet while saving you money. With the best deals coming from a place that keeps Austin recycling, you can come in from 12 – 6 pm every day. There’s truly no telling to what a piece might have been through before finding shelf space at Revival, and we can’t resist a good storytelling piece of furniture or clothing.
Slow North
4.7 ★
Essential oils, candles and all of the scented products that you want to adorn your shelves with have a temporary home at Slow North in The Village on Anderson lane. Soothing, stress relieving and just plain fun to sniff, there is no shortage of high quality therapy tools, even meditation stones. Much like here at Austin Pedal Party, Slow North’s website offers a blog that’s stocked to the brim with a variety of information. Walk on in any day from 11 am – 6 pm for a small slice of paradise in every jar, candle and box.
Terra Toys
4.7 ★
Since 1978, Terra Toys has done their best to compete with Santa Clause in the toy making game and they put up one heck of a fight! You can’t miss their giant red and yellow building face in West Anderson Plaza, leading into what is also the largest toy store in all of Texas. Considering how big we like to do it here anyway, there’s no limit to what you might find with a trip to Terra Toys. Opening at 10 am every day (except Sunday when they wait until 12 pm) and closing at 7 pm, getting lost in this toy store is a fantastic way to spend time with the family.
Pavement
3.7 ★
One of our personal favorite locally owned businesses, Pavement is a upcycled clothing store that is always boasting a wide and funky variety of used, new, retro and vintage threads. They have an amazing selection and two different locations. One being on South Lamar and the other on Guadalupe. This is an excellent store to visit a few times a season because the clothing sells fast and there seems to always be lots of new items on the shelves. Austin is known far and wide for having eclectic style and this can be seen quite easily in a secondhand clothing shop that focusses on only carrying only the most awesome of garments. What better way to shop local than to shop for clothes that have already been worn by the locals? Even though they are a shop that sells many vintage items they have prices that are not outrageous, and the fun boutique atmosphere is very approachable. You certainly cannot miss the highly decorated exterior while walking down Guadalupe street so go on in and take a look!
CONCLUSION
There we go! Though clearly not the only locally owned shopping to find in Ausin Texas this blog certainly will provide a good start to your shop local adventure. What makes this city so special is the sense of community pouring over every sidewalk, street and storefront. When you take an extra moment to seek out those that work to live and live to work here in Austin, you are adding to the growth of a city that has a little bit of everything, and room for more. No matter what your heart desires (within reason, let’s not be too bold here) Austin has probably already got the store or venue for you. The more you read here the more you will see what we are talking about on The Austin Insider, your new source for everything involving our favorite city.