(Austin) — Austin keeps going and going. And growing and growing. I know all my local friends bemoan the influx of new people, Californication and other bad elements, but really, there is so much cool stuff going on here, it puts most of the rest of the country to shame. Celebrate it.

Make sure you check out the South Congress retail strip, uhhhh along South Congress. So many cool shops to browse and buy. Dip into the housing stock around there, some of the best in the country.  From the food truck yards to the shops to the restaurants, a great place to kill a half a day and walk away feeling good about what’s goin’ on. And humble your own neighborhood. Everyone’s friendly, the vibe is good. Enjoy.

Allens Boots, a must stop for any cowgirl…and men looking at cowgirls

Uncommon Objects is an unusually perfect antique/brickabrac store. Perfectly done collections

8-Track soundtrack of my parents and my childhood.
As my great friend Nancy says: “We learned songs with the skip in them.”  (Obviously dating myself here….)

Magnolia Cafe, definitely stop here for breakfast.