The South Congress Scene in Austin Texas

One of Austin's most exciting and lively strips is South Congress Avenue, which hosts dozens of interesting restaurants, bars, and shops.

Home Slice has often been rated "Austin's Best Pizza" by the Austin Chronicle, and the title is well-deserved. This restaurant, which sells "New York style pizza," is as close to authentic as you can get in Austin. (Individual slices are served on paper plates and the menu even includes directions on how to fold your slice like a real New Yorker.) You can go in and sit down to eat, or you can purchase individual slices at the window after 9:30 p.m. until late into the night. They also serve all-American desserts like Rice Krispy treats and cookies and milk.

Tesoro's Trading Company, with a sister store on Congress Avenue downtown, has a collection of South American artifacts that will make your head spin. There are Mexican "Day of the Dead" figurines, religious relics, clothing, accessories, tapestries, décor items and more. They even sell purses made entirely of clothing buttons. In addition to all the Latin wares, there are some pieces of art and jewelry in the Indian and East Asian styles.

Uncommon Objects is an antiques shop unlike any other. You could not even begin to predict the kinds of items you will find once you step through the doors. Whether you are in the market for 19th century photographs, vintage toys and furniture, jewelry, clothing, books or trinkets, the objects in this store are truly uncommon. It is also great just for browsing, whether you intend to purchase an antique item or not. One item of note is a weaving made from the locks of hair of various women hundreds of years ago. There is also a taxidermy-style stuffed armadillo. Regardless of what you find strolling along the aisles and weaving in between the myriad customers, it will make for an interesting shopping experience.

The St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store is another small treasure that bears noting. It carries not just used clothing but furniture, books, music, movies and toys. There is an entire second floor where the latter items can be found, a veritable goldmine if you're in the market for things like a 25-cent Babysitter's Club book or some cheap wine glasses.

Ten Thousand Villages is a beautiful store with a beautiful purpose -- to sell merchandise that was made by disadvantaged artists in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Shoppers can feel good about the fact that their purchases promote fair trade and actually make a difference in the world. Not only that, but the craftsmanship of the products Ten Thousand Villages carries is outstanding.

South Congress is also a unique part of the Austin real estate market. The area contains cute older Austin homes built in the 1940s. Although it was a rough neighborhood at one point the homes are highly sought after now because of the plethora of stores and restaurants in walking distance.

An ideal day could be spent exploring South Congress on foot, taking the time to peek in to each of these places as well as several others. Finish the journey with a cupcake from the Hey Cupcake! trailer, and spoil yourself with a free whippersnapper (injection of whipped cream straight to the center of the cake). There couldn't be a more perfect South Austin afternoon.

If you are looking to purchase a home in the Austin Texas real estate market Escapeso can help you in your search. To start their website has a free search of the Austin mls along with news about Austin real estate posted on their blog.