The State Theatre
A charming place to watch the theater's professional actors work their magic on some 20th-century classic or the latest in Texas drama. 719 Congress, 472-7134 www.austintheatrealliance.org


Stephen F.'s Bar & Terrace
A cigar, a top shelf tequila, and thou. The best place to consummate this relationship with true Austin style? The second floor terrace of this Congress Avenue landmark. 701 Congress, 457-8800 www.austin.intercontinental.com/ausha/index.shtml


Symphony Square
Symphony Square hosts the Austin Symphony Orchestra's family concerts, pops concerts, and classical concerts. Keep an eye out for one of the free shows they occasionally put on. 1101 Red River, 476-6064 www.austinsymphony.org/symphony/square


Tesoros Trading Company
Excavate authentic cultural gems (and the coolest gifts that say neither "Austin" nor "Texas" all over them) at this goldmine of folk art and other delightful treasures from Latin America. 209 Congress, 479-8377 www.tesoros.com


Touche
Although it looks like many of the bars on Sixth that look almost exactly like all the other bars on Sixth, Touche makes a palpable hit. Score with darts and classic arcade games, such as Donkey Kong, Ms. Pacman, and Galaga at the front. Stop in a for a cheap drink, and then get back to bar-hopping. 417 E. Sixth, 472-9841


Treasure Island Pirate Bar
If you’re fishin’ for booty, you can find it on the dance floor of this nautical-themed bar. A DJ spins hip-hop and Top-40 beats every night from the crow's nest across from the pirate ship-shaped bar. So get a little overboard, walk the plank, swab the deck ... whatever floats your boat. 413 E. Sixth, 476-4466 www.spillonsixth.com/treasure/enter


Velveeta Room
The Velveeta Room’s interior with its mirrors and neon lights is just as cheesy as it’s name. But this 17-year-old comedy club is a great place to see up-and-coming comics in an intimate setting. The cover is only $5, there is a full service bar, and every Thursday is open-mic night. Go support your local funny people and take sips between punch lines to avoid beer discharge out your nose. 521 E. Sixth, 469-9116 www.thevelveetaroom.com


Wild About Music
WAM's three floors of music art, gifts, and collectibles stand as proof to the world that the world cannot possibly have enough Elvis memorabilia or kitschy Ts to bestow upon your favorite fans of all things tuneful. From scales on neckties to musically notated toilet paper, the store is an aurally overloaded homage to that perfect blend of art appreciation and blatant consumerism. The gallery mixes visual folk art with modern mixed-media for a very Austin-inspired display of canvassed sounds. 115 E. Sixth, 708-1700 www.wildaboutmusic.com


Austin Marriott at the Capitol
Marriot is in construction with a new high-rise closer to Austin's Sixth Street club action, but for now, you can stay in the pink, close to the Capitol dome. great views; nuff said! 701 E. 11th, 478-1111 marriott.com/property/propertypage/AUSDT