The Stash
Part gift-shop, part art gallery, part performance space, the Stash is an ever-transforming HQ for all things beautiful and transformative and South Austin, thanks to uber-proprietess and SoFi cheerleader Yvonne Beltran. Local handmade art for truly unique gifts. 2209-J S. First, 448-7707 www.austinstash.com


Threadgill's World HQ
Eddie Wilson's Austin cornerstone of home cooking, and located mere yards from the original spot of Wilson's legendary Armadillo World HQ, the launchpad of Austin's ol' cosmic cowboy scene. 301 W. Riverside, 472-9304 www.threadgills.com


Tree House Italian Grill
It's not really a treehouse: It's named for the impressive Live Oak that anchors the popular, cozy patio. The emphasis here is on comfort, in atmosphere and cuisine, with elegant and friendly decor and a menu that says, "Mama mia!" 2201 College, 443-4200


Trophy's
The glass brick, blue tile, and stucco exterior belie the smoky, big-screen, pool-table-and-a-longneck atmosphere that is Trophy's. It also claims to serve the best burgers in Austin. 2008 S. Congress, 447-0969 www.myspace.com/trophystx


Urban Texture
With a mural that extends over seven thousand feet, it might come as a surprise that a talent as big as Russell Reid’s is housed in such a little white house. Inside his studio, you’ll find some of his personal collection, works for sale, and the shared business of Red Texture Studios. Fortunately, you can also see his work on South Lamar, Mi Casa, or Zax. 2002 S. Congress, 434-0100 www.urbantextureintl.com


Vanilla Girl Designs
VGD specializes in mosaic tilework for Austin's hippest homes and businesses. Vases, mirrors, tabletop artworks, not to mention jewelry and sexy-chic clothing grace the showroom floor, which itself is bursting with the energetic tile-work of owner and mosaic maven Elise Rich. 2209 S. First, 912-7885 www.vanillagirldesigns.com


Yard Dog Folk Art
Folk art reigns at this petite yet select store offering home and, well, yard art. The collection includes beautiful portraits of classic country artists, drawings by rock gods Daniel Johnston and Mekon Jon Langford, handcrafted furniture, religious and secular folk art and all the coffee-table books that celebrate it. 1510 S. Congress, 912-1613 www.yarddog.com


Austin American-Statesman
While you may argue with their editorial content, you can't argue with their location: best bat viewing in the city and a well-maintained park in which to do it. 305 S. Congress, 445-3500 www.statesman.com


Austin Motel
If it's good enough for Sandra Bullock, Julia Roberts, and El Sol y la Luna, it's good enough for us. And your mom. We like the luscious kidney-shaped pool; even more, we like that staying here makes us feel like we're inside the film "The Postman Always Rings Twice". 1220 S. Congress, 441-1157 www.austinmotel.com


Embassy Suites Hotel
With a 10-story atrium replete with waterfalls and 260 suites of extravagance, the Embassy takes care of its guests with complimentary breakfast in the morning and cocktails daily. 300 S. Congress, 469-9000 www.embassysuites.com/en/es/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=AUSLKES