2nd Street District

Upscale shopping with a quirky Austin edge
Word to the wise: After you've shopped, counter the effects of the harsh Texan climate at Milk + Honey Spa, where you can get waxed, scrubbed, or rubbed.

The 2010 opening of the W Hotel, as well as a number of high-rise residential loft developments, has fuelled a retail boom in the 2nd Street District, which is roughly defined as the segment between San Antonio Street and Colorado. Luckily, Austin's homegrown ethos is very much in evidence here, and about 70 percent of the stores remain locally owned.
You can find designer clothes at Girl Next Door, one-of-a-kind furniture and home accessories at Mercury Design Studio, and lingerie at Teddies for Bettys. Excellent dining options include Malaga (for Spanish-style tapas), Leaf (for made-to-order salads), and Taverna (for creative Italian cuisine).