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2nd Street Shopping

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2nd Street: Willie Nelson Blvd.

Written by Shannon Barrientes
A group of people sitting at tables outside.

T he Second Street district of downtown Austin has been delighting shoppers for ten years. It’s a unique area renovated to encourage pedestrian walks along romantic roomy sidewalks glittered with light-filled trees that line the alleys. Second Street is also known as Willie Nelson Blvd., and no street with such a name wouldn’t be filled with surprises to delight your senses. Rare boutiques, trendsetting dining, hot cups of coffee on city benches and street musicians await your footsteps.

Before you visit all of the shops, visit the Willie Nelson statue on the corner for a rare photo opp for you and your friends. His giant bronze guitar is eye candy for the most ingenious selfies. Across the street admire the beautiful Moody Theater, famous for the Austin City Limits (ACL) Live stage. If you can manage tickets, stop in for a show at one of the most epic stages known to grace the capital city.

Shopping local and supporting Austin and Texas-based industry is a big trend in the area, and this district is known for its support of this passionate cause. Discover scores of unique and rare locally owned shops. For music lovers, a visit to Austin Rocks is inescapable. Find edgy stage-inspired rocker apparel (and even clothes designed for the wee baby rocker or rockette) and plenty of music-inspired retail items and gifts. Within walking distance of the Moody Theater, this store houses an official ACL store with authentic ACL PBS show merchandise.

If you’re in the area, don’t miss out on local favorite Toy Joy. Originally housed near the University of Texas at Austin campus, it recently moved to the local hotspot known as the Second Street district. For almost thirty years they’ve been a legend in Austin and their new location near ACL is simply breathtaking. Find floor-to-ceiling (quite literally) eclectic collections of toys and gifts for children and adults alike.Consider this an adult’s playground as you discover collectibles, nostalgia and fun, rare merchandise. Named by CNN as oneof the “Top 10 Toy Stores in the World†it’s a stop that can’t be missed.

Enjoy the district that supports and nourishes the spirit of Austin, right in the heart downtown!