South Congress Avenue

The bat colony at Congress Avenue Bridge marks the beginning of a strip of curiosity shops, eateries, and clubs on South Congress Avenue. If 6th Street is too touristy for you, you’ll love this street. Enjoy strolling around with a cup of coffee from the parking-lot kiosk café at Jo’s. Be sure to always look up as you walk up South Congress, because many of these businesses have great signs and sculptures attached to their roofs and storefronts. For example there’s a cowboy made out of a muffler, riding a giant rabbit, and a zebra dressed up like Carmen Miranda. Up here you’re sure to be lost for hours in the multifarious shops and boutiques like the folk art gallery Yard Dog, the vintage shop Uncommon Objects, the costume shop Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds, and the Western-wear shop Allen’s Boots. South Congress is at its best between 6 and 9 p.m. the first Thursday of each month when the businesses stay open late. The streets are full of vendors and artists selling their wares and bands play on the sidewalks.