With an excellent collection of B-movies, cult classics, musicals, low-budget horror pictures, foreign films and a variety of videos you will not find at the chain stores, this is a movie-lover's paradise. Peruse the "director's wall" for films grouped by director; if you are looking for a silent film, this eclectic shop has one of the best selections in town. Staff suggestions are located throughout the store if you are having trouble deciding on which flick to rent. Most of the employees are huge film fans and know their business, so if you have questions about a rare movie, this is a great place to start.

Out of the several locations in Austin, this Half Price Books is understandably the most artsy and intellectual, given its location just off The Drag and a stone's throw from the University of Texas. A bargain-hunter and book-lover's paradise, the store is arranged into sub-shops, each devoted to a category of books. This isn't the place to find the most up-to-the-minute best-seller or the latest entry in Oprah's Book Club, but it is the spot for an out-of-print, hardbound copy of "The Catcher in the Rye", at half off the cover price. CDs, cassettes and other forms of music, even a huge collection of LPs, can be found in another room. Sit on the floor with a book or search the racks of albums for the one that got warped in high school. Loitering is encouraged. The staff is uniformly well-read and helpful, and they will search the store computer for a specific title upon request.

A veritable warehouse for bibliophiles, this two-level University Co-op store offers two complete worlds of books. Textbooks for University of Texas line shelves in the basement, and, on the first floor are titles for those outside the ivory tower. So shop upstairs for novels, popular history, children's books and self-help, and venture below for more cerebral and scholarly fare. UT fans will find a broad selection of Longhorn merchandise, from caps to socks and everything in between. A great selection of school supplies is also offered. You will even find items like engineering compasses and photography paper.

Complete Clothing could be missed if you are not specifically looking for it (it's sandwiched between two businesses at the south end of The Drag), but it is a "Street Culture-phile's" gem once discovered.  As the name suggests, men's beanies, hoodies, long sleeves, pants, shoes, shorts, and tees are abundant, but there is also a nice array of art pieces, books, designer toys, and magazines (some are even autographed!).  As if all of that were not enough, Complete hosts meet-and-greets with up-and-coming hip-hop artists, concerts, and has its finger on the pulse about other hip-hop shows in town. - Freddie Obregon

Frock On Vintage is still in its infancy, yet it has begun to make some noise, attracting Austin's dedicated hipsters and vintage connoisseurs. It completes the alternative shopping experience on the Drag that starts from American Apparel and ends at the Buffalo exchange. Frock On Vintage's personality takes you back to the 70s, 80s and early 90s; perfect for anyone obsessed with John Hughes movies. There is plenty of sequins, leather, and denim for vintage shoppers who love those three decades. During the week, they have a variety of activities to draw in the crowd! Items for sale are mostly for women, but there is a section just for the guys which includes shirts, ties, and cowboy boots. They also retail vintage jewellery and accessories. - Temitope Eletu-Odibo

Momoko connects to Sushi Niichi Japanese Restaurant, but this import and specialty store was here before the eatery. To put it in Gwen Stefani Harajuku Girl speak, this boutique is "super kawaii (cool)!" There is everything from traditional sake sets and anime clothing to bubble stickers and high-quality jewelry. For those with the munchies, Momoko sells candy, cookies, and soft drinks that are popular in Japan. Many claim that this establishment is the first bubble tea shop in Austin, and whether or not that is the case, the flavor selection is extensive (taro root is king!), and they can put in other fillings like jelly or fruit besides the popular tapioca pearls. In addition, the chefs have added rice balls to the menu. -Freddie Obregon

This store is very famous among the UT students since it's located right at the front of campus and has all the sportswear that the students use on a daily basis. The shop offers stylish shoes from brands like Puma, Nike, TOMS, and more! If you're looking for some T-shirts, definitely come check this place out. There are many designs in various colors to choose from, and you'll even find some "Keep Austin Weird" logo shirts. You'll also find sport shorts and accessories. Their very affordable prices and wide range of products make them a perennial favorite with locals and tourists alike. -Victoria Perez

For over 30 years, this locally owned florist has been providing beautiful flowers and plants to the Austin area. This is the community of West Lake Hills' only full-service florist and nursery. In addition to beautifully arranged delivery bouquets, it also carries bed plants, shrubs, exotic and tropical flowers-and a staff that is truly helpful with care suggestions. Lovely gourmet fruit baskets and balloons are also available for purchase.

If you are looking to find a large collection of antiques under one roof, with variety in selection and price, this is a great place to begin shopping. With over 70 dealers showcasing collectibles from Europe, Asia, and the American Southwest, plus primitive art, china, wrought iron house wares, adornments for the garden and several local artists displaying work. Merchants are knowledgeable and eager to share collections with customers.

This shop mixes African art, Indian furniture and traditional antiques - sort of a blend of the colonials and the natives. The African art includes hand-painted ostrich eggs from South Africa, Lead wood carvings from Zimbabwe, and hand-carved Ebony wood bowls, chess sets and walking sticks from Malawi. African masks line one wall, while the Indian subcontinent weighs in with primitive teak chests, cupboards and trunks. French, English and American antiques round out the collection. Notable finds include beautiful hunt cupboards and armoires.