Sixth Street is the city of Austin’s eclectic and famous roads, well-known for its fun, boisterous night life and live music scene. What many people do not know is that Sixth Street is also one of the most historic districts in town and contains a large range of unique retail, restaurant and entertainment venues that are pedestrian friendly during the daytime as well as the nighttime. Before Sixth Street became the bustling urban center that it is now, it was once called Pecan Street, and was the main thoroughfare into town (a nice flat trail) for the farmland communities to the east, and soon became a major commerce district. By the 1860s, log and frame houses, wagon yards, livery stables, and saloons were present along Pecan Street, as were pigs and cows from time to time. What is now modern day Buffalo Billiards was once Missouri House, erected in 1861, and was Austin’s first boarding home for weary travelers on their way to the Wild West.

The beautiful Littlefield Building, at the northeast corner of Sixth and Congress, was built in 1910 and displays the beautiful architecture know as Beaux Arts Style. At the time of it’s completion, it was undeniably the most modern and opulent building in the southwest part of the nation. This building was the tallest skyscraper between New Orleans and San Francisco at the time (be sure to ask on the local shop owners about the fun rivalry that added a ninth floor to this impressive building). Located within Littlefield, in modern day Austin, is Hatbox, a haberdashery that combines old world charm with contemporary style, and is well-recognized for being “every man and woman’s” hat store. Right next store is the beloved Wild About Music store, the worlds first and only art and gift gallery dedicated entirely to music. This unique retail treasure represents over 100 locals, national and international artists and carries thousands of items all entirely dedicated to music. No trip to Austin is complete without visiting these locally recommended stores.

Within easy walking distance is Lucky Lizard & Museum of the Weird, a beloved Austin favorite that cannot be missed! The museum features mummies, unexplained phenomena, and self-proclaimed “freaks of nature,” as well as a clever curio and gift shop on the street front which carries a large inventory of local artisan’s products as well as unique imported goods and souvenirs. Right across the street is Bobalu Cigar Co., which proudly presents fine boutique cigars made live in the window by real Cuban born cigar rollers. This locally renowned shop also carries a fantastic selection of cases and accessories.

Although historical Sixth Street is extraordinarily pedestrian friendly, don’t miss out on your chance to tour Austin in the most fun way possible at Segway Tours, located near Bobalu Cigar Co. The tours take you from Sixth Street to the State Capitol and you will be amazed at what you’ll learn!

On a hot Summer afternoon, don’t forget the opportunity to step inside the crisp air conditioned interior of Alamo Drafthouse, which plays movies in the early afternoon and into the evening, and features continually evolving special events and fun features. The food is amazing, the atmosphere is fun and refreshing, and you’ll be amazed at the authentic and original old movie interior, which was one known as The Ritz.

After all this shopping, touring and fun, don’t forget to stop at any of the world famous bars or restaurants that line Sixth Street. Maggie Mae’s Austin has stood proud for over thirty years and is located in a beautifully restored building erected in 1874 and features an authentic New Orleans style courtyard with a staircase that extends to a rooftop that allows for a gorgeous view of downtown Austin. Right across the street is Iron Cactus Restaurant and Margarita Bar, which is located in an enchanting turn-of-the-century building which was remodeled as recently as 1995 to maintain the authentic, historical aspects of its construction that make Sixth Street so charming.

There are countless hidden treasures along this wonderful corridor that makes up the heart of Austin. Don’t miss the daytime opportunities that abound in the form of shopping, retail and, for the historically inclined, the beautiful monuments that abound from the legendary Driskill Hotel next to the Littlefield Building and on toward IH35.