South Lamar has become more and more popular for pedestrians, bicyclists, shoppers, and other visitors, and a stroll down the boulevard can include every imaginable activity and meal or drink. New additions to the "SoLa" scene include the Black Sheep Pub and a couple of other new eateries and pubs, as well as old favorites like the Saxon Pub and the Broken Spoke, both of which are landmarks on the Austin music and dancing circuit and regularly offer well known local musical acts.

The Black Sheep Pub is located a few blocks north of Kerbey Lane Cafe and Sonic Drive-in, and there is an outdoor patio out front with tables and chairs. The menu is down home and reasonably priced, and until recently, patrons could get a complimentary beverage with their meal, since the restaurant had not gotten its liquor license. The burgers are big and inexpensive, and the fries are crispy and spicy, along with the tator tots, which have gotten tremendous word of mouth among the neighbors.

Across the street and a few blocks south, the Half Price Books remains a mainstay among local residents, and used books, music, reading glasses, gifts, and lots of other unique items are available, most literally at half price, as the name promises. Next door to Half Price Books is the Old Alligator Grill and The Rockin' Tomato, both popular among locals.

A half block east, on Manchaca at Lightsey, the small strip center has many interesting businesses, including an inexpensive family medical practice that accepts walk-ins called Access Co-Medical, an unusual convenience store called On the Run, and a family-friendly Laundromat with WiFi access and T.V., as well as a supply of reading material and courteous, helpful employees.There is also a spa and beauty shop called Olga's and a comic book and cards store, both with unique products.

A quick walk north and one arrives at Walgreen's, which is open twenty-four hours and has an amazing array of cosmetics, grocery items, clothing, medicine and toiletries, and almost everything else. The Sonic is just across the street, and one block south of Walgreen's is Austin's venerable Matt's El Rancho, which has been reincarnated numerous times over the years and is one of the most well-established restaurants in Austin. Matt's is famous for their shrimp enchiladas and coconut pralines, among other delights, and there is something for everyone, including a frosty margarita for the adults.

The neighborhoods east and west of Lamar are some of the only ones remaining in the Austin real estate market where one can find affordable housing, and there are many kitschy old fourplexes and duplexes, as well as interesting homes and small apartment complexes. It is a quick walk to these homes and apartments from the strip of restaurants and clubs, and anything can be found within a few blocks of these homes.

Until recently, an art show called Art Outside was held regularly at the Enchanted Forest, an outdoor venue with a creek running through it and every imaginable type of artwork, music and dance, and many of the artists and musicians make the SoLa area their home as well. The Forest is near the intersection of Lamar and Oltorf, and an organic foods lunch stand called Organic Seeds is currently operating near the Forest, with positive reviews from those who've had the pleasure of dining there. Seeds offers patrons a choice of healthy wraps, coffee, breakfast tacos and other favorites.

A block south of the intersection of Oltorf and Lamar is a local coffee bar and music spot, with beer, wine, and lunch specials called the "Irie Bean". It is another locally owned venue and has great coffee, wine, sandwiches, and occasional live music, so it's another hidden jewel in SoLa. Every sidewalk leads to something new and/or different, including Irie Bean.

South Lamar is one of the oldest yet fastest growing areas in Austin, and homes are reasonably priced,compared to many areas of Austin, so stroll down the boulevard and take a look, and you'll like what you see.Friendly neighbors always make you feel welcome, and there is always something to do.

Ki maintains a website on Austin Texas real estate. His site allows buyers to search for listings in the Austin MLS he also writes a blog with updated information on Austin real estate.

Texas wildflowers are celebrated throughout the state of Texas thanks to the efforts of the late former first lady Lady Bird Johnson, and Austin is home to the institution she helped created, named in her honor. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is a unique attraction, paying homage to the woman who helped elevate and preserve the native plants and the natural beauty of Texas.

The Wildflower Center works daily to educate the public on sustainable use and conservation of native wildflowers, plants and landscapes. With beautiful gardens, expansive meadows, and woodland trails to explore, visitors can experience the plentiful offerings of Texas’s native plants up close. Tours are available, but visitors can enjoy the grounds at their own pace with the available printed information or with an audio podcast to guide them.

In addition to the gardens, the Center curates rotating exhibits, many of which include art. Whether viewing oversized bronze insects throughout the grounds, or viewing sculpture and paintings on display indoors, the beauty of nature is enhanced by its pairing with visual arts. Many exhibits are mounted in their McDermott Learning Center, which also holds a permanent exhibit, and features a large picture window from which to view the natural surroundings. A docent is often available in the learning center to answer questions, and to help visitors identify the plethora of different flowers and plants they will see on the grounds.

Children will find a world of fun and education designed especially for them. A tiny door indicates that the room within is dedicated to the wee ones, with puppets, books, arts and crafts that help illustrate the wealth of nature that exists at the center and throughout the state. This is also a great place to take a break and beat the heat while discussing the different plants located on the trails and in the gardens. A popular destination for school field trips, the Wildflower Center also offers teacher resources to maximize a class visit. They also offer summer camps – a perfect way to engage school-age youngsters in nature and science during their summer break.

The Wildflower Center is home to a delightful café. Featuring fresh and inventive sandwiches, salads, baked treats and thirst-quenchers such as hibiscus mint tea, the café is almost a destination in itself. Soups are made from scratch, and vegetarian including the sensational Wildflower Wrap (Roasted Poblano & Portabella Mushroom wrapped in a tomato basil flour tortilla with lettuce and tomatoes,sun dried tomato spread) are available.

Events including fundraising galas, artisan nights, plant sales, and nature nights are held throughout the year, in addition to guided tours. Their website is an extensive resource both for planning a trip, and for learning more about the myriad of things encountered on a trip. They publish a newsletter and magazine in Austin, in addition to the materials available at the main office.

The last stop of the visit should be to their gift shop – featuring clothing, books, gifts and educational toys that will commemorate and unforgettable visit.

Escapeso Austin Real Estate is a small realty company in Austin. They help clients interested in Austin real estate and provide a free web search of the Austin MLS. They also provide visitors updates on the Austin market on their Austin real estate blog.

Austin, Texas is home to many different attractions with great food, shopping, and entertainment venues. Many think of Sixth Street as Austin's premiere hotspot, but there are several other interesting yet relatively overlooked areas in town. One of the most popular and diverse places in Austin for great food and entertainment is a strip along Guadalupe Street affectionately referred to as the Drag. From around 34th Street at the northern edge to Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, great food and shopping abound, along with a few curiosities.

Austin is renowned for its live music scene, but the clubs aren't all downtown. The Hole in the Wall is one of the most renowned and stored venues in the history of Austin, with 25 years of experience bringing in both great local talent and road shows in many styles ranging from old-school country to rock and pop. With its dim lighting and homey atmosphere, the Showdown is a great bar in which you can kick back and observe the tides of burnt orange flocking to and from class. Spider House is one of Austin's most eclectic places to share a pitcher of Lone Star, the National Beer of Texas with friends, with regular influxes of live music and DJs. The decor is based most obviously from vintage gliders, chairs and tables with dozens of Christmas lights to provide illumination and the odd sculpture of a naked child urinating in a bathtub. Such expression is much more commonplace in Austin in part because of its long connection with the University of Texas.

Since the University of Texas at Austin is located directly off Guadalupe, many businesses have taken advantage of the huge influx of students. As a result, there are many great stores to check out. As far as apparel, American Apparel has recently opened a store directly across from the West Mall of the University. Other stores include Whole Earth Provision Company and Tyler's, the source for "Keep Austin Weird" shirts and assorted UT-related garb. Toy Joy on 29th and Guadalupe offers a plethora of creative gifts and eccentric toys for all types.

As far as food goes, the Drag offers more choices than many other areas in town, partially because of the diverse student body that frequents the area. Madam Mam's makes great Thai and Chinese food, while just down the road lie several venerable Austin establishments such as Burger Tex, Dirty Martin's (Home of the Kum-Bak Burger), and Veggie Heaven, a favorite for vegans and health-conscious people. Kerbey Lane Cafe is the place to go if you're looking for late-night food ranging from enchiladas to classic American fare. Don't forget to try the famous pancakes, which come is several delicious and fruity flavors. Tom's Tabooleh offers great falafel and other various Middle Eastern fare, using locally grown and organic ingredients. They also have a wide selection of fresh hummus and Greek dolmas available every day. Wheatsville Co-op is a local grocery which sells local and organic produce as well as a variety of health foods and a great deli to boot. For those in search of a tasty ice cream treat, options abound: The famous Amy's Ice Cream has many different and unusual types of creamy delights, including Guinness or Shiner Bock ice cream. So if Austin's where you want to be, don't forget to check out the Drag (it's kind of hard to miss).

Ki is a realtor working in the Austin Texas real estate market. On his site he runs a blog about Austin real estate and provides visitors a free search for Austin Homes.

One of Austin's most exciting and lively strips is South Congress Avenue, which hosts dozens of interesting restaurants, bars, and shops.

Home Slice has often been rated "Austin's Best Pizza" by the Austin Chronicle, and the title is well-deserved. This restaurant, which sells "New York style pizza," is as close to authentic as you can get in Austin. (Individual slices are served on paper plates and the menu even includes directions on how to fold your slice like a real New Yorker.) You can go in and sit down to eat, or you can purchase individual slices at the window after 9:30 p.m. until late into the night. They also serve all-American desserts like Rice Krispy treats and cookies and milk.

Tesoro's Trading Company, with a sister store on Congress Avenue downtown, has a collection of South American artifacts that will make your head spin. There are Mexican "Day of the Dead" figurines, religious relics, clothing, accessories, tapestries, décor items and more. They even sell purses made entirely of clothing buttons. In addition to all the Latin wares, there are some pieces of art and jewelry in the Indian and East Asian styles.

Uncommon Objects is an antiques shop unlike any other. You could not even begin to predict the kinds of items you will find once you step through the doors. Whether you are in the market for 19th century photographs, vintage toys and furniture, jewelry, clothing, books or trinkets, the objects in this store are truly uncommon. It is also great just for browsing, whether you intend to purchase an antique item or not. One item of note is a weaving made from the locks of hair of various women hundreds of years ago. There is also a taxidermy-style stuffed armadillo. Regardless of what you find strolling along the aisles and weaving in between the myriad customers, it will make for an interesting shopping experience.

The St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store is another small treasure that bears noting. It carries not just used clothing but furniture, books, music, movies and toys. There is an entire second floor where the latter items can be found, a veritable goldmine if you're in the market for things like a 25-cent Babysitter's Club book or some cheap wine glasses.

Ten Thousand Villages is a beautiful store with a beautiful purpose -- to sell merchandise that was made by disadvantaged artists in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Shoppers can feel good about the fact that their purchases promote fair trade and actually make a difference in the world. Not only that, but the craftsmanship of the products Ten Thousand Villages carries is outstanding.

South Congress is also a unique part of the Austin real estate market. The area contains cute older Austin homes built in the 1940s. Although it was a rough neighborhood at one point the homes are highly sought after now because of the plethora of stores and restaurants in walking distance.

An ideal day could be spent exploring South Congress on foot, taking the time to peek in to each of these places as well as several others. Finish the journey with a cupcake from the Hey Cupcake! trailer, and spoil yourself with a free whippersnapper (injection of whipped cream straight to the center of the cake). There couldn't be a more perfect South Austin afternoon.

If you are looking to purchase a home in the Austin Texas real estate market Escapeso can help you in your search. To start their website has a free search of the Austin mls along with news about Austin real estate posted on their blog.