SOUTH CONGRESS IS IN SESSION!

HOW TO STAY COOL THIS SUMMER ON BUSTLING SOCO.

To stroll down eclectic South Congress Avenue is to experience the best of old and new Austin at once. Live music, diverse cuisine, well-appointed hotels, and high-low shopping make SoCo a tourist’s paradise as well as a local’s escape from the everyday. What you’re celebrating: Lone Star heritage at Allens Boots (1533 S. Congress Ave., 512447-1413; allensboots.com). Where you’re enjoying the view: from the fourth-floor pool deck at South Congress Hotel (1603 S. Congress Ave., 512-920-6405; south congresshotel.com).

What you’re listening to: live music at the historic Continental Club (1315 S. Congress Ave., 512-441-2444; continentalclub.com). How you’re giving back: by purchasing shoes from TOMS, founded by former Austin resident Blake Mycoskie (1401 S. Congress Ave., 512-3502115; toms.com). What you’re browsing: cutting-edge clothing from ByGeorge (1400 S. Congress Ave., 512-4418600; bygeorgeaustin.com). Where you’re eating: Vespaio for divine Italian (1610 S. Congress Ave., 512-441-6100; austin vespaio.com). What you’re drinking: an agave cocktail at June’s All Day (1722 S. Congress Ave., 512-416-1722; junes allday.com). What you’re wearing: a maxi dress from Cove (1318 S. Congress Ave., 737-4840267; coveclothing.com) or a Life After Denim shirt from Stag Provisions for Men (1423 S. Congress Ave., 512-373-7824; stagprovisions.com). How you’re escaping: in a Hotel San Jose bungalow (1316 S. Congress Ave., 512-852-2350; sanjosehotel.com). What you’re sharing: a scoop of Mexican vanilla from Amy’s Ice Creams (1301 S. Congress Ave., 512-440-7488; amysicecreams.com).

The best of Austin’s independent spirit is on full display along South Congress Avenue, from the dazzling selection at Allens Boots (ƭƨƩ) and the desert rose oasis at the Hotel San Jose (ƦƢƝƝƥƞ) to the cool edits at Stag Provisions for Men.