Shopping
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- THE PIRATE'S DEN FLEA MARKET Photographs
are a beautiful, lasting way of keeping precious memories alive. So imagine
wading through piles of old photos of forgotten family vacations and smelly
aunts and feeling the thrill of laughing at people you never even met. Now
imagine that you can buy the ugliest shots for not much more than a nickel and
show them off to your friends! Add to that an assortment of old broken toys,
oddball magazines from the last fifty or sixty years, bizarrely-shaped
ashtrays, bottles and vases with bits of nasty gunk still in them, a selection
of some of the worst homemade "art" of the "I'm sure Mamaw will love it, dear"
variety and you've got the Pirate's Den. There are actual "collectors items"
there too, but forget that - the true wonder of this place is to wander through
aisle after pile of the kind of junk America is all about. Oh, and if you try
to buy something really stupid, there's a chance that J.W. might give it to you
free, along with a dirty "What in hell do you want that for?" stare. Cool.
(11704 N. Lamar, 836-4966; 10am-6pm daily)
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- TEXAS DISPOSAL SYSTEM'S REDISTRIBUTION CENTER
It's
Saturday morning. Your mission is to haul that stupid weight bench, which has
been sitting outside unused for two years, to the dump. So you pay a coupla
bucks to get into TDS and you heave it into one of their monster dumpsters.
You're about to drive away when you notice, a little ways beyond the dumpsters,
a sort of mini flea market with all kinds of cool stuff: bicycles, tricycles,
lawnmowers, blue jeans, fertilizer, floor lamps, and lumber. Marty, the guy who
oversees this part of the operation, sells you some things you can't live
without and you drive away, stopping to try some barbecue at Wilhites (open
Saturdays only). While you're eating a sausage wrap and musing on your fine
purchases, Marty's hauling that weight bench, which only needs a new cover, out
of the dumpster. (Creedmoor Dump, 7500 FM1327 (off South 183),
837-5390; Mon-Sat 7am-7pm or til dark)
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- FLIPNOTICS The
word to best describe Flipnotics is simply "cool." From the great '40s and '60s
decor, to the original jewelry designs and unique sunglasses, it is definitely
the cool experience. The clothes they carry are both new and used, and you can
usually catch them with a good supply of used 501's. The topper to this great
place is that it also houses a revolving artist gallery as well as a
coffeehouse. (1603 Barton Springs, 322-9011; Tue-Sat, 11am-8pm, Sun
1-7pm)
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- HALF PRICE BOOKS It's
not just the selection, it's that you never know what you may encounter old or
new among the great selection. Not nearly as huge as it used to be when they
literally overflowed with books and inspired bargains abounded, but we take the
2-year-old there all the time and we both find what we're looking for. (3110
Guadalupe, 451-4463; 7010 Burnet, 454-3664; 2929 S. Lamar, 443-3138; Mon-Sat
10am-10pm, Sun noon-9pm)
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- NAU ENFIELD DRUG We
have a thing about tortoiseshell barrettes. We don't know why, because we don't
really have a thing about either tortoiseshell or barrettes, but the particular
array of tortoise-shell barrettes on the counter at Nau Enfield Drug made a
convert of us. Just check out the Fifties-style (prob-ably Fifties vintage, in
fact) glass-fronted display case full of clips, clasps and combs mounted on
blue velvet. You can't help but realize you're in the presence of an utter
fashion classic. (1115 West Lynn, 476-1221; Mon-Sat 7:30am-9pm, Sun
10am-7pm)
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- NEXT TO NEW SHOP What
with the mark-up percentage, most really nice consignment stores are way, way
out of our wallet's league, but somehow Next To New seems to have something for
everyone - with prices ranging from around $450 for an exquisitely carved
antique desk, to the $12 we plunked down on the brand-spanking-new-looking used
child's car seat (What angel child used this, that he didn't barf on it at
least once?). From furniture to clothing to knicknacks to vintage jewelry to
kitchen items to just plain stuff - Next To New has it affordably
priced, and in good condition, too! (5308 Burnet Rd., 459-1288, Tues-Sat
10am-4pm)
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- GREEN & WHITE GROCERY Where
else can you get the best tamales in town while picking up those always needed
good-luck candles, love potions or some of that lovely bat blood? They also
serve delicious breakfast tacos (not for vegetarians... lard, lard, lard).
(1201 E. 7th, 472-0675; Mon-Sat 8am-5pm)
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- OSHMAN'S SUPER SPORT Between
a near-limitless selection of sporty wearables and more balls than the UT
athletic department has used up in the last dozen years, shoppers can throw
darts, shoot baskets, ski, practice their golf swing or rollerblade in
specially designated areas throughout the store. You don't have to pay to play
- notwithstanding personal guilt - but it's hard to resist a souvenir of the
game or games you decide to try out. (2525 W. Anderson, 459-6541; Mon-Sat
10am-9pm, Sun noon-5:30pm).
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- LOVE CAT The
Love Cat proprietor makes regular runs to L.A. and other bustling markets in
search of the most unique vintage and new styles. What makes the visit to Love
Cat even more exciting is that you can actually afford to buy their stuff. Love
Cat also carries shoes, sunglasses and jewelry They even have a real cat, but
he's not for sale. (809 W. 12th, 477-5224; Mon-Sat 11am-6pm)
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- AUSTIN BOOKS There's
been a terrible rash of new funnybook shops springing up, seemingly in every
neighborhood, lately. Of course, most of them only offer the tired old
"Punishmutant" titles, and often split their store space into halfsies between
comics and some other collectible, like baseball cards. Austin Books has no
need to worry about losing its edge as the neat-o-est shop in town, carrying
just about every type and title of comic you could want to collect (or even
read!) along with hardback collections, character t-shirts, movie posters and
all that kind of junk. (5002 N. Lamar, 454-4197; Mon-Sat 10am-6pm)
Special Awards: Quickest Decent
Shop to Get New Issues: Dragon's Lair;
Most Local Comics: Funny Papers; Most Oddball Comics: Europa Books.
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- LA PULGA Needed
an altar to Legba, god of the crossroads, god of communication. We figured the
right sort of altar would get us a story or two in on time or at least improve
the quality of excuses. To that end we went to the flea market out on 290, past
the goats for sale, past the saddles and way past the blue statues from Mexico
on the side of the road. We found a fine portrait of Our Lady of Guadalupe made
with glitter, sequins and devotion. Got a couple of votive candles pleading for
the indulgence of San Jose and El Niño. As the centerpiece, we settled
on a statue of a guy we were assured was San Francisco. It seemed like he'd go
well with San Jose, but on second look we had our doubts. Like St. Francis,
he's dressed like a monk, but this guy has a skull by his foot, not a cute
little lamb, there are no birds on his shoulder, he's holding a book, and he's
got stigmata. God help us if we've accidentally built an altar to a Jesuit.
Anyone with information about this saint should drop a line to the
Chronicle and let us know just whose candles we're lighting, and to whom
we're making sacrifices. The writers are behaving very strangely but they're
still not turning their copy in on time. (Austin Country, the flea market on
Hwy 290, open weekends)
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- CANTU'S MEXICAN IMPORTS How's
your luck been lately? The Cantus can help you change it. Mrs. Cantu prepares
amulets and talismans with coral, bloodstone, four leaf clovers - whatever you
need - then Lee Cantu empowers it with them with prayer. Blessed candles,
herbs, prayer cards, oils; everything needed to raise your vibration to receive
what is rightfully yours can be found at this South Austin herberia. Lee
predicted a friend's pregnancy before she knew it. Another won big in Las
Vegas. I don't know... I just always feel better after visiting
Cantu's.(1500 S. 1st, 448-2677; Tue-Sat 10am-7pm)
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- SANNY AT HALF PRICE BOOKS Not
so long ago the hands down winner would have been Gus the Cat from Garner and
Smith. Unfortunately, folks won't see Gus peering down on them Cheshire-like
from a bookcase any more: Gus retired to an employee's home when the store made
its move from the drag to its new home on 12th Street. That means Sanny over at
Half Price Books on Guadalupe wins by default. According to Christy at HPB,
Sanny, who got her name "because it sounded better than Butthead," showed up as
a dazed and confused casualty of the December floods. Having recovered, one can
now find Sanny bounding among the books keeping a lookout for shoplifters and
stray mice. (3110 Guadalupe)
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- TG&R Not
just great prices (93 cents - Never more than $2), not just fab service (but
they do see you coming and have your brand waiting) - best deals is what we are
talking. Once we got a carton plus 5 bonus packs for under $20. Sometimes you
get a free t-shirt or mug, or jacket, or running shorts (running shorts for
smokers - yes!) The best ever though, was a pack of Bull Durhams packaged with
a western novel for $1.30. Git along, little dogie. (2110 S. Congress,
462-9683, Mon-Thu 7am-10pm, Fri 7am-mid, Sat 8am-mid, Sun 10-10)
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- PRONTO FOOD MART Featuring
good beer specials and a pleasant staff that doesn't look at you as if you're
about to commit armed robbery, but treats you instead as a human being, this is
one place you're happy to return to again and again over the years. Some store
clerks may come and go; others have worked there for years - but it's the
friendly attitude that carries on and remains the same. (4301 Duval,
452-7974; Mon-Sat 6am-mid, Sun 6am-1am)
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- CRESTVIEW MINIMAX - IGA The
first of six Minimax grocery stores to open in Austin, and 39 years later, it's
the last. Instead of offering a personal warmth generally found on only the
finest of cattle cars, or religious services somewhere on aisle 37, Minimax
does things the old-fashioned way, offering simple courtesy and a
neighborliness that's usually found only in small towns. All this and S&H
green stamps, too! Currently they're remodeling, and though the structure and
fixtures may change, it's a sure bet that the folks who make shopping the
Minimax such a great experience won't. (7108 Woodrow, 459-6203;
Mon-Sat 8am-8pm, Sun 9am-7pm)
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- AVENUE B GROCERY & MARKET Founded
in 1906, this tiny Hyde Park shop has been a labor of love fpr owner Ross Mason
since 1984. A reasonable selection of foods, fine homemade sandwiches, and the
most personable service in town make this a winner. (4403 Ave. B, GL3-3921;
8am-7pm daily)
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- WHEATSVILLE CO-OP Firm,
tasty and cheap ... many people are turned off to tofu because their first
experience with it usually involves a bad curd with the consistency of phlegm.
Whether this describes you or you are already a fan of the versatile spongy
foodstuff, check out Wheatsville. It may convert some of you skeptics. (3101
Guada-lupe, 478-2667; 9am-11pm daily)
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- ANDERSON AND COMPANY We
might be a little biased since these folks sold one of us our first !REAL!
coffee 20 years ago, but since then we've drunk coffee all over the world and
still judge them against Anderson's French roast. (Jefferson Square (Kerbey
Lane & 37th), 453-1533; Mon-Sat 9am-6pm)
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- DICKINSON OPTICAL Unrivaled
in their friendly, personal service, and exceptionally kind and patient with
their many elderly patrons. If you don't see what you're looking for, they
might have it in the back, at their other location, or will always go to the
trouble of ordering as many styles of frames as you want to try. The 34th
Street location is new and "hipper" than before. They've had many of their
clients for over 35 years, which says something about the loyalty they inspire.
(1101 W. 34th 452-4866, Mon-Fri 9am-5:30pm; 4203 James Casey, 441-0883;
Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:30pm)
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- THE BODY SHOP The
England-based Body Shops have been a runaway success in their native land as
well as now in America, and for good reason. Their cruelty-free line of
cosmetics and toiletries for men and women have a natural slant in its make-up,
and each shop is a cornucopia of delightful scents. Especially recommended are
their soaps and shampoos, but it's doubtful anyone with a taste for personal
care products will leave the store without something. Recently opened at
Highland Mall, The Body Shop is a most welcome addition to Austin's shopping
scene. (Highland Mall, 371-1664, Mon-Sat 9am-9pm, Sun noon-6pm)
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- ST. PATRICK'S OF TEXASAUSTIN
HOMEBREW SUPPLY(TIE) You've
always been able to buy the basic ingredients in Austin, but now thanks to
these folks you can get all the exotic stuff you need to really make great
beer. So now there's no excuse not to brew your own. (Austin Homebrew
Supply, 306 E. 53rd, 467-8427, Tue-Fri noon-7pm, Sat & Sun noon-5pm; St
Patrick's of Texas, 12911 Staton Dr., 832-9045, 8am-8pm daily, call
first)
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- ATOMIC CITY Or
rubber snakes, Kit Kat Klocks and Iggy Pop t-shirts. Or skull earrings, Betty
Page cards and a Wizard of Oz Doll. Or a Super Soaker, glow-in-the-dark stars
and rock & roll postcards. Or Nightmare on Elm Street Freddy glove,
Japanese robots and Halloween masks. Owner Jim Hughes, aka The Prince,
has created this glorious wonderland, as delightful for children as it is for
adults. The Prince also bears one of the most remarkable tattoos in the Western
World - a "suit" of Japanese movie monsters. (1700 San Antonio,
477-0293, Mon-Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 1-8pm)
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- SKYLAND ROCK SHOP Other
rock shops may have more minerals and gemstones, and still others may offer
more metaphysical attractions, but none of them have Mr. Ed Brown. Whether
discussing various types of quartz crystals or where the best places are to
find arrow heads, the 80-plus-year-old lifetime Austin native is a rock hound
whose love of geology, Austin, history, and Native American culture offers a
unique insight into our world. (810 W. North Loop; open Mon-Sat. Look for
the redbird whirlygig In the front yard - Mr. Brown sets it out when the shop
is open)
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- SCOTT'S Scott's
wins best pawn shop hands down. Whether you're looking to buy or sell, they
have the best and fairest prices in town, with a huge selection of electronics
and other goods. Negotiating is easy, and they'll give you a great discount if
you pay in cash. (2120 E. 7th, Mon-Fri 9am-5:30pm, Sat 9am-5pm)
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- MALDONADO'S RECORD SHOP "Mexican
music is not just a name," says Henry Maldonado, with only the barest trace of
irritation. "That's sort of like saying `English music.' It doesn't tell you
anything about the music." But just go to Maldonado's store and you'll find out
about conjunto, norteño, Tejano, international Hispanic music and much
more. And if you're lucky, you'll get a discourse from Henry himself - witty,
opiniated and totally dedicated to the music. By the way, the major names there
are not the Texas Tornados or Tish Hinojosa - best sellers include Emilio
Navarro & the Rio Band and Joe Lopez y Mas. (2207 E. 7th, 478-0020;
Mon-Sat 10am-7pm)
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- TECHNOPHILIACD OF AUSTIN(TIE) It's
probably a matter of the buyers' taste which of these stores offers the most
bang for the used CD buck, but each offers an extensive collection to choose
from. Technophilia delves more deeply into the edges of alternative music with
its offerings, while CD of Austin ranges across more styles into the
mainstream. With the major record labels looking to raise the price of new CDs,
the used bins in both stores are smart places to shop. (Technophilia, 504 W.
24th, 477-1812; CD of Austin, Lincoln Village, 454-1212)
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- MUSIC MANIA If
you're any sort of music buff or collector, the record racks at Music Mania are
a treasure trove of wonderful stuff in 12-inch LPs and 45s. With a selection
that's as informed as it is tasteful, you can travel through decades of musical
memories as you browse. The store also offers a great selection of import box
sets (like the stuff from Germany's Bear Family) as well as classic import CDs.
If you're into understanding the full language of rock'n'roll, shopping at
Music Mania is like finding the Rosetta Stone. (3815 North I-35, 451-3361,
Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun noon-6pm)
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- AUDIO SYSTEMS Most
people just go to the same discount store where they bought their washing
machine, buy their stereo, and accept the way it sounds when they get home.
Well, there is better sound. We know you say you can't hear the difference, but
you can. Take the time, after all, you're going to be listening to this thing
for years, and shop with your ears. It's easy - just grab your favorite CD or
album and go to Audio Systems out on Koenig and listen. We did, bought a new
stereo, and re-discovered our record collection. (1102 W. Koenig, 451-5736;
Tue-Fri 10am-7pm, Sun noon-7)
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- FORBIDDEN FRUIT What
a great store! I mean, where else in town can you browse through a great
selection of X-rated cards and novelties, buy a dildo or some flavored condoms,
plus attend a body piercing clinic and get a safe yet as-exotic-as-you-like
ring. For those of you out there who embarrass more easily, the friendly and
knowledgeable staff will pack up practically the whole store and bring it to
your home - sort of the Avon of your libido. Enjoy. (512 Neches,
478-8358, Mon-Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 1pm-8pm)
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- ECO-WISE Learn
the error of your ways and how to correct them at the greenest store in town.
Their earth-friendly stock runs the gamut from cleaning products to compost
bins, plus baby diapers, lawn mowers, pet supplies, you name it. Want a watch
that runs on water? We know where you'll find one. (1714 S. Congress,
326-4474, Mon-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun noon-6pm)
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- BOOK PEOPLE In
a town blessed with a number of fine specialty bookstores - Liberty Books,
BookWoman, Europa and Austin Books jump to mind - this is probably the best.
It's certainly the biggest: a huge selection of new age, health, philosophy,
and culture/travel titles make this a truly world-class new age store.
(Brodie Oaks II Shopping Center, 4006 S. Lamar, 441-9757; 10am-10pm
daily)
Copyright © 1992 Austin
Chronicle Corp. All rights reserved.