First Thursday

South Congress, now called SoCo, has long been known for its eclectic blend of shops and restaurants. Every month, on the first Thursday, the shops and restaurants stay open late (till 10 p.m.) to have a huge street party. The entire district between Riverside Drive and Ben White Boulevard becomes a pedestrian and family friendly district with street vendors and artsy shops.

Anyone planning on bringing kids to First Thursday may want to consider stopping at the Big Top Candy Shop. This candy shop carries a huge variety of candies from vintage selections to the more current versions of candy the adults in the party may not have tried. In addition to their huge candy selection, the store also offers an old-fashioned soda fountain that offers hot chocolate, peppermint shakes, and a variety of desserts.

Another option for anyone planning to enjoy First Thursday is the Farm to Market Grocery. This grocery offers a wide selection of specialty items and fresh fruits and vegetables. The store often has more rare varieties of fruits and vegetables. It’s an awesome place to pick up some food before the festivities begin or a piece of fruit to carry with you the rest of the evening.

One of the most important things to remember is that parking is at a premium. Because of this, it may be easier to park the car elsewhere and take the Orange Dillo to South Congress for the festivities. Not only is it a green option for enjoying SoCo but it also allows more flexibility and lessens the stress of finding a parking spot.

Contact an Austin Realtor

For more information on First Thursday or any other Austin festivity, contact the Austin realtors of The Carvajal Group at 512-419-7770.