This is a home-made oasis for those of us who believe in fairies. The painted alleyway boasts tiny hidden doorways and even provides a generous cup of glitter for true believers to disperse showers of shimmering magic among the fish and flowers.

Situated in a beautiful building with a real art (biased here), Elizabeth St. serves the best breakfast báhn mî and makes you feel good just being there.

This natural spring fed swimming pool stays a remarkable 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 C) even on days that reach 108F (42 C) degrees. It has saved my life.

The Okay Mountain boys is where they build their own monstrosities, rent me a studio along with other artists and designers, and will eventually exhibit other people's work in this east side hive of activity.

There are a few good guitar shops in Austin, but South Austin Music is a pleasantly unpretentious spot where you don't feel too weird picking up an instrument and the staff don't hover too much. The aging building and over-stuffed isles give the store a busy charm and it's easy to get lost playing their wide selection of guitars and basses. Prices aren't amazing, but there are good deals to be had.