On June 20, 2026, a beloved north Austin bookstore will cease operations as a brick-and-mortar…read moreshop. Their online presence will continue during the transitionary period. Black Pearl Books, one of Austin's few Black-owned independent bookstores, is closing this chapter of their physical operations. Husband-and-wife owners Eric and Katrina Brooks stated that this move comes as they "rethink life as empty nesters." I got an opportunity to chat with the couple. Eric said their daughter, Alicia, will be going off to college. He said they still continue to do pop ups with community partners like ACC Highland campus and the Austin Public Library. The owners will work toward their future plans and continue to host authors through the fall. The closing celebration on Saturday will include live illustrations, henna, matcha, and a live reading and book signing. Importantly, the City of Austin has designated June 20, 2026, as Black Pearl Books Day. This bookstore has been a beacon of light in the Austin community and will be sorely missed! For me, it is a bigger issue...we see more and more smaller businesses closing especially over the last few years. Big box national book sellers seemingly are expanding. While Black Pearl Books owners are closing their brick-and-mortar shop, I am excited for the new opportunities that await them. We say so long for now...not goodbye!

Now that they're about to close, I decide to write my review. Well, it's another one that has been…read moresitting for SO LONG as a pending draft, I may as well get to it. Though they are closing the brick & mortar, the owners say they aren't going anywhere and this makes me happy. I am hoping this means we will continue to see them involved in all things books, social justice, and more. This is a place I started going to when I first started coming to Austin on twice-yearly visits (prior to relocation here). For several years in fact. It is one the best places to obtain banned books. The collection is impressive and IMPORTANT. Though it is a small shop, they have EVERYTHING. If they don't they get it for you. They go above and beyond! I write this as if they are still in existence and that's because as I write this, they are. While there is still time, get out and support this local, Black-owned, glorious bookstore! When they're gone and doing other things, continue to support them. We need MORE people and MORE places like this. Period. They walk the walk and talk the talk! A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

After my experience yesterday at a contemporary art gallery, I decided to venture out and expand…read moremy art gallery network. This curiosity led me to West Chelsea Cellars Contemporary gallery on 6 th. Street. They also have a presence in New York's Chelsea district. The gallery focuses on contemporary art pieces, highlighting works of artists such as Andy Warhol and Damien Hirst. They also focus on emerging and mid-career artists. I was immediately greeted at the entry by a gallery staff member. He then told to peruse the art works at my leisure. The building is spacious with a great deal of room between the exhibits. The floor to ceiling windows facing 6th street generates a great deal of natural light. The art works are in a large range of price points, provided upon request.

I have been to this location twice and had a good experience everytime. The artists showcased are…read morealways amazing! The set up always sync up with the art. Eventbrite is a great way to check out their public exhibitions. I highly recommend if you want a calm activity and enjoy seeing art.

I was able to visit Green & White today. I loved the smell as soon as I walked in. I wanted…read moresomething for increased energies and mental health. They helped me pick out a candle, Florida water and tea. I look forward to working with all of them. The price was great less than $40 for those as well as some incense cones. This is a true hidden gem. I look forward to my next visit.

Super cute shop that was bigger and had more variety than I even expected. Love the vibe and…read moreoptions! Will def be back!

Okay, this place is SUCH a vibe. This Yarrow & Sage location is tucked inside a little black house…read morein Austin, and that alone had me excited before I even walked in. The "broom parking only" signs sealed the deal. The moment you step inside, it feels witchy and welcoming. Dark walls, beautiful artwork everywhere, and magical details in every corner. There are sooo many options for jewelry and jewelry building. Charms, chains, stones, and pieces to create something totally custom. It's thoughtfully curated, not overwhelming, and really fun to browse. One of my favorite parts was the little library nook. Shelves of witchy books, tarot, and magical reads that make you want to slow down and explore. It makes the shop feel like more than just a store. The artwork and designs throughout are incredible. Pottery, prints, candles, herbs, incense, tarot decks, and tons of unique handmade items you're not going to see everywhere else. The staff was also amazing. Kind, welcoming, and genuinely happy to help without being pushy at all. You can tell they love the space and what they do. If you love witchy shops, unique art, tarot, jewelry making, or hidden gems in Austin, this spot is absolutely worth a visit.

Well organized, open space, easy front+street parking, and a yummy food truck and gluten free…read morebakery in the back. Truly a whole experience

Modern Rocks Gallery is a small gallery of eye-catching framed music (and actor) icon themed photos…read moreand posters from the 60s thru today. As someone who appreciates both classic rock and current contemporary pop and alternative, I thought that the pictures of David Bowie, Willie Nelson, too many to mention really, up thru Billie Eilish and Ed Sheeran posters were a great journey thru Rock's well-known icons, bands and history. What I didn't know and wished I had was that the owner who I met during my visit to the gallery was the guitarist from Modern English.

Amazing one of a kind photos of music legends. Best photo I've ever seen of Charlie Watts hangs on…read morethe hall here.

This is a a great little bookstore and boutique focusing on LGBTQ topics. I don't know how long I…read morehad it bookmarked but it caught our attention some time ago and it was great to pay a visit here. The selection is great as it has fiction and nonfiction books. I also spotted some photo books and coffee table books which I do enjoy getting from time to time. The accessories are various items and they are fun and unique. There is cards and if I recall correctly socks for example. The gentleman that worked here was very nice and helpful with all of our questions. This bookstore reminds me and take me back to the 1990's as I just came out to myself and was curious and eager to learn about LGBTQ history and I would come across these little independently owned stores that specialized in this and I learned so much. So coming here was a slice of nostalgia of my younger years which was a pleasant reminiscing.

This store is genuinely great for gift shopping. If you need a present, you'll probably find…read moresomething perfect without the usual chaos of fighting traffic and crowds on Congress. Much easier to just slip over to 12th Street, do your shopping, and then reward yourself with a drink next door (as you should). Highly recommend for a relaxed, feel-good browse. Also, I've heard about their Pride Market in June ...definitely on my list to visit!

This place is new and exciting. The exhibits there are varied, different, inspiring and fun to…read morelook at. A nice little neighborhood gallery that should soon take over the spolight in Austin's newest art goers.

The Arboretum, a couple of miles from where we live, is one of Austin's shopping and dining…read moredestinations. When you think of the Arboretum, you likely think of businesses from Capitol of Texas Highway and Research Blvd including Great Hills Trails and Jollyville Road areas. This area has evolved over the 25+ years we have lived nearby. Some anchor stores include the Cheesecake Factory, Soma, and Chico's in one section of the Arboretum. Another Area include Target, Jason's Deli and World Market. The Arboretum also includes stores like Hallmark, La Madeline and TJ Maxx (for all the Maxinistas). The Renaissance Hotel is a notable hotel used for special events and conferences and has been around as long as I can remember. You can find just almost anything in this area of the city. We lost some key businesses like TGIF, Macaroni Grill, Pier 1 Imports and Gap. However, places like Trader Joe's and Modern furniture have been great additions. The mix of stores is nicely balanced between... local and national level businesses. The layout is especially walkable with places to sit and relax. The green space at the Arboretum is truly a highlight from picnic areas near Amy's ice cream to the Arboretum duck pond. The Arboretum offers a plethora of business to frequent. The Arboretum, in general, has moderately priced goods and great customer service. We welcome you to try our niche of Austin.

Open-air mall with offerings from stores like Soma, Chico's, Lamps Plus, and so much more…read more Whether you need a new sofa, fancy jewelry, an everyday bra, or toiletries, this shopping mall for suburbanites is the place to be. Restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops. Outdoor areas to relax and stroll (Arboretum Duck Pond) on walking trails and tree-lined streets. The mall opened in 1985 and manages to stay relevant in a time when online shopping is the preference over old school malls. Nice place to grab a bite or grab a new outfit.