SOUTH CONGRESS AVENUE. Made newly trendy with an influx of hip boutiques, galleries, and restaurants, this district was once populated by more alternative, retro spots. Now, it's drawing attention with chic independent establishments and getting traffic from celebrities and folks with more disposable income. With a mix of hippie-like places and newly gentrified venues, today's SoCo offers thrift stores and music clubs, coffee shops and sushi joints, kitsch and culture. And, of course, the bats at Congress Avenue Bridge still remain as a longtime attraction.

6TH STREET. While Sixth Street is known for its nightlife and entertainment possibilities and its prominence in local festivals, the thoroughfare also has a goodly supply of shopping. The western portion is especially friendly this way, offering art, antiques, specialty items, and lots of interesting things you'll want to discover. Shops in the area are interspersed with restaurants and cafes, and crowds are diverse, so enjoy the people-watching as much as the shopping. Depending on the time of day you're around, you'll find that parking can be difficult and is almost certain to come with a fee.