Texas Retail Therapy: Where to Drop Cash from Austin Oddities to Dallas Diamonds

From Old-School Stores to Fancy Shopping Centers

Everything’s bigger in the Lone Star state, and your retail therapy options are just as expansive. From honky-tonk boutiques to Highland Park haute, these some of the best places to blow your paycheck in Texas.

Highland Park Village – Dallas

Built in 1931, this shopping center was the first of its kind in America designed by architects who also worked on Beverly Hills.

Big names like Hermès and Chanel sit next to smaller local shops in beautiful Spanish-style buildings with white walls and red roofs. Stop by Bird Bakery for red velvet cupcakes or enjoy lunch at Mi Cocina’s rooftop.

The old movie theater from 1935, fixed up in 2019, still shows new films. Highland Park Village is also home to high-end dining options like The Honor Bar and Cafe Pacific for a scenic meal.

South Congress Avenue – Austin

Once a rural postal route, South Congress Avenue has historical buildings dating back to 1920. Allens Boots has been selling cowboy boots since 1977, with over 4,000 pairs to choose from.

Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds fills its big store with costumes, while Uncommon Objects sells neat old things. Food trucks, music at Continental Club, and local artists make the street come alive under big oak trees.

The famous South Congress Hotel regularly hosts pop-up galleries and live music events.

The Galleria – Houston

This huge mall fits 400 stores under one big glass roof and attracts over 26 million visitors. The Galleria is home to luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Chanel.

Watch ice skaters on the rink while shopping at big stores like Nordstrom. Local jeweler Kendra Scott has a big shop here, and you can eat at 14 different Houston restaurants in the food court.

Two hotels (the Hotel Derek and The Westin Galleria) connect to the mall, making it perfect for shopping trips. There’s even an aquarium with a huge tank that is home to over 500 fish species.

The Domain – Austin

People call this Austin’s ‘second downtown’ because it has everything: high-end stores, fancy diners, and luxury hotels. You’ll find both big stores like Apple and small local shops across its clean, green space.

Local stars like Kendra Scott show their work here, and you can eat anything from quick bites to fancy steaks at Perry’s. Its amphitheater, Rock Rose, often features music and entertainment, drawing crowds throughout the year.

Check out the NORTHSIDE, it’s known for its eclectic mix of bars and restaurants.

Bishop Arts District – Dallas

Once full of warehouses, this area now has 60 small shops, restaurants, and art spots (The Art Garage and Kessler Theater) in old red brick buildings.

Home to unique attractions like the Foundry, a former industrial site turned art gallery, you can meet local vendors at Neighbor’s House Grocery (items from 100 Texas artists) or the annual open-air market.

The area gets busy during First Thursday when shops stay open late and performers entertain on the streets. At Wild Detectives (happy hours from 3-6 PM on weekdays), enjoy coffee and poetry nights.

Historic Market Square – San Antonio

El Mercado feels like a slice of Mexico, right in Texas.

The market, running since the 1890s, has 100 local shops selling colorful cloth, pottery, and Mexican food. Street fairs (like Fiesta San Antonio) become a lively festival with parades, music, and dance.

Many of the shops at El Mercado feature handcrafted art and unique artisan goods, such as hand-woven blankets, silver jewelry, and intricate hand-painted pottery.

Hungry? Try the iconic La Margarita Mexican Restaurant & Oyster Bar, famous for Jorge Cortez’s Sizzling Fajitas.

Legacy West – Plano

Perfect mix of business and leisure. This new $3.2 billion shopping area shows how Texas stores are changing.

You’ll find Tesla cars next to regular shops for a vibrant community that lives, works, and plays. Cool shade structures that look like Texas trees keep shoppers comfortable, and the whole place runs on sun power.

The air is filled with the enticing aromas of freshly brewed coffee and the savory scents of international cuisine from Legacy Hall. The Renaissance hotel’s rooftop pool and cabanas offer a serene escape, with stunning views of the Plano skyline.

River Oaks District – Houston

This outdoor shopping center with a chic, tree-lined layout is a fancy shopping street, with pretty brick roads and limestone buildings.

Big stores like Tom Ford and Dior stand next to nice restaurants with outdoor seating under grape vines. The River Oaks District is home to luxury Arabella condominiums, art galleries showcasing contemporary works, and an upscale cinema.

The air is filled with the scent of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of laughter from upscale restaurants like Toulouse Cafe and Bar.

Knox-Henderson – Dallas

This street connects two different shopping areas along an old trolley line. Knox Street is known for its upscale home décor stores like Restoration Hardware and Crate & Barrel while Henderson Avenue features a mix of boutiques and restaurants, many of which are housed in converted old factory buildings.

The area is indeed pleasant for walking, with the Katy Trail nearby, which offers a scenic path lined with trees.

Pearl District – San Antonio

Built around an 1883 brewery, this area now mixes shopping and food.

On weekends, 45 local sellers set up under old steel beams at the Pearl Farmers Market in a space that retains the area’s industrial charm, with old steel beams.

The neighborhood has jewelry makers, cooking stores, and even Culinary Institute of America (CIA) San Antonio with three student-run restaurants.

Even the craft beer scene is thriving with local breweries like Blue Star Brewing Co., as you gorge on pulled pork and sip Sangria beer in an outdoor patio.