Hang'n Around Town: A Day Exploring South Congress in Austin, Burgers, Candy, Shops

Eagle Peak Shooting Range

Updated July 2026

Back in 2008, South Congress was already one of Austin's most colorful neighborhoods. Although many businesses have changed over the years, it still remains one of my favorite places to browse local shops, enjoy good food, and simply people-watch. Looking through these photos brings back memories of a fun family day that started at the shooting range and ended strolling one of Austin's most famous streets.

Austin has changed dramatically since these photos were taken. Some of the stores have disappeared, like Frans Burgers, new businesses have moved in, and the city has continued to grow. Fortunately, South Congress has managed to keep much of its unique personality, making it one of the most recognizable neighborhoods in Texas.

We decided to go to the shooting range today. If you're ever in the Austin area, Eagle Peak Shooting Range has the best prices around - $10 lifetime membership and you can target practice ALL DAY LONG for only $10. We purchased our own earplugs/safety glasses and practiced at the pistol and rifle/shotgun range. Pamela, myself, Alan, his brother (Uncle Mike) and Nathan spent about 3 hours at the range today. Don't bring your kids unless you plan to have them target practice as well. Only participants allowed on the range.

Afterwards, we decided to head into downtown Austin and eat at Austin's well-known burger joint--Fran's Hamburgers. Juicy, drip down your chin burgers and to-die-for onion rings...

Nathan, tailgating in his red pick-up truck.

Texas State Capitol 

Going North on Congress avenue...

Shopping South Congress Austin, Texas 

Good grief, it was a SMOLDERING 96 degrees today. Never mind going to a park or hiking. After eating at Fran's, we decided to hang around South Congress and browse in and out of the eclectic and Bohemian shops. The area reminds me of Haight Ashbury and is a wonderful place for people watching. We walked down the strip, periodically stepping into each shop, sighing at the cool air-conditioning...

The Uncommon Store, Congress Ave - Austin Texas

The Uncommon Store had many treasures... I could have spent all day in there browsing through their antique books and dolls.

One of my favorite pastimes is viewing old photographs...

The cupcake camper South Congress

The cupcake stands off South Congress... We kept eyeing it but truthfully, we were in the mood for a Hawaiian shaved ice. It was hot and muggy today!

We spent the most time in the Big Top Candy Shop...

Chocolate covered bugs...

Every conceivable candy...

old soda fountain at the shop

Old fashioned soda fountain. Alan shared his chocolate soda pop... Less guilt when split with three others...

A candy cigarette machine...

Eclectic candy...

Isn't that appetizing - Black Lung cigarette bubblegum (soothing lemon flavor) ...

Bacon Chocolate Bar 

Dessert with breakfast? The day went by really fast!

South Congress Then and Now (2026) 

These photos were taken in 2008 and Austin has evolved since then. I'm so glad that I had taken the time to blog all these activities as I never dreamed how valuable it is to have these photos. Now when I drive through Austin, I marvel at the changes. 

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