Oh, naïve and fragile lovers, don't let the billboard fool ya -- this is no astrology supply store. But if you're gonna buy erotica, do it at a place where your shoes don't stick to the floor.

Dreamers
3401 N. I-35
512/469-0539
www.dreamersdvd.com

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Another '93 winner continues to maintain reader adoration, in this case for classy (not kitschy) antiques, incredible stuff, and old architectural wonders.

Whit Hanks Antiques
1009 W. Sixth
512/478-2101

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Chosen by those with discriminating palettes.

Asel Art Supply
218 W. MLK
512/477-1762
www.aselart.com

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Our source says, "Go in knowing what you want and you will get a deal."

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Okay, so the discount card saves you money -- but every time you go in the place you buy 40 books.

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Neato, Unusual, Vivid, Objects. Whoa.

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Before there was Ruta Maya, before there was Trianon, long ago on a java bean far away...

Anderson's Coffee Co.
1601 W. 38th
512/453-1533
www.andersonscoffee.com

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One reader's comic take on it: "It has really cool people -- both clients and employees." Well, Shazam, dude!

Dragon's Lair Comics & Fantasy
2438 W. Anderson Ste. B-1
512/454-2399
www.dlair.net

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We're told the only pants that rival Truman's are the ones you create with your snuggle-buddy.

Truman's
121 E. Fifth
512/236-0901

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They can run a costume place, but they can't hide from the fact that their selection is dazzling and endless.

Lucy in Disguise
1506 S. Congress
512/444-2002
www.lucyindisguise.com

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Yes, that's right, gentle readers. You named the city of San Marcos itself as your favorite outlet for shopping syndrome. Loads of stores and scads of bargains for the smart shopper.

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Sundays are superb as shoppers stroll in their church finery with gigantic turkey legs hanging out of their mouths.

Austin Country Flea Mart
9500 Hwy. 290 E.
512/928-2795
www.austincountry.citymax.com

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A bead store by any other name... Actually it's so much more, including woodwork, pottery, and custom-crafted jewelry.

Originals Jewelry & Fine Gifts
10225 Research
512/343-2011

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It's not just the interesting variety (everything except brick stretchers) that makes Breed a winner, but the enthusiasm of employees like the one who told me, "We have a really cool ethnic rooster, and dirt-cheap cast iron wine racks!!"

Breed & Co.
718 W. 29th, 512/474-6679
3663 Bee Caves Rd., 512/328-3960
www.breedandco.com

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A bead store by any other name... Actually it's so much more, including woodwork, pottery, and custom-crafted jewelry.

Originals Jewelry & Fine Gifts
10225 Research
512/343-2011

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These chaps will be glad to custom-make your cowboy leg covers, billfolds, belts, and mocs. For boots or saddles, though, you'll have to mosey elsewhere.

Tenderfoot Co.
2026 S. Lamar
512/441-3883

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Oh, yeah. Big secret, Victoria. No one ever pays attention to a woman who spends her life sashaying around in lace panties.

Victoria's Secret
various locations

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Absolut(e) ambience. Great wine offerings and a knowledgeable staff, and every kinda hooch you can imagine.

Wiggy's
1130 W. Sixth, 512/474-9463
1104 N. Lamar, 512/479-0045
www.wiggysliquor.com

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And, of course, every possible conceivable item with which to slice, dice, julienne, decorate, or construct said lumber.

Home Depot
1200 Home Depot Blvd., Sunset Valley, 512/892-3035
7211 N. I-35, 512/458-8012
10515 Mopac N., 512/338-1001
3600 S. I-35, 512/693-9811
13309 N. I-35, 512/989-6650
8801 S. I-35, 512/291-0153
7900 FM 620 N., 512/258-7914
2551 S. I-35, Round Rock, 512/238-0820
11301 Lakeline Rd., 512/331-4436
www.homedepot.com

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Sure, great music and instrument selection, but just as impressive is the fact that, flood after flood, they stay put. Row, row, row your piano gently down Shoal Creek.

Strait Music Co.
3201 Bee Caves Rd., Suite 140
13945 Hwy. 183 N., 512/918-3743
straitmusic.com

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Yes, and the good doctor stocks knights and bishops as well. Not just a place for loans but also a place to shop.

Doc Holliday's Pawn Shop/Cash America
611 S. Lamar
512/443-7787

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Wouldn't it be the ultimate in thematic humor if they titled their mag section, "Slow, periodicals at play?" Ho, ho, ho. Big, big racks of books, magazines galore, and lots of sales and specials.

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A reader suggests (and we invite you to interpret): "They have their priorities straight." Take Fido shopping there and find out why.

PetSmart
1628 Ohlen, 512/835-7221
5400 Brodie, 512/892-3297
2601 S. IH-35 Pad E, Round Rock, 512/218-1816
www.petsmart.com

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Returning happily from '93, described by one reader as "the only piece of nostalgia left in Austin. You'll feel like you're in a time machine."

Nau's

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Last year's winner, too. Does it sound like a broken record or a record breaking? Good selection of music books and periodicals.

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Featuring a delightful array of many Reader's Poll winners and set back from Lamar with buildings that respect the neighborhood's scale, it's a welcome addition to the center city shopping scene.

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Twelve steps into this place and you just feel the healing vibes from the helpful books and helpful help. The selection of magazines and books is extensive and impressive. As well, they have crystals, new age music, and much more. They're moving into the new Whole Foods mega-plex at 6th & Lamar this fall.

BookPeople
603 N. Lamar
512/472-5050
www.bookpeople.com

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Our source says (yeah, right): "I only go there to buy American Spirits -- for my friends." An Austin institution, helping us move onward as the fog grows thicker.

Oat Willie's
617 W. 29th, 512/482-0630
1931 E. Oltorf, 512/448-3313
9505 Burnet Rd., 512/836-6287
www.oatwillies.com

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For the daring, the thrifty, the Cobain-worshippers (racks of flannel), and the one or two semi-employed citizens of this town. Their selection can keep you browsing for hours.

Goodwill
Main office: 1015 Norwood Park Blvd., 512/637-7100
2800 S. Lamar, 512/442-8802
836 Airport, 512/389-3277
Main office: 1015 Norwood Park Blvd., 512/637-7100
13096 Hwy. 183 #104, 512/258-5898
8965 Research Blvd., 512/832-0004
5555 N. Lamar, 512/451-2306
9801 Brodie, 512/280-8037
701 Newman, 512/478-6711
7100-C W. US Hwy 290, 512/288-7700
3910 Far West, 512/795-6387
6505 Burleson, 512/681-3301
7727 Burnet, 512/374-0260
1819-B S. Pleasant Valley, 512/389-0547
1700 W. Parmer #101, 512/719-4119
9111 S. First, 512/280-2204
1420 Wells Branch Pkwy. #300, 512/251-2777
2814 Bee Caves Rd. Ste.2814-B, 512/329-8771
www.austingoodwill.org

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Readers simply Lava their lamps. Great jewelry, watches, and little Shriners, too.

Toy Joy
403 W. Second
512/320-0090
www.toyjoy.com

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Recycling isn't just for plastic, paper, and glass. Take those books you've read and trade them for more you want to read.

Half-Price Books
3110 Guadalupe
512/451-4463
www.halfpricebooks.com/

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Flying high above the categorical competition -- a place to get lost in the mysteries of retro-threads.

Amelia's Retro-Vogue & Relics
2213 South 1st
512/442-4446
www.ameliasretrovogue.com/

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Even clothes sacks are bigger in Texas -- witness the acre upon acre o' cowpeople stuff here.

Shepler's Western Wear
6001 Middle Fiskville
512/454-3000

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