Want to decorate with something unique? Head to the Austin Art Garage.

The Austin Art Garage’s mission is to hook up emerging artists with those who want to invest in their work. The gallery features works by thirty talented artists, many of them local. The public is invited to browse the selection and purchase quality original art at affordable prices. It's a great chance for collectors to get in on the ground floor and back the masters of tomorrow. It's a friendly, no-pressure environment; many works are under $100. Check the website for details.

Austin Art Garage
2200 S. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 351-5934
www.yelp.com/biz/austin-art-garage-austin

Bibliophiles love to congregate at BookPeople, a local independent bookstore where hundreds of tomes line the shelves, waiting for someone like you to read them. Whether your taste runs to historical fiction, mystery, memoir, teen vampire tales, romance or non-fiction, you’re sure to find the perfect tome to spend time with. The store also hosts over 300 events per year. Upcoming happenings include author book signings, book clubs, children’s story time, poetry readings, workshops and lectures. In addition to books of every genre imaginable, you can also purchase greeting cards, calendars, small toys and games. Stop by their little cafe to indulge in a luscious espresso drink, Italian soda, muffin or dessert while you peruse your latest literary purchase. Open Mondays through Sundays from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m.

BookPeople
603 N. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 472-5050
http://www.bookpeople.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bookpeople-austin

Ranch 616's innovative menu embraces southwestern flavors from the Gulf of Mexico to the border towns of Texas, with prime cuts of beef and super-fresh seafood served whole. The ambiance is fun, funky and relaxed, perfect for chilling out with friends and family. Start off your meal with one of their custom cocktails like The Pink Taco, with vodka, freshly squeezed ruby red grapefruit juice and a cherry. Pair your drink with a tasty appetizer like Buttermilk Battered Calamari, Chili Lime Grilled Prawns or the Quesadilla of the Day. Grilled Duck Breast with Thai noodles, Jalapeno Grilled Chicken with chipotle tartar sauce, and a Texas Black Angus Ribeye served with enchiladas, beans and rice are among the entrée choices. Open for lunch and dinner.

Ranch 616
616 Nueces Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 479-7616
http://www.yelp.com/biz/ranch-616-austin