Austin "artsy" sections-question (Spring, Chester: neighborhoods, moving, trendy)

[NOTAM]

I took my Mom who is an artist, to Austin for the day last week when she visited me. We only had time for the Texas State Capital (GREAT!) and Whole Foods on Lamar and 6th. I was hoping to squeeze in a visit to show her the 'artsy' communities-as i am trying to talk her into moving there, but had NO idea where to go or where to find "bohemian" liberal funky artsy stores, boutiques, cafes etc to walk around, so we just headed back to my house. She is coming again hopefully in the Springtime, and i would like to plan out a REALLY awesome day trip to Austin. Please tell me neighborhoods and areas of Austin NOT TO MISS for someone into eclectic, artsy, funky, bohemian culture. THANKS!

[twange]

South Congress(a little more trendy), South First(North of Oltorf, drive slow or you'll miss everything), East Austin(gritty but full of galleries).


http://www.eastaustinstudiotour.com/Numeric_List.htm
http://www.firstthursday.info/

[brattpowered]

Try North Loop Blvd/53rd Street between Chesterfield and Duval. It's young, independent and artistic/bohemian without being trendy or a parody of itself, just yet.