Austin, Texas is notoriously quirky; take for instance an antique shop full of curiosities and a museum devoted to the weird, modeled after bizarre dime museums popularized by Mr. Barnum himself. If you’re looking for a getaway that is equal parts big city and small-town charm then look no further than Austin! If you’re going to Austin for weird, these are the three places we recommend checking out as soon as you can.
Uncommon Objects
(image via: trips to discover)
Do you like weird junk? And lots of it? If you answered yes, then you absolutely must pay Uncommon Objects a visit. What we call a flea market full of curiosities, has also been described as “your eccentric uncle’s attic on steroids” and we think that tells you everything you possibly need to know. Uncommon Objects has been around since 1991 when founder Steve Weiman perfected the art of finding little, weird things while serving as a prop finder for Chili’s, and the rest is pretty much history. We could go on about Uncommon Objects but it truly is a shop you need to experience for yourself.
Museum of the Weird
(image via: austin texas)
If you’re forever bummed you missed the OG dime museum originally opened in 1841 by P.T. Barnum, you can relive the magic in Austin any old time you want to thanks to Steve Busti, creator of Museum of the Weird. The museum is located in the back of his store known as the “Lucky Lizard”. The museum features hoax items such as a cyclops pig and shrunken heads, as well as a wax museum, a special exhibit featuring a decades-old mystery known as “The Minnesota Iceman”, and lastly, you’ll view a live sideshow performance in the theatre.
Air Conditioned Village
(image via: amusing planet)
Love air conditioning? Of course you do! If you’re a big fan of this modern-day luxury, then you’ll want to check out the quiet neighborhood located in North Austin. Back in the mid-1950s, after the National Association of Homebuilders came up with the idea that air conditioners should be used in residential settings and not just businesses, this housing development came to fruition and for an entire year, various variables were tested perfecting the role of air conditioners in homes. The homes are still standing today with little to no work done on them because they are important to history, after all. If you do plan to visit this area, please be mindful that there are residents within these homes, so be respectful of their home and their space.