Photo: Abbey Smith
As I stroll along the cracked concrete of South Congress Avenue in Austin, Texas, I'm reminded that this vibrant, artsy, hipster district was once a squalid sector of ramshackle shops and seedy bars. I'm here on a jet-set mission, and with only 24 hours to explore, SoCo provides the perfect, pedestrian friendly access and a taste of Austin's authentic, unorthodox flavor.

Photo: Abbey Smith
It's almost dark when I check into the Hotel San Jose, a refurbished, bungalow-style hotel. The rooms are charmingly spacious with a blend of modern chic d cor and luxurious amenities a real retreat after spending four months climbing in arid Hueco Tanks.

Photo: Abbey Smith
Before racing off to my presentation, I enjoy a quick Fire Cracker Roll and Seaweed Salad at Zen Japanese Food Fast across the street, in less than 15 minutes and under five bucks.

Photo: Abbey Smith
With a panoramic view of Austin's downtown high-rises on the horizon, SoCo runs along the eastern edge of Congress Avenue, and then borders Town Lake on the north, Oltorf to the south, and South First Street to the west. Immune from corporate chains, this broad avenue is lined with eclectic restaurants, cute cafes, funky boutiques, vintage and high-fashion shops, landmark bars, quirky food-trucks, neighborhood grocery stores, as well as uniquely renovated hotels, apartments and condos.

Photo: Ally Dorey
This proudly independent state capital is the self-proclaimed "Live Music Capital of the World." On any given night, it's easy to find live music, cheap drinks and a rambunctious crowd. Since 1957, the Continental Club, located at 1315 South Congress, has reigned as one of Austin's premier music venues.

The next morning, it's off to yoga. Halfway there, I decide to blow it off when I spot the shiny Airstream street vendor Hey Cupcake! and stop to enjoy a Vanilla Dream. After one bite of vanilla on vanilla, I instantly fall in love with this remarkable boulevard.

In the efforts to "Keep Austin Weird," SoCo's creative persistence and corporate resistance embraces it all. Knowing I only scratched the surface, I look forward to the next trip hopefully longer than 24 hours.

Check out the Photo Gallery: "Keeping Austin Weird"

Words and photos by Abbey Smith, a Boulder, Colorado based climber, writer, outdoor adventurist, Americano addict and eco-warrior.