One of the best parts of traveling is finding great treasures to take home with you. These shopping jaunts will get you to some of the city's unique areas and show just what San Antonio is all about. Just pick a neighborhood.
Downtown
Of course there's River Walk shopping: La Villita Historic Art Village's artisans, the Pearl's new stores and tried-and-true Rivercenter Mall. But don't stop there.
Head over to historic Market Square, where Los Pueblitos offers authentic Mexican attire for the entire family and other distinctively Mexican goods. Then walk another block or so and you’ll discover Marti’s, which lets you enjoy the best of Mexico's one-of-a-kind clothing, tableware and artisan ware. Penner’s, a men’s clothing store with the finest Mexican-made guayaberas (a San Antonio must!), offers free tailoring.
Other gems include Cariños Boutique, which sells one-of-a kind fun jewelry, handbags and accessories (no online presence at publishing time, address is 405 N. Saint Mary's St., 78205) and Silver Spur, which carries the sparkly items Texas women love. Good to know: This shop is considered a “must” by the Travel Channel.
Southtown
Stroll around the hip Southtown arts district, which starts just a few blocks south of the city center, for an authentic look at Deep in the Heart art. The David Shelton Gallery features contemporary art with an emphasis on local artists. It’s the San Antonio Express-News Critics' Choice for best art gallery, so if you only have time for one stop, this should be it.
But there’s so much more in Southtown. Blue Star Contemporary Art Center has a variety of offerings from artists with a passion for their work. You’ll fall in love with San Angel Folk Art, which offers historic to contemporary folk art. You can learn about modern Chicano pride (and art) at Gallista Gallery & Art Studio and you won’t believe your eyes when you see Garcia Art Glass' one-of-a-kind art glass bowls, chandeliers, wall art and more.
Just down the road, get ready for a shopping adventure at Pig Liquors, a unique boutique and liquor store with vintage clothing, antiques and jewelry.
Fun bonus: If you’re in town at the beginning of the month, enjoy one of San Antonio’s great art shopping expeditions at First Friday in Southtown, an evening arts and crafts walk along South Alamo and the Blue Star Arts Complex.
Olmos Park / North Central
This is an upscale neighborhood whose 1920s buildings ooze charm. Just a few miles from downtown, it’s an easy escape to tranquil boutiques.
Head along McCullough Avenue to department store Julian Gold, which offers top brands for women in a boutique setting. You’ll find gorgeous fine linens, bridal and baby gifts at Lin Marché and beautifully made paper and gift items at Camilla Brink Stationer.
For all things guitar, go to the masters at Redbone Guitar Boutique. You’ll also find Painted Pony, which is known for its women’s jackets and has a great selection of other women's items as well.
Alamo Heights / North Central
This is another high-end haven just a few miles from downtown, which offers a fun change of pace from downtown.
Start at Central Market on Broadway for unique regional and international food and beverage items. Then head to Anniegogglyn, a trendy women’s boutique, and its next-door neighbor Anniegogglyn Kids, which carries super-fun clothing and accessories for babies and kids.
Go across the street to check out everything a man needs to be properly dressed at Satel’s. (Now, remember that you’re in upscale boutique country, so you’ll find lots of preppy clothing at this shop). In this same shopping center is El Paso Import Co., which carries unique furniture and home accessories from around the world, while Pagoda specializes in estate-sale finds of vintage and antique home furnishings and jewelry. Your wallet will get a bit of a break, but you’ll come out looking sassy if you stop by Moda Luna Boutique & Salon, which offers trendy, affordable clothing and jewelry.
Go a little deeper into upscale Alamo Heights, to the '50s-style Sunset Ridge shopping center. Sunset Ridge Home and Hardware features great finds for the home as well as trendy accessories, cookbooks and baby gifts. You’ll find high quality invitations, note cards and more at Invitations Etc. and don't miss the friendly Candy Lounge for old-fashioned, retro, as well as exciting, new candy.
Also check out C. Aaron Penaloza Jewelers, which specializes in estate jewelry with lots of color and offers a mix of prices and looks from classic to contemporary. It also offers custom designs, appraisals and helps find mounts for pre-owned stones. Bless Your Heart Boutique carries trendy clothing, accessories and more finds for women (our faves are the jewelry!).
We haven’t forgotten the men. At Tackle Box Outfitters, he’ll find all the sporting goods he wants – we mean needs – and there’s even a section here for women and kids too.
Stone Oak / North
The Vineyard Shopping Center in Stone Oak is on the way to the refreshing, picturesque Texas Hill Country.
Newly built, it offers upscale shopping in a relaxed setting. The exquisite jewelry at J. Green Jewelers will take your breath away. Find wonderful clothing items for babies and toddlers at Baby O Baby and home accessories and fun gifts at the family-owned Estilo Interiors and Gifts.
Town and Country Fashions is a must-stop for women shopping with an agenda. If you need a nice casual outfit, cocktail or formal gown to wear (great for Mothers of the Bride!), it carries sizes 6-30 and all the brands are great.
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