2 Best Places to Shop in Downtown and the River Walk, San Antonio

This is about as close you can get to Old Mexico without crossing the border. Market Square (El Mercado) has been a favorite of locals and visitors for generations for dining, drinking, shopping, and celebrating. The three-block space houses restaurants, shops, galleries, and working artisans crafting their wares in everything from silver to leather to woodwork. The Market Square outdoor plaza often has music and dance performances, especially during the holidays. Check the website calendar for upcoming programming. It's a fun, colorful outing, especially if you're dining at Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia or La Margarita Restaurant & Oyster Bar and are up for a lively afternoon or evening.

Peruse paintings (oil, acrylic, and watercolor), pottery, prints, sculpture, and more at Artistic Endeavors Gallery, which specializes in original works by regional artists, many of which turn their artistic eye toward San Antonio's charms.