El Mercado

Let’s visit Market Square. This colorful bit of old Mexico in the heart of the city has a long tradition. Beginning in the early years of the 19th century there was a market in San Antonio. The present site became the official marketplace around 1892. The original market stood until 1938 when it was replaced by the building that is now known as El Mercado, The Market. It’s the largest Mexican Market outside Mexico. Here you can find almost anything. It is a cross between a department store, an indoor flea market and a festival.

Aside from the actual market, Market Square offers much more. Boutiques, craft shops, art galleries and restaurants will let you happily spend the day shopping and dining. You will find music and entertainment too. There is even an art gallery, Centro de Artes, maintained by Texas A&M University.

Mi Tierra is the granddaddy of Tex-Mex food and one of my personal favorites. You can have a substantial lunch at a reasonable price in a swirl of Mexicano art and Christmas lights. This place turns out some of the best sweet treats in its bakery, and best of all it never closes.

This is one way to see Mexico without crossing the border.

Milan Square, across the street from Market Square, is a good place to rest and let kids work off some energy.