Visit La Villita, A Charming Village Of Shops In Texas
By Katie Lawrence|Published February 27, 2020
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.
Shopping is so much more fun when it’s in a historic arts district rather than a crowded mall. That’s exactly what La Villita, one of the oldest places in all of San Antonio, offers. This nearly 300-year-old village features antiquated architecture, romantic courtyards, spacious plazas, and 25 shops and galleries owned by local artisans.
Dating to before the Declaration of Independence was signed, La Villita played an integral role in the establishment of San Antonio. Once a residential neighborhood, this quaint village nestled on the River Walk's southern bank now serves as a historic shopping district known across the nation.
You can enter La Villita straight from the River Walk, making it an obvious addition to any Alamo City trip. Once you emerge from this antiquated staircase with hand-painted tiles on the steps, it's like going back in time nearly 300 years.
Upon entering the village, you'll immediately notice the unique architecture. Ranging from traditional adobe to Victorian and Texas vernacular limestone, many different cultures are reflected in the building styles.
Over 25 shops and galleries call La Villita home, showcasing handmade goods from local artisans. Whether you're in the market for a painting, embroidered pillows, woven baskets, or something else entirely, rest assured it can be found at a great price.
One of the most popular shops in La Villita is Scentchips USA, where customers can design their own wax melt with a custom blend of fragrances. Add a stylish warmer to create the perfect zen ambiance in your home or office.
Four restaurants keep shoppers well-fed during their treasure hunt. A gourmet steakhouse, authentic Mexican grill, laid-back cafe, and upscale, contemporary restaurant run the gamut of dining preferences to ensure satisfaction for everyone. Just like San Antonio itself, all of these eateries are vibrant and bold.
Don't forget to pose for a family photo on these famous, historic steps leading to and from the village. There's no better way to immortalize an unforgettable experience.
