La Villita Historic Arts Village is an art community in San Antonio, Texas, with art galleries and shops that feature local, original and handcrafted keepsakes, contemporary jewelry, locally designed fashions, pottery and imported Mexican folk art and artisans and craftsmen who specialize in metal smithing, jewelry making, painting and body care. Located at 418 Villita Street, on the south bank of the San Antonio River, near the San Antonio River Walk and the Alamo, it is within walking distance of most downtown hotels. Open from 10 to 6 Monday through Saturday and 11 to 4 on Sunday, La Villita was one of San Antonio's first neighborhoods, dating to 1845. Visitors walk the cobblestone streets, relax in the tree-shaded courtyards, take a lunch break at one of the restaurants in the village and admire the folk art that lines the colorful shop windows. Art galleries and shops found in one city block offer art by local and regional artists featuring oil paintings, sculptures, watercolors, metal art, rock art, textiles, copperwares, pottery, jewelry, stained glass and regional folk art. In addition, there are new fewer than 27 buildings or houses that are listed as notable within the district, including the 1811 Elmendorf House at 220 Arciniega, the 1818 Aldrete House at 323 East Nueva and the 1835 Cos House at 503 Villita. Shoppers can visit Starving Artist Art Gallery, Plaza Taxco, Villa Tesoros, River Art Gallery, Yolix Luna Fine Art, Scentchips USA, Sifuentes Metalsmith, River Art Group Inc., Capistrano Soap Company, Angelita, Copper Gallery and Little Studio Gallery. Hungry? Enjoy the French inspired cuisine at Fig Tree or stop at La Villita Cafe, Smoke BBQ & Riverbar, Little Rhein Prost House or Guadalajara Grill. La Villita Historic Arts Village was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

Can't get into a lot of the shops during Fiesta since they close down completely or close early to avoid the drinking and partying crowds in their stores. That was disappointing because La Villita is such a charming historical area of town. So, I don't recommend going during Fiesta time.

We hit the shops during the day to check out all the various mediums of art being displayed for sale. While doing so, we ran into the sign advertising a show in the auditorium that evening. We didn't find anything at the shops we felt like having shipped home but the pieces are great. We did attend the show, it was about 2 hours and they were great. Would certainly hit another show the next time we're around.

Quaint, historic village filled with artisan shops, art galleries and restaurants. Great place to unwind and feel a true sense of San Antonio charm and character. Most businesses are open 10 am to 6 pm daily. Visit with the makers and shop locally at small boutiques along the banks of the famed San Antonio River Walk.