Down by the lazy river

We wanted to investigate downtown San Antonio today.  We started at the Historic Market Square which includes the Farmers Market, El Mercado and Produce Row.  The square is about Mexican culture with shop after shop selling pottery, baskets, paper flowers and lots of colourful stuff.  After walking through the many shops, we decided to have lunch at La Margarita Restaurant & Oyster Bar.  We sat outside and enjoyed our lunch in the 80 degree heat.  The Mexican food was delicious.  On our way back to the car, we had to stop at Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery.  We walked through the doors and were stunned by the longest counter of pastries we have ever seen.  The ceiling is covered with gold pinata-type balloons, and strings of gold Mexican flags.  Very festive.  It took us a while to decide but eventually we chose the vanilla cream Pan Fino Empanada and Pecan Praline which we enjoyed while people watching.

We made the short drive to the Rivercenter Mall to park (thanks Jack!), and then it was a quick walk to the River Walk.

While walking along the River Walk, we found the Rio San Antonio Cruises.  The boat tour is a 30 minute ride where we learned lots about the history of the River Walk and enjoyed the beautiful scenery.  The tour guide was very knowledgeable and quite amusing.  As you travel down the river you pass under many unique bridges, and past many historical buildings.  The river is lined with (fancy!) hotels, shops, restaurants, bars, and exquisite scenery.  A photographer’s paradise.

Dinner tonight was compliments of The Cheesecake Factory from the North Star Mall.  We were so tired from all of our walking that we decided to get take-out and enjoy dinner at home.  Gotta love the Orange Chicken, followed by the Oreo Cheesecake, followed by lying on the couch!