La Villita and the San Antonio River Walk

     Our first stop on this beautiful day in Texas was La Villita Historic Arts Village.  It is just a few blocks from the Alamo.  The area was one of San Antonio’s first neighborhoods in the 1800's.  Many of the buildings were restored in the 1930s with help from the WPA.  There are artist studios, shops and cafes in the restored old homes and buildings which are clustered around four courtyards.  This morning the area was very shady and quiet.  It was a perfect place to wander and check out the creations of local artists.  It is an oasis in the midst of a hot and busy city.

    La Villita is on the edge of the San Antonio River which means it is on the Riverwalk.  As I planned our trip the one thing I knew about San Antonio besides the Alamo is the River Walk.  This is a greenway that runs along the San Antonio River one story below sidewalk level.  In the 1920's, after a big flood from the San Antonio River, city planners worked on a project to both divert and control river water through the city, as well as to make the most of the river area. Today the river bends and loops through downtown with bridges, tunnels, and walkways.  Lots of hotels and restaurants have terraces and sidewalk seating at the Riverwalk level.  There is lots of nice landscaping, benches, waterfalls, and art works.  We spent a couple hours walking in the cool shade and stopping for lunch at an Irish Pub.  

    By early afternoon we were pooped and headed back to the campground for a swim and a nap.  It is in the mid 80's here in the afternoon.  The air is extremely dry so the temperature drops quickly along with the sun so we have wonderfully cool evenings.  Just perfect camping weather for me!