Texas Markets

by Paris Permenter & John Bigley

The small communities surrounding San Antonio have always offered travelers plenty of reasons to visit for the day: charming restaurants, important historic sites, beautiful natural surroundings, the list goes on and on. But one weekend out of every month, many of these small towns tempt romantic travelers with another fun activity: market day.

Just like the days of the old-fashioned farmers' markets when townspeople came to buy and barter, today's markets are a place to come and socialize, to spend a few hours with local townspeople and enjoy a relaxing shopping atmosphere with a wide variety of goods. Unlike the markets of a century ago, however, today you'll find one-of-a-kind crafts, artwork, gourmet gift foods, and other specialty items.

Nearly every month, the community of Gruene, once an independent community but today part of the town of New Braunfels, offers its market days. Tucked under tall live oaks near the banks of the Guadalupe River, Gruene is a "shop-til-you-drop" kind of town whenever you visit. Its historic streets are filled with antique stores and boutiques, al fresco restaurants, and historic buildings that include the oldest dance hall in Texas.

But on the third weekend of every month from February through November, Gruene really springs to life. This is Market Days, an arts and crafts festival that attracts more than 100 vendors from across the state and shoppers from Central and South Texas who come to look for everything from handmade furniture to hot sauces. This event is held February through November on the third Saturday and Sunday of the month, and a Christmas market takes place on the first weekend in December. For more information, call the Gruene Information Center at (830) 629-5077.

The small town of Wimberley is another Hill Country community that's known for its excellent shopping. Even with only 7,200 residents, the town boasts dozens of specialty stores, art galleries and studios, and accommodations ranging from river resorts to historic bed-and-breakfasts.

Shopping is the main activity in town during the first Saturday of every month from April through December. This is Market Day, when over 400 vendors set up to sell antiques, collectibles, and arts and crafts. Come visit and look for that one-of-a-kind item. For more information, call the Wimberley Chamber of Commerce at (512) 847-2201.

North of San Antonio on US 281, the community of Johnson City, best known as the hometown of President Lyndon Baines Johnson, hosts market days on the third weekend from April through September. Look for with antiques, crafts, collectibles, and food booths during this downtown event. And, even if you can't visit during the market, this historic town offers excellent shopping anytime and many bed-and-breakfast guest houses to extend your day trip for a luxurious weekend. For more information, call the Johnson City Visitors Center at (830) 868-7684.