To Market, To Market:
Community Markets Near San Antonio

Market Days in Gruene Photo courtesy Gruene Texas

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 day out of every month, many of these small towns tempt daytrippers 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.

Market Trail

One of the biggest market offerings is the Market Trail, coordinated by the San Antonio-based Alamo Area Council of Governments.  This trail follows the Old San Antonio Road, the Camino Real, across four counties.  It's a path that starts in Castroville and winds through communities such as Hondo, Lytle, Rio Medina, Pearsall, and others.  "The Market Trail encompasses a number of communities with a very diverse background.  That roadway goes back to 1691," points out Burma Hyde, tourism development coordinator for the Alamo Area Council of Governments.  "The Market Trail communities have a special history." 

Although every town does not host a market day every month, Castroville celebrates Market Trail Days regularly.  Except for January and February, you'll find Castroville filled with craftsmen and artisans the second Saturday of every month.  Houston Square is the home of the market and afterwards many visitors enjoy a walking tour of this historic community that's known as "The Little Alsace of Texas."
           
Gruene’s Market Days

Another community that celebrates every month with a market is Gruene, once an independent community but today part of the town of New Braunfels.  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. 

San Marcos’s Market Days

North of Gruene along I-35, the town of San Marcos is well-known as the home of the state's largest outlet mall, but on the third weekend of every month, shopper leave the malls and head for the downtown courthouse lawn for Market Days, visitors can shop for arts and crafts, antiques, and specialty food and gift items at this old-fashioned outdoor market. 

Wimberley’s Market Day

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. 

Johnson City’s Historic Nugent Street Market Days

North of San Antonio on US 281, the community of Johnson City, best known as the hometown of President Lyndon Baines Johnson, hosts Historic Nugent Street Market Days on the third weekend from April through October.  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.