Tres Rebecas

"Cultural Design Studio
Boutique, Gallery & Books"

This shop is (obviously) multi-faceted. Also, it's multicolored. The exterior is pastel blue, green and pink. Inside, glowing orange, red and yellow make for a cheerful appetizing atmosphere.

There are items of clothing from a Mexican designer's collection.
A large table in the back which can accomodate parties and classes.
Classes can include quilling, metal-working, and ribbon-and-bead necklace-making.
There is a selection of fabrics with unique latin-themed prints.

I predict you'll like this place. Proprietress Becky Barrera makes her selections with care and an eye toward innovation, education and diversity, as well as a focus on the handmade. Things are beautiful.
An unexpected bonus is the crafts area in the back of the shop.

Really, the combination of books, crafts and gift items is a delicious one.

Ms. Barrera has a background as an experienced educator and this obviously informs her perspective. Tres Rebecas is truly a gathering place.

(Pictured: Book Launch/Fundraiser for Bonham Academy)

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Tres Rebecas has since moved to retail online only at their website: www.tresrebecas.com

Charlott's Antiques

An unassuming building on Austin Highway, this warehouse is packed to the gills. Which makes it a lot of fun to search through. Many, many shelves of dishes - from precious, gloriously rainbow-colored on a blue background, glass dessert goblets, to everyday salt & pepper shakers, with a unique design. There are expensive collectible dog figurines, and low-cost original dog tags from WWII. There is an especially interesting section of vintage clothes which I thought would make wonderful costumes. A fitted sheath dress (handmade in the 50's) with interesting appliques around the collar, furs, a WWI uniform shirt and hat. Charlott has evidently been in business since 1960-something. Her place had a nice feel, fairly good prices and lots of variety.

Broadway Tire & Automotive

Excellent service.  That is always such a pleasure to be able to say.

We needed a new tire the other day, and they were quick and helpful in sourcing it, delivery and replacement.

Then when I was worried about having driven over more than one nail (there was one in the blown tire), Nicky jacked up and checked the other tires and filled a couple which had low pressure for no charge.  

Note on this hot San Antonio weather:

* These high temperatures, combined with bumpy roads, can really take the air out of tires, so it's good to check them often and fill as necessary!

Zapatero

Gabriel Nuno has been in his profession for over 36 years.  His wife also works with him in the shop, specializing in coloring.  The most frequent repair needed is worn down (boot) heels. Excellent prices, service and experience.  The store's interior will be a surprise, with fascinating old, but working machinery & lots of memorabilia.

Bass Pro Shop

... is really very amazing. Yes, it's a store, but really so much more. I'm not even being paid to say that.

It has an artificial lake, waterfall, stuffed animals & fish galore, all over the store - diorama style.

Super customer service. Attentive and knowledgeable; large dressing rooms - tidy, with good lighting.

My first impression was "fake," but it grows on you, with it's reminders of activities people spend time doing, enjoying real nature.

There are lots of boats for sale.

It's a total shopping experience, including indoor archery and gun ranges, and a restaurant.

There's even a climbing wall for kids, a kids' shooting range (pop, pop, pop, while you're trying on clothes), and fishing demonstrations with live sea urchins.

Alamo Music

Alamo Music Center has been a San Antonio fixture since 1891. They represent expertise, and old-fashioned customer service involving respect and attentiveness. One example of this is that they naturally and pointedly greet everyone who comes through their doors. It’s evident that the sales staff are into music. They have that depth of knowledge that exposes itself casually when answering questions. You get the feeling that you’re touching the tip of the iceberg with your comments about all the different kinds of pianos.

Our son’s guitar teacher is not only skilled and encouraging as a teacher having great rapport with students, but also a passionate and talented musician in his own right. When my husband recently bought a guitar from the store, he received a personally signed thank you letter from the owner. Which was of course very startling, but also impressive. In contrast to the sterile, people-free interaction of much shopping nowadays, these folks are markedly personable. Their motto is, “Life is more fun when you play music.”

Two locations.


Next door is a German restaurant with delicious rumballs.