ALAMO HEIGHTS. Make your way towards the four smokestacks of the old Alamo Cement Plant and you'll wind up at one of San Antonio's premier shopping destinations: Alamo Quarry Market. The open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment complex houses more than a dozen restaurants and over 60 stores. Specialty shops like chic jewelry and accessory emporium Tous liven up the usual roster of retail standbys. Catch a flick at the 16-screen multiplex and then unwind with a latte and a magazine at Borders.

NORTHWEST. Retail therapy is now available in northwest San Antonio ­ just in time. You can count on this alfresco shopping center for all the familiar names: Banana Republic, Old Navy, Victoria's Secret, et al. Plenty of home furnishing stores, beauty salons, and casual dining restaurants, including Macaroni Grill and California Pizza Kitchen, round out the 55+ businesses that call Huebner Oaks home.

SAN ANTONIO. Founded by a naturalist in 1968, this shopping center has a distinctively eco-friendly feel. Learn about the 15 species of plant life along the Salado Creek when you walk the Paseo Salado nature trail. If your green thumb gets jealous, visit the Garden Room for outdoor art and gardening supplies. The collection of Native American-inspired pieces at Renaissance Fine Jewelry is also worth a look. Enjoy a piece of fresh strawberry pie on the tree-shaded patio of the Gazebo restaurant before you head back to city life.

DOWNTOWN. San Antonio's venerable El Mercado, once home to a bustling produce market, now houses colorful street vendors, roaming mariachis, and food stalls that serve up the real deal. Just-picked fruits and veggies are still available at the farmer's market across the street, but the Square's focus these days is on preserving the city's Mexican heritage and spirit. Leather and papier-mâché goods, blankets, and pottery are just a sample of the specialties. Don't miss the delectable pan dulce at open-24-hours Mi Tierra Bakery.

NORTHWEST. If you want to put a bit of swank into your shopping experience, head to North Star Mall (and take advantage of valet parking while you're at it!). Inside, seriously upscale boutiques like Armani Exchange lightly touch shoulders with more mainstream places like American Eagle and Gap. Stop in at Marble Slab Creamery or The Cheesecake Factory before you try on your next pair of skinny jeans.