Artisans'Alley is actually a 30,000-square-foot mini-mall, nestled in tree-studded acreage on the site of an old dairy and affording serendipitous shoppers a pleasant stroll along winding boardwalks that thread their way through a variety of unique, upscale shops constructed from remnants of turn-of-the-century buildings. Along the porch-like boardwalk, decorative wares spill out from inviting doorways.

Traditions, for example, offers an eclectic mix of casual and traditional clothing and accessories, including Brighton leather goods and the whimsical Michael Simon line, whose sweaters are peopled with dimensional animals, characters and everyday icons. (A cat sweater literally drips feline tails.) Its sister shop, Traditions Home, is a comfy showroom of "traditional" furniture, knick-knacks, pictures and pottery.

Homebodies overflows with exquisite Victorian finery, collectible bears, nostalgic jewelry and other "indulgences for the Elegant Woman," while the wonders of Wild & Wovens are as wild as the brilliant butterflies hanging encased in glass on the walls, amid Southwest-flavor ceramic crosses and statuettes and woven rugs, shawls and baskets. Just Kids is a delightful world of children's clothing, toys and accessories, from high-fashion hairbows to adorable animal back packs, and across the way is Judy Sadler'sCheerleader Designs, a one-stop shop for the cheerleading enthusiast.

Katie's Kitchen is chock full of unusual kitchen and dining accessories -- utensils, linens, pottery and gourmet Texas foods. (Spice up your next meal with its Sweet Onion Glaze or Brandied Peach Sauce.) Plain Jane's overflows with rustic folk art, from punched tin lanterns to hand-stitched quilt blocks, as well as offering patterns, fabrics and classes on how to make your own Americana. Von's Paper Garden sprouts rows of unusual greeting cards, gift wrap and paper party goods, old-fashioned Christmasornaments and aromatic candles with such scents as "Texas Piney Woods" and "Homeward Bound." Alta offers consignments by area artists and a full line of popular Feng Shui items, including mirrors, water fountains and Swarovski crystals. The Handglazed Tile Showroom sells colorful Southwestern art tile.

Andrea's Jewelry specializes in sterling silver and 14-karat gold creations set with precious and semi-precious stones, while Yasmin's Boutique displays an enticing range of broomstick skirts, tapestry vests and other interesting accessories. For a Britannic turn, explore The English Ivy, with its quaint tea sets, knick-knacks and garden accessories. Next to it, And Sew On has it "all sewn up" as far as needlepointing, being San Antonio's only full-service needlepoint shop, with specialty fibers, hand-painted needlepoint canvases, framing and classes. Finders Keepers displays unique metal and wire art, while the ceramic wares at Sunrise Pottery include rows of delightful little "savings" jugs, labeled for trips to the moon, Acapulco, Bali or wherever your heart's desire leads.

The Secret Garden nursery offers flora interspersed with everything for the garden, from tiled bird baths and benches to bucolic waterfalls and Southwest chimeneas. The "piece de resistance," though, is Back Alley Antiques, a wonderful wander through yesteryear, with 8,000 square feet of country collectibles and vintage furnishings -- marble-topped furniture, carved mantels, antique pianos and player pianos, toys, china, silver, carousel horses and more -- all displayed showroom style. And to sustain your forays into this wonderland of shopping delights, Apple Annie's Tea Room offers home-style culinary treats served in comfy, old-fashioned dining rooms with red-checkered tablecloths.

There's no telling what wonderful delights you'll come across in a shopping adventure at Artisans' Alley -- serendipity in San Antonio!