Let's say you might try catching the Green Route VIA trolley at the corner of Crockett Street and Alamo, just across from the historic Menger Hotel. You will soon pass by the little GM Steakhouse (a great place for a reasonable and tasty meal!). The trolley also will pass Fuddruckers, a place famous for its marvelous hamburgers.

Getting down to the corner of Commerce and Alamo, across from Dillard's big department store, the trolley will turn right and take you past McDonald's (in one of the many Victorian buildings you will find downtown) and cross over the Commerce Street bridge. This is said to be the same crossing that Santa Anna's troops used on March 6, 1836 when the Battle of the Alamo took place. Of course, in those days, it was only a wooden footbridge.

To your left, on the bridge, you will see a Comanche Indian bas-relief statue executed by famous sculptress Waldine Tauch when she was only 18 years old. There's also the famous Casa Rio Restaurant, which has been at the same spot for more than 50 years and is one of the River Walk's first and favorite eateries. Just past the Casa Rio, you will see Schilo's Delicatessen, which is famous for its split-pea soup and German deli items.

Going down Commerce you'll catch a glimpse of the famous Staache buildings on your right, a trio of Victorian red sandstone and granite buildings. And a look at the Presidio building on your right brings the Planet Hollywood Restaurant into view. Still moving down Commerce, on your right you will see an ornate limestone building, now the law offices of Pat Maloney. This handsome building was the brainchild of prominent banker and philanthropist George W. Brackenridge, who was president of the First National Bank when the building was constructed in 1886. It was considered one of the more perfect banks in Texas at the time with its 2-foot thick walls,concrete floors and 8-by-16 foot twin vaults. It has a lovely roof garden as well.

Just another block up on your left you will see the beautiful, tree-shaded, fountain-centered Main Plaza, with the red sandstone Bexar County courthouse on the south side and the lovely Cathedral of San Fernando on the west side. Just one more block down Commerce, after your trolley has crossed Flores Street, you will see, on your left, Military Plaza, which is centered by the big white limestone city hall built in 1891. On the west side of the plaza is the famous Spanish Governor's Palace, San Antonio's oldest house, which was built in 1749 to provide lodging for the commander of the presidio of Bexar. It is open daily, and the admission is a modest dollar. There is a lovely, peaceful patio centered by a fountain to the rear of the building, which reflects the gracious style of living enjoyed by the Spanish grandees of the 18th century.

Going on down Commerce, you will see the Mercado, or Mexican market, on your left, where there are great Mexican restaurants and all sorts of goods from south of the border for sale. On your right is lovely Milam Park, with a fine assortment of playground equipment for any youngsters who might be traveling in your party. The trolley will make a right turn here to let off any passengers bound for the market. If you elect to stay on, the trolley will turn off San Saba onto Houston. Look to your left, and you will see an eight-story mosaic tile mural titled "The Spirit of Healing" on the walls of the Christus Santa Rosa Children's Hospital. It was designed and executed by local artist Jessie Trevino and is the largest mural of its kind in the United States.

The trolley will continue on down Houston Street, where the next landmark you see will be the old Alameda Theatre on your right. Built in 1949, it was the country's largest and most elegant Spanish-speaking movie house. It has been purchased by the city and is being converted into a special place for the performance of Tejano music, theater and dance.

After crossing the river (note the interesting lamp posts!) you will see the facade, all that remains, of the old Texas theater on your left. It has been incorporated into the front of a modern office building. Like many of San Antonio's early theaters, it bore a definite Spanish influence.

At the next corner, on your right, at St. Mary's and Houston, you'll see the old Hertzberg clock, a longtime landmark dating back to 1878. It once stood in front of the Hertzberg Jewelry Company on 227 West Commerce. Just across from the clock, on the corner to your left, is the famous Gunter Hotel, built in 1909. During your stay in San Antonio, at least try to stroll through the interesting lobby. Just across Houston Street from the Gunter, on the right, you will pass the Majestic Theatre, which first opened in 1929. It is a magnificent building, which has been beautifully restored. This National Historic Landmark is the scene of frequent symphony concerts and Broadway productions. Across Houston Street from the Majestic is the fine Children's Museum, a favorite place for young fry.

At the corner of Presa and East Houston, on your right, you will see the huge, chili pepper-red stucco Buckhorn Saloon and Museum, another spot you will want to visit during your stay in San Antonio. Going on up Houston Street, you'll see the front of Paris Hatters to your left -- a good place to buy a Stetson.

Just ahead you will see the Ramada Emily Morgan Hotel, formerly the Medical Arts Building, a lovely Art Nouveau building. As the trolley turns right onto Alamo, note over to your left the post office building where you can buy stamps for those postcards you'll be sending to friends back home.

The famous Alamo, the Shrine of Texas Freedom, will be on your left, as will be the beautiful marble Cenotaph monument erected in 1936 to mark the Centennial of the Battle of the Alamo. On your right will be the San Antonio Visitors Center, where free maps, brochures and advice are for the asking. Just beyond, you'll find "Texas Adventure" -- a great depiction of the battle with a lovely diorama on display as well, plus the Plaza Wax Museum and the Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum. The historic Menger Hotel with its charming Victorian lobby and flower-filled patio is just across Alamo Plaza to your left.

Are you ready to get off the trolley now? You've come full circle, and you've had a pretty good, "ten-nickel tour."

VIA Street cars offer an affordable and comprhensive way to see downtown San Antonio. Cost $ .50 per person, each way. 210.362.2020.