When was the last time you were downtown and just walked.

Yes, walked.

No particular place to go.  Just some good old-fashioned walking.

Go for a stroll and just take the time to soak up the scenery.

It's been a long time since I've actually enjoyed a walk through Downtown San Antonio.  Probably not since I first moved to the Alamo City did I actually took a walk, like a tourist.  I think it was during the first week of moving here did I allow myself to just get lost and get to know the streets, the buildings, and the landmarks.

These days, I visit downtown because I'm going to the Majestic Theatre, or picking up family and friends at one of the hotels, or meeting them at one of the restaurants.

I miss having one of those days where I could just explore.

Well, today I got that chance to actually enjoy a walk through downtown.  Granted, I was there for a story (which is airing in a couple weeks) but it required walking through the heart of the city.

And wow was that great!

It's amazing what you'll find when you go for a stroll.  You'll notice certain details of certain buildings.   I appreciate how stores turned into hotels, or offices are now restaurants, yet they still maintain it's orginal architecture.  On Houston Street, across from the Sheraton Guenther is a building where I remember a bar called The Davenport once stood.  I don't know how long the bar has been there, but I do know the sign on the ground in front of the entrance outlived the business itself.  Made of that special tile reminiscent of the 1950's and 60's, the sign reads "Thom McAn" - one of the oldest and best known shoe retailers in the country.  I'm guessing a Thom McAn store stood there in its heyday long before the bar opened up.

Look around downtown, and you'll see more of these tiled floors that lead up to the store front, but  don't quite match the neon sign on the window.  I really like how the city requires builders to maintain its originality and preserve the look of the building.

Walking is one of my favorite things to do.  When I lived in California, I looked forward to family visitors who needed a tour guide into San Francisco.  We traveled by foot through all the popular neighborhoods - Chinatown, North Beach, Financial District, Union Square, Fisherman's Wharf and made a day trip out of it.  It was a great way to get to know my city.  And here in San Antonio, I truly believe it's a great way to know our downtown. You can be a tourist and take a planned tour or just walk on your own and allow yourself to get lost.

If you're wondering about the health benefits, here are some that I found in www.about.com:

Walking builds aerobic fitness.

Medical research reports that walking prevents breast cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

You could "walk away" from colds.  It'll help reduce your risk of catching a cold and build your immune system.

It adds years to your life and slows down the aging process.  Research shows that walkers have a lower death rate.

They're all good reasons of why we should take more walks.  Besides not only does it do a body good, but you'll do yourself a favor getting to know your city!