Visiting San Antonio (Texas)…

Every since someone I used to work with moved to San Antonio, I've wanted to go and visit this unique town. Everyone I know who has visited San Antonio really enjoyed it.

From the famed Riverwalk to the Alamo, from the many nearby golf courses…to the shops and restaurants, there is something for everyone to do while in the area. In fact, you'll find you didn't have enough time to see it all and do it all. So, you'll just have to go back again.

Let's start with some American history and the Alamo (this is the Spanish word for cottonwood) It was originally named the Misión San Antonio de Valero and was home to missionaries and their converts for almost 70 years. Building began at its current site in 1724, and, in 1793, Spanish officials distributed land from five missions and gave them to the remaining Indians. These residents continued to work in the fields which were now their own and became part of the San Antonio community. In the 1800's the Spaniards stationed a cavalry unit at the former mission and the soldiers there called it Alamo after their hometown Alamo de Parras, Coahuila.

The Alamo was home to the Royalists and the Revolutionaries during Mexico's long struggle for its independence. The military, first Spanish, Rebel and finally Mexican continued to occupy it until the Texas Revolution.

San Antonio and the Alamo were crucial to the Texas Revolution. In December of 1835, both the Texian and Tejano volunteers fought against Mexican troops quartered in the city. After five days of intense house-to-house fighting, General Marín Perfecto de Cós and his soldiers surrendered. Victorious, the volunteers then occupied the Alamo -and strengthened its defenses beyond what had been done during the recent battle.

In February of the following year the arrival of General Santa Anna's army almost caught those at the Alamo by surprise. But the volunteers got ready to defend the Alamo and were able to hold out for 13 days against Santa Anna's army. On the eighth day of the siege, 32 volunteers arrived which brought the number of defenders to almost 200. Legend says with the possibility of more help fading, the Alamo commander made a line in the ground and asked each volunteer willing to continue fighting to step over it; all did with one exception. The volunteers, save one, were ready to pay with their lives if necessary instead of surrendering to General Santa Anna. Two members of the defenders were Davy Crockett, the famed frontiersman and the renown knife fighter, James Bowie. The final assault occurred just prior to sunrise on March 6, 1836; columns of Mexican soldiers came from out of the dark and headed for the Alamo's walls. The volunteers, with small arms fire and cannon, beat back attack after attack. However, the Mexican army climbed over the walls and rushed the compound, turning a captured cannon on the Long Barrack and the church, blasting wide open the barricaded doors.

The defenders were simply overwhelmed, and, by full sunrise, the battle was over and General Santa Anna himself entered the Alamo to savor his victory. The exact facts about the siege of the Alamo is not completely known, but the battle has come to symbolize a heroic struggle against overwhelming odds - a site where man made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. Thus, the Alamo is hallowed ground and is the Shrine of Texas Liberty. (For more information and visiting hours, go to www.thealamo.org.)

The Enchanted Springs Ranch is a fun place to visit. It's an old Western town and today it's a working ranch an
d is also used for movies, commercials and special events. It got its name from the Indians who thought the area was enchanted with its lovely hills and many spring fed creeks and river. It's located at Boeme, Texas. (Visit their website for more details at www.enchantedspringsranch.com.)

Next is the Casa Navarro State Historical Park which showcases the furnished house, his home, and the store of Jose Antonio Navarro, a state legislator, who served under Mexico, the Republic of Texas, and, finally, the United States. He lived from 1795-1871. It depicts Texas' rich Mexican heritage The exhibits are only open to the public a few days a week so check before you go. (Contact them at www.tpwd.tx.us.park.jose.)

And, finally, San Antonio's world famous, Riverwalk. This is the # 1 tourist destination in Texas! It's here where you'll want to spend quite a bit of time. You might even choose to stay at a hotel in the area. Although it's rich heritage started in the mid 1500's, the Riverwalk as we know it today, probably began in 1936 when a local businessmen's association held, "A Venetian Night," on the river, making it the first of many parades to be held on the river. A couple of years later, local residents began pushing for development of the river area. Then, it wasn't until 1941 before another significant event was held; on March 14, when a river carnival and night parade took place. Not until 1945, was funding approved for extending the Riverwalk from the northern end of the loop all the way to the future El Tropicano Hotel location. The following year flood waters deluged downtown San Antonio but damage was minimized by the dam and bypass channel. It was in 1946 that the first eatery in the river bend opened, the Casa Rio Restaurant. In the early 1950's the river was "straightened out" and more development began - a botanical garden was added in 1956. Park ranger service was added a year later and more people began to visit the area. The first hotel was not built until 1962, El Tropicano. At this time the area became known as Paseo del Rio and more shops and restaurants joined the original hotel.

Today, there are dozens of hotels, hundreds of eateries, bars, and spas, and boutique shops galore. There is a library there and the convention center and the Civic Center Plaza also. There are lots of special events held every year. In the next few months, there will be a "Ford Canoe Challenge" (90+ canoe teams compete in timed heats), an arts and craft show over Labor Day Week-end with another one, the annual fall show, coming in October. The DOS EQUIS Pachanga del Rio occurs in mid September where visitors purchase tickets to sample culinary delights from over 20 establishments. And, every October brings the "Coffins on Parade," where Halloween themed boats with coffins will float down the river one dark night. (This event is free to the public.) Late November brings the Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony and over 100,000 twinkling lights form a fairy-like canopy over the Riverwalk. These are just a few of the events held every year.

In addition to special events, you'll want to take some time to shop and have a meal or two at the local eateries. I'd suggest a boat ride, provided by Rio San Antonio Cruises so you can see the entire Riverwalk. There are three sites on the river to buy tickets and the narrated trip takes about a half hour. There are also river taxi shuttles, and restaurants, which offer boat cruises with a meal included. There is also a special place to get married right on the Riverwalk itself. (For more information on all Riverwalk activities, go to www.sanantonioriverwalk.com.)

If you decide to stay at the Riverwalk, you might consider the Holiday Inn San Antonio. Its location is perfect for walking to many of the city sights - the Alamo, El Mercado, a large shopping mall, and other attractions. From its three-level restaurant, Windows on the River, you can enjoy a picturesque view of the Riverwalk. I'd suggest a room high up in the tower to enjoy views of the area. They have an outdoor pool, gym, game room, restaurant, lounge and a business center. Free high speed Internet access is available in all rooms and your furry friends may join you at this hotel. They also have a children's activity program. There is a daily parking fee. (Please visit www.ichotelsgroup.com for more information.)

Another hotel on the Riverwalk, is The Fairmont Hotel San Antonio, a boutique hotel with lots of Victorian charm. This hotel is a member of the Historic Hotels of America and is often referred to as "The Jewel of San Antonio." Dating back to 1906, this hotel has a lot of local history. In 1984, the building had to be either torn down or moved to a new location. The owners opted to move the hotel, in its entirety, to the current site. It was then completely renovated. Now, it has a red brick facade with wrought iron-balconies, lush gardens, and beautifully appointed salons, guest rooms and suites. The rooms come with mini-bars, work desks, high-speed Internet access, two-line phones, data port, and voice mail in addition to the normal hotel amenities. There are three various size meeting rooms, a lovely outdoor courtyard for business meetings, weddings and other special events. There is a restaurant and bar on the premises but no swimming pool. (Visit their website at www.thefairmonthotel-sanantonio.com for details.)

If you're looking for a bed and breakfast, look at the Beauregard House, only a block from the Riverwalk, in the King William District of San Antonio. This wonderful Victorian house was built in 1905 and you'll appreciate its elegant décor with Old World Charm. All of the rooms have central heat and air conditioning; some have computer access, fireplaces and a phone/fax. All have refrigerators, coffee service, bathrobes, cable TV and the usual hotel amenities. The staff at the Beauregard House is proud to state the home has been featured on The Disney Channel, the BBC,Oprah, and inside People Magazine, and Conde Nast publications, (For more details, visit them at www.beaureguardhouse.reachlocal.net.)

There are many other hotels, motels, and B & B's in San Antonio. They range from the very expensive to budget-priced motels. There are also nearby campsites including a KOA camp on Gemble Road. This campground is located by a creek amid 40 acres of pecan trees. Only five miles from downtown, city buses will take you into the city itself. There are also city tours leaving right from this location.

If breakfast is your favorite meal, here are a couple of local breakfast spots to try out while you're there. Named the 2006 "Best Breakfast in San Antonio," is the Magnolia Pancake Haus on West Avenue. Reviewers say "…it's an awesome spot for breakfast or lunch." Wait time on the weekends can reach up to an hour. A runner up is Mi Tierra Café and Bakery on Produce Row. It's open 24 hours and you must walk through the market before you leave. For steak lovers, of course, there is Morton's of San Antonio. It doesn't get much better than Morton's. Another very good choice is Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar on Basse Road.

I've not mentioned all of the other activities in the area - golfing, water sports, hiking, whitewater rafting, visiting the Six Flags Theme Park, shopping, etc.

Public transportation is excellent in San Antonio. If you fly in, you'll be fine without a car. It's a short and inexpensive taxi ride from the airport.

The weather is usually pretty nice in the area but the summers can be pretty hot. Mid June - mid September highs might reach the mid 90's and in the other months temperatures will vary from low/mid 60's to low 70's. They get about 30 inches of rain in an average year.

San Antonio is a great place to visit. You'll want to return again and again to this wonderful area.

Have a great trip!