I’m looking at a work trip to San Antonio for the first two weeks of January, staying in a hotel along the River Walk. I have a permanent transplant coworker down there who is sure to give me recommendations, but I always love to hear a variety of opinions.
Where must I eat? What are the must-see attractions? What’s the microbrew scene like? Can the Spurs make me give a crap about basketball? How’s traffic in the city? What else is worth knowing?
The Riverwalk won’t be all that romantic, since the City of San Antonio drains that horseshoe shaped section of the river every January for cleaning. January 3 to 11 this year–but it might be interesting an interesting sight. Weather could be quite mild or chilly.
I think Austin & Houston have more microbrew options; check Beer Advocate. Once, the German settlers in San Antonio had some very fine breweries. The Lone Star Brewery, built just before Prohibition, is now the excellent San Antonio Museum of Art. I’m into arty attractions, but this museum has a wide-ranging collection & the building is impressive.
You can’t miss The Alamo; it’s right down town. Brush up on the history here. The Menger Hotel is practically next door; check out the historic bar. The otherSan Antonio missions are worth a visit if you are into history.
San Antonio is the city other Texans visit when we can’t make it out of the state. There is a goodtourism site. What are your interests?
Concerning food, I do remember that Rosario’s had good Tex-Mex & Mexican. The Market Square boasts Mi Tierra–but it’s a bit touristy. Let’s hope some natives will show up with restaurant recommendations.
(I’m overdue for a return.)
Work trip, so romance is not on my list. Seeing the Riverwalk drained most likely will be an interesting sight, especially because I’m due back for another trip in August or so, and will get to see the “after” pictures then.
Interests (when I have the evenings and one weekend free, but the days committed to work) are (in rough order):
-Unique, but quality, dining (yes, I can see on Man v. Food that I could get a 3.5 lb cinnamon roll, which is unique but fails the quality test). This includes good, locally brewed beer that I may not get in Maryland. I have a healthy per diem, so I can spoil myself for a few nights of the trip.
-Photo-friendly or memorable tourism. The Alamo will certainly take up a little of my Saturday or Sunday while I’m out there, but I’d love to know what else will be interesting to see. Historical attractions and good museums of local interest are nice; I can see an art museum or other general attractions anywhere. Also, when I took a trip to Denver last year, I actually got my fat butt to hike a bit of mountain, and it was absolutely gorgeous, the single best thing I did that trip; any really good nature near the city is also something I’d love to know.
-Anything else that is not really too high-energy or going to keep me out too late, sometimes the best thing I can ask for is what I’d least expect.
If you’re looking for a weirdly wonderful local restaurant, try the Cove.
It’s a beer garden, diner,live music venue, laundromat and carwash all rolled into one.
The food focuses on fresh local produce and meats and while the selection is not fancy-think burgers, tacos, and salads-it ranked high in Texas Monthly 50 best burgers award last year.
I am a little prejudiced as Lisa and Sam buy a lot of my chicken but I’ve recommended several people and they all loved it.
Here’s the link to the menu: The Cove's Dog Friendly Patio in San Antonio, Texas
I would see the Alamo for the historical aspect, but it’s really not much to look at. There is another mission that I don’t recall the name of, which is nearly complete and is probably what the Alamo used to look like. It’s more informative as to what the defenders were dealing with.
Mission San Jose is the most complete of the San Antonio missions. I recommended the Mission Park in my earlier post; all of them offer photo opportunities, which interest the OP. Since The Alamo is downtown, it’s worth a visit.
Apparently the church at San Jose is closed for renovation until next summer. However, the mission complex is still open–& quite picturesque.
For a history buff, the Institute of Texan Cultures has artifacts from Texas history. Located in Hemisfair Plaza, it’s convenient to his hotel.
San Jose: that’s the one I was thinking of. Hey, and have a chicken-fried steak while you’re in town.
Check out the San Antonio Botanical Gardens. They are a wonderful way to spend a few hours.
I’d say activities are pretty covered, but how about dining?
Especially: Which places along the Riverwalk (which will be in a very easy walking distance for me) are not to miss? And are there any to avoid at all cost?