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Learn about San Antonio, Texas, by
reading San Antonio - More Than The Alamo by Charlie
Spence, Aviation Writer. It features a mini, but thorough tour of
the destination, plus all you'll need to know to plan your trip
including getting there, objective information on places to stay and
eat, and things to do. At the end of the article, we've provided a
summary of the contact information for your easy reference. Enjoy!
San Antonio - More
Than the Alamo
by Charlie Spence, Aviation Writer and
IFA Member
Once you visit San Antonio you will remember
much more than the Alamo.
The Alamo, one of the most photographed sites in the United
States.
Photo from San Antonio Convention/Visitors Bureau
Of course, the Alamo is a top historic
attraction of this Texas city, but it is surrounded by an urban development that
combines fascinating attractions with unique shops, restaurants, and charming
spots for relaxing. Because the Alamo is so closely intertwined with San
Antonio, let's begin our visit there.
There are five entrances into this complex but
we'll enter through the old church where we will see many exhibits associated
with the heroes of that famous stand. There is Davy Crockett's buckskin vest,
Travis' ring, a flintlock rifle used in the battle, a Bowie knife and many more
reminder items from this stand against Santa Anna's forces.
The site'established in 1718 as the city's first
mission'was originally named Mission San Antonio de Valero, one of many
established as homes for missionaries and their Indian converts. Disease had
taken most of the Indians by 1793 and the mission was closed. Some ten years
later a Spanish cavalry unit from Alamo de Parras, Mexico, was quartered in the
mission. Over the years Spanish, Mexican, and rebel military occupied the site
until the Texas revolution. In 1835 a group of Texan and Tejano volunteers came
against the forces of General Marin Perfecto de C's. After five days of
house-to-house fighting, C's surrendered and the volunteers occupied the Alamo.
They further strengthened the defenses. Two months later'February 23,
1836'General Santa Anna arrived with his massive force. The defenders held out
until a final assault thirteen days later at dawn.
You will find much more of the history of the
Alamo as you tour, but it is wise to get some understanding of the significance
of this Texas shrine before a visit. Also, you will want to know where to look
for other significant spots. Much of the battle took place in Alamo Plaza and
plaques and stones mark various sites.
The river cruise, a 30 to 45 minute tour of the river walk
area.
Photo by Steve Moore from San Antonio Convention/Visitors Bureau
But let's move on. There is much more to see and
do. Just across the street from Alamo Plaza is River Center Mall and Paseo Del
Rio. This area, which once was a drab and dingy river bottom, now is the pride
of the city. Fine shops, excellent restaurants, and nightclubs may be reached
along the cobblestone walkways. Along this river walk we'll find quiet and
park-like sections and specialty boutiques, art galleries, and high-rise hotels.
Take a cruise along the river walk. Narrated tours take only 35 to 40 minutes.
Not far away is Milam Park, a great place to
relax or give the kids a time to burn off some steam. Here will can go into the
Tower of the Americas and from 579 feet above ground get a spectacular view of
San Antonia. Glass walled elevators take you up to the restaurant and
observation level.
We will uncover literally centuries of history
as we wander through the downtown area. La Villita (the 'Little Village') dates
back to the mid to late 18th century, and today is a national
historic district. It is a haven for artists and craftsmen selling blown glass,
jewelry, stained glass, and fashions from Mexico and Guatemala. The Spanish
Governor's Palace is near city hall. This palace was the seat of government when
San Antonio was the capital of the Spanish province of Texas. Now a National
Historic Landmark, the National Geographic Society has named this structure 'the
most beautiful building in San Antonio.'
Nearby is Market Square (El Mercado), the
largest Mexican market place outside of Mexico. Here you will find a festive
combination of Tex-Mex restaurants, music and entertainment, and shops featuring
goods ranging from pears to pi'atas.
When you are ready for a bit of culture, visit
some of the places like the Museum of Art, the Zoological Gardens and Aquarium,
or the Botanical Gardens. This latter is a 33-acre living museum with seasonal
floral displays, Rose Garden, Sacred Garden, and other plant specimens from
around the world.
Take some time also to visit the Guinness World
Records Museum and Ripley's Haunted Adventure for some different type of
galleries on Alamo Plaza. Here, too, is Davy Crockett's Tall Tale Rides, a good
theme park style ride through his life and times as told by Crockett himself.
Over on Houston Street, discover history, as
you've never seen it at the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum. In 2002 this was voted
the best attraction of the year by the Downtown Alliance. It covers more than
120 years of area history. See such oddities as a two-headed calf and a lamb
with eight legs. There's a wax museum of Texas history. It is only two blocks
from the Alamo or just 50 feet from the River Walk.
Not all of the interesting and enjoyable
attractions of San Antonio are in the downtown area. A Six Flags theme park is
non-stop celebration of San Antonio and South Texas build around four theme
areas. Northeast of the city is Fort Sam Houston, another National Historic
Landmark. The oldest building on the post dates back to 1876. The army base is
where military greats like Pershing, Stilwell, and Eisenhower served. Today it
is the headquarters for the Fifth U.S. Army and houses the Fort Sam Houston
Museum and U.S. Army Medical Department Museum.
To get a real feel of the old west, travel out
highway 42 west to Boerne to the Enchanted Springs Ranch. This 86-acre ranch is
right out of the 1800s with an authentic old western town. The site has been
used in many western motion pictures. Take a wagon ride through the ranch
populated with Texas Longhorns, buffalo, horses, and many other animals.
If you have time, play a round of golf at some
of the more than 40 courses. The first public gold course in
Texas'Breckenridge'was built here in 1916 and has hosted golfers ever since. The
area averages 300 days of sunshine a year and the average temperature is about
68 degrees, perfect for outdoor fun.
Like I said, after you experience all of San
Antonio you'll have much more to remember than the Alamo.
San Antonio Details
How To Get There
Stinson Municipal Airport is just
six miles from the city. It has two runways'14/32. 4,128 feet, and
9/27, 4,835 feet. GPS RNAV, and VOR approaches. Fees: hangar,
overnight. Extensive flight training in the area. Considered a
'reliever' for San Antonio International, Stinson has several good
FBOs.
San Antonio International Airport.
Runways 12/30R 5,519 feet, 12/30L 8,502 feet, 3/21 7,505 feet.
Approaches: GPS RNAV, VOR/DME, ILS, NDB. Fees: overnight. Several
good FBOs.
There are also several other general
aviation airports in the immediate San Antonio area.
Where To Stay
You have a wide choice of
accommodations ranging from charming bed and breakfast sites to
plush hotels, primarily on or near the River Walk. Rates vary,
ranging from $49 up. Here are just a few:
- Victorian Lady Inn B&B - $134 to $159
- Alamo Street Victorian B&B - $89 to $275
- Crown Plaza Hotel - $134 to $159
- Hyatt Regency - from $99
- Hotel Valencia - from $119
- Days Inn - from $49
Where To Dine
A variety of restaurants offer a
wide selection of cuisines for fine dining. They range from
Caribbean and Continental to Southwest and seafood. There are good
spots for Italian, Greek, Oriental, and others but, when in San
Antonio do as many of the locals: barbeque and Tex-Mex. There are
more than 90 spots in San Antonio that serve barbeque. Long a staple
in the Southwest, the barbeque is still a mainstay and a cook-off
classic in culinary competitions. Tex-Mex is merging of cuisines
from both sides of the border.
The influx of Germans to the area in
the mid-1800s brought brewmeisters and meals of sauerkraut, potato
salad, and sausage. A few of the downtown spots you might want to
try are:
- Casa Rio - also serves dinner on river boat tours
- Bayous Riverside
- Texas Bistro Boudres on the River Walk
- Buckhorn Saloon and Museum
- The Guenther House
- Mexican Manhattan
Notice: This information is
current as of January 2006. It is recommended that you contact the numbers,
and/or visit the websites above to determine any changes to the information.
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