From Cowboys To Cocktails – San Antonio is Calling!

Welcome to Texas!  San Antonio is now the seventh-largest city in the United States, attracting more than 37 million visitors a year and I’m their newest, and perhaps biggest fan.  Exploding with culture, a foodies dream and bursting with southern hospitality, San Antonio has put me under it’s spell.  From the Cowboys to the cocktails; here’s why you need to visit San Antonio.

Where To Stay

 Hotel Valencia

Ideally located just steps from the River Walk and walking distance to the Alamo, is the Hotel Valencia – Riverwalk San Antonio.  This boutique style, luxury hotel, oozes history and charm and is in the middle of the action while still offering guests a tranquil escape at then end of their day.

The Hotel Valencia in the heart of San Antonio, is a delicate balance of modern Mediterranean design with just enough of a Spanish flair to leave you awe struck.  It’s the hotel you should lean towards when you’re planning that romantic getaway, girls trip or long overdue couples vacation.  Boasting 213 elegant guest rooms , including 5 suites, this quiet hotel is just waiting to be explored.  Spacious rooms  with views of either the city or the River Walk, come outfitted with mini fridges, an honour bar, in-room safes, elegant marble bathrooms,  24-hour room service, and if requested, in-room spa services!  There’s also complimentary wireless internet access available in all guest rooms and public areas.

Small touches:

• There’s a quiet courtyard – for guests only – where you can escape to to read a book, sit, relax (or take photos of course!).  This space has also been used to host cocktail parties and weddings.
• The fitness center is equipped with Life Fitness Treadmills and elliptical machines.
• The turn down service will spoil you.  As you enter you enter your room after a day of exploring you will discover your room – bed freshened, chocolate on the pillow, and soft jazz filling the room.  Perfection.

While at the hotel take the time to treat yourself at the hotel’s on-site restaurant, Dorrego’s. Enjoy the view from the glorious patio which overlooks the River Walk and feast on the offerings of  the Argentinian-inspired menu featuring all locally sourced ingredients.  On Wednesday thru Sunday evenings you can grab a cocktail and a bite to eat and enjoy live Spanish music in the lobby.  It’s a delightful way to end your day.

Insider Tip:  The hotel offers a complimentary coffee bar each morning which includes some specialty coffees, juices and pastries.  Don’t miss the scones!

150 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205

 

What To Do:

The Riverwalk

Described by some as the American Venice, the Riverwalk was originally developed in 1929, and is a must see and do while in San Antonio.  Bike, boat, paddle board  or stroll along the 15 mile stretch of flagstone walkways and picturesque footbridges that wind past a collection of hotels, boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. As you amble along you will spot soaring Cyprus trees, encounter quiet parks and may even discover the outdoor Amphitheatre where some famous movies were shot including Miss Congeniality.  If you tire of walking you can choose to hop on a boat and take a narrated tour from the downtown all the way back to the hotel district.  Cruising down the river on a brightly coloured boat, might quickly become your favourite way to tour.

Insider Tip: Check out the boat shuttle service!  Buy an all day pass for $16 and hop on/hop off at any of the 13 stops.

 

Yoga Class on a River Boat by M.I.X. FIT SA

Bucket list item checked off!  Okay, I didn’t know it was on my bucket list until I tried it.  While in San Antonio you have the very unique opportunity to board a boat and take a Yoga Class while floating down the river!  Oh, my, yes!  This my friends is MixFit SA Fitness Cruises.  Led by head yoga instructor Miranda Puente we were taken through a series of  balancing, stretching, and mobility exercises as we cruised down the river. Suitable for everyone from beginners to experts.  Just try it, then send me a note telling me how wonderful it was. You’re welcome.

The Alamo!

As you approach the Alamo pick up a headset and prepare to take a walk back in history. Pause for photos take a deep breath and lean into the story.  There is no fee to enter the Alamo, but taking the audio tour is recommended so you might have a better understanding of Alamo’s history and heroes.

During the tour some of the things you will learn include:

• The Alamo was established in 1718 as the city’s very first mission.
• The Battle of the Alamo was a history making 13 day siege.
• In March of 1836, the Alamo was the site where 189 Texan heroes including Jim Bowie, William B. Travis and David Crockett bravely battled General Santa Ana’s army of thousands. 

Visitors can tour the battlefield, walk through the imposing Church and Long Barrack Museum, watch living history demonstrations, and see a documentary on the history of the Alamo.

Insider Tip:  If you want to get a picture of the Alamo without the crowd head there early in the morning.  Also worthy of note, no pictures are allowed inside the building.

300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio

San Antonio Botanical Garden

This beautiful outdoor space of the San Antonio Botanical Garden boasts spectacular exhibits and botanical sites spread out over 38 acres. Chef Dave Terrazas has a clear mission for the San Antonio Garden; to connect people to the plant world and help them understand the value of plants in our lives.  He does this by showing and sharing his passion for food and plants with his entire community.

Children will enjoy exploring the natural playgrounds, creative play houses and the Texas Native Trail.  Adults will appreciate the gardens for their incredible beauty.  During your visit be sure to visit the Lucille Halsell Conservatory, a futuristic glass project that houses the palm trees and soars up to 65 feet, and don’t my favourite space – the orchid room.

Insider Tip:  Check the calendar online and take advantage of one of the many cooking classes, enjoy a herb cocktail demo in their outdoor kitchen, or make a date to go to the “Foodie Cinema” where food courses are created to match the mood and theme of movie night!

555 Funston Pl, San Antonio

 

The Pearl!

Save time to tour of The Historic Pearl including the Farmers Market. Located along the banks of the San Antonio River this open space got its name as it was originally home to the Pearl Brewery.  This trendy mixed-use space features retail, unique dining (there are so many incredible restaurants to choose from), picturesque green spaces bursting with life and the acclaimed Culinary Institute of America.  Plus, the shopping is divine!

306 Pearl Pkwy #110, San Antonio

 

 The Culinary Institute of America

Foodies rejoice!  Here’s your chance to learn and cook at the CIA.  Step inside the gleaming kitchen and under the tutelage of Instructor and Chef Hinnerk Von Bargen get your cook on. Love breakfast?  Try your hands at a Breakfast Mini Bootcamp class.   In this class you will learn how to make and then eat breakfast tacos.  The only problem – they are so good one taco will never enough!

Insider Tip:  The CIA offers all manner of classes to apease your inner foodie.  Check out their site for all manner of Boot Camps from Grilling, to Breakfast, 2 Day Flavours of Texas classes to Week Long Flavours of Asia classes.  You too can learn at the CIA!

312 Pearl Parkway Building 2, Suite #2102

 

Market Square

It’s time to go shopping!  This bright, joy filled square is exploding with life and activity.  Market Square is the largest Mexican market in the U.S. and filled to the brim with food stands, traditional stores and restaurants.  Breathe in the atmosphere, soak in the culture and if you are lucky find a great souvenir to take home.

Insider Tip:  You can negotiate prices in the stores.  I bought a hat!

218 Produce Row, San Antonio

Mission San José

A tour of Mission San Jose gives you an opportunity to see history come alive and learn about the Spanish colonization of the native peoples.  The four beautiful missions (Mission San José, Mission San Juan Capistrano, Mission Espada and Mission Concepción) make up this National Historic Park were established in the 1700s by the Franciscan Order of the Catholic Church and recently gained global recognition as they received UNESCO World Heritage status.

Established in the 1700’s this church was central to the mission community and will take your breath away.

Insider Tip:  To get the most out of your visit be sure to sign up for one of their guided tours.

701 E Pyron Ave

 

Dinner and a Show at the Rodeo!

If you go to Texas and don’t see a Rodeo, did you really even see Texas?  MAKE time to live like a local and take in a real life Rodeo.  Put on your very best Cowboy err Cowgirl duds and get ready for a night you will never forget.  Start your evening with a quick bite at Tejas Steakhouse & Saloon where you can enjoy their famous KC Steak and a cocktail, then move on to the main event, the Rodeo!

The Tejas Rodeo begins at 9pm, if you want a good seat be sure to grab some space before the horses hit the ring.  Then sit back and enjoy the pageantry of it all.  Cheer along as the stunning horses appear and skilled horsemen and women compete in barrel racing, roping and bull riding events.  And if you’re lucky meet, and perhaps in fall in love, with a cowboy or two.  Totally appropriate as my newest crush is on a master of the Mutton Bustin’ – how adorable are these little men!

Thanks for the picture boys!

Insider Tip: This  family friendly rodeo starts the first weekend in March and continues each Saturday through the last weekend in November.

401 Obst Rd, Bulverde, TX 78163

San Antonio has me under it’s spell.  It’s warm, welcoming, and bursting with things to see and do.  But beyond that is the incredible food scene!  Tex-Mex, Burgers, Fine Dining and food as medicine?  Come back next week to find out where you must eat on your next trip to Texas!

 

Disclosure: Accommodations and experiences were made in order to help provide this review.  As always all opinions on this blog remain my own.