Steeped in history, San Antonio, TX has the distinction of being the 2nd most populous city in Texas and 7th in the United States. You might visit for the history, but you’ll stay for the food!
Where to Stay
If you favor being among throngs of people, the miles long River Walk has a good selection of hotels, motels and vacation rentals to choose from. If you favor peace and quiet when you’re ready to sleep, then there are ample hotels within a short walk of River Walk and the Alamo. The Emily Morgan Hotel is a strategically located hotel overlooking the historic Alamo. There are hotels, and then there is the Emily Morgan. Stepping through her doors and you suddenly feel like you are the single most important person there. Top notch customer service and elegantly appointed rooms historically decorated rooms with modern comforts makes your hotel experience more than just a place to lay your head to rest at night.
What To Do
No visit to San Antonio can be complete without a trip to the Alamo. Whether you favor a guided tour or a self guided walk through this 300+ year old mission you can’t help but be transported back in time and feel a tremendous sense of awe for its role in Texan history.
Often called the Venice of Texas, with 15 miles of walking trails there is no better way to burn calories than traipsing the River Walk. You’re sure to be distracted by the myriad of shops, cafes, restaurants and party-goers; but if you get out there early enough you just might be able to get a run or a brisk walk on before the throngs take over the narrow streets lining the San Antonio River. You can probably spend an entire weekend (or more) without ever leaving the River Walk.
Located along the River Walk in a building that originally housed a Brewery, the San Antonio Mission has exhibits that represent a broad range of history and world cultures. Curated artworks change periodically and at any given time, you might be transported into a world and time different from your own. With their own private landing, the riverboats might be the way to make an entrance!
This artist village was one of the earliest neighborhoods of San Antonio, going back nearly 300 years. Now, this one square block area is home to over 25 artist and entrepreneurial shops focused on keeping the arts alive. Here you can see architecture through the ages; from early adobe style to Victorian to Texas limestone. This is the ideal place to shop for one of a kind souvenirs for your loved ones.
If you’re short on time, but long on touristy things to do; there’s no better way to get the down low on what’s what in San Antonio than a Go Rio River Cruise. If you just want to get from one end of the River Walk to another, consider taking a water taxi (although walking makes sure you see all the sights, and helps you chart out where you’ll eat your next meal).
Where to Eat
Start your day with a hearty breakfast; go no further than the Oro Restaurant at the Emily Morgan. Their surf and turf eggs benedict with a chipotle hollandaise sauce is a nod to the Tex-Mex roots and is a riot of flavors and textures on your palate.
Having the distinction for being one of the largest and most innovative contemporary Mexican fare; Acenar offers you multi-level dining along the River Walk.
Start your meal with a house made margarita or mojito and if you’re feeling adventurous, add a flavor (we recommend the Prickly Pear). Start with an appetizer of Copitas or Lettuce Cups – Chicken & pork stewed with chipotle, chile arbol & tamarindo in lettuce cups with salsa trio & roasted cashews. For your main course, step outside the box and indulge in the Cabrito en Chile Ancho; young Texas goat steam-roasted and served with ancho salsa ranchera, Mexican rice & refried beans. You have never had anything so tender and flavorful.
Saved room for dessert? You’ve got to try the Pastel de Tres Leches; moist sponge cake layered with sweet milks and served with cajeta, seasonal berries and melon pico. Your palate and your stomach will thank you.
If you’re looking for something off the beaten path; away from River Walk, consider this European-yet-Texan wine bar for a different experience. With a massive selection of wines and beers and an equally impressive cocktail offering Zinc Bistro is an oasis in a sea of sameness.
Even though it’s housed in a Historic building, opt to sit outside in the quaint cobbled-stone courtyard surrounded by buildings. You can’t go wrong with anything you order; and the exceptional old-world-styled-service will accentuate your experience to the nth degree. As large as their beverage menu is; their food selection is refreshingly small yet assorted.
Start your meal with a table-side guacamole; the roasted tomato and serrano pepper offer a smoky punch that elevates the flavor.
For your main course, consider the Texas Lamb Pappardelle; the melt in your mouth lamb braised in red wine with garlic, mushrooms, zucchini and onions paired with perfectly cooked Pappardelle makes every bite feel like it’s straight from heaven.
If you’re jonesing for a burger, you must try the Devil’s River Lamb Burger; this medium rare perfectly cooked burger is served with serrano-fig jam, triple brie, sweet caramelized onions and sweet potato fries. Each bite is a gastronomic explosion of flavor and texture in your mouth.
Pace yourself, sit back, order a snifter of port or an Irish Coffee and consider the Brioche Apple Bread Pudding Souffle served with nut brittle topping and vanilla bean ice cream to round out your meal.
Whether you’re in town for a long weekend, or a week long vacation San Antonio has enough to keep you buzzing. However if you need a break from humanity, continuing your walk along the River Walk will ultimately take you out of the downtown area into serene neighborhoods with vibrant flora and fauna to inspire your inner naturalist.
