AT CLOSE to 1.5 million people, San Antonio is bigger than Austin, bigger than San Francisco or Seattle, bigger than New Orleans. Yet it’s forever overshadowed by those celebrated food cities. Move along. Nothing to see here but endless enchiladas and the Alamo.
A mere 150 miles from Mexico, San Antonio has put its own stamp on the margarita. In its simplest form, the cocktail combines tequila, lime juice and orange liqueur, but the city’s bars and restaurants have introduced all sorts of iconoclastic margarita variations. Some add unexpected ingredients—avocado, for one. Others make daring substitutions, subbing in vodka for tequila, for instance. After scouring the city for some memorable margaritas, we settled on four cocktail joints that out-mixed the rest:
November is a month of transitions: weather is cooling in most places, and as the days move towards Thanksgiving, momentum picks up and we’re rushing headlong into the winter holidays. It could be a good time for a trip, whether you’re looking for warm weather, taking advantage of cheap shoulder season rates, exploring a new exotic destination, or heading to the southern hemisphere to trade autumn for spring. Or you just might want to begin the holiday season early, get a head start on gift shopping, and jump right into winter’s chilly weather. Travel during November has something for everybody.
In the fall of each year, lots of beer lovers flock to Oktoberfest celebrations in towns with strong German roots. Although the Texas city of San Antonio is most closely associated with its Spanish and Mexican traditions, many people don’t realize that a third of the city’s population was once made up of German immigrants. You can see evidence of this still today in the architecture of the King William Historic District and in the city’s craft brewing influences. So, whether you visit San Antonio in the fall or any other time of the year, here are eight stand-out breweries in town that have been shaping the modern craft brewing scene in Alamo City.
Think San Antonio is just for strolling the River Walk and remembering the Alamo? Not anymore. One innovative neighborhood is helping to transform the 300-year-old city’s image—and paving the way for its revitalization.
We understand the impulse to hunker down in the fall—school’s started up, sports seasons have consumed your weekends, and you’re still trying to dig out your sweaters from storage. But it’s also the perfect time to plan a long weekend in the U.S., or to a neighbor to the north or south. The weather’s ideal from the Northeast to Texas; the changing of the leaves prompts even cynics among us to plan an ooh-and-ahh road trip; the seasonal farm-to-table meals are incredible; and the beaches on Mexico’s mid-Pacific coast aren’t crowded. (Hello, shoulder season!) Skip soccer for one Saturday and sneak away on one of these 10 fall vacations.
No other city in Texas celebrates Day of the Dead like San Antonio. With Labor Day gone and Halloween candy starting to appear on grocery store shelves, it’s officially time to plan fall festivities and travel.
Every year, my husband, Jim, and I pack up our minivan and trek to Texas to visit family. Whenever possible, we include a detour to San Antonio for its beautiful River Walk, fantastic food and one-of-a-kind festivals. Because I can’t walk, I get around in a 350-pound power wheelchair. Navigating a historic destination can be a challenge, but 300-year-old San Antonio continues to improve accessibility for folks who have difficulty walking or use a mobility device like me.
It’s San Antonio’s 300th birthday this year and like everything in Texas they are doing it big with a year-long celebration.
The best way to catch most of it is the famed River Walk which follows the river, 8 kilometres of which runs through downtown, and is the gateway to many of San Antonio’s attractions.
San Antonio may not seem as cool as its sister city Austin, but Alamo City can boast a world class food scene worthy of UNESCO recognition.
Visit a number of gorgeous locations including the lush Japanese Tea Gardens complete with a 60-foot waterfall, the scenic Hays St. Bridge overlooking the city, and the colorful Market Square featuring fabulous finds. Experience history and adventure as you traverse the four Spanish colonial missions, view awe-inspiring sanctuaries, tour centuries-old caverns, and explore exotic wildlife at the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch!
After Houston, San Antonio is the biggest city in Texas. 2018 marks San Antonio’s 300th anniversary, and as the city prepares for its futures, so much of the culture of San Antonio is rooted in its past. Sprawling and vibrant, if you have just 48 hours to spend exploring the city, we’ll tell you exactly how to spend them.
San Antonio is probably best known as home of the Alamo, but there’s so much more to explore. A favorite Texas destination thanks to its vibrant mix of history and modern energy, it’s also a master at recycling old factories and industrial buildings and turning them into attractive museums, restaurants and hotels. In May 2018, the city celebrated 150 years of its annual weeklong extravaganza known as Fiesta San Antonio. If you plan on visiting any time soon, here are 10 things we bet you’ll love about Alamo City.
As one of Texas’ oldest cities, San Antonio is so much more than kitschy souvenir shops, Alamo tours and strolls along the River Walk. In fact, travelers are frequently surprised by the bold new restaurants, art installments, and thriving entertainment district the city has to offer.
The American Southwest is filled with thriving capitals, time-capsule small towns, and rural community enclaves. While a city mini-moon may not feel overtly romantic, you’d be surprised by how much there is to see and do in a mid-sized metropolis like San Antonio, Texas. The Southwestern city, which celebrates its tricentennial this year, has equal parts entertainment and exclusivity, refinement and laid-back cool—the perfect combination for a pre- or post-nuptial retreat. If you’re looking to plan the ultimate romantic getaway, follow this tried-and-tested 48-hour itinerary.
When I ask Nicole Thibault to tell me about her earliest travel experiences with her 13-year-old son, Tristan, she laughs.
It’s the kind of nervous laughter that parents of young children will immediately recognize: A fatigued chuckle laced with an “I’m glad that’s over” sigh.
The Alamo is so much more than a battle cry trapped in the pages of your old American History book. It’s a must-see attraction which, if done the right way, can be one of the most memorable stops on your tour of San Antonio. Here’s everything you need to know before you visit this proud part of Texas history.
It’s not too late to plan a quick getaway for your family before school is back in session. Megan Lagrone, communications manager of Visit San Antonio, says The Alamo City offers great value, incredible history and culture, family-friendly experiences, Mexican and international cuisine, top entertainment and outstanding shopping! Learn more about why it makes a great last minute trip!
If you know where to look, you can definitely feel like royalty in San Antonio.
No matter who you bring along on the ride, here’s how to treat yourself to a long weekend full of views, relaxing spa treatments, art, and wine, Texas-style.
Vibing like Austin did a decade ago, San Antonio hasn’t reached peak hipness, but it’s close. Admittedly, it’s getting much of Austin’s creative spillover, but this Texan city is all about preserving its culture, not shoving it over for the next big thing.
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