7 Reasons to Take a Trip to San Antonio, TX

San Antonio is well on the way to becoming one of the next mega tourist hubs for millenial’s. Austin has been stealing the spotlight for too long and the River City is re-staking its claim by offering unique experiences found only here.  Of course, historic elements like The Alamo and River Walk are still main attractions. But plenty more is entering the scene, including trendy restaurants, cultural festivals and even a hot new hotel flipped from a brewery that has helped spur the growth of an entire new district.

Here are 7 reasons to take a trip to a spot too often over looked.

1. See the cities hottest new neighborhood: The Pearl

A dilapidated and abandoned area on the banks of the San Antonio River is seeing resurgence with a new neighborhood and creative district dubbed “The Pearl.” The area was once home to a once bustling brewery and is now the genesis of an area of mixed-use space, filled with several restaurants, shops and even a hotel that was once a towering brew house. One restaurant, Cured, led by Steve McHugh sits in the former administration offices of the brewery. The menu focuses heavily on meats and charcuterie, all with their own twist. (Check out Q&A with the Chef Here)

To top it off, grab some local ice cream from Lick, which is churning eccentric flavors like Thyme and Honey and South Texas Olive Oil & Sea Salt.

 

2. Cruise the River

It’s not a true San Antonio Experience until you cruise down the river. Along the way, glide by towering cypresses trees and colorful sidewalk restaurants as a guide narrates history as lingering mariachi tunes play in the background. Keep an eye out for the Stage from Miss Congeniality and the San Fernando Cathedral, one of the oldest churches in the nation. Fun fact: The San Antonio River Walk has had so much success that a $384 million improvement project is in the works to lengthen the walk 15 miles, stretching to the four Spanish colonial missions to the south and the museums to the north.

3. Alamo Brewing Company

Alamo Beer Company  focuses on German brews and also follows a Slow Beer Movement, which means beers take their time to mature and aren’t cranked out in a mass quantity to maintain quality. The staple beer is the Alamo Golden Ale, which can best be enjoyed on the patio playing outdoor games. The brewery opens on March 6, which is also the anniversary of the Alamo.

4. Tour the McNay Art Museum.

The Spanish Colonial Residence in which the home sits is reason enough to visit the McNay Art Museum. Artist, educator and collector Marion Koogler McNay built the home in the late 1920’s. The museum became the first museum of modern art and opened to public in 1954. Expect to see everything from Southwest art to Renaissance art (the only public collection of its kind in South Texas) and 19^th – 20^th century European and American art from Vincent van Gough and Pablo Picasso.

5. Dine at El Machito

Chef Johnny Hernandez, owner of El Machito serves up a dish you would be hard pressed to find anywhere else in the city. It’s called Cecina Asada and consists of thinly sliced cured meat finished with salt before it’s cooked over Mesquite. Hernandez first had Cecina in a small Mercado in the town of Yecapixtla Morelos Mexico and brought it stateside. Don’t miss the chance to order up the signature cocktail, the El Cantarito which is a margarita of sorts with spiced up with grapefruit, orange and lime juice.

Check out our Q&A with Chef Johnny Hernandez to find out his must visit sights and how we became an acclaimed chef.

6. Witte Museum

This museum tells the story of South Texas but also offers an experience for adults only called Salud Culinary Nights. Meet local chefs, farmers, ranchers to learn history of food and cook alongside them. Each program features a wine, beer of cocktails from local companies.  For current dates, visit Wittemuseum.org

7. JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa

What the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa misses in proximity to the core of the city, it makes up for in class. The hotel is about 30 minutes (with no traffic) from the downtown core of San Antonio. But if you are looking for excellence, this is your spot. The hotel has it covered from a beautifully decorated and welcoming lobby to rooms in touch with southwestern décor and balconies. The 6-acre water park features a lazy river, slides and plenty of space to stretch out. At the spa, find a private lap pool, full service fitness center with classes and the option to have your treatment outdoors under the Texas Sun. The Texas Pecan Body Scrub comes with outstanding reviews. The onsite dining includes Cibolo Moon with more than 90 tequilas, including house made infusions like raspberry habenero and strawberry jalapeño.  High Velocity Sports Bar steps up the energy where projectors playing the games of the day plaster the walls. For food and drink, find upscale bar food and plenty of Texas brews sliding across the football shaped bar.

Carri’s Catch: For an easy day trip, check out Fredericksburg, about an hours drive from downtown San Antonito. On the German influenced Main Street, find everything from boutiques (some with really cute and reasonably priced clothes), candy shops cranking out their own taffy and popcorn and the Fredericksburg Brewery where you can stop for fresh hops and German cuisine.

The National Museum of the Pacific War is one block of the main drag and goes beyond telling the history and facts of WWII in the Pacific and the attack on Pearl Harbor. The museum also focuses on telling the personal stories of vets and families. Volunteers hit the road to tell the stories of those that lived through this time. You will also see the B-25 plane from the Doolittle raid and the casing of an atomic bomb identical to the one dropped on Nagasaki in 1945.  The museum is so extensive that tickets are valid for 48 hours, which is a great option if you are staying overnight. If so, check out the Hangar Hotel, built to emulate a WWII aircraft hanger. Here, furniture is covered in bomber jacket leather, walls are covered with airplane memorabilia and model planes abound.

 

Fun Fact: Lyndon B. Johnson called Fredericksburg home. Near a national park named after him you will find the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farmstead. Costumed interpreters carry out day-to-day activities of the Texas German Style Farm. Watch as butter is churned, floors cleaned with lye soap, and animals cared for.