San Antonio is a large city with a small town feel that perfectly
manages to retain its cultural heritage. Peel back the city's machismo
exterior, and you will discover a
gallant and gracious community that reminds us what is important in life-
family, love and romance. Slowly unwrap each layer to discover San Antonio's
wild side, the cultural wonders as well as the romantic nuances the city has to
offer.
When in San Antonio plan on making a splash-- there's a
myriad of waterways, water parks and even at SeaWorld you'll get wet. But take
heart, the shade of Cypress -lined San Antonio River Walk will provide you the
perfect respite for a romantic stroll, fine dining or great shopping. There's only one catch, the further you get
from San Antonio... the closer to your heart-- it becomes.
Getting Around
Rio Taxi
The easiest method for traversing the San Antonio
waterways is on a Rio Water Taxi. There are ton of fun stops and a truly
exciting way to take in San Antonio's historic sites as well as all the beautiful
attractions. There's a downtown and museum reach which will run you a
reasonable $15.00 for a twenty-four hour
pass. Also, you can conveniently purchase tickets on board.
Explore
San Antonio the practical and inexpensive way on the Red or Blue Circulators-- thanks to the VIA
transit service. This fleet of historic
streetcar replicas stop at virtually every tourist attraction, hotels and
restaurants in the downtown metro area. These whimsical and seemingly adventuresome trolley rides run
frequently-- around every 20 minutes.
A full day fare is less than three US dollars and transfers to/from regular city bus lines
are included. But don't be fooled with the 'Hop on Hop off' Red
Trolley-- which provides a voice tour for a much more expensive rate of travel.
Virtually the same experience without a lot of gab and expense.
viainfo.net/BusService/Downtown.aspx
Staying There
The Hotel Contessa
For an incomparable San Antonio stay make your
reservations at the only four Diamond- all
suite- hotel located directly on the River Walk. This premier property is literally
ten steps away from the famed San
Antonio River Walk with easy access to shops, galleries and
of course- the Alamo.
The Hotel Contessa blends old world charm
with a new world touch. These little nuances make the property special, from the stunning brushed metal chandeliers hand-crafted
by Mexican artisans to the atrium's
beautiful design.
The management actually listens to what their guests are
saying through social media and are quick to make adaptations to ever improve
the guest's experience and their service. No amenity is overlooked, and there's even a seasonally
heated rooftop pool sauna-- always a favorite for well traveled feet and with
the kids. With 10,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and a gorgeous ballroom, all wedding's
beckon. Even San Antonio's fabled 'Marriage Island' is steps away from the
properties veranda.
Hotel Valencia
Riverwalk
For a touch of class and an ultra-sexy stay in San
Antonio book your suite at the upscale Hotel
Valencia Riverwalk. Centrally located in San Antonio's posh Theater
District, the Hotel Valencia is nestled on a quiet, serene stretch of the river
walk that actually accommodates a running path-- and trust me if you tried to
take a jog on the main drag-- you will be taking a dip.
This boutique hotel is the place to stay as many
celebrities and professional athletes will attest, including J-lo and Kobe on their stopovers through south Texas. Often selected by world
travelling publications as one of the 5 top rated hotels in San Antonio, their
VBar- complete with a DJ- rocks to standing room only crowds.
Enjoy the relaxing vibe of the Rotunda area which has a
romantic motif that will draw you in and melt away the real world. If you are
visiting San Antonio for a romantic weekend the Hotel Valencia will satisfy all
your requirements with a wide array of boutique amenities that of course
include complimentary Wi-Fi.
Things to do--
Take advantage of the spectacular San Antonio River views
from either one these hotel's Juliet balconies during 'Fiesta.' Fiesta is San
Antonio's ten day version of Mardi Gras- which runs April 14th -24th. It is one
of the countries longest running and popular festivals-- which feature 'floats
on boats.'
The Historic Pearl
Brewery -
A daytrip to the Pearl Brewery District by water taxi
will take you through the lock & dam which is an enjoyable experience for the
entire family. Moss covered bridges and the smiles of passerby's makes your journey to the mixed use
development serene and peaceful.
Tiny waterfalls and a wide esplanade greet your arrival at this mixed use
development, located minutes north of downtown San Antonio. Home to cutting edge restaurants, independent
boutiques and wide open spaces. There's a fun loving and energetic vibe, which
is reflected in the upbeat....
The Alamo
The Alamo teaches us not to back down from an oppressive
and unyielding government. "Remember the Alamo" are three words etched into the collective conscious
of every true blooded American. They inspire
all of us to draw a line in the
sand, and dig in a little deeper for the beliefs we hold true. This
hallowed piece of ground inspires all of us to confront the tyrannical bully with good
grace and dignity, albeit in face of overwhelming odds. San Antonio reminds us
that, although we may lose the
battle... together we will win the fight.
Market Square
Colorful, vibrant, and loaded with bargains... You'll
feel as if you've been transported to Play Del Carmen or Cancun at this
historic downtown marketplace. Children readily line up for face painting, as
the adults gleefully look on. Two of the city's best Mexican restaurants are here
in Market Square and customers stack up waiting for a table. The merchants
offer finely crafted ceramics, handmade leather goods and intricately woven
dresses. There's something for everyone provided you take the time to find your
hidden treasure and keepsake.
Dining
La Margarita
Restaurant & Oyster Bar
Don't waste your hard earn tourism dollars on inauthentic
Mexican food on the River Walk. Head down to Market Square for the real deal-
only the best Margarita and Mexican food San Antonio has to offer. And guess
what-- it won't cost you an arm and a leg. La
Margarita entrees are simple but as if they are prepared from the heart...
The fajitas melt in your mouth and the enchiladas excite your taste buds. The
service is timely and always with a smile.. Par for the course in lovely San
Antonio.
La Gloria Ice
House
Skip the Tex-Mex-- and get straight to the 'Mex.' This
Pearl District Restaurant serves up out of this world, mind-blowingly delicious
'Street foods of Mexico.' This Ice House
is so cool it has even caught the eye of Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas-- where
they are promptly adding a La Gloria's to their casino.
What can you say about a restaurant that takes a seafood
taco-- batters and deep fries it to mouthwatering perfection. Sure, may not be
the best for your arteries-- but you don't go on vacation to diet... and heck
this badboy entree is worth burning off
the calories with a walk back to the downtown hotel.
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