Weekend Girls Getaway: In San Antonio, the Largest Spanish Settlement in Texas

This City Might Be Texas' Most Interesting.

Steeped in History, We Visited San Antonio . . . .

My sister had invited the "girls" in the family this past summer to escape the daily doldrums for a weekend of talk and fun. It was my dad who suggested we re-visit San Antonio. When I was a kid, my family often went to San Antonio; it was where my father was from, and where my grandparents had retired and lived. I hadn't been there in years. My mother, sister and her daughter were the ones to accept the weekend invite. Others just weren't available . . . too bad, because it was a great trip. I want to go again! 

Here are my top reasons why you -- and your friends or family -- might want to go: 

1. The Riverwalk -- a very picturesque and pedestrian-friendly shopping/entertainment area. All along the walk are cafes, shops, hotels . . . As you can see below, there are boat tours. Check out the Riverwalk link and see what's happening this month and the next. Some photos:

 

2. The Tower of the Americas -- the 750-foot tower allows visitors to enjoy an expansive view on a clear day. There is also a revolving restaurant at the very top. It stands right smack in the middle of where the world's first HemisFair took place in 1968.

 

3. Food and Restaurants, specifically Mexican food!

These next three  photos were taken at Mi Tierra Cafe and Bakery. Where everyday is a party -- complete with live Mariachi music.

 

4. El Mercado (YouTube link)-- a pavillion of shops and outdoor artists' booths:

 

5. Downtown architecture:

 

 

6. And who could forget the Alamo (circa 1718), which attracts millions of visitors annually. This is a building within the complex:

 

 

 For information on other historic San Antonio missions, go here.

My sister found us a hotel on the river, which was nice. We could -- and did -- walk just about everywhere. She also suggested we take the trolley tour of the city; that was a great idea.

San Antonio represents so much Texas history. Hope you'll check her out!

Oh, here we are . . . at the Riverwalk:

clockwise from back, me, my mother, sister and niece.

cheers! see ya in Texas.

 November 2011

 

In Blanco, Texas,

the state's lavender capital

(photo courtesy of Blanco, TX)

This link will transport you to where my girlfriends and I recently traipsed through lavender fields . . . .

Future posts will cover Galveston Island, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, other parts of Texas and Colorado, and who knows where else.  While the Blanco was more of a chic trip, some picks undoubtedly will appeal to both genders. I think. I hope. See ya back here soon....