San Antonio: Where the culture, river & fiestas flow
By PHOENIX CARLISLE | Photos by PHOENIX CARLISLE and courtesy of visitsanantonio.com
San Antonio will continue to be a Texan must-see, not only for its rich history but for the culture, experiences and the soul. The sound of music and the scent of freshly mixed spices are constantly traveling out of markets, providing the Tex-Mex experience that you’re craving.
From the hidden stops on the Riverwalk to the heart-heavy ruins of the Alamo, San Antonio is the perfect simple day trip or several-day excursion for all ages, with all forms of creativity. So strap up your boots and start walking down the river.
The Alamo and Missions
Let’s start with an easy choice — the Alamo. Visiting the Alamo is a Texas requirement. It’s a strong, beautiful reminder of those who fought for our state. Yet, because of the historical impact, expect there to be crowds. If you’re traveling with children and want to avoid the mass crowds of people in a city you may not be familiar with, turn to a forgotten significant side of the Alamo: The Missions. Between Mission Espada, Mission San Juan, Mission Concepcion and Mission San Jose, you’ll be immersed in a rich history with fewer crowds. Visiting these missions gives you a deeper history with more spots to explore. Walking through the ruins is like stepping through time, with the historical significance of the missions hanging in the air. The Alamo and Missions are a must-see experience.
Website: www.thealamo.org
Historic Market Square
The Historic Market Square, with its winding open and closed markets with unique multi-cultural merchandise is a must-see. The square was officially moved to its current location in the 1890s due to the growing boom of immigrants, until World War II, when it lost a majority of its foot traffic due to the war and railroads.
It wasn’t until the 1960-70 s when it regained its vivacity. The vibrant market now holds more than 100 vendors a day with clothing, home decor and food. These stalls all have music playing out of them mixing together as you walk through each stall. It’s a beautiful market filled with tons of unique treasures, the majority of which are hand-made by the vendors themselves.
The Market Square holds performances from local bands and dancers, as well, which will hold your attention in pure wonder. It’s a great sense of community with all the vendors coming together to sell their products and celebrate the Hispanic culture of San Antonio. The Historic Market Square is strongly encouraged for the full San Antonio experience.
Website: www.marketsquaresa.com
Mi Tierra
In the heart of Market Square, with its bustling shops and restaurants, lies the gem of Mi Tierra, an 80-year-old family business within San Antonio. The joint restaurant, bar and bakery serves classic cultural foods that satisfy every sweet-n-savory craving. Within the bakery side, you’ll find a well-deserved line beside an encasing of pan de huevo (egg bread) of traditional colors, empanadas with sweet flavors, and tres leches in fruit varieties.
The bakery is packed with good people, good treats and good vibes. There’s even more to explore when you visit the restaurant. Breakfast is served all day, allowing you to visit multiple times during the day to gain the full experience. The restaurant side enables you to go all American classic to classic Mexican foods that go with every mood. The food on your table is always something to remember. The atmosphere is busting with energy along with the cultural decorations of banners, skulls and bright marigolds. This is the perfect place for a treat, a bite and your next best selfie.
Website: www.lafamiliacortez.com/mi-tierra
Kallison Love Lock Bridge
The chainlink bridge overlooking the Riverwalk is full of treasured memories. Traditionally, couples who have officially tied the knot will write their names or new initials with the wedding date/year, then search thoroughly for a free spot left. A wish is made with what you hope for in your new marriage life, as the lock is permanently left with the others, before tossing the key into the water below.
Each lock is unique in the shape, color and time frame they have been left. Looking at each lock that has been carefully chosen by each couple is beautiful. There is a certain longing that comes from reading the names and dates of each one. You wonder who is still married, whose wishes have been fulfilled or what they even wished for on their trip to San Antonio. It is a quick stop that is perfect for placing your own lock on (newlywed or not) with hope for your long lives together.
If you go around sunset time, you can almost see the hope that is placed into them as the sun lines up next to the bridge and shines down its colors. A quick, easy spot that is sure to invoke many emotions for new couples, old couples, and even those with self-love and hope.
Texas Selfie Museum
A lighter, more creative activity for people traveling to San Antonio that the whole family, even the grumpy teen will enjoy, is the Texas Selfie Museum. Both the San Antonio and Austin museums provide an experience that will send everyone racing to your social media. The amazing rooms with crazy colors, mind-warping illusions and pop themes is the place to get fun, funky photos to commemorate your trip.
Each room provides a ring light with a tripod that allows for solo travelers or groups to get into their best poses within the rooms. The walls vary from neon light signs of emojis or catch phrases, to rooms where your photo seems upside down.
If you want to spend a little more time at each booth to curate the perfect shot I would recommend going in the evening slots during the weekday (Monday to Thursday). This allows for you to have more time to explore at your own pace, less people and you can enjoy the moment without rushing around.
The Riverwalk
The Riverwalk is an absolute must and you will hear it from everyone. If you don’t go, it’s almost like you didn’t visit San Antonio at all. The winding paths of bridges, shops and restaurants keep you saying “just a few more steps.” Each of the 15 mile parts of the walk allow you to experience cooling waterfalls that mist you along the way or people playing various instruments that encourage you to trail along.
The wonderful thing is, because it is so large, you could visit multiple times and never see the same thing twice. If walking isn’t your style, you can take one of the “Go Rio” Boat Tours. It is a 35 minute water tour that takes you to all the culturally significant spots, where a tour guide will explain all the history and the must-see spots on the walk. The rides are $15.50 for adults and go down with ages and discounts. Despite never riding in the boats personally, I love watching families from the walk who are waving to little kids and adults experiencing the rich city via boat.
The Shops at Rivercenter Mall, located within at the Riverwalk is beautiful as well. The mall has such a variety of popular stores and local stores that have you shopping until you drop. Then you can go down to the bustling restaurants under the mall, such as Yard House, Bourdro’s on the Riverwalk, and Casa Rio. The Riverwalk is a great way to explore the city, with its winding staircases going into more spots and bridges to allow both sides to be explored under the colorful alter of trees.
Website: www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com
