Deep…in the Heart 8 Reasons Why You Will Fall in Love with San Antonio

by | Jan 28, 2014 | February/March, Great Escape

San Antonio

It was just last month when my love affair with San Antonio, Texas began.  Despite the frigid weather, (San Antonio was experiencing an excruciating cold front), I fell in love.

Deep. In the Heart is its city’s motto.   From San Antonio’s rich culture to its historic legacies and culinary delights, travelers from all over the world are drawn to one of America’s most authentic and fervent cities.   From the rolling terrain of Hill Country with beautiful vineyards and hillside breakfasts, to the famed Tex-Mex cuisine, San Antonio is one of the nation’s largest cities, and has become one of America’s most authentic and loved destinations.   Rooted on the banks of a spring-fed river, Latino, Western and European cultures mingle to form a city unlike any other—good ole’ San Antonio.

 

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The River Walk
Cobblestone and flagstone paths border the San Antonio River as it winds through downtown.  The Paseo del Rio, otherwise known as the River Walk, is what many refer to as an urban masterpiece.  Cafés and specialty boutiques, art galleries, watering holes, arched stone bridges and beautiful high rise hotels line the river, making it easy for visitors to take a stroll, both day and night.  Take a stroll along the River Walk or dine on open-air cruisers as they peruse down the waterway.
The Cuisine
When you think of San Antonio cuisine, you think of Tex-Mex.  The city’s unique blend of culture gives birth to dishes that are not only rich in tradition but also in flavor.  The Frutería – Botanero by Chef Johnny Hernandez offers small plates of botanas rich in flavor and perfect for the palate.  If you’re in the mood for a hearty steak, make your way to Bohanan’s.  Bring an appetite as Chef Mark Bohanan’s dishes are nothing short of perfection.  Dine with a view at Boudros Texas Bistro, nestled along the River Walk.
The Wine

While you may not think of San Antonio as one of your traditional destinations for wine…well think again.  Just a short drive north of San Antonio, you will find more than 30 Hill Country wineries.  Take a sip of some of the finest Texas wines, and explore all that it has to offer.  Experience Texas Hill Country and sample some award winning wines at Four Point Cellars along U.S. Highway 290 or take a few sips straight from the barrel at Grape Creek Vineyards.

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The Alamo

Remember the Alamo!  Better yet, take a visit.   Walking on the very land where, for 13 days, Texans and Tejanos defended the Alamo against General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna’s army in 1836, well it rendered me speechless.  The Alamo represents so much more than just the Spanish colonial architecture that still stands.  The Alamo symbolizes the heroic struggles of those who fought and paid the ultimate price of freedom.  Take a tour and watch as history comes to life at The Alamo.

The Missions

If you want to learn more about San Antonio, what better place to begin than the four other Spanish colonial missions that were founded in the early 1700’s to form San Antonio Missions National Park.    Explore the city’s roots and Spain’s influence.  Drive from mission to mission or take Mission Trail by bike.
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The Tamales
Having been taught by the locals, I made a few tamales and quickly realized there is a lot of “blood sweat and tears” involved, but the key and common ingredient of the wrapped delight, they are each made with love.  Tamales date back to as early as 5000 BC and have become a part of the Midwestern culture. In fact, Tamales at Pearl! is an annual festival dedicated to San Antonio’s love for tamales.

 

 

 

 
Pearl Brewery
Combine a place to live, eat, shop and play and you’ve got Pearl…one of San Antonio’s culinary and cultural destinations.  It’s a space where farmers, ranchers, and chefs convene, a historic gathering place where everyone is welcome to eat, shop and learn all about the traditions of food along the banks of the San Antonio River.  Enjoy one of Chef Steve McHugh’s fine delicacies as he recently opened his own restaurant, Cured at Pearl.  Fueled by his recent diagnosis and recovery from non-Hodgkins lymphoma, Chef McHugh’s menu is based on only the purest regional ingredients paired with organic methods.
Market Square, El Mercado

Peruse through the plazas of Market Square, otherwise known as El Mercado.  Market Square is the largest Mexican market in the U.S. and one of Frommer’s top ten outdoor markets.  Market Square comes to life with its festive combination of Tex-Mex cuisine, music, entertainment, products ranging from pearls to piñatas and everything in between is a must see.
For more information about San Antonio, call 800-447-3372 or visit www.visitsanantonio.com.
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