United States Destinations

Unique San Antonio showcases history and culture

By Caroline and Steve Lake

Photo's by Al Rendon - San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau

San Antonio is a city of multiple cultures. Expressions of the old and new mix in an eclectic manner that can only be found in this fascinating city. This unique blend mixes 200 year-old missions, modern skyscrapers and a downtown built in the 1930s.

One of the most elegant neighbourhoods is the King William Historic District. This is the oldest historic district in Texas. Spanish Colonial structures, Victorian-era homes, and German-influence architecture are found here.

The Alamo, first named The Mission San Antonio de Valero, was established in 1718 and later renamed by Spanish soldiers for their home in Alamo de Parros. The famous battle fought here between a small force of American volunteers and the army commanded by General Santa Ana took on historic significance in the struggle for the independence of Texas from Mexico.

As a legacy of the early Franciscan monks, education thrives in San Antonio and the many universities in the area add to the rich cultural ambience. Our Lady of the Lake University offers tours of their magnificent campus.

The jewel of San Antonio is the River Walk, a 3.5-kilometre winding walkway along the San Antonio River. Just a few steps below the bustle of city streets the walkway is planted with colourful flowers and shaded by huge trees. The River Walk leads to fabulous hotels, restaurants and specialty shops. To sit and enjoy a drink or meal or take a walk or even a cruise along the river is perhaps the best way to capture the essence of this wonderful city.

Depicting much of the history of San Antonio, the Institute of Texas Cultures offers a glimpse into the 50 different cultures that have made their impact on San Antonio.

Spurred by political unrest throughout Central Europe in the 19th century, Jews settled throughout Texas. In 1837 there was Jewish settlement of the commercial centres of Galveston, Houston and San Antonio.

Arriving with little more than the clothes on their backs, these productive people took part in every aspect of Texas culture, contributing to a wide variety of civic and charitable projects. Jewish Texans have been actively involved in political, economic and social changes in the state while retaining their Jewish heritage.

Texas’ first modern art museum, The McNay Art Museum, has recently completed an addition. The original Mediterranean Mansion has been joined with the newly constructed Stieren Centre to vastly increase the space for exhibitions, and include a beautiful sculpture gallery and lovely gardens.

Set along the banks of the River Walk, The Omni La Mansion del Rio is a historical treasure. The original structure built in 1852 served as the home of St. Mary’s School.

In 1968 La Mansion opened as a hotel, becoming one of the finest in San Antonio. Every convenience is provided amid the historic building. The hotel is decorated in Spanish Colonial style. Beautiful tiles grace the pool area and courtyard.

The rooms are spacious and stylishly appointed. Those on the River Walk side of the hotel feature wrought iron balconies overlooking the river.

Las Canarias, the restaurant at Omni La Mansion, offers breakfast, lunch and dinner in an elegant, romantic setting. Guests can dine inside the multi-tiered restaurant or alfresco.

In April, a 10-day fiesta will bring more than 3.5 million visitors to San Antonio. Fabulous parades, beautifully decorating barges will float down the river and there is a four-day multi-cultural food and music event. Fiesta means party in Spanish and the people of San Antonio certainly know how to fiesta. The event runs from April 16 to 26.

San Antonio is a vibrant, one-of-a-kind city with friendly people and a historical past like no other place in the U.S. It’s a great place to visit any time of the year.

For information:

• The Alamo
210-225-1391
www.thealamo.org

• The McNay Art Museum
210-824-5368
www.mcnayart.org

• Fiesta
210-227-5191 or 877-723-4378
www.fiesta-sa.org

• Omni La Mansion del Rio
210-518-1000
www.lamansion.com

• San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau
210-207-6700
www.visitsanantonio.com

• UTSA’s Institute of Texan Cultures
210-458-2330
www.texancultures.com