Guest Nomad: Beyond The Alamo – Seven Places To Add To Your San Antonio Itinerary

This week’s “Guest Nomad” is Sarah V. from Wandering-off.blogspot.com.

Beyond the Alamo: Seven Places to Add to Your San Antonio Itinerary

After moving to San Antonio from the Midwest this past summer, my family and I discovered just how much there is to do in the country’s seventh largest city.  And yet our friends back home haven’t heard of most of these places.  To many, San Antonio is all about the Alamo.  But don’t be fooled.   The Alamo is just the beginning.

1. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park: The park consists of four missions, all of them containing beautiful 18th-century churches.  My favorite is Mission Concepción, the oldest unrestored stone church in the United States.  Built in 1755, the structure is an excellent example of Spanish Colonial architecture.

2. Japanese Tea Garden:  This beautiful garden, set in Brackenridge Park, is a pleasant surprise for those who expect this part of Texas to look dry and desert-like.  In addition to being lush and peaceful, the garden has an interesting history to boot.  Founded in 1918, near the site of a former rock quarry, the gardens were a challenge to design due to the unusual setting.  Prison labor was used to build the stone bridges, pathways, and lily pond.  Don’t miss the Torri gate, created by the artist Dionicio Rodriguez, which stands at the garden entrance.  You’ll notice that it says, “Chinese Tea Garden.” You can read more about the garden’s history by visiting the city’s Parks and Recreation website.

3. Fralo’s Pizza: Take delicious pizza, add a lovely yet casual outdoor setting, and mix with a hearty dose of live music.  Fralo’s is hip yet inviting, festive yet kid-friendly.   Be sure to try the “pigtails” appetizer.  (Tip: Don’t forget your own beer or wine.  Alcohol isn’t sold at this restaurant.)

4. The old Walgreens sign: This site was the source of controversy in 2008 when it was decided that the old Walgreens would be torn down in favor of a new building.  However, they did keep the retro sign from 1936.  See it at the corner of Houston and Navarro.

5. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema:  Plenty of movie theaters serve more than just the basic popcorn and candy, but this theater goes above and beyond!  You can order everything from pizza to piña coladas.  And don’t miss the pre-show entertainment.  Somehow they have managed to find the weirdest B-movie clips and 1970’s public service announcements to entertain you before the movie starts.  Also, check the website’s calendar for special film festivals and events.

6. McNay Art Museum: The museum opened its doors in 1954 after Marion Koogler McNay left her home, gardens, and art collection in her will.  The collection has since been expanded and an exhibition wing has been added to the museum.   Artists represented in the collection include Vincent van Gogh, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, and Georgia O’Keeffe.

7. The Riverwalk: Lined with restaurants, this is a very popular place to be on summer evenings.  Located below street level, the winding walkways hug the river, making it seem like a peaceful place even when it’s crowded.  If you’re interested in history or architecture, take a river cruise.  The Riverwalk is the star of the show and isn’t to be missed!

Do you know of any other San Antonio must-sees?  Add to the list by leaving a comment!