San Antonio this weekend
Feb 20th, 2008, 10:05 AM
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San Antonio this weekend
Taking a last-minute getaway to the Radisson Hill Country resort in San Antonio. Any suggestions for things to do, see, eat or drink on that side of the area?
This is an adults-only weekend and we wouldn't mind doing a little driving to nearby towns for something cool. Don't have to see the Riverwalk, Alamo, etc.
This is an adults-only weekend and we wouldn't mind doing a little driving to nearby towns for something cool. Don't have to see the Riverwalk, Alamo, etc.
Feb 20th, 2008, 05:15 PM
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Hi jayne,
There's not a lot going on out by the Radisson. Aside from Sea World, which is closed for the season, it's a suburban jungle under construction.
There is a terrific BBQ restaurant very close by called Rudy's. Very casual, picnic tables, butcher paper in lieu of plates.
http://rudys.com/
There's a very nice outdoor mall not too far from your hotel, The Shops at La Cantera.
http://www.theshopsatlacantera.com/html/index19.asp
About 15 miles west of San Antonio is the Alsacian town of Castroville.
http://www.castroville.com/
Located in the Hill Country, north of San Antonio, off I-10, are the German settled towns of Boerne and Fredericksburg.
http://www.visitboerne.org/
http://www.fredericksburg-texas.com/
The Texas wine trail is also located in the Hill Country.
http://www.texaswinetrail.com/events.html
There's a lavender farm in Fredericksburg. The lavender in my outdoor containers is in bloom so I wonder how theirs is faring.
http://www.lllfarms.com/
Finally, if you like to hike, a really cool thing to do is visit Enchanted Rock, not far from Fredericksburg.
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/f...nchanted_rock/
There's not a lot going on out by the Radisson. Aside from Sea World, which is closed for the season, it's a suburban jungle under construction.
There is a terrific BBQ restaurant very close by called Rudy's. Very casual, picnic tables, butcher paper in lieu of plates.
http://rudys.com/
There's a very nice outdoor mall not too far from your hotel, The Shops at La Cantera.
http://www.theshopsatlacantera.com/html/index19.asp
About 15 miles west of San Antonio is the Alsacian town of Castroville.
http://www.castroville.com/
Located in the Hill Country, north of San Antonio, off I-10, are the German settled towns of Boerne and Fredericksburg.
http://www.visitboerne.org/
http://www.fredericksburg-texas.com/
The Texas wine trail is also located in the Hill Country.
http://www.texaswinetrail.com/events.html
There's a lavender farm in Fredericksburg. The lavender in my outdoor containers is in bloom so I wonder how theirs is faring.
http://www.lllfarms.com/
Finally, if you like to hike, a really cool thing to do is visit Enchanted Rock, not far from Fredericksburg.
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/f...nchanted_rock/
Feb 20th, 2008, 08:01 PM
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I'm on board with AnnMarie! I say Fredericksburg and the wineries! 
As a matter of fact, the Fredericksburg Winery, on Main street has a sweet little orange muscat that rocks!
Great German food, beautiful scenery and plenty of wineries in the area.
Cheers!!
Paula
As a matter of fact, the Fredericksburg Winery, on Main street has a sweet little orange muscat that rocks!
Great German food, beautiful scenery and plenty of wineries in the area.
Cheers!!
Paula
Feb 21st, 2008, 04:06 AM
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Thanks -- I definitely am not interested in suburban ANYTHING! hehe
We definitley might explore the towns mentioned on Saturday, or maybe do something else in San Antonio?
Is there anything cool that the typical tourist often overlooks?
We definitley might explore the towns mentioned on Saturday, or maybe do something else in San Antonio?
Is there anything cool that the typical tourist often overlooks?
Feb 21st, 2008, 04:23 AM
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I have no idea how frequented this is but I think one of the more unique things to do in town is drive / visit the Mission Trail...
http://www.nps.gov/saan/
There's an interesting exhibit currently on display at the Witte Museum, Our Body the Universe Within...
http://www.wittemuseum.org/
We enjoy taking visitors to the Botanical Gardens...
http://www.sabot.org/
Not sure if you're flying or driving in but there's a lot of road construction going on all around town. Following is a link to trans-guide to help you navigate possible road closures, etc.
http://www.transguide.dot.state.tx.us/
http://www.nps.gov/saan/
There's an interesting exhibit currently on display at the Witte Museum, Our Body the Universe Within...
http://www.wittemuseum.org/
We enjoy taking visitors to the Botanical Gardens...
http://www.sabot.org/
Not sure if you're flying or driving in but there's a lot of road construction going on all around town. Following is a link to trans-guide to help you navigate possible road closures, etc.
http://www.transguide.dot.state.tx.us/
Feb 21st, 2008, 05:03 AM
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The caves and drive through animal park are cool and located near each other. The drive through animal park lets you feed the animals from your car. (There might be a coupon on their website for free extra feed) My husband kept feeding the animals on my side of the car. You haven't lived until a zebra breathes in your face!
Feb 21st, 2008, 05:08 AM
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Feb 21st, 2008, 08:17 AM
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The caves with the animal park next door is actually Natural Bridge Caverns. http://www.naturalbridgecaverns.com/
Another thing many visitors miss is King William Historic District, not far from the Riverwalk. Most of the homes were built in the mid to late 1800's, were beautiful at one time, fell into disrepair, became slum, then rescued and once again simply gorgeous. The two best streets are King William and Madison. Others on the other side of S Alamo are in various stages of being reclaimed. It is all very safe. I walk there every weekend and never have had a worry. One of the better breakfast/lunch places in town, Guenther House is located there, so you could do a drive-by or walk by of the area, and have a terrific lunch at Guenther House the same day. Eat outside on their patio. So pleasant!
Our Body, the Universe Within is on my list of must sees before it leaves the area, despite the growing controversy over the bodies and how they might have been obtained. The line last Saturday went out the door and down the sidewalk!
Another thing many visitors miss is King William Historic District, not far from the Riverwalk. Most of the homes were built in the mid to late 1800's, were beautiful at one time, fell into disrepair, became slum, then rescued and once again simply gorgeous. The two best streets are King William and Madison. Others on the other side of S Alamo are in various stages of being reclaimed. It is all very safe. I walk there every weekend and never have had a worry. One of the better breakfast/lunch places in town, Guenther House is located there, so you could do a drive-by or walk by of the area, and have a terrific lunch at Guenther House the same day. Eat outside on their patio. So pleasant!
Our Body, the Universe Within is on my list of must sees before it leaves the area, despite the growing controversy over the bodies and how they might have been obtained. The line last Saturday went out the door and down the sidewalk!
Feb 21st, 2008, 08:26 AM
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We saw Body Worlds in Houston, which is about the same thing, I think. It was cool, but boy, you are right about the lines!
Has anyone ever gone to the Cave With No Name...or something like that?
Has anyone ever gone to the Cave With No Name...or something like that?
Feb 21st, 2008, 09:47 AM
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No, and I'm embarrased to say I've never heard of the Cave Without a Name near Boerne.... anyone else?
http://www.livelifetravel.com/texas/no_name_cave.html
Hi OO, have you read any of the letters to the editor about the exhibit? Gimme-a-break! I just don't get what all the fuss is about. How many cadavers do med schools go through in a year??? Not to mention the skeletons in a box... we haven't been yet either but hope to soon.
http://www.livelifetravel.com/texas/no_name_cave.html
Hi OO, have you read any of the letters to the editor about the exhibit? Gimme-a-break! I just don't get what all the fuss is about. How many cadavers do med schools go through in a year??? Not to mention the skeletons in a box... we haven't been yet either but hope to soon.
Feb 21st, 2008, 10:11 AM
#11
Hi AnnMarie...I am so impressed that you've been able to keep your lavender alive!
I've heard of the Cave With No Name...I think it's another that harbors Mexican Free Tails, but I don't see them mentioned in your link. That link was so interesting...it'd be something fun to do on a weekend. Natural Bridge Caverns amazed me, and they are almost in our backyard. Makes me wonder what's under the yard--IF we could only dig!
When I read about the exhibit the article in the paper seemed to stress that these were actual dead people and were to be treated respectfully. I thought that was an odd thing to say, having no idea at that time, of the controversy that has swirled around the various exhibits. I haven't read letters to the editor...and am probably better off not reading them! I can imagine. Did read some editorial comments a couple of weeks ago though. It's not going to keep me from going.
jayne, I understand the Houston exhibit was much larger than ours. Our museum did not have the space for that exhibit.
I've heard of the Cave With No Name...I think it's another that harbors Mexican Free Tails, but I don't see them mentioned in your link. That link was so interesting...it'd be something fun to do on a weekend. Natural Bridge Caverns amazed me, and they are almost in our backyard. Makes me wonder what's under the yard--IF we could only dig!
When I read about the exhibit the article in the paper seemed to stress that these were actual dead people and were to be treated respectfully. I thought that was an odd thing to say, having no idea at that time, of the controversy that has swirled around the various exhibits. I haven't read letters to the editor...and am probably better off not reading them! I can imagine. Did read some editorial comments a couple of weeks ago though. It's not going to keep me from going.
jayne, I understand the Houston exhibit was much larger than ours. Our museum did not have the space for that exhibit.
Feb 21st, 2008, 10:24 AM
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LOL, OO!!! Oh, the thoughts and ideas swirling through my head right now...bad bad bad. 
Gosh, the Cave w/No Name makes me wonder what else we've missed. Haven't been to the Caverns out your way. As kids, we went to the caverns in PA so haven't really felt the need--perhaps I'll add it to our list of things to see before we go.
Gosh, the Cave w/No Name makes me wonder what else we've missed. Haven't been to the Caverns out your way. As kids, we went to the caverns in PA so haven't really felt the need--perhaps I'll add it to our list of things to see before we go.
Feb 21st, 2008, 12:39 PM
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If you do head to Fredricksburg, there are several wineries in the area. The one downtown in F'burg is really just a big store - but lots of free tastings. Definitely check out Becker Vineyards, Texas Hills Vineyards, well, see for yourself
http://www.texaswinetrail.com/map.html
http://www.texaswinetrail.com/map.html
Feb 27th, 2008, 07:30 AM
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Had a great time -- thanks for the tips. What beautiful weather we had for the last weekend in February!
The hotel was OK for the great Priceline rate I got at the last minute. It's not luxurious, but there's a nice pool area, workout room and spa. The locker rooms have saunas and steam rooms. You guys were right on about the suburban sprawl in the area.
The only thing we actually did in San Antonio was grab a beer and a bite at Casbeers on Friday night. We were surprised while we were waiting for our food when a woman came to our table and wanted a $10 per person cover if we planned to stay for the show. We declined, but did hear some of it while we ate. It was a woman performing solo -- I think her name was Ginger Leigh. She was OK, but the enchiladas were probably the best I ever sunk my teeth into!
The rest of the time we spent exploring various scenic backroads. Highlights were Lost Maples, Old Tunnel Wildlife Management Area, "Stonehenge" near Ingram, and Mac and Ernies Roadside Eatery in Tarpley. Have any of you been there?
We also went to Castroville -- interesting mix of small town Texas redneck and French. The Alsacian (sp?) restaurant is overrated. There are some great old buildings to see there. There's even a convent, which my husband was driving around because he thought it was the Chamber of Commerce! hehe
We didn't do the wineries since we were doing so much driving, but will definitely check those out next time.
For our cave experience, we stopped at Longhorn Cavern on the way. We still need to get to Natural Bridge and Cave Without a Name. We will also do Enchanted Rock when we have more time to hike.
On the way home, we did the Willow City Loop, which in the spring is famous for wildflowers. It was us and hundreds of motorcycles on those backroads this weekend!
Loved the area and can't wait to go again!
The hotel was OK for the great Priceline rate I got at the last minute. It's not luxurious, but there's a nice pool area, workout room and spa. The locker rooms have saunas and steam rooms. You guys were right on about the suburban sprawl in the area.
The only thing we actually did in San Antonio was grab a beer and a bite at Casbeers on Friday night. We were surprised while we were waiting for our food when a woman came to our table and wanted a $10 per person cover if we planned to stay for the show. We declined, but did hear some of it while we ate. It was a woman performing solo -- I think her name was Ginger Leigh. She was OK, but the enchiladas were probably the best I ever sunk my teeth into!
The rest of the time we spent exploring various scenic backroads. Highlights were Lost Maples, Old Tunnel Wildlife Management Area, "Stonehenge" near Ingram, and Mac and Ernies Roadside Eatery in Tarpley. Have any of you been there?
We also went to Castroville -- interesting mix of small town Texas redneck and French. The Alsacian (sp?) restaurant is overrated. There are some great old buildings to see there. There's even a convent, which my husband was driving around because he thought it was the Chamber of Commerce! hehe
We didn't do the wineries since we were doing so much driving, but will definitely check those out next time.
For our cave experience, we stopped at Longhorn Cavern on the way. We still need to get to Natural Bridge and Cave Without a Name. We will also do Enchanted Rock when we have more time to hike.
On the way home, we did the Willow City Loop, which in the spring is famous for wildflowers. It was us and hundreds of motorcycles on those backroads this weekend!
Loved the area and can't wait to go again!
Feb 27th, 2008, 07:59 AM
#16
Thanks for the trip report jayne1973. You did have a gorgeous weekend for the trip. We mowed our yard for the first time this season Sunday, so you definitely had more fun than we did!
I love Lost Maples for hiking, and that is one of our favorite scenic drives, too. The scenery is an "Oh Wow!" experience in several spots along that highway plus I enjoy the portion through Bandera. We were saying as we worked Sunday it would have been a perfect day to go to Lost Maples if we'd thought about it earlier.
I've done the Willow City Loop...those roads are favorites with the motorcycles. Did you notice the age of many of the riders? We did it last with our little Z3, top down...also fun.
I'm not familiar with the Old Tunnel Wildlife area?? Is that one of the bat locations? I seem to remember something with "old tunnel" in it associated with the bats. Haven't been to Mack and Ernie's either. Should we? You certainly got around--couldn't have let much moss grow under your feet!
Thanks again for letting us know how it went.
I love Lost Maples for hiking, and that is one of our favorite scenic drives, too. The scenery is an "Oh Wow!" experience in several spots along that highway plus I enjoy the portion through Bandera. We were saying as we worked Sunday it would have been a perfect day to go to Lost Maples if we'd thought about it earlier.
I've done the Willow City Loop...those roads are favorites with the motorcycles. Did you notice the age of many of the riders?
We did it last with our little Z3, top down...also fun.I'm not familiar with the Old Tunnel Wildlife area?? Is that one of the bat locations? I seem to remember something with "old tunnel" in it associated with the bats. Haven't been to Mack and Ernie's either. Should we?
You certainly got around--couldn't have let much moss grow under your feet!Thanks again for letting us know how it went.
Feb 28th, 2008, 04:13 AM
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OO -- The motorcylists seemed to be of all age ranges. I figured the ones who raced by at 80 mph were probably the youngest -- hehe. We, too, were sort of kindred spirts in our little old Miata with the top down.
We hiked for about an hour in Lost Maples on the lakes and ponds trail. We were stunned by its beauty and I can't imagine what it's like when the trees show their fall colors.
Yes, you should go check out Mac and Ernie's on a pleasant weekend evening. It's a truly unique place. Imagine delicous (even gourmet) food that you order up from basically an outdoor concession stand, served on disposable plates. You must buy your drinks from the convenience store next door. You can bring a bottle of wine (with $5 cork fee.) But wine and beer are for sale at the store. The whole atomosphere is hard to explain, but we loved it.
We had a great weekend, but I bet your lawn looks much better than ours!
We hiked for about an hour in Lost Maples on the lakes and ponds trail. We were stunned by its beauty and I can't imagine what it's like when the trees show their fall colors.
Yes, you should go check out Mac and Ernie's on a pleasant weekend evening. It's a truly unique place. Imagine delicous (even gourmet) food that you order up from basically an outdoor concession stand, served on disposable plates. You must buy your drinks from the convenience store next door. You can bring a bottle of wine (with $5 cork fee.) But wine and beer are for sale at the store. The whole atomosphere is hard to explain, but we loved it.
We had a great weekend, but I bet your lawn looks much better than ours!
