San Antonio, TX
 

I am a professional photographer who will be working on a job in San Antonio. Will be there for a week, with large chunks of down time. Any recommendations for visually interesting subject matter in or around the city. Any other advice? Thanx in advance.

Definitely do the "Mission Trail" and see all of the historic missions around the city. Most of them are very well-preserved, and they are all beautiful. (The Alamo is one of them!) <BR> <BR>Also, go to the Mercado, which is the Mexican market downtown. Lots of colorful items for sale, plus plenty of people, too. <BR> <BR>Outside of the city, Boerne is a lovely place with its antique stores and quaint shops. The little lake in town always has children feeding the ducks and swans. <BR> <BR>Bandera has lots of dude ranches, cowboys and rodeos. They used to have a horse racing track, which I think has closed. The big racetrack in San Antonio is Retama park, and it's right on I-35. <BR> <BR>Fort Sam Houston has some beautiful old buildings. <BR> <BR>Have a good time- San Antonio is a wonderful city with good food and nice people. <BR> <BR>

Hello John, <BR> <BR>My particular favorite spot in San Antonio is the Riverwalk. We always choose a downtown hotel that sits on the river so that we can take advantage of this beautiful area. The people watching is fantastic! Just grab a table at one of the many outdoor cafes, and enjoy!!! You won't be disappointed. Of course, the is also the usual tourist attractions as well. If you will have children along, don't miss Sea World. They would love that. Enjoy your time in San Antonio, it is a lovely place. <BR> <BR>Leah <BR>

Take a side trip to New Braunfels (not very far from San Antonio) and visit The Hummel Museum. Besides having a large collection of the famous German figurines, the museum is the only place in the U.S. that contains original artwork drawn by Sister M.I. Hummel.

If you are there on a Sunday, Mission San Jose has a mariachi mass at noon. The Riverwalk is a fun place. Rent a car and drive up to Johnson City & Stonewall for LBJ homes, Fredericksburg & Willow City Loop for German influence & beautiful scenery (better with spring flowers), and loop back to SA from I-10. <BR>Of course, the Alamo. The Landing on the Riverwalk has great jazz & take the riverboat ride (small river & boat). SA is a fun town with lots to do. You could drive up to Austin (1 1/4 hr.) & see the Capitol, 6th Street. Try www.traveltex.com for more information.

King william district (right near downtown -- reclaimed, restored homes) - which I"m sure the C of C has filled you in about.. <BR> <BR>When we were down there this spring, we heard about a bridge in Austin that was home to 1,000's of bats that would come out near sunset... Sorry not to have more info, but, locals can provide, I'm sure. There's also a B&B (on the route to F'burg?) that has some charming-looking cottages (each individual lodging)....on some good-size acreage...If this is of interst, e=m, and I'll get you specifics..Oh! And don't forget...Luckenbach! What a silly thrill that is! Actually, when we were down there this spring, it was something (for me -not the spouse) of a Willie Nelson pilgramage.. We visited dance halls in Gruene, Phillips (? check me on this if it's really important) and Luckenbach, where his appearances have made the difference for small towns and their -- (talk about indigenous!) -- dance halls between surviving and not surviving.