My husband and I are spending the next weekend in San Antonio. We already have hotel reservation at Hyatt Regency. We've done The Alamo. I realize this may be too vague. One thing we are not much into is shopping or eating. Any special things to look at along the Riverwalk or nearby?

I am new to this forum. Found several good discussions on places to eat and stay. Margo mentioned she had a trip report for off the beaten track things in the area but not in SA itself. Sounds like something we may be interested in. How do I go about searching for it short of going through every forum?

Also, are there reasonable paid parking around the Riverwalk, specially around Hyatt Regency? They charge $22 per day parking!

Finally, I read about the painted church and will make that one of the stops. Any other places worth stopping?

Any help will be greatly appreciated. Have a great day!

Hi kingwood--Just read your message and will try to forward my trip report. http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...me=Margo&fid=1
If you don't get it, put bluebonnets in the search box and it will come up, I believe.
If you get a chance to leave SA, drive to Gruene for the weekend afternoon of music and eat at the Gristmill. It is hard to describe the ambience there but it is uniquely "Texas".
Have fun and report back--Margo

kingwood, from your name, is it safe to assume that you are coming from Kingwood? If you are travelling I-10, you may want to make a short detour to take a free tour of the Shiner brewery. Interesting tour, great people, plus you get free samples. Enjoy your trip.

On I-10 you must stop at Buccees's outside of Luling. It's a huge store with everything. Also try eating at City Market or Cafe in Luling. Best Barbeque on butcher paper and no silverware. Great. SA is great along riverwalk and the buckhorn museum. Restaurants along river walk are touristie, and over priced. I would also agree going to Gruene or New Braunfels. Gristmill is great!!

There are 4 other missions, kingwood, and you might enjoy one or two of those...Mission San Jose or Concepcion would be two of my favorites.

King William area...especially King William St and Madison, parallel to it, would be fun to drive or walk. There is a brochure at the top (St Mary's end) of King William on the right side of the street as you head south, that describes almost all the houses you'll see, when they were built, by whom, why, and for how much. It makes the tour of that area much more interesting. On the end near Guenther, you'll find a museum house you can tour--Steves HOmestead.

When Kimg William T's into Guenther, you'll find the Guenther House/Pioneer Flour Mill....the best downtown for breakfast or lunch. Misters in the patio outside keep it tolerable despite the temps.

People watching along the Riverwalk is 1st class and you'll be in the midst of things at your hotel.

There is a glass blower, Gini Garcia, river level in that hotel who has some beautiful pieces, also has a studio on S Alamo, (walking distance) where you can sit and watch the pieces being blown. I'm trying to decide which special one I want for my own house.

My DH's brother lives in Kingwood. Is that where you are from?

Welcome, kingwood. You will find several great Houstonians posting on this website. Come join us the next time we have a get together!


Now, SA talk - I agree, Buckee's for pit stop on the way to SA.

If you break down and say you must eat (ha! the main reason I go to SA), check out Boudro's. It was recommended to me by Seamus on this board. He has made some great recommendations.

Would a Segway tour interest you? My best friend and I did it one morning before it got too hot and had a great time. It will take you though various areas and give you a bit of history about the areas. If you do this, be sure to wear comfortable shoes.