We'll be heading down to San Antonio this weekend to see our lady Huskies in the Womens' final four and wanted some good advice on things to see and places to eat. We'll be staying at the Westin Riverwalk. We will be arriving on Thursday afternoon and coming back on Monday, so time is short.

Hi there! My family has lived in San Antonio for 12 years and I think you'll love it! First though, pray for good weather, as there's a fairly good chance for rain this weekend. Highs will probably be in the 70's with lows in the 50's. You're staying at a good hotel. If the weather cooperates, spend some time on the Riverwalk, full of great restaurants, bars, people watching, etc. Some recommended restaurants there: Rio Rio for good Mexican food with huge portions and Boudro's for southwest and cajun specialties. If you want to really splurge, try La Reve (named by Gourmet Magazine as the best restaurant in Texas last year -- coat and tie required, reservations required) or Biga on the Banks (mouthwatering food -- can probably get by with a dress shirt or even golf shirt and khakis there). Another possibility is Easter brunch at one of the many nice hotels downtown, but make reservations! All restaurants are downtown and your concierge can give directions. See the Alamo, but make sure to see the IMAX movie on the Alamo in Rivercenter Mall or the free 30-minute movie on the Alamo at the Alamo itself to gain an appreciation for what happened there. Rivercenter Mall has pretty good shopping, as well as a comedy club, movie theater, and an Imax theater with 3D films, etc. For nightlife, try Sunset Station just north of the Alamodome -- lots of music/club choices within one large building. If the weather's decent, walk through the very quaint neighborhood of King William, just south of downtown -- beautiful old homes. If you have kids, go to Sea World or Six Flags Fiesta Texas -- you'll need a taxi to get to either one. Another possibility is to see the historic missions south of downtown. Again, you'll need a taxi -- your concierge can give you more information. Have a super time and go Huskies!

Yes, rain is in the forecast for this weeekend, but don't let that stop you. You'll be well located to access all the great downtown/Riverwalk places. Ditto pretty much all in the previous post. For some of the best Tex mex on the Riverwalk try the Old Original Mexican Restaurant. Avoid Casa Rio - bad tourist food! If your tastes run to carnivorous, County Line serves great BBQ and ribs. If you want to get out of the downtown area but not travel too far try La Fonda on Main (not any other locations - only the one on North Main) or Paloma Blanca on Broadway for good Mexican food. The Market Square area (El Mercado) is close to you and fun if you want to get a flavor of Mexico and find some trinkets to bring back home. Restaurants there (Mi Tierra, La Maragarita) are OK but not terrific. Better to have a drink there and eat elsewhere. Sea World and Fiesta Texas parks are both a good 30 minutes (more if traffic is heavy) from downtown, would take the better part of a whole day for either and if the weather is iffy wouldn't be a great choice.

Thanks for the great suggestions-- I'm sure we'll have a terrific time. I'll let you know how we do.

Go Huskies!

WE ENVY YOU!!!!!!!!! GO HUSKIES!!!!!
Hope that you have good seats!!!!!!!!

If you have a chance, go to the Mariachi Mass at Mission San Jose at noon on Sunday. Take the river ride for a relaxing and fun look at SA. Mi Tierra is a SA institution (particularly late night or early morning) for Mexican food. It is in the Mercado (Market) and La Margarita is there as well and good for the price and Pico de Gallo is under the freeway across from the Market. They have trolley buses running among the major sites for $.50. You can drive into the Hill Country (about an hour north) and see the Texas White House of LBJ, Fredericksburg, Willow City Loop (great vistas but would be better if bluebonnets were out), Kerrville (with James Avery jewelry) and back to SA. SA primary influences were Mexican and German. The King William district is a take-off of Kaiser Wilhelm because that is old German area. When you are walking the Riverwalk, stop and have a drink, people watch and listen to good jazz at The Landing. Have fun! Get some cascaronnes (eggs hollowed out and filled with confetti and you crush them on the heads of your "friends") --it's an Easter tradition. Also, try bunuelos--sugary treat.

If you have a chance, go to the Mariachi Mass at Mission San Jose at noon on Sunday. Take the river ride for a relaxing and fun look at SA. Mi Tierra is a SA institution (particularly late night or early morning) for Mexican food. It is in the Mercado (Market) and La Margarita is there as well and good for the price and Pico de Gallo is under the freeway across from the Market. They have trolley buses running among the major sites for $.50. You can drive into the Hill Country (about an hour north) and see the Texas White House of LBJ, Fredericksburg, Willow City Loop (great vistas but would be better if bluebonnets were out), Kerrville (with James Avery jewelry) and back to SA. SA primary influences were Mexican and German. The King William district is a take-off of Kaiser Wilhelm because that is old German area. When you are walking the Riverwalk, stop and have a drink, people watch and listen to good jazz at The Landing. Have fun! Get some cascaronnes (eggs hollowed out and filled with confetti and you crush them on the heads of your "friends") --it's an Easter tradition. Also, try bunuelos--sugary treat. If you get tired of Mexican, I like Paesanos in Alamo Heights. There is one on the river and they serve Italian.