San Antonio Romance

San Antonio in southern Texas offers rich history, Spanish and Mexican culture, and a thriving arts community. Visit the 300-year-old Alamo, Texas’ most famous landmark that signifies the state’s independence from Mexico. The San Antonio Missions National Historic Park comprises four 18th-century missions along the San Antonio River; visitors can tour them all by traveling the eight-mile Missions Bike and Hike Trail. Stroll along the peaceful River Walk in San Antonio’s city center, which offers three miles of cobblestone pathways lined with restaurants, shops, cafés and bars.

Explore San Antonio’s art scene including Blue Star Art Space and the First Friday Art Walk through the city’s Southtown neighborhood. Other attractions include the family-friendly Witte Museum, which features science and natural history and the San Antonio Museum of Art, which houses the most comprehensive collection of Latin American art in the United States. 

Located on a quiet stretch of the famous Riverwalk, Watermark Hotel and Spa is about three blocks from the Alamo and nine miles from San Antonio International Airport. This location is also three blocks from the Rivercenter Mall and IMAX Theatre, six blocks from the Henry B Gonzalez Convention Center, eight blocks from HemisFair Park, a mile from the King William Historic District and Alamodome, two miles from the San Antonio Museum of Art, four miles from the Japanese Tea Gardens, five miles from the Witte Museum and San Antonio Zoo, six miles from Mission San Jose, 15 miles from Six Flags Fiesta Texas, and 18 miles from Sea World San Antonio. Amenities at this non-smoking hotel include the rooftop pool and patio, Rooftop Cafe (which opens to the pool and patio), Pesca on the River (which opens to a riverside terrace with umbrella-topped tables), and 17,000-square-foot Watermark Spa with its candlelit spa tub, lounge, boutique, and 20 treatment rooms offering therapies such as the Spanish Rosemary Massage, the Mesquite Clay Wrap, and couples massage. The hotel also offers room service, concierge assistance, a doorman, dry cleaning, and a parking garage. All rooms feature wrought-iron four-poster beds, leather-topped desks, high-speed Internet access, CD players, ceiling fans, cable TV, pay movies, nightly turndown service (on request), minibars, coffeemakers, voicemail, free local calls, iron and ironing boards, hairdryers, bathrobes, and marble bathrooms with separate bath and shower.

When you think of San Antonio, two things automatically come to mind: the Alamo and the River Walk. The River Walk was conceived in 1929. Downtown had serious flood problems, and Robert Hugman suggested that the city turn the San Antonio River into an asset rather than a hindrance. Hugman's brainchild has since become the essence of the city. The city's most popular attraction, it is often crowded and filled with children, party goers, tourists and locals. In the heart of the River Walk is an area filled with restaurants, shops and nightclubs, punctuated by fountains and towering Cypress trees. The River Walk is particularly crazy during Fiesta.

Hop aboard one of the city's river barges and take a 40-minute cruise around the 2.5-mile stretch of the San Antonio River known as the River Walk. Narrated cruises emphasize the history of the area and depart hourly from three "ports." Don't be shy about waving to passersby, as there's something about you being on a boat that will make them want to wave to you, too. Barges are available for private tours, dining charters and custom cruises. River taxis are available for groups, as well. Reservations are accepted for seating on general public narrated cruises.

Le Rêve is French for "the dream," and this cozy, elegant star in the heart of downtown is a great place to grab a brew, some beef and a break. White tablecloths, expert service and a beautiful wine list add to the allure of this formal but friendly reverie just off the beaten path. Chef Andrew Weissman, formerly of Le Cirque, orchestrates some of the most gorgeous and delicious meals in the city. Enjoy a hearty merlot with some Tournedos de Boeuf or a snappy Chardonnay with Lobster Sauteed a L'Orange.

In 1915, the city requested a Japanese immigrant and his wife to transform an old rock quarry into a Japanese-styled garden, and a man named Mr. Kimi Eizo Jingu agreed to the task. He started with a rock house, which still stands today and is surrounded by winding pebble walkways, stone bridges, a waterfall and tranquil pools. His work transformed the old rock quarry into a garden filled with lily ponds and lush green vegetation. With the onset of World War II and the growing anti-Japanese sentiment that surrounded it, the city council changed the garden's name to "Chinese Sunken Garden." In 1983, the original name was finally restored.

33 acres of lush foliage and colorful blooms beg to be appreciated. A wonderful attraction often overlooked by visitors, the garden is exquisite year round, with something always in bloom. A conservatory, formal gardens, "old-fashioned" gardens and native plant areas provide a variety of interest. This is definitely a must-see for both botany experts and garden-variety folks. If you're visiting in the spring, don't forget your antihistamines. The garden center features a luncheon cafe, a gift shop, guided tours, and adults' and children's classes and is also available for private parties.

Housed in what was once the Lone Star Brewery, this museum boasts fairly comprehensive collections of both ancient and Asian art. The Nelson A. Rockefeller Center for Latin American Art displays what is probably one of the most impressive collections of pre-Columbian, Spanish Colonial, and Latin American modern and folk art in the United States. On Sundays, the museum sponsors educational workshops for children, in which they can create their own pieces of art to display at home. The museum also plays host to touring exhibits such as one featuring Egyptian artifacts on loan from Boston's Museum of Fine Arts.

Originally home to the Ursuline Academy School for Girls in the 19th century, this historic property was purchased in 1965 by the San Antonio Conservation Society. The Society feared demolition and decided to save the 10 acres. With reflections of French design, the conglomeration of small buildings is beautiful, especially the small chapel adorned with amazing stained glass. Today the center is where creative adult and child artisans of all skill levels learn and teach. With expert instructors, this is the place to learn traditional and contemporary arts and crafts. Even if you are not interested in taking a class, stroll through the grounds and visit the art gallery, the chapel and the Copper Kitchen Restaurant.

The historical center and heart of the city's Mexican culture, the square is the largest Mexican marketplace outside of Mexico. Here you can dine on Mexican food at one of several cafes, enjoy the lively sounds of Mariachi bands and buy wonderful blankets, clothes, leather and metal goods and much more, imported from just south of the border. The square plays host to many cultural events and fairs throughout the year, including Fiesta del Mercado (Party of the Market) in April and Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in November.