You saw the first part of our trip, where we were nestled far away from civilization; our only companions, fish, strays cats and cows. Now for the second part of the trip where we joined the human race and feasted like kings and queens {Texas Kings and Queens}. On our 4th day in Texas we packed up our rental car and drove 3 hours to San Antonio, the birthplace of The Lone Star state. On our way though, we stopped for some BBQ at Texas Pride BBQ, which had been featured on one of our favorite shows, Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. The BBQ was out of this world good. The decor was exactly what I would picture for a great BBQ joint. Vintage and rustic, with park bench tables, a concession stand for all your favorite toppings, and a smoker pit in the back that you can smell from miles around. Just look at this place, screams great BBQ right?
So once in San Antonio we took to the streets. We wanted to take it all in. This is one of the restaurants you will encounter. It's a serious tourist trap; we didn't venture in, but I thought the building was pretty neat.
Then we came to the winding walkways of the Riverwalk. What I like to call "Hillbilly Venice", not because the people that you see there are the hillbilly type at all, honestly it's mostly tourists and business men and women, but it's a far cry from Italy. The one and only resemblance I would imagine is the winding river that passes through the entire city. Meandering in and out of back alleyways and side streets, bringing you to little shops and variety of restaurants.
The river sits below the streets, so the hustle and bustle of traffic is silenced below. It's quite serene and beautiful. I surely wouldn't mind strolling the Riverwalk on my lunch break if I worked in the area.
Aren't these umbrellas fun!?
Our next stop was The Alamo, the old fort where the battle for Texas was fought, and guess what? We won! Just in case you were wondering the outcome.
Outside the fort is a statue of the hero's who fought for our dear country. One of the main Pioneers leading the fight was David Crockett. My husband, sharing the same first name as Crockett was ridiculed with the infamous Davy Crockett tune when we were growing up. Now he doesn't really mind the idea of being thought of as David Crockett. He was a hero after all.
We've been to a few forts in our travels, and I have to say that this one was the most lush and beautiful inside the walls.
I seriously want this park bench in my backyard.
Outside midtown, we went to a Japanese Tea Garden. Yes I did type Japanese Tea Garden since that is what the plaque said, the giant sign for some reason said Chinese Tea Garden. Not sure which it was actually, but I do know that it was extremely tranquil and serene.
The hubs carving our name on the "Love Agave".
On the way back to your hotel after the Tea Garden, I had a hankering for something sweet and not just any sweet, pastry sweet. That would be what you are seeing in my hand below. A giant, icing coated, sugary, sweet Pecan Cinnamon bun. I ate the whole thing :)
The night on the Riverwalk is spectacular. The lights, the smells, the crowds.
So romantic.
There are not many cities that I have been to that I say I would love outside of {I never want to live in a city}. Charleston is numero uno, but San Antonio is definitely in the running. Having this city accessible for a fun evening out, with delicious food, and high energy would be very nice.
So to wrap up our Texas trip, San Antonio is a wonderful city to visit. It's not a huge city, will take you no more then two days to see the whole thing, but it's full of history, authentic food, and great energy. It's a must for anyone's Bucket List.
