San Antonio - More Than the Alamo?

If your first image of San Antonio, Texas is one of sand dunes, desert and cactus waving their pointed fingers at the hot sky, you may be surprised to find out that these popular images are only part of San Antonio's allure. Yes, there is something exciting - especially for those who have never had the pleasure of viewing one – of a native cactus standing in the middle of an empty desert. But say you are here with a family, or perhaps even alone, and don't plan to spend your entire trip staring at Texas' natural beauty. Does San Antonio have more to offer than the famous Alamo that graces every textbook and is a place even the youngest schoolchild can identify?

The Low-Down on the Alamo

Many would probably argue that the Alamo is San Antonio's best tourist attraction, and with good reason. There is something in all of us that can feel the mustiness of an ancient chapel and imagine the indomitable faith of the early Catholic settlers. Here are some facts about the Alamo that you may find entertaining; it is always good to know what you will be seeing before you arrive, because no matter how many informational signs you read and pamphlets you acquire, something will always be missed.

• The Alamo's whole title is "Mission San Antonio de Valero."
• The original religious site was built in 1718 during Spanish colonial days as a center to introduce the local Indians to the Spaniards' Catholic faith. But hardships made it imperative to move it to another location. This site, too, was destroyed, so in the 1720s, the mission known as "San Antonio de Valero" was built and has been at this spot ever since.
• The mission's peaceful existence was shattering in 1803 when it became a barracks for the Second Flying Company; after this date, military was continually associated with this site.
• There is more to see here than just the mission itself; gardens, a gift shop, a film and many fascinating artifacts are part of your Alamo visit.

At some point or another (break out those textbooks!) you may have heard of General Santa Anna. He is the man Alamo enthusiasts consider the "bad guy" in Texas history. A Mexican, Santa Anna longed to reclaim Texas for his own country and wrestle it away from the native Texans who had won their freedom. In February 1836, Texans made their stand at the Alamo (San Antonio de Valero). While Mexico gathered a larger army, Jim Bowie and William Travis were in command of the Texas renegades. On the 6th of March, Mexican forces attacked head-on, setting the Alamo in their sights. Every single one of the men who stood up for Texas met their deaths here, and women and servants who survived would always remember the horrible sight of Mexican domination.

The Famous Riverwalk

San Antonio is a huge city. Don't assume you will be coming to see the Alamo and nothing more! This is only a small slice of the things you will be exploring. The best thing about this city is its ability to charm those interested in many different kinds of things, from beachside naps to exotic shopping and fine dining. The Riverwalk, or Paseo del Rio, is a place where everyone will find something to help make their vacation a success. Here are just some of the things Paseo del Rio has to offer:

• Fantastic (and somewhat unusual) events. Check out some offerings on the calendar. Around Halloween, you might catch the bizarre "Coffins on Parade" for some vacation pictures you won't match anywhere else. If you're planning to travel around December, the Spanish Catholic origins of San Antonio are celebrated with the Fiesta de las Luminarias. Over 2,000 candles guide your steps along the boardwalk. This beautiful symbol is constructed to provide a pathway for the Holy Family. Certainly one of the best times to visit the Riverwalk is the time period on and around St. Patrick's Day, when you may be lucky enough to see the "Dyeing O’ the River Green." The San Antonio River is transformed into a beautiful green pond and makes some spectacular, unforgettable photo opportunities. However, be warned; thousands of other guests will also be enjoying this festive event, so come early and be prepared to share the "Luck of the Irish" with many, many friends!'
• The food of the Riverwalk has won continual praise from many delighted customers. Most people have tried Mexican food during their lives, but how much more special it is to have a spicy meal from "South of the Border" during a trip to Spanish San Antonio. The burgers here are far from your average tiny meat patties, worthy of the Texas heartland. Many other cultures and styles of dining are offered here for the picky eater, so there's no chance of leaving hungry.

Citadels of Faith

Suppose you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the Riverwalk and perhaps longing to get back to the serenity you experienced at the Alamo. It may come as a bit of a surprise that the Alamo is not the only mission you can see in the environs of San Antonio. Four Spanish missions are owned and operated by the National Park Service, and their whimsical names bring to mind gently swinging bronze bells, tall rounded spires topped with rustic crosses, and brown- and-black-robed priests attending to wide-eyed Indian children. These missions were not merely chapels but the center of faith which bound everyone in the community with a common thread. The architecture appears to have come straight from medieval Spain and will add flair to your vacation memories.

• Mission San Jose y San Miguel de Aguayo. The name for this mission came from two important people, one a saint (Joseph) and the other an early governor (Marques de San Miguel de Aguayo). It is still used by parishioners, and if you wish to attend the mass, you are encouraged to do so. This mission was originally founded by a priest named Antonio Margil de Jesus.
• Mission San Juan Capistrano (no, not the mission frequented by swallows!) had its beginning in 1716, but the location was moved in later decades to where it now stands. The enlarged enclosure contained not only a church but gardens and fields where Native Americans produced food for their own survival. They also constructed tools and performed other domestic duties.
• Mission San Francisco de la Espada was originally christened in 1690 before being moved to the same location as its sister missions. One thing that makes this particular spot interesting is its irrigation system, part of which is still visible to the public. The origins of irrigation spread back thousands of years, directly to the era of the Romans - who conquered Hispania - and even further back in time.'
• Mission Nuestra Senora de la Concepcion de Acuna. This Spanish mission was moved in 1731 to the spot it has long occupied. Time has done very little to change this citadel of faith, and this mission has perhaps the most historically preserved exterior of the four. Unusually enough, the Moorish artwork that adorns the structure is of North African Muslim origin; the Moors occupied Spain for hundreds of years, and their architectural influence on the later Christian populace was carried over to construction in the New World.

Architecture and Beauty

Another imaginative mental view of San Antonio might include the short adobe-style homes such as the Native Americans inhabited centuries ago, or perhaps a white-washed, clean-cut Spanish residence. There is a major attraction that will satisfy your architectural interests in both areas: the 18th century Governor's Palace. Don't let the name fool you; it didn't gain recognition as a governor's palace in the olden days, but rather as a private home belonging to the captain of area militia. Now a museum, it is a great place to traipse around and drink in the romantic design of a Spanish colonial residence.

A Unique Attraction

What is the last thing you would expect to see in this quaint Texas city? Every person's idea is different, but most would agree that Japanese Tea Gardens would definitely seem out of place. Step into the ancient Orient at this oasis located on St. Mary's Street. This is one of San Antonio's most unique and fascinating attractions and offers a reverent and relaxing stop-off. Another name for this attraction is the Sunken Gardens. The garden tour includes an amphitheatre where there is almost always some kind of entertainment to be found.

The Fast Track

For families whose children do not appreciate the history they will be seeing, there is something in San Antonio that even the pickiest of youngsters will give a huge thumbs-up for: Fiesta Texas. A division of Six Flags, Fiesta Texas has the same features as any good theme park; entertainment, great rides, a carnival atmosphere, and thrilling memories for the smallest members of your family. Although most of the rides aren't "Texas themed," the park is certainly big enough to represent the heart of this huge state. From spinning tea cups (for the parent who likes to keep their head on straight) to gigantic coasters (for those who want to scream as much as their kids), there are rides and attractions everyone will agree on.

External Links:

• San Antonio Travel Guide - Lodging, entertainment and dining ideas
• Heart of San Antonio - Basic attractions for those just getting started
• The Alamo Official Site - A beautiful site with all the info you could ever need