San Antonio, TX: Perfect for the
Family Vacation
by
Susan Dunn
It’s the
home of the Alamo … and so much more. Go here for picture of the Alamo. One of the
most interesting things to know is that The Alamo is smack in the
middle of downtown San Antonio. Talk about centrally located!
I don’t
know about you, but when I take kids on a vacation I want a little bit
of everything – some fun, some thrills, some culture, some good food, a
learning experience. San Antonio has it all.
THE
ALAMO
Sam
Houston, Davy Crockett, William Barrett Travis, Jim Bowie, and Antonio
Lopez de Santa Ana Perez de Lebron, better known as Santa Ana, who
decreed no prisoners would be taken … the line drawn in the sand …
“American frontiersmen – including some of their most colorful leaders
– ( writes Lamont Wood) gather to support a revolution against a
foreign despot, and hold out against massive odds. Until the climatic
moment when they’re annihilated, taking large numbers of the enemy with
them. Their sacrifice changes history.”
He
continues: “There’s one thing wrong about this romantic tale, one that
sets is apart from others like it: It did happen, as described. And
since then the Alamo has lodged itself deeply into the American psyche…
It has to do with the fact that we gauge our experiences against the
extreme situations, not against average ones. The Alamo represents one
such extreme. It teaches us that even if you’re surrounded, outnumbered
ten to one, they’ve announced they’re taking no prisoners, and they’re
pouring over the walls, within your soul you still have options. You
can decide that something is worth dying for. That here is where you
will stand. That here is where you will draw the line.”
Before
you tour the Alamo, take in the IMAX movie, “The Price of Freedom”. It
will tell the tale to your children, and stir your soul.
After
you’ve seen the Alamo and visited the souvenir shop (get the kids a
Davy Crockett outfit and pick up some bluebonnet seeds) check out the
Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum and the Plaza Wax Museum. Then take a
horse-drawn carriage ride.
RIVERWALK
San
Antonio’s RiverWalk is just down the way from the Alamo. You descend,
via stairs, to find yourself in another world – 3 beautiful miles of
shops, restaurants, clubs and artists. Take a boat ride and get the
historical tour of the City as you look up at the buildings you pass.
Come at Christmas time and it’s all lit with Christmas-tree lights. So
relaxing and beautiful and very romantic.
How
unique is it? It’s featured in movies, most recently “Miss
Congeniality” with Sandra Bullock and William Shatner (Captain Kirk).
BUCKHORN
SALOON AND HALL OF HORNS
Located a short two blocks from the Alamo you’ll find two stories of
“the most exotic collection you’ve ever seen, from our unique horn
collection, to cowboy memorabilia and fish from the Seven Seas, a
two-headed calf and lamb with 8 legs.” There’s a shooting gallery and
arcade, a restaurant, and of course a souvenir shop.
BLUE
STAR COMPLEX
A
complex of former warehouses with galleries and studios, contemporary
art, student exhibits, alternative theater and a brew pub with hand
crafted beers and good things to eat. The Blue Star Complex has family
art-oriented activities year round.
WATER
FUN
Schlitterbahn Waterpark is
located in the quaint town of New Braunfels, just 30 miles from the SA
airport.
A
family-owned resort, it includes something for everyone – tubing river
rapids, a five-story high water fun house, an all-out water cannon
fight, thrill rides for the teens, and water playgrounds for the little
ones, with lifeguards (Lagoon Kiddie Park, Pollywog Pond, Kinderhaven,
Squirt ‘n’ Sliden) and huge relaxing hot tubs (paddle on up to the bar
for snacks, soda pop and mixed drinks). Everyone from the toddler to
the great-grandparents can enjoy a day here.
Admission
to the park includes all water rides and attractions, use of inner
tubes, life vests, bodyboards, and tram service. Tips from a frequent
visitor: wear some water shoes. The pavement gets hot in the summer!
Schlitterbahn is open
full-time mid-May through August. Schedule is posted on their website,
as well as driving instructions.
WHILE
IN NEW BRAUNFELS:
Play the
small but challenging 9-hole golf course, spend some time at John
Newcombe’s Tennis Ranch or have a picnic in Landa Park, including train
rides, paddles boats, rope swing, and a swim in the Comal River.
There are
also some great German bakeries and restaurants, and 6 miles west of
town is Dry Comal Creek Vineyards - “Pretty enough to be nestled on the
hillside of a California valley or strategically placed in the rolling
hills of southern France.”
You
won’t want to miss the SNAKE FARM AND EXOTIC ANIMAL PARK – part of the
“Corridor of Curiosities,” it’s an experience. It just has a nice feel
to it, like the trips you took when you were a kid. And if you’re a
Hummel fan, the NEW BRAUNFELS MUSEUM OF ART & MUSIC (formerly
Hummel Museum) features Hummel figurines and the sketches and
paintings that started it all.
GRUENE,
TX – “Gently resisting change for 100 Years”
Just
down the road from New Braunfels, situated on the Guadalupe River,
you’ll find Gruene, Texas. At the GRIST MILL RESTAURANT you can dine
outside overlooking the River and enjoy some Texas fried catfish and
pinto beans and great strawberry shortcake. Spend the night at the GRUENE MANSION INN, listed
on the National Register of Historic Places and a Texas Historic
Landmark And don’t miss Gruene Hall, the oldest running dance hall in
Texas, and the location of that wonderful dancehall scene in “Michael.”
Screened in, live music, a step back in time. I know I’ve seen some
oldtimers playing dominoes around the bar. They have a Gospel Brunch
with a Texas Twist and a huge buffet every 2nd Sunday.
NATURAL
BRIDGE CAVERNS
See one
of the longest soda straw formations in North American – 14’ in length.
What’s that? Come find out. Pan for Hidden Gems at the Mining Company.
Option –
The Adventure Tour … if you dare. A new spelunking experience.
Physically demanding, you’ll be outfitted with cavinf fear and may be
lowered by rope through a 160’ shaft (or use the walk-in tunnel).
Includes rapelling, On the Adventure Tour you will be outfitted with
caving gear and may be lowered by rope through a 160 foot well shaft or
use the walk-in tunnel.
NATURAL
BRIDGE WILDLIFE RANCH Texas-style, drive through, and the animals will
come right up to the car – complimentary feed given upon entrance.
There’s a Petting Zoo and Walk-a-Bout. Open daily. Over 50 different
species from addax antelope to zebras, llamas to ostriches.
“Horn-to-horn combat, birth of newborns, and mating rituals” included.
MARKET
SQUARE
Billed
as the largest Mexican marketplace outside of Mexico, it’s a great way
to spend a couple of hours, with shops, entertainment, restaurants, and
often a Mexican Festival of some sort being celebrated.
I told
you there was something for everyone, and I haven’t even mentioned The
Missions Trails, a tour of Spanish missions or the Alamodome. And of
course the two big themeparks – SEAWORLD and SIX FLAGS FIESTA TEXAS,
plus a fabulous ZOO.
Susan
Dunn, MA, The EQ Coach, http://www.susandunn.cc ,
mailto:sdunn@susandunn.cc. Coaching, Internet courses and ebooks around
emotional intelligence for your personal and professional success.
Coach Certification Program - fast, affordable, no-residency, training
coaches worldwide. Email for free ezine.
Susan Dunn may be contacted at http://www.susandunn.cc or sdunn@susandunn.cc
|
