Over a year later and I still feel the buzz of being in San Antonio. Often, my vacations are following my husband on a business trip. We’ll tack on a day or two for us and I’ll spend a day or two alone, exploring. Normally, for this convention it’s Las Vegas but being six months pregnant at the time, I was glad it wasn’t!
When he initially said, “do you want to go to San Antonio?”, I really didn’t know what to think. I knew the Alamo was there and something about a River Walk. But that was it. Those were top on my list and when we were done (about an hour later) I thought, “We did The Alamo, now what?” I had three days left!
Thankfully, the good old internet saved the day(s)! After some quick research on my phone; read blogs on Pinterest, checked Facebook events and googled key phrases like “best tacos near me”. We made friends at the pool and took some of their advice, too. Here are the top five unexpected great experiences I’d recommend after the Alamo. Which I do recommend, but everyone and their mother has covered that.
1) River Tour – My cousin Jen recommended this one and I’m so glad she did! Not exactly “unexpected” because likely everyone who visits the area either has been on or has seen this tour. Which makes sense because tickets are only $12! In just one hour but we floated past Love Island, hundreds of breathtaking natural elements, and the busy social scene on the San Antonio Riverwalk. The quick trip covered history, architecture, and recommendations on entertainment in the area. All while sipping a frozen (virgin) cocktail from the Thirsty Aztec next door to the dock. A highly recommended, quick “touristy” activity to see what the Riverwalk has to offer when you get into town.
2) Howl at the Moon – This is not your average piano bar! It’s a unique experience that encompasses the traditional ‘request and raise tips’ spiel but with a much more authentic vibe. They had three piece bands on stage and an abundant supply of music available. You could feel the artist’s energy and passion even when they’re covering Lady Gaga. The bar features fun mixed buckets, social media tags scroll on large screens, and the atmosphere in general magnified the spirit of Texas! By far, the longest I’ve been able to keep my husband happy in a piano bar!
3) Mi Tierra – Want authentic Mexican food day or night? Visit this 24 hour, family run legacy. For nearly 80 years, this restaurant doesn’t just serve a good meal, it provides an experience as if you’re in the Cortez family’s home. With an ability to serve 500 patrons at a time, it’s a huge property that will undoubtedly require a wait to get in. But you can’t pass the time shopping at their bakery, gift shop or taking in the elaborate, traditional decorations adorning the walls. From an altar in the front doorway to a holiday themed room to the wall of celebrities – there is much to bask over. The extensive menu serves many authentic Tex Mex variations from breakfast to dinner (try the huevos rancheros). While you wait, which isn’t but a moment, mariachi singers will stop by to serenade you. It was truly an incredible experience that anyone can enjoy.
4) The Guenther House – Though I was significantly pregnant at the time, I swear my whole trip wasn’t about food! This stop however, served up an awesome, home cooked southern brunch that I’m still talking about. Truth be told, I wasn’t entirely sure of what I was getting into. I set out on a scooter to explore, heard there was good food here and about halfway through my 30-minute ride (I got lost repeatedly) it started to downpour. So, I didn’t get to take in the full extent of the property, but I did however spend a good amount of time staying dry in the Victorian main house. I’ll start with a little tip – the restaurant entrance is in the back. It’s located on the back porch attached to the house’s original kitchen. The building used to be the home of the family that started the flour mill and has since been converted to a museum and gift shop (they sell the cutest home goods). The flour mill is still in production and the restaurant serves up prime examples of their work. By that I mean, the biggest biscuits I’ve ever seen. All their food is delicious and modestly priced. They have a counter for baked goods to go as well and I recommend taking some because you’ll be wanting more later. It’s just a neat example of the city’s industrial history and how citizens lived at the time.
5) DIY Historic District – Part of my discovery (while getting lost on the way to the Guenther House) was finding this amazing historic neighborhood nearby. It was very reminiscent of the Garden District in New Orleans. There were beautiful homes, unbelievable preservation, and ornate architecture dating back to the late 1700’s. At the time, I couldn’t find an organized walking tour so I made my own. I highly recommend a scooter because everything is more fun that way!
Here’s a list of some beautiful homes I’d recommend zipping by on your own:
a. 221 E. Guenther Street – The Herman Schuchard House. Built for Pioneer Flour heir, Matilda Guenther in 1891, this Victorian style brick home features a stunning two-story wrap around porch.
b. 219 E. Guenther Street – The Adolph Wagner House. Married to Amanda Guenther and treasurer of Pioneer Flour Mills, Adolph build this home in 1881. In addition to the beautiful gardens and ornate porch pillars, the couple’s initials are carved into a pendant detailed on the home that remains today. How romantic is that?
c. 528 King William – The Biesenbach House. Orignially built by German immigrants August and Louisa in 1880, the home features a hipped roof and cottage like Gothic Revival style. The property eventually became the office of famed architect, O’Neil Ford, during the time he designed the Tower of America’s in the heart of the city.
d. 523 King William – The Carl Harnisch House. Once owned by the gourmet restaurateur, the 19th century yellow brick home features both Victorian and Gothic-Revival architecture style.
e. 509 King William – The Steves Homestead. Built in 1876, the home currently stands as a museum and features a beautiful mansard roof designed by architect, Alfred Miles. Daily tours are available.
f. 425 King William – George Kalteyer House. Designed by famed architect, James Riley Gordon, this is one of the last of his works remaining. This Victorian Romanesque style home was built in 1892 and has served many owners, marriage and afternoon teas on the veranda. It’s currently listed on AIRBNB if you’d like to stay in one of it’s apartments.
g. 401 King William – Also known as the Norton/Polk/Mathis House after three owners who all left their trademark on the beloved property. Now a landmark, the home originally took shape in 1876 and was added on to throughout the years. It’s towering form is breathtaking from afar but visitors can get an up close look via tours on demand. (http://www.villafinale.org/)
h. 306 and 308 King William – The Twin Houses. Created in 1883 by architect, Alfred Giles, the two single story homes reflect the same outward appearance. One was occupied by Giles, the other originally was owned by Raphael Diaz. He once aided in the independence of Spain and was exiled by his native country of Cuba. Struggling to relocate, he took up residence in one of the two Victorian style homes that are still twinning today.
i. 226 King William Street – Altgelt Home. It’s hard to see from the street due to the limestone wall surrounding the property, but this modest Victorian home holds a lot of history behind them. The building was commissioned in 1878, making it the first home in the neighborhood and giving the German transplant, Altgelt, the honor of naming the street, for which he did after in honor of Kaiser Wilhelm I of Prussia. It features a two story gallery and an outdoor staircase which was designed to save space inside.
j. 217 King William Street – Sartor House. Another addition to the street by Giles, this home is one of my favorites due to the personality of the current owners. The style is a blend of Victorian and Gothic featuring unique large front windows and a veranda deep enough to hold a full dining room table. The home is fit for the flashiest fares which is appropriate considering the original owner was San Antonio’s first jeweler Alexander Sartor and currently artist Rodolfo Choperena.
k. 104 King William – Anton Wulff House. One of the most unique homes in the neighborhood, in part due to the Tuscan style design. Built in 1870 by the city’s first park commissioner, it features a two-story square tower, half basement and a gabled roof. If you look closer, you’ll also notice the detailed limestone portraits of both Wulff’s son and daughter carved into the front exterior. The property was sold to the black sheep Arthur William Geunther as he was establishing his own flour mill and eventually went on to be the Conservation Society’s headquarters as it remains today.
There you have it, my exciting discoveries of things to do after you’ve covered the Alamo. I definitely left a piece of my heart back in San Antonio, it was such a great town. There’s so much much more to do than you see here and I think it’s an area that everyone can enjoy!