By Renuka Christoph
So often overlooked by visitors are the gold mines that only the local diggers know of. To gallop off of the beaten path can be a daunting task. Here is a cheat sheet for the heart of Texas- San Antonio.
Places to Visit
King William National Historic District is a lively, eclectic area where artistic expression thrives and culture abounds. German immigrants are credited for establishing the area and building luxurious mansions influenced by Greek, Victorian, and Italian architecture. Ernst Altgelt, named the main street of the District after King Wilhelm I of Prussia.
Enjoy art galleries and fine dining. Find colorful prints and reflections of San Antonio in various art forms.
Join the annual King William Fair which will be held April 16, 2011 to celebrate the artisans of the area.
The Mercado Market demands the attention of even the most disinterested shopper with authentic Mexican artifacts such as the Day of the Dead sculpted dolls and Hispanic pottery. An abundance of food and live music complete the experience.
Meet third generation cement artist Carlos Cortés. Cortés has carried on the legacy of crafting visually stunning cement sculptures. The faux bois bus stops, benches and more can be seen throughout San Antonio.
The German town of Gruene, 25 miles south of San Antonio, is full of character and historical charm. It is proud to be home of the oldest dance hall with the original stage and fixtures still in tact.
Gruene Hall, built in 1872, was established by German settlers on the Guadalupe River. Loose wooden floorboard planks and a corrugated tin roof enclose the historical landmark.
Be amused at the General Store where there’s “Something for Everyone”. Enjoy a 5 cent coffee at the soda fountain and get a laugh at the Texan humor flaunted on t-shirts, mugs and other unique collectables throughout the store.
The store was founded by Henry Gruene “to serve the needs of the sharecroppers who lived on his land and raised cotton.” Gruene is an ideal overnight destination with offering an ample accommodations including the Gruene Mansion Inn in New Braunfels.
The San Antonio Japanese Tea Garden, or Sunken Gardens Japanese Tea Garden blossomed out of an abandoned limestone rock quarry in the early 20th century. Intricate walkways, bridges and a Japanese pagoda frame the transformed quarry.
The Japanese Torii gate welcomes visitors into a dose of paradise. The water is full of giant, colorful koi fish, turtles and ducks.
The Garden was near abandonment due to vandalism and neglect until the San Antonio Mayor stepped up in the 1980’s to restore the historic site.
Places to Eat
Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery is a must stop, off of the Riverwalk. Guests are greeted with visually stunning Latino colors both in the decor and the glass dessert display. The ceiling is a work of art with Mexican artifacts covering every inch. Little did Pete and Cruz Cortez know that their 1940’s three table cafe would one day be a 24-hour local favorite.
Located in Market Square, El Mercado, the food selections are a blend of Mexican flavor. Go for the Enchiladas de Pollo en Mole, which is 2 Chicken Enchiladas topped with mole sauce. The sauce consists of dried chili peppers, ground nuts and Mexican chocolate (cacao ground with sugar and cinnamon and occasionally nuts).
Rosario is where the food is “made with love.” Owner Lisa Wong takes great pride in bringing homemade recipes to the kitchen. The Latino beat and flair promise festivity and flavor. The food is tenderly prepared and offers a burst of southwest flavor.
The award winning salsa, mouthwatering ceviche, fish tacos and rich bread pudding make for a perfect meal.
Rudy’s, home of “the worst barbeque” does not live up to its name. The downhome, backyard pit barbeque delivers flavorful smoked ribs, turkey, beef brisket and an amazing sweet cream corn. Enjoy Texas’ own Shiner Beer.
A patriotic support to its community, Rudy’s donated $10,000 to each army base for wounded warriors and provides military family with a 10% discount.
The Oasis in Austin is the second largest restaurant in the nation, and among the most scenic. Built along the hillside of Lake Travis, the view will have visitors believe they are perched along a Grecian hillside. Eighty miles from San Antonio, The Oasis is an impressive venue complete with salsa dance lessons on the third floor.
San Antonio will have visitors two steppin’ southwestern style in total bliss. All ages will enjoy the culture and variety of activities, shopping, flavors and scenic terrain deep in the heart of Texas.