Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
Your kids will remember a whole lot more than The Alamo if your next family vacation revolves around a trip to San Antonio, Texas. Not only does this cultural and historical mecca have plenty to keep you and your kidlets entertained, but Texans per se are extremely proud of their state and will enthusiastically supplement your knowledge with anecdotes you don't always find in the guidebooks. Here are some of the highlights of places you wont want to miss during your stay.
THE ALAMO
San Antonio's most famous landmark, of course, is the stronghold from which Colonel William Travis and 189 of his men took part in the bloody battle of 1836 for the states quest for independence from Mexico. Though all that remains of the original Mission San Antonio del Valero is the tiny chapel and barracks, there's plenty to be viewed in the museum in terms of artifacts, writings, weapons, maps and dioramas that put the significance of the 13-day battle and its aftermath in context. You can either explore the Alamo and its grounds on your own or join a narrated tour. The Alamo gift store carries lots of books for young readers of all ages, including many which are written in Spanish. Admission to the Alamo is free to the public, although visitors should know that donations are always welcomed to ensure its preservation for future tourists. This is an important concept to impart to your children, as the Alamo was very nearly lost to us forever had it not been for the local organizations that voluntarily stepped up to save it by raising the necessary funds. You also need to prep younger family members on the fact that Texans hold this shrine of courage in deep reverence; laughing, loud talking, food or drink, and wearing hats or caps inside the chapel will result in a polite tap on the shoulder and a request to leave.
MENGER HOTEL
Across the plaza from the Alamo is another locale that stirs a lot of public pride, the Menger Hotel. Built by German immigrants in the late 1850's, The Menger was the premier place to stay for every celebrity passing through San Antonio in the second half of the 19th century. This grand structure provides a name-dropping brochure as part of its tour. Ask your kids how many of the famous names and pictures they recognize! The lobby alone conjures excitement of an eager crowd of young men turning out in the hope of being picked by T.R. Roosevelt to be a Roughrider and going off to fight the Spanish in response to the sinking of The Maine. Teddy Roosevelt, as you can explain to them, was one of our country's more colorful presidents and, at the time, the youngest person ever to be elected to the highest office.
THE RIVERWALK
In the 1920's, San Antonio found itself in the middle of a terrible flooding situation from the San Antonio River. Rather than continue to fight what would be an ongoing problem, however, the city fathers decided to turn Mother Nature into a decorative ally that could help attract tourists. Thus was born the 2-1/2 mile Riverwalk that lazily wends its way like a wet snake through the middle of town and turned both sides of it into prime real estate for restaurants, gift shops, and galleries featuring the talents of local artists and craftsmen. During the Riverwalk's many cultural festivals, the walk can get pretty crowded, not to mention that the absence of railings or barriers along most of it could make it easy to fall into the shallow water. Evem though the water is shallow, be sure to hold tight to little hands! For those who want to pretend that they're on a very tame river ride at Disneyland--or wave to passersby as if they are on a parade float--hop aboard one of the Riverwalk barges or water taxis. A narrated tour about the early San Antonio community will make you a regional expert in less than an hour. Planning to be in San Antonio during the month of December? The Riverwalk is at its most photogenic with amber luminarias all along the ground and strings of miniature Christmas lights hanging from the trees above.
LA VILLITA
Speaking of the Riverwalk, this is where you and your family can also step back in history and experience the restored buildings, church and plaza of the area's original neighborhood. La Villita looks much as it did in the 1800's and offers plenty of Mexican arts and crafts, demonstrations, live music and lots of colorful photo ops. It's also a good place to introduce your children to a few words in Spanish: "por favor" (please); "muchas gracias" (thank you very much); "adios" (goodbye). Don't worry if their pronunciation isn't perfect; the fact that they try it with the predominantly Spanish-speaking store owners will be appreciated and introduce them at an early age to the fun of another language and respect for a different culture.
SAN ANTONIO ZOO
Kids and animals tend to make for a fun match in any city, and the zoo located at Brackenridge Park is no exception. You'll definitely need a full day to see its collection of over 3,000 critters, a trek that could get exhausting for kids who are too big for a stroller. Summer is a bit toasty and humid for both humans and animals; you may want to save this venue for a more accommodating season.
SEA WORLD AND SIX FLAGS
If it's a summer splash and doofy fun that you're looking for, you'll be your kids' hero for the rest of the year at either Sea World San Antonio or Six Flags Fiesta Texas. In addition to the daily live performances and hair-raising, throw-up-your-lunch roller coaster rides, there are plenty of opportunities to get drenched in the water attractions. Both parks are pricey, although good discounts can be found through credit unions and automobile clubs.
SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDENS
If you're yearning for something cool and green that doesn't require repairing your hair or drying out your clothes afterwards, try the gardens at Olmos Park. While you take in a leisurely stroll through the grounds and conservatory, the kids can be participating in a nature art class or learn about ecology, plants and bugs. The center's cafe makes for a nice break at lunchtime.
KING WILLIAM DISTRICT
If there are architecture buffs in the family, take a free stroll through the residential neighborhood near the Riverwalk called the King William District. This area was primarily settled by German immigrants in the 19th century who did very well for themselves as merchants and traders. Their success is reflected in magnificent mansions on either side of the wide, tree-lined streets. You may even want to take along sketch pads for budding young artists to draw what they see or to make up stories about the types of families who once lived there.
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