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Over a month ago, I got to travel to San Antonio and review Hotel Contessa! Read my write up on it, here. I hadn't been there in several years, and was excited to go see how it had changed and stayed the same. Really the last time I was there, I was in town for TMEA with all-region choir and wearing a classic orchestra dress, so I was happy to come back with more of a wardrobe and time for tourism.

In Texas, we have a whole year of history lessons dedicated to Texas history. We have some serious state pride. For me, it was 7th grade; however, who knows what it is now...my 10 year high school reunion is only 2 years away! Anyway, I have been to SA several times. We  took a couple of family trips there, but I also visited in 7th and 8th grade, with my Spanish class! I went once in college, for a formal; however, it was a really quick trip. I think we went to Sea World? Which, by the way, I am against. Have you WATCHED Blackfish?!

I don't have a vendetta against The Alamo; however, there is so much more to do, than just go there and leave town. Here's some of the things I did while I was there and/or things I've done before, that I'd recommend.

1) Pearl District. This was my favorite new find!  The food pics above, were actually from Cured at Pearl, a restaurant there. It has amazing brunch, Charcuterie boards, and craft cocktails. It's actually in an old bank building. Seriously so neat. The whole district itself is cool, though. They have really good coffee, an adorable farmers market, and more. I didn't get to spend that much time there, but I found this, which could help you navigate more!

2) El Mercado. A San Antonio tradition, El Mercado is the largest Mexican market of its kind, in the U.S. Think of it as a culture explosion, but you get the opportunity to bring some of it home with you!

3) The Riverwalk. Duh. A San Antonio staple. I know it's an easy thought, but you see something different, every time you go! I enjoy just walking on it, but there's fun stores and restaurants along the way too! You can take ride a boat on it, or even have dinner on that boat! It doesn't take very long to walk the whole thing, plus you'll get some exercise in. More room for queso;)

4) Cathedrals and Missions. If you're looking for a similar experience to the Alamo, but more on the road less traveled, try visiting a mission and/or a cathedral. They are still super rich in history and are cool to tour. A couple are Cathedral of San Fernando and Mission San Juan Capistrano. 

5) Eat Tex-Mex. Honestly, I had more non-Tex-Mex meals this trip. What can I say? Dallas spoils me with their food. We always go to Mi Tierra for tex-mex and that's still my number one suggestion.

6) Visit a Brewery. There are several, but Southerleigh's is at the top of my list. It is also a restaurant and connected to a super cute hotel - Hotel Emma, a historic hotel in a 19th century brewery. That's ice cold history, right there.

And of course, there's always Fiesta Texas, Sea World, the Zoo, the aquarium, along with the Alamo, butttt y'all know why I didn't mention those :) This is obviously just the tip of the iceberg, because there is so much more to do. I love that San Antonio is a city that is rich with history and life, because that makes it even more fun to discover. We have a lot of history in Dallas, but it's just not the same. Traveling makes you appreciate other cities, as well as your own. Do it when you can! It's the only thing you can buy that makes you richer.

Did I leave anything off? Would love to know where to go on my next visit. Until then, adios amigos!

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