February 16, 2017

Spent the evening of February 13th at a Walmart in East Houston. Awoke the next morning (Valentines Day) to Tornado Warnings AGAIN!! It was like de ja vu - but we hung out for the morning in the Walmart, got pedicures, (I also got a manicure) and we waited out the storm - lots of thunder and rain, but the tornado never touched down, at least nowhere near us!  

It was just after lunch when we got going, and I didn't think we'd ever get through Houston - is it ever huge!! It went on for miles and miles but we got to San Antonio by late-afternoon. Just in time for happy hour! We had a late dinner at Cracker Barrels, which was just a short walk from where we were parked, then just relaxed  for the rest of the evening.!



The next morning we headed into town to check it out! We shopped and looked around Market Square. 










Market Square is a three-block outdoor plaza lined with shops, and restaurants in downtown San Antonio, Texas. 

It is the largest Mexican market in the United States. 







The "El Mercado" section has 32 specialty shops and the "Farmer's Market Plaza" section has 80. 

This is "Mi Tierra Cafe Y Panaderia" (Cafe and Bakery) decorated as Christmas all year round!

The Alamo 

Remember the Alamo?? This is a very historical landmark in San Antonio and there is a lot I could say about it, but it's history and easily googled for information.  One thing that is not history, but pertains specifically to the Alamo is that San Antonio does not have any high rises in the downtown area. This is because The Alamo is a reverent place not to be 
'shadowed'....

Torch of Friendship

La Antorcha de la Amistad - "The Torch of Friendship" located in downtown San Antonio is 65 feet tall and weighs more than 45 tons, was a gift from the Mexican consulate as a sign of friendship and to represent the roots Texans share with Mexico. In the background you can see the Tower of the Americas.

Tower of the Americas 

This is a 750 foot high observation tower/revolving restaurant which gives you a 350 degree view of San Antonio. Built in 1966 it was the tallest observation tower in the United States until the Stratosphere was built in Las Vegas in 1996.

The San Antonio River Walk, also known as Paseo del Río, is a maze of walkways along the banks of the San Antonio River, one story beneath the streets of San Antonio. 

This has got to be San Antonio's top tourist attraction. The river that is "The River Walk" is 2.5 miles long, lined by bars, shops, restaurants, nature, hotels and art. 

We took the 35 minute River Barge Ride along the cypress-lined paved paths, under arched stone bridges and lush landscapes. The river gently winds through the city center providing millions of visitors each year with easy access to the city's cultural hot spots, historic sites and other attractions.

Another busy day - we'd rate this city in the top 10 of places to visit.