We Became Texans for a Week

Karson and I (with some friends) planned a big Cancun trip for Spring Break around Christmastime.  We knew the insurance was a must for the trip considering all the uncertainty surrounding Covid.  As the days got closer and closer and the vaccine, at that point, was still relatively hard to get, our group simply felt like it was too risky to try and go.  We made the painful decision to cancel.  Last year, we'd planned a cruise and this year Cancun, and BOTH got canned.  We re-grouped and kicked around some options (knowing we needed to get airplane tickets soon for the best deals).  Karson didn't really want the beach.  We both wanted to do something unique and different.  I told her how much fun San Antonio, Texas was/is.  Matt and I got to visit there during our college years and loved it. Isaac and Matt had a planned an out west trip which fell through because lots of parks were closed.   The four of us decided to become Texans for a week.  Miles had no interest.  He isn't a fan of flying.  We also had plans to go to Six Flags Fiesta Texas, which he also loathes!  We didn't plan to stay a full week (Friday night through Wednesday morning) so we left him behind to be spoiled by grandparents.  We did try to convince him to go, but he was cool with staying home.

I'm a big fan of the Hilton chain of hotels.  I think they provide a comfortable stay and most offer a free breakfast (and evening reception with free drinks) which is nice.  We booked the Embassy Suites on the Riverwalk.  It was a great location, and although there were a few unpleasant issues, I would still recommend.

We arrived at the airport late Friday night and caught a cab to the hotel.  We'd thought about renting a car but didn't plan to go off-site for much, so we opted the cab/uber route which was very affordable.  

This was our view (night and day).

Day 1: strolling the Riverwalk

The gorgeous San Fernando Cathedral.  The church is the oldest, continuously functioning religious community in the State of Texas.

I think this accessory would look great in her next Senior picture session???

We didn't have any concrete plans for Saturday, but I really wanted to go to the Historic Market.  That was one of my favorite spots when we visited years ago.  Although Covid shut down the food trucks and entertainment, it was still fun perusing through the shops and enjoying the environment.

One of Matt's friends recommended La Margarita, and it was incredible. Our food was delicious, some of the best we ate all week.  I'm sad we missed all the food trucks, but it will give us something to look forward to in the future.  Isaac snuck over to a churros food tent and got us some tasty treats.

If there is a henna booth, Karson is all the way in!  She loves it.

After the marketplace, we headed back to the hotel to crash for a bit.  We were pretty worn out from our trip and needed a quick power nap.

We decided to do a little exploring later that afternoon and landed at a few fun places: Buckhorn Museum and Saloon, the Alamo and Ripley's Attractions.

You have to book reservations at the Alamo (which are free) - we did the actual tour on Tuesday.

The kids really wanted to do Ripley's Haunted House.  Of course Ripley's always tries to upsell you into other attractions.  We opted to do both the Haunted House and Tomb Rider 3-D which were both entertaining.  We did the Haunted House Saturday evening and went up with a group of folks who were scared to death.  They must've purchased a bigger package because their ticket included fake/laser guns.  One of the girls gave their Isaac her gun, and he led the pack through.  Lots of jump scares, but the group we were with made it WAY more entertaining because they were super scared.  Afterwards, we headed back to the hotel (saving Tomb Rider for another day).  Isaac and I stopped at Subway on the way back and got dinner for everyone.

Day 2 (Sunday): Six Flags Fiesta Texas.  This theme park is only open on Saturday and Sunday.  I really didn't want to spend our entire first day in San Antonio at a theme park, so we chose to do it on Sunday.  The tickets were fairly cheap too (since the water and a few of the attractions/shows were not open).  Anyone who has been to a Six Flags knows it's all about roller coasters.  The coasters there DID NOT disappoint.  Matt made it through the first one and had to tap out the rest of the day.  I can ride them, but I've learned to keep my eyes closed most of the time.  Otherwise, I'll be sick.  It's like my brain can't keep up with what's happening anymore.  Everything is on light speed and trying to process it is difficult.  

 

One and done for Matt on the "moderate" coaster - the Road Runner Express.  Isaac shouted "moderate" the whole time.  Matt looked like death when we got off.  We headed onto the Iron Rattler and Superman: Krypton Coaster.  After the Krypton, we were ready for a delicious, high priced lunch at Johnny Rockets. From there, we headed over to the Joker which was frightening.  Karson and Isaac committed.  I tapped out.  It made Karson pretty queasy (I was terrified just watching it), but Isaac headed over to the swings.

 

Isaac want to ride the Wonder Woman Golden Lasso coaster, but I was holding out for Poltergeist because someone on the Rattler said it was his favorite.  I knew I couldn't do two tight/compact roller coasters in a row.  The Poltergeist was closed unfortunately, so he and I headed over to Goliath.  We called it a day after that.  We were worn out, and two of our party weren't feeling great.  It was time to catch a cab back to the hotel.

After we took a break, we went to dinner on the Riverwalk at a place called the Iron Cactus.  It was about a 45 minute wait but worth it.  We all enjoyed our meal except Matt - the day was not his unfortunately.  His meal wasn't good at all =(.

   

On our cab ride to the hotel Friday night, our driver told us that The Pearl was a neat place to visit. 

 

Day 3 (Monday morning): The Pearl.

We decided to give it a shot on Monday.  Not realizing half of the stores would be closed, it was sort of disappointing.  It was upscale, and we definitely looked the "tourist" part.

  

 

There were some cute shops, and Isaac scored a classic Dr. Pepper bottle.  Karson and I got an iced coffee and a sweet little pastry.  A restaurant on the property caught our eye, and we found ourselves eating at Southerleigh Fine Food and Brewery.  They specialize is local brews and comfort food.  The kids went with the fried chicken, and Matt and I went for seafood.  Matt loved his meal (it was good).  We all liked ours okay, but it wasn't my favorite San Antonio meal.  The pretzel appetizer was my favorite.

It was going to take quite a while for us to get a cab, so we decided to take an adventure and WALK back.  The Riverwalk runs all through downtown which is nice.  However, with a bum achilles (still, ugh), it was challenging walking that far.  Heck, all the walking in general during the few days we were there resulted in evening ice packs for me. 

 

It took us a while to get back, but we finally made it and saw some interesting things along the way...like this....

Day 3 (Monday afternoon): Once we got back to the central part of the Riverwalk, we made our way over to Go RIO Cruises.  We thought it would be nice to take a boat tour. It was refreshing and a nice way to see everything.  I wasn't ready to go back to the hotel (although I was pooped) but wanted to go to the Shops at River Center.  It was a bust and felt sort of like Greenwood Mall in Bowling Green.  The highlight was the Marble Slab Creamery.  

We also scored some cutes tees at a souvenir shop on our way back to the hotel.

A special thanks to the stranger we asked to take our photo and only took ONE in which my eyes were closed.  Dude, come on!!!

The Torch of Friendship

This church, Saint Joseph Catholic Church, stands right in the middle of the mall which is a funny story.  (From wiki) In 1944, Joske's department store (whose site would eventually become part of the Shops at Rivercenter complex) offered to buy the church grounds in order to develop it commercially. Parishioners unanimously refused the offer to move from the site and so instead Joske's built around the three sides of the church, earning the church from locals the moniker "St. Joske's.

Strolling through San Antonio like a boss in this tee!!!

Matt went out for Papa John's pizza.  There were these BIRD scooters all over the area which you could rent.  He took a BIRD to PJ's but had to walk the pizzas back home.  I never attempted the BIRD because it required lots of balance which I do not have right now!!!

Karson and Matt enjoyed the BIRDS on Tuesday.

Day 4 (Final Day - Tuesday): The Alamo. Because you have to make reservations ahead of time, we went to the Alamo tour on Tuesday at Noon.  However, before our tour time, we made our way back over to the area for Ripley's Tomb Rider.  It was more entertaining that I thought it would be.  

I'm not sure if the ride or free arcade was more fun. 

The Alamo is a San Antonio MUST-see.  No photos are allowed in the church, but all the grounds/acres have so much history.  

San Antonio is known for it's Tex/Mex and BBQ.  We got reservations at The County Line for 1:30PM.  It was, by far, my favorite meal of the trip.  Karson and I got BBQ sandwiches, Isaac got ribs, and Matt got a plate.  Delicious and highly recommend.

Hands off ladies, this Willie Nelson lovin' guy is MINE!

We finished the afternoon at the pool - everyone simply wanted to relax!  We didn't have a long time in the sun because of the way the pool was positioned on the hotel (the roof of the 3rd floor).  It was rather cool when the sun made its way past the hotel.  Matt and Karson decided to try on the BIRD.  Isaac stayed at the pool.  I relaxed in the room, ate some leftover pizza, and iced.

Our flight Wednesday morning was smooth and quick.  We made it home to see our baby boy by 11AM.  He was excited to be reunited with us and back in his own house.