It’s easy to understand why San Antonio is one of the fastest growing cities in North America. And it goes further than the four-time NBA champion San Antonio Spurs!
Latin culture dominates, y si hablas espanol te sentiras en casa. The city was built by Spanish missionaries and takes its name from San Antonio de Padua. But this diverse metropolis is more than the Alamo – the most famous tourist destination in Texas. With thriving restaurants and nightlife, SeaWorld and Six Flags Fiesta Texas theme parks, and a lively cultural scene San Antonio offers a fun time for all.

As San Antonio native Kimberly Austin says, “I was born and raised here and as much as I like to travel, San Antonio will always be home. It’s a big, beautiful, thriving city, full of life, amazing people and the best Mexican food! If i were a tourist I would come here in April during the Fiesta Flambeau Parade, the largest  illuminated parade in America! Downtown San Antonio is beautiful year round but especially during the Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony which attracts visitors from all around the world during holidays. For shopping the Shops at La Cantera can’t be beat. This is just a well rounded city with everything you need at your back door… and it’s hot, so you get to wear flip flops almost year round!

For more information on www.visitsanantonio.com

WHAT TO DO

CULINARIA
One of the most enjoyable times to visit is during CULINARIA – San Antonio’s premier wine and food experience.  The Festival celebrates culinary traditions, bringing together the area’s best chefs along with visiting masters to deliver innovative gastronomic expressions. Chefs from other states, Mexico, and Latin America create unique presentations showcasing different cultures. The multi-venue/multi-night event includes tastings ranging from burgers and beer, to extravagant multi-course meals, to wines, to cooking demonstrations; all held at the city’s premier hotels, restaurants and bars.
www.culinariasa.com

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
Here you’ll find one of the largest rodeo and livestock presentations in the country. The annual event takes place over three weeks in February, gathering over a million attendees and more than half a million dollars in prizes. A production so massive it requires over 4,000 volunteers and an extended away game schedule for the Spurs.
www.sarodeo.com

MUST SEE

River Walk
Imagine a three-mile water way filled with restaurants, shops, hotels and cultural institutions all around. Plenty of sitting areas, parks, and places to just relax and take it all in. This is RiverWalk, a mirage in the middle of a bustling metropolis. Built along the San Antonio River, the landmark development is the entertainment center of San Antonio, a crossroads of culture and commerce. The project is so successful that a $384 million improvement plan has been activated to lengthen it to 15 miles, stretching to the four Spanish colonial missions to the south and the museums to the north.
www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com

San Antonio’s Hill Country
Along San Antonio’s northern suburbs you will find Hill Country, a picturesque region that because of its climate and terrain has become a new haven for wineries.
Among the standouts is Becker Vineyards, specializing in award-winning European style wines with a Texas twist.
www.beckervineyards.com

Pearl
Once a local brewery, the area now houses the trendiest neighborhood in town with modern lofts, apartment buildings, offices, stores, cooking schools, and a long list of restaurants. The Pearl Farmers Market, situated along the banks of the San Antonio River, is a fun weekend stop.
www.atpearl.com

Culinary Institute of America San Antonio
If cooking is a passion, or if you just want to make more than a hard-boiled egg, then the Culinary Institute is worth a visit. The Institute offers a broad range of classes in a modern, state of the art building equipped with all the latest and greatest kitchen toys imaginable. You can take classes whether you’re an aspiring professional chef or a food enthusiast of any level. Try the mini-boot camp, a quick, no-nonsense course that will enhance your cooking skills in a matter of hours.
www.ciachef.edu/texas/

The Alamo
You’ve heard the legend, now visit the monument. Originally named Mission San Antonio de Valero, The Alamo was established in 1718 as the city’s first mission.  In March of 1836, the Alamo was the site where 189 Texians battled an army of thousands. This year it’s the 176th anniversary of the epic battle.
www.thealamo.org/

WHERE TO STAY

The Westin Riverwalk
When visiting San Antonio and planning accommodations, the Westin Riverwalk should be at the top of your list. The landmark luxury hotel is located on the city’s culture and entertainment hub, surrounded by waterways and bridges and near the major city landmarks. The Alamo, La Villita, and the San Antonio Convention Center are steps away; along with literally hundreds of shops and restaurants. The hotel has a top spa, scenic views and 473 elegant rooms with oversized marble bathrooms and all desired amenities.

The Westin Riverwalk 420 West Market Street * San Antonio, TX  78205 * Tel. 210/224-6500
www.starwoodhotels.com/westin