San Antonio: More Than Just the River Walk

Spring Break is just around the corner and most Houstonians will have bags packed with the kiddos in tow with a desire to go, go, go. A perfect destination is a short trip down I-10 West to our neighboring city of San Antonio, TX. With its famed River Walk – a top destination attracting millions of visitors each year – historic sites such as the Alamo, and top-rated theme park, San Antonio is the go-to destination for families.

Not into all the hustle and bustle of theme parks? Well, don’t you count San Antonio out just yet. The city has so much more to offer than theme parks. The River Walk’s lush landscapes not only winds you through the city’s center offering easy access to shopping and a variety of restaurants guaranteed to satisfy the appetite of any food lover – it also leads you to its newest destination, the Museum Reach.

In 2009, the River Walk doubled its length with the opening of its Museum Reach – Urban Segment. This new stretch of walkway includes hike and bike trails that lead to the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) and access to San Antonio’s newest and trendiest destination, the Pearl. Although the Pearl is a paradise for architecture aficionados, its main draw is the food scene. Offering some of the top culinary spots in the city (and believe me, they are all buzz worthy!), the Pearl is home to one of my favorite restaurants, Cured. Specializing in cured foods ranging from pickles to duck ham and country style pork, this gem of a farm-to-table restaurant set in a renovated historical building adorned with aged meats in a glass case welcomes you upon entry. Visiting here is a must!

If the menu seems a bit intimidating, no worries, the staff will happily walk you through the menu. I promise, the service at Cured is above par. It’s no wonder chef/owner Steve McHugh has received many accolades including Bon Appétit’s list of 50 top new restaurants in the country and the 2015 Texas Restaurant Neighbor Award.

With all honesty, I recommend every single item on the menu. Ok, I know that sounds a bit unrealistic but hey, who says you can’t visit multiple times until you try absolutely everything on the menu? But on your first visit, the “must have” items to try are the signature cocktail appropriately named “Cured” (Lemon Thyme Moonshine, Thyme, Ginger, House-Made Citrus Bitters, Cava) along with the Charcuterie (to share). And please save room for dessert. They are seasonal so once again, trying them all won’t hurt a bit. I promise.

So now that I’ve satisfied your appetite, it’s time to unwind and then relax in your comfy hotel. Our recommendation?

Wyndham Garden River Walk Hotel

Ideal for business travelers and culture lovers wanting to experience more than just the River Walk, the newly constructed Wyndham Garden River Walk/Museum Reach is the perfect lodging spot. With scenic views of the River Walk without all of the hustle and bustle of it all, this hotel is the perfect for a tranquil getaway.

Each guest room, with its modern décor, is equipped with comfortable bedding and a flat screen LCD TV for your viewing pleasure. Suites offer a breathtaking view of the pool area as well as the tranquil River Walk. Guests can enjoy easy access to the River Walk’s Downtown Reach and the Mission Reach via riverboat.