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san antonio information
Built on the banks of its age-old river, San Antonio gains present-day fame from both the water and from the Alamo, that symbol of freedom that is now the city's landmark. What is the eighth largest city in the US? If you said San Antonio, You are right. This is due in part to the broad mix of businesses from manufacturing to medical and health fields. The locating of major corporations and highly skilled jobs has created the diverse and growing community. Gaze down at picturesque San Antonio. The best view of the city is from the top of the 750-foot Tower of the Americas. The tower was built as part of the 1968 international exposition called HemisFair. The tower features a revolving restaurant and observation deck at the top. There is enough military brass in this town for a John Phillip Sousa march. About 85,000 military personnel are stationed around San Antonio at Fort Sam Houston and Kelly, Lackland, Randolph and Brooks Air Force bases. Lackland houses an Air Force History Museum that features vintage historical aircraft.
Points of Interest River Walk - There is, perhaps, no more visible emblem of contemporary San Antonio than the River Walk, that 2½-mile stretch of picturesque waterside terrain that gives the city a focus and a soul. Richly populated with restaurants, shops, clubs, and sights, it's a model of urban renewal for other cities and a cautionary advisement to make the most of natural resources and beauty. A huge draw and a showpiece of the city, the river was, curiously enough, once cursed for overflowing its banks and was slated to be paved over. Alamo - Construction began on this one-time mission in 1724. A quiet, shady landmark, it's smaller than most people imagine. It has become a memorial to the last stand of men like William B. Travis, Davy Crockett, and Jim Bowie in their fight against a much larger Mexican army. If you ask locals, they'll readily tell you just how important this place is to San Antonio, its history, and culture. Contemporary Art Month - Discover a masterpiece at the nation's only month-long arts festival during July. Local artists hawk their wares alongside members of the international contemporary art scene. Events spill over from traditional gallery and museum spaces into neighborhood venues and studios. Now over 20 years old, CAM (as locals refer to it) draws more than 500 exhibitors and offers the public the opportunity to buy or simply admire a colorful array of works. Some events charge admission. Market Square (El Mercado) - San Antonio's venerable El Mercado, once home to a bustling produce market, now houses colorful street vendors, roaming mariachis, and food stalls that serve up the real deal. Just-picked fruits and veggies are still available at the farmer's market across the street, but the Square's focus these days is on preserving the city's Mexican heritage and spirit. Leather and papier-mâché goods, blankets, and pottery are just a sample of the specialties. Don't miss the delectable pan dulce at open-24-hours Mi Tierra Bakery. 514 W Commerce, San Antonio, TX 78207 • 210-207-8600 McNay Art Museum - Is that a Van Gogh among the tumbleweed? An impressive Mediterranean mansion with tiled floors and a Moorish-style courtyard is home to this museum, which shelters a pleasant collection of post-Impressionist art. Most works are American and European in nature; representative artists include Hopper, Gauguin, and Picasso. The McNay's lobby features stage and costume design, and the facility highlights modern statuary, medieval art and first-rate traveling exhibits too. |
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