QUINTESSENTIAL
8 of San Antonio’s must-see attractions
San Antonio Botanical Gardens
Breathe in the fragrant aroma of blooming flowers at the formal and display gardens. The Sensory Garden engages the sense of touch and smell, while the Kumamoto En garden (a gift from San Antonio’s sister city, Kumamoto, Japan) features structural and symbolic elements. Enter the Lucile Halsell Conservatory, a collection of glass buildings where you can be immersed in everything from an arid desert to a tropical rainforest. And on July 17, bring a blanket or chairs and listen to the sounds of live music in the garden during Concert Under the Stars, which takes place the third Thursday of each summer month. www.sabot.org
The Alamo
“Remember the Alamo!” goes the battle cry, and there’s no doubt you’ll have a hard time forgetting a visit to San Antonio’s most famous landmark. Originally established as the city’s first mission in 1718 (called Mission San Antonio de Valero), the Alamo (www.thealamo.org) is where 189 defenders finally fell on March 6, 1836, after numerous attacks by the Mexican army. This historic site comprises three buildings: The Shrine, or the old church, displays artifacts of the battle’s heroes, William Travis, Davy Crockett and James Bowie. At the Long Barrack Museum, watch a short film about the Alamo and peruse an exhibit on the site’s history. The Alamo Gift Museum houses a variety of military artifacts as well as souvenirs. You can also take a walk through the Alamo Gardens and check out cannons used in the battle in Cavalry Courtyard.
[DID YOU KNOW?]
90 minutes Approximate length of the actual Battle of the Alamo
KING WILLIAM HISTORIC DISTRICT
www.kingwilliamassociation.org
Originally settled by prominent German merchants in the 1800s, this area on the east bank of the San Antonio River was the state’s fi rst historic district. What was once the most elegant residential neighborhood is now an area rich in cultural diversity. Amble down the streets and you’ll come across art galleries, restaurants, quaint B&Bs and original homes.
GUENTHER HOUSE
Built in 1860 by Carl Hilmar Guenther, the founder of Pioneer Flour Mills, this stately home is now a museum, restaurant and retail store. Start in the parlor, decorated with elaborate Victorian furnishings. Downstairs is the restaurant—converted from the original dining room—where stained glass and plant motifs reflect the 1920s Art Nouveau style. The museum, once the library, is fi lled with mill memorabilia, antique baking accessories and Dresden china. On your way out, pick up a little something from the River Mill Store (formerly a bedroom and music room), like jalapeño cornbread mix or Texas wildflower honey.
MCNAY ART MUSEUM
Last month, after being closed since January, Texas’ preeminent museum of modern art unveiled the brand-new Jane and Arthur Stieren Center for Exhibitions. The new gallery spaces nearly double the museum’s total size, allowing it to hold larger and more varied shows. This month, gaze at “American Art Since 1945: In a New Light” (through Aug. 24), as well as three other special exhibits. The permanent collection is also strong, with works by artists ranging from Paul Cézanne and Vincent van Gogh to Georgia O’Keeffeand Jasper Johns. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $5.
MAJESTIC THEATRE
Located in the heart of downtown, this breathtaking movie theater was built in 1929, with the intention of being the most modern and ornate one in the country— sound and projection equipment, air conditioning and all. Closed in 1974, restored in the following years, reopened in 1989, and expanded in 1996, Majestic Theatre—inspired by Spanish mission, Baroque and Mediterranean design traditions—is the current home of the San Antonio Symphony and Broadway in San Antonio.
HEMISFAIR PARK
Built to host the 1968 World’s Fair, this 15-acre park is home to beautiful landscape, historic buildings, a children’s playground, the Institute of Texan Cultures (www.texancultures.utsa.edu) and more. The park’s biggest attraction—literally and fi guratively—is the 750-foot tall Tower of the Americas (www.toweroftheamericas.com), which offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the city. In addition to the observation deck, tickets include access to the “Skies Over Texas” 4-D theater ride. If you’re in the mood for a bite, enjoy a meal with your view at the revolving restaurant.
MUSEO ALAMEDA
Every hour, a stainless-steel installation lights up and emits rhythmic sounds, welcoming visitors inside—and you won’t be able to resist the invitation to the largest Latino museum in the US. In 1996, the Alameda National Center for Latino Arts and Culture became the fi rst formal affi liate of the Smithsonian Institution outside of Washington, DC, but it wasn’t until April 2007 that the museum—the heart and soul of the organization—fi nally opened its doors. Inside you’ll fi nd a variety of rotating exhibits that highlight the Latino experience in America.
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