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MAC San Antonio - A Taste of San Antonio
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If your stay in San Antonio is limited, this tour hits the highlights of San Antonio's history and culture. Expect to spend a full day visiting the sites, as there is plenty to see. Begin your excursion at the Institute of Texan Cultures. Operated by the University of Texas, the Institute houses fascinating exhibits from each of the cultures that settled in Texas and helped make the state the wonderful place it is today. Lean back in a chair and enjoy the introductory video shown in the dome area, then move on to wander through the exhibits. Divided by culture, the exhibits include everything from clothing, religious artifacts, housewares, tools and more. You'll even see a full-scale covered wagon, a cotton gin, and a sharecropper's home.

Next, pay a visit to the Alamo. The cradle of Texas liberty, the Alamo stands as a shrine to the rag-tag band of Texans who battled against General Santa Anna's massive army in Texas' battle for independence from Mexico. Exhibits within the Alamo and the adjacent Long Barrack tell the tale of the battle of the Alamo and the war overall. Many Texans consider this hallowed ground. Visitors are asked to remain silent as they tour the Alamo itself as a sign of respect to those who fought and died there. Guided tours are available, or you can wander through on your own.

After the Alamo, wander down to La Villita. Originally the homesites of Canary Islanders who immigrated to the area, La Villita is now a complex of shops, restaurants and plazas. Take some time to wander through the quaint shops, perhaps purchasing some of the exquisite jewelry, artwork or textiles offered. Then, settle down in one of the cafes for lunch. Occasionally, the plazas play host to private special events. If you're lucky, you could stand along the fringe of the crowd and enjoy a Mariachi band entertaining the crowds.

Winding your way westward, stop in at the Spanish Governor's Palace. The restored building is the former home of the first governor of the area when Texas was a Spanish colony. Furnished in period pieces, the site is a fascinating glimpse into how the elite lived in that era. Stand quietly by the well in the back and perhaps you'll hear the voice of the girl who is rumored to haunt it.

Conclude your afternoon at Market Square. Plan to wander through all the tiendas (shops) and pick up all the souvenirs you can carry. The largest Mexican market outside of Mexico, the Square's shops are filled with beautiful terra-cotta pieces, leather goods, embroidered clothing and more. Once you've exhausted your financial reserve and have more packages than you can carry, enjoy dinner at either Mi Tierra Café or Margaritas. Dine on delicious Tex-Mex cuisine and sip an ice-cold, perfectly blended margarita before heading back to your hotel.







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Alamo


Historical shrine of Texas' independence
300 Alamo Plaza
San Antonio, TX 78205
United States
+1 210 225 1391
http://www.thealamo.org
Originally the Mission San Antonio del Valero, the Alamo is by far the most famous historical site in Texas, playing a significant role in Texas' quest for independence from Mexico. Under the command of Col. William Travis, 189 Texan soldiers bravely defended this fort for 13 days before finally succumbing to Santa Anna's massive Mexican army in early 1836. The chapel and the Long Barrack are all that remain of the fort. Saved from civilian apathy by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, the mission is now a museum containing relics from the era. Texans take the Alamo very seriously. Narrated tours are available. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Alamo photo by Elizabeth Thomsen
Photo: Elizabeth Thomsen
Alamo photo by Paul Reed
Photo: Paul Reed
Alamo photo by The Horror
Photo: The Horror
Alamo photo by Nikolas Coukouma
Photo: Nikolas Coukouma
 

 
Institute of Texan Cultures


Museum of Texas' melting pot of cultures
801 South Bowie Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
United States
+1 210 458 2300 / +1 210 458 2330
http://www.texancultures.utsa....
This is a fascinating museum honoring the heritages of the settlers who created Texas. Twenty-seven cultural and ethnic groups are represented in detailed exhibits featuring religious artifacts, household items, clothing, tools and more. The multi-screen video presentation shouldn't be missed, as it enhances the experience. As part of the University of Texas system, the museum offers educational programs, special exhibits, entertainment and symposia. Admission: USD7 adults, USD4 seniors ages 65 and older and military personnel with ID, USD4 for children ages 3-12. Children 2 and under are admitted for free. Student groups are USD3, and groups with a tour guide are USD4. Paid parking is available too.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Institute of Texan Cultures photo by Annie Gregory
Photo: Annie Gregory
 

 
Market Square


Largest Mexican market outside of Mexico
514 West Commerce St
(at South Flores)
San Antonio, TX 78207
United States
+1 210 207 8600
http://tavernini.com/mercado/
The historical center and heart of the city's Mexican culture, the square is the largest Mexican marketplace outside of Mexico. Here you can dine on Mexican food at one of several cafes, enjoy the lively sounds of Mariachi bands, and buy the wonderful blankets, clothes, leather and metal goods, and more imported from just south of the border. The square plays host to many cultural events and fairs throughout the year, including Fiesta del Mercado (Party of the Market) in April and Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in November.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Market Square photo by lannadelarosa
Photo: lannadelarosa
Market Square photo by Terrie Weng
Photo: Terrie Weng
Market Square photo by Akeisha Heard
Photo: Akeisha Heard
Market Square photo by Martin Pulaski
Photo: Martin Pulaski
Market Square photo by Jeff Arredondo
Photo: Jeff Arredondo
Market Square photo by Jeff Walton
Photo: Jeff Walton
Market Square photo by merry.happy
Photo: merry.happy
Market Square photo by elxixco
Photo: elxixco
Market Square photo by Jenny Morgan
Photo: Jenny Morgan
Market Square photo by Pilar Dasí
Photo: Pilar Dasí
Market Square photo by Marvin King, Sr.
Photo: Marvin King, Sr.
Market Square photo by sparklefish
Photo: sparklefish
Market Square photo by Dave Mann
Photo: Dave Mann
Market Square photo by Radha M
Photo: Radha M
Market Square photo by Jessica Bowen
Photo: Jessica Bowen
 

 
Mi Tierra Cafe


Classic Mexican food and bakery, open 24/7
218 Produce Row
(In Market Square)
San Antonio, TX 78207
United States
+1 210 225 1262
http://www.mitierracafe.com
Located in Market Square, this San Antonio oldie-but-goodie has been a favorite of both locals and tourists since 1946. The Mexican specialties such as Chile Rellenos, Huevos Rancheros and the huge combination platters are excellent, and the atmosphere truly takes you south of the border. Nowhere else will you be serenaded by mariachis while enjoying chorizo and eggs or an eight-ounce rib eye. But be sure to have a tip ready for the entertainers; they want to enjoy a meal later as well. Finally, do not miss the panaderia (bakery) for fresh breakfast pastries, Mexican breads and sweet rolls.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Mi Tierra Cafe photo by Jim Stahl
Photo: Jim Stahl
Mi Tierra Cafe photo by Kevin Ly
Photo: Kevin Ly
Mi Tierra Cafe photo by Martin McReynolds
Photo: Martin McReynolds
Mi Tierra Cafe photo by OneEighteen
Photo: OneEighteen
Mi Tierra Cafe photo by Phil Carter
Photo: Phil Carter
Mi Tierra Cafe photo by Jo Hilton
Photo: Jo Hilton
Mi Tierra Cafe photo by Josh Compton
Photo: Josh Compton
Mi Tierra Cafe photo by Isaac Chavez
Photo: Isaac Chavez
Mi Tierra Cafe photo by Jeremy Davis
Photo: Jeremy Davis
Mi Tierra Cafe photo by Melissa Ruth Pynn
Photo: Melissa Ruth Pynn
Mi Tierra Cafe photo by Vanessa Jupe
Photo: Vanessa Jupe
Mi Tierra Cafe photo by merritt martin
Photo: merritt martin
Mi Tierra Cafe photo by Sally L. Holl
Photo: Sally L. Holl
 

 
Spanish Governor's Palace


Restored home of Texas's early Spanish ruler
105 Plaza de Armas
San Antonio, TX 78205
United States
+1 210 224 0601
This is the "most beautiful building" in the city according to the National Geographic Society. This national historic landmark was originally the official residence of the Governor of the Spanish Province of Texas in the late 18th century. The building is like a step back in time, replete with period furnishings, small rooms with low ceilings, and thick stucco walls. The cobblestone patio features beautiful foliage and a fountain supposedly haunted by a former resident. Most noteworthy is the original keystone over the entrance, which bears the carved, double-headed eagle from the Hapsburg coat of arms along with an inscription, in Spanish, reading "finished in 1749." Admission: USD1.50 adults, USD.75 children (3-11)and seniors ages 62 and older.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Spanish Governor's Palace photo by Franklin B. Thompson
Photo: Franklin B. Thompson
Spanish Governor's Palace photo by Jason Rose
Photo: Jason Rose
Spanish Governor's Palace photo by Rachel Menegaz
Photo: Rachel Menegaz
Spanish Governor's Palace photo by Steven Martin
Photo: Steven Martin
Spanish Governor's Palace photo by Gray Redfox
Photo: Gray Redfox
Spanish Governor's Palace photo by marylea
Photo: marylea
Spanish Governor's Palace photo by Patric M DelCioppo
Photo: Patric M DelCioppo
Spanish Governor's Palace photo by Natalia Rivera
Photo: Natalia Rivera
Spanish Governor's Palace photo by Matt Howry
Photo: Matt Howry
Spanish Governor's Palace photo by Sandra
Photo: Sandra
Spanish Governor's Palace photo by Peter D.Tangney
Photo: Peter D.Tangney
 

 
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