From "Remember the Alamo" to to the more recent "Keep San Antonio Lame," there's always been slogans in this Texas town. The latter slogan, created by artist Aaron Forland in 2005, a fixture of the local Blue Star Art Space scene, is an ironic homage to this thriving and diverse city on the river. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the stunning King William District, walking distance from the Westin Riverwalk Hotel. The District, developed in the 1870s, was the first historic neighborhood designated in the state of Texas and has many stunning examples of period architecture. A picturesque walk, as featured in the video, or specialist Westin Run alongside it, was recommended by not one, or two, but all three Westin insiders on a recent trip and I can tell you it's one you'll soon be sharing with others.
On another visit to Southtown or if you're feeling like exercising your walking shoes, do the art thing. I've made a map. While First Fridays in Southtown are well-known amongst all, the ladies at the San Angel tipped us off to Second Saturdays. From 2 to 4 pm , each second Saturday of the month, check out the extraordinary gallery of Garcia Art Glass, where you can witness a live glass blowing demonstration, grab a bite at Azuca across the street, and then stroll through some of the other studios open. If you decide to walk your Southtown adventure, have a flavored iced tea at the Mad Hatters, then get on down to the Blue Star Arts Complex. Blue Star? Yes, bordering the neighborhood is the home of "KSAL," this brewery complex, full of live/ work spaces and galleries for some of San Antonio's most independent artists with a fully operational brewery restaurant and bike store smack dap in the center. (A hotspot during Spurs season, let me tell you.)
But no trek to Southtown is complete without a pilgrimage to La Tuna, a gem of an icehouse bar. A cash only kind of place, La Tuna's beer and wine bar is nestled in a tiny shack, almost hidden by enormous cacti. Order at the counter and then rest your weary self on a picnic bench amidst a grove of 19th century pecan trees. You may have be getting close to exhaustion if you've followed the map, but don't despair, you're only a short cab ride back to the white tea scented Riverwalk, where there's always restful activities: from tantalizing Venezuelan chocolate and hojorascas (Mexican cookies) at daily La Merienda to a Spanish guitarist playing ballads on Friday and Saturday nights. Yes, let it be known: I'm in lame with San Antonio, Riverwalk style.
(with special thanks to Skip James, Edna Villanueva, and the concierge of the Westin Riverwalk)
