Introducing San Antonio
‘Remember the Alamo’ three million tourists a year cry as they stampede ol’ San Antone’s central mission, site of the infamous battle/massacre. Crowds come for the history and to party along the tree-shaded Riverwalk, which has more cafés and clubs than a dog has fleas. The visitor volume is daunting (as is the commercial crap that’s developed around the Alamo – Davy Crockett’s wild amusement ride?) But the lively Tex-Mex culture (about 60% of the 1.3 million residents have Hispanic heritage) is worth experiencing. Sure, see the Alamo and the Riverwalk, but explore beyond. Drink an aguas frescas (fruit-infused water) at the mercado (marketplace) and then hear country music at an old country store Willie Nelson helped establish – here you can fiesta one day and rodeo the next.
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San Antonio de Bexar was the territory’s largest Spanish settlement when it became the seat of Tejas state government in an independent Mexico. With US statehood came a large influx of German immigrants. The city’s growth in the 20th century is due in large part to local military bases – and your tourist dollars.
Last updated: Jul 22, 2009
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