Archive for the ‘San Antonio’ category

San Antonio, Texas – Family Destination

August 3rd, 2010

In the 2010 U.S. News & World Report’s list of the “Best Family Vacations in the USA” San Antonio came in at number two just behind San Diego but beating out Disney World and the Grand Canyon.  Other Texas cities made the list too, with Austin ranking in at eight and Dallas making the list at number twelve.

San Antonio has so much to offer a family.  Of course, a trip to San Antonio wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Alamo.   Visitors will get to walk through the old mission and learn the history behind the famed Battle of the Alamo.  Docents are often on hand to tell the story of the Alamo and to answer questions from visitors.

San Antonio RiverWalk

San Antonio Riverwalk

The San Antonio Riverwalk has recently been expanded to include more walking area and more to see and do.  With restaurants, shops, entertainment and hotels, there is plenty to keep a family busy just in the downtown area alone!  For those looking for a thrill, the Tower of the Americas offers some spectacular views of the city from its observation deck.  La Villita is also just steps away and it is full of cultural goodies.  Shops, galleries, restaurants and the Church of the La Villita are all within walking distance.  The area also is home to the Magik Children’s Theatre offering plays for the entire family.

San Antonio is also home to Sea World of Texas and Six Flags Fiesta Texas.  Sea World is home to Shamu and all of his friends including dolphins, penguins, sea lions and fish from all over the world.  Water rides and roller coasters offer an added thrill and fireworks light up the sky at night.  Fiesta Texas offers thrill rides, entertainment, and a water park for an all day adventure -fun for the entire family.

With its Southwest flair, San Antonio offers a culturally rich, diverse setting perfect for any family to relax, kick back and enjoy something truly unique.

For more information on San Antonio or to research hotels, flights and great travel deals visit Travel Zoo’s Destination of the Week: San Antonio.

Interested in finding a home in San Antonio?  Start your search now.

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Top 7 Reasons Why You Should Consider Retiring in San Antonio, Texas

July 11th, 2010

San Antonio, Texas is a top tourist destination, so why shouldn’t it be a top retirement hot-spot?  Well it is, actually.  According to MSN Money, San Antonio ranks 6th on their list of 7 recession-proof places to retire and Retirement Overseas as one of the best cities in the U.S. to call home after retirement.  Add to that a top 15 rating in the 2007 edition of CNN Money’s “Best Neighborhoods to Retire” and you’ve got a real winner in San Antonio, Texas .  That said here are the top seven reasons for retiring in the seventh largest city in the U.S.

#7.          Small town feel – San Antonio is a big city with well over a million people, yet it still maintains the charm of a small town.  It offers all of the conveniences of a major city, including great shopping, restaurants, hospitals, colleges, nightlife, but you still feel like you know everyone.  It’s a friendly town where everyone wants to know your name, if they don’t already.

San Antonio Riverwalk

San Antonio Riverwalk

#6.          Close to vacation hot-spots – San Antonio is a vacation hot-spot, so there is always something to do.  You can visit the downtown area right on the San Antonio Riverwalk or take in the many sites such as the Alamo, the Missions, Sea World, or the beautiful Hill Country.  In just a couple hours, you can take in some sunshine on the beautiful Texas coast.

#5.          Military town – Being a military town often attracts a wide range of people from all over the country, and even all over the world.  San Antonio is not

just home to active military, but many come back to call it home and retire here.  There are several military bases in San Antonio and the base services that are available help those who have served our country feel right at home.

#4.          Mild winters – The term “Winter Texan” is often used to describe many from the North who call South Texas their home during the winter.  But why not live here year round?  Summer temperatures in New York and Washington D.C. have been hotter than San Antonio summer temperatures this year.

San Antonio offers a mild climate all year long.

#3.          Stable and good housing market – While much of the rest of the country has seen a real slump in the housing market, San Antonio has weathered the storm quite nicely.  The San Antonio market is not as volatile, and so the extreme shifts were not seen.  Though the market has slowed in reaction to the economy, it’s still pretty healthy and has an excellent forecast with several neighborhoods in town seeing as much as a 10% increase in price!

#2.          Great hospital and medical facilities

– In retirement it’s nice to be close to facilities that can take care of you in case something happens.  San Antonio offers an amazing medical center, a medical school (UT Health Science Center) and a growing suburban hospital sprawl.  Several parts of town now have full service hospitals, doctors’ office complexes, testing facilities and a whole range of convenient medical facilities.

#1.     Low cost of living – The best reason

to retire and call San Antonio home is the low cost of living.  A more reasonable housing market along with good utility and grocery rates make it the ideal place to live large and enjoy your retirement without having to worry about pinching pennies.

Looking for that perfect home.  Start your free search on reduced new homes in San Antonio now.

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San Antonio – Summer Staycation and Day Trips

June 25th, 2010

With millions of travelers trying to decide on a destination this summer, many will choose San Antonio, Texas as their place to visit this summer.  In fact, U.S. News and World Reports recently ranked San Antonio, Texas second in a list of top family destinations in the U.S.  Since thousands and thousands of people will choose to fly or drive to San Antonio to partake in its wonderful sunny weather and amazing natural and man-made attractions, if you live in or around San Antonio, why not take advantage of what’s right in your backyard?

Downtown San Antonio – The Riverwalk, Tower, Alamo and So Much More

San Antonio River Walk

San Antonio River Walk

Downtown San Antonio has so much to offer.  If you want to make your visit a true staycation, there are a variety of hotels in which to stay.  Many of the hotels are right on the riverwalk with views of the river.  There are name brand hotel chains such as the Hyatt and Marriott which offer lavish accommodations and restaurants.  If you want to get into the true feel of San Antonio, there are also the Emily Morgan and Menger hotels, accommodations  unique to San Antonio and rich in history.  Some even claim that the Emily Morgan is haunted!

Whether you choose to stay downtown for your staycation or you are just planning a day trip to the downtown area, there are plenty of things to see and do.  For those who like to shop, there is the River Center Mall which is home to a variety of department stores, specialty shops and restaurants.  The mall also houses an IMAX theater.  If classic San Antonio is more your style, then a quick walk from the shops leads you to the historic Alamo.  Full of rich history, the Alamo is still one of the top tourist destinations in the U.S.

Tower

Tower

The Tower of Americas, built for the 1968 World’s Fair, Hemisfair, offers an observation deck high above.  The views are absolutely amazing and you will feel like you are “on top of the world” when you take the elevator trip to the top.  The tower also offers visitors an upscale dining experience and a 4-D Texas-themed multi-sensory theater.

Walking along the river is better than ever with the recent multi-million dollar expansion.  Once you’ve strolled along the river and taken a boat ride you’ll probably want to dine at one of the many restaurants on or near the river.  With plenty of choices, there is sure to be something that pleases even the pickiest of eaters.  Just some of the many restaurants include the Hard Rock Cafe, Rain Forest Café, Landry’s, County Line, Dicks and a myriad of unique San Antonio restaurants.

Sea World, Fiesta Texas and Splash Town

If you are looking for something more “themed” San Antonio has its share of theme parks as well.  Sea World of San Antonio offers children and adults the chance to get up close and personal with sea creatures from all over the world.  Fiesta Texas offers visitors a chance to ride roller coasters, watch shows and cool off on some wild water adventures.  Splash Town offers visitors a full water park complete with slides, rides and a wave pool.

Day Trips – Hill Country and Beyond

Cowboys

Texas Cowboys

True hill country life is only a quick trip away.  In about 30 minutes to an hour you can be in one of many quaint towns surrounding San Antonio.  Bandera, Texas is home of the cowboy and offers an opportunity to visit a real dude ranch.  Hiking trails, horseback riding and nightly rodeo shows are just some of what you can find in Bandera.  If cuisine and wine are more your thing, Fredricksburg, Texas offers several local vineyards complete with tours and tastings.  Perhaps a relaxing day at Canyon Lake or a ride down the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels will help you beat the heat and relax on a lazy summer day.  Caves, canyons, natural springs, and a variety of local wildlife can also be enjoyed around the area.

There is so much to see and do in San Antonio and the surrounding areas that once you go on your staycation or day trip, chances are you’ll be planning your next trip to another San Antonio destination by the time you are done.

Are you looking for a home in San Antonio?  Search great deals at My SA New Home today!

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The San Antonio River Walk Brings It – Fun, Sun and Everything In Between

June 5th, 2010

With the recent expansion of the San Antonio River Walk, there is even more to see, do and enjoy than ever before.  From restaurants to historical sites and beautiful unique lodging options to awesome nightlife choices, the River Walk offers something for everyone.  The number one tourist attraction in Texas brings people from all over the world together for fun and excitement that only San Antonio can offer.

San Antonio River Walk

Dining along the River Walk in San Antonio, Texas

Restaurants abound on this culturally diverse strip.  Whether you are in the mood for Mexican, Italian, American, Seafood, eclectic or gourmet treats, the River Walk has it all.  Traditional restaurants like the RainForest Café, Landry’s Seafood, and Saltgrass Steakhouse can be found alongside uniquely San Antonio restaurants like Biga On the Banks, Rio Rio Cantina and Schilo’s delicatessen.

Many of the major hotels also offer unique dining options.  For example, the La Mansion’s Las Canarias offers diners a delightful menu which changes monthly to fit every season.  This three level restaurant has a lovely and romantic ambiance which allows patrons to dine inside or take in all the river has to offer with a charming outdoor setting.

Casa Rio, a favorite with its Mexican cuisine, offers a true dining experience which allows customers an opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the river experience.   Eating along the river is an experience of a lifetime, but for those wanting more, the ultimate in dining awaits: a riverboat-dining cruise.  Casa Rio offers riverboat-dining cruises for groups of up to 20 people, and for those looking for a true Fiesta, riverboat cocktail parties are also available.

After taking in a delicious meal, there’s still much more to see and do.  A ride down the river on a Yanaguana cruise is a great choice which offers visitors a relaxing and unique tour of the downtown area. Shopping at La Villita or the Rivercenter Mall, and laughing it up at the famed Rivercenter Comedy Club are also unique experiences everyone can enjoy.

If nightlife is your thing, there are plenty of options.  Local favorites include The Republic of Texas Restaurant & Nightclub, Mad Dogs, Pat O’Brien’s, Howl at the Moon, Dick’s Last Resort, and Acapulco Sam’s, to name a few.  Jazz clubs, piano bars, pubs and dance clubs can all be found within steps of each other along the River Walk.

The Alamo and the Tower of Americas are also just steps away.  Whether you are a native San Antonian looking for something to do while the kids are out of school, or if you a traveler looking for a sunny vacation destination with lots to do and see, then the San Antonio River Walk should definitely be on your to-do list this summer.

Search for your new home in San Antonio, now.

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