From Austin to San Antonio a re-visit
by Lady Di Wanderlust @dibythesea.com
I'm not one for do-agains... but sometimes I make exceptions. It's been 23 years since I've been to this part of Texas... curious to see what's changed, if it's anything like the growth in Southern California, then a LOT ! In 1992 we visited Austin for a week with plans to uproot and live there, while there we explored the Alamo, San Antonio's RiverWalk, Antique Shopped in Butte, tried queso for the first time in Austin, explored caverns, drove around a drive thru wild animal park, and shopped model home sites around Round Rock... this time we are here for part work and part play, we will spend time enjoying the nightlife of Austin and whatever we find of interest on our free days.
We flew United, express, a tiny plane, 2 x 2 seater, the seats were the squeakiest ! I slept the whole way there, love it when that happens. We had originally planned to stay in Austin for 4 days, but it ended up that there was a big car race and computer conference happening while we were there and we were only able to secure 1 night at one of our beloved starwood properties in Austin, the W, Austin, mid-town. We had to seek accommodations for our other 2 nights in the nearest city with a starwood property, San Antonio it was, I'm good with that. We did an Austin / San Antonio combo those 23 years ago... so yee haw to an Anniversary re-visit !
AUSTIN ::
AUSTIN ::
Rented a black Camero from the Enterprise airport, cause it just felt right ! Just 30.00 more to upgrade from the standard auto. Check-in was quick and we were out and about within minutes. The car tho, was not washed, it was dirty as all get on the outside and there was a candy wrapper on the side of the passenger seat, the engine was probably still warm !
Side note: On our first night, we were unable to open the convertible, us and 2 valets couldn't figure it out, so we had to call it in. Enterprise said they would take off the 30.00 upcharge. The weather wasn't all that nice, we had some rain, so I think we made out in the end on that deal.
Side note: On our first night, we were unable to open the convertible, us and 2 valets couldn't figure it out, so we had to call it in. Enterprise said they would take off the 30.00 upcharge. The weather wasn't all that nice, we had some rain, so I think we made out in the end on that deal.
The W Austin Hotel 200 Lavaca Street · Austin, Texas
Well, it certainly didn't disappoint, as cool and boutique, unique as to be expected. This is our 13th W hotel, Worldwide, immediately I am in eye-candy heaven. Lots of interior decor accents to drool over. I loved the succulents in the entry and at the front desk check-in (big time lawn removals and succulent plantings going on in Cali, with our drought situation so I felt very at home) We were given a room on the top floor with views of the rooftop pools below and the Lady Bird Lake / Colorado river, a bit out in the distance. The front desk guy hooked us up with complimentary Hi-band Wifi. We enjoyed our 1 night stay there, comfy bed.
Would have liked to have tried their lounge called Trace : American Farm to table, next time !
Well, it certainly didn't disappoint, as cool and boutique, unique as to be expected. This is our 13th W hotel, Worldwide, immediately I am in eye-candy heaven. Lots of interior decor accents to drool over. I loved the succulents in the entry and at the front desk check-in (big time lawn removals and succulent plantings going on in Cali, with our drought situation so I felt very at home) We were given a room on the top floor with views of the rooftop pools below and the Lady Bird Lake / Colorado river, a bit out in the distance. The front desk guy hooked us up with complimentary Hi-band Wifi. We enjoyed our 1 night stay there, comfy bed.
Would have liked to have tried their lounge called Trace : American Farm to table, next time !
We were given a few recommendations prior to our trip, by friends to check out both S. Congress and Rainey streets ... I don't recall these 23 years ago, so I was going in blindly. Turned out they were both within 15 minutes walk and drive of our hotel. First choice, Rainey Street we dropped off our luggage and headed out, with old school map in hand provide by our concierge for our 15 minute walk. Lots of dogs on our walk over, along the river and across a few streets. You begin hearing music then on the corner stood a home with loud music seaping out of it... a small crowd, sports tv's... turns out Rainey street is a street of residential houses turned into restraints and pubs. We walked down the entire first half taking it all in... Houses and food trucks lining the streets, not to crowded, it was a Sunday around 4:00p. We then crossed over to the other side of the street to begin with our instant decision to hop or crawl them ! First stop, Craft Pride. Instead of telling you about each and every stop in detail, I've included a link to all of our stops as well as the rest of the possibilities here. *I've also highlighted the ones that had vegetarian and vegan options to continue on with my previous Vegan in Vegas Blog.
You'll find all you can want along this street :: Craft beers, cocktails, BBQ, Mexican, Indian,Thai cuisines and more, food truck haven ... DJ's, live bands, every era of music is found at each place.
We hopped and sipped and chowed down at Lucille Patio lounge, Javalina (veggie burger), Craft Pride (vegetarian and gluten free food truck out back), Bangers Sausage & Links (v&v sausages), Blackhearts, and the Container Bar ... turns out Vegetarian and Vegan options were to be had at most places and all were delicious.
You'll find all you can want along this street :: Craft beers, cocktails, BBQ, Mexican, Indian,Thai cuisines and more, food truck haven ... DJ's, live bands, every era of music is found at each place.
We hopped and sipped and chowed down at Lucille Patio lounge, Javalina (veggie burger), Craft Pride (vegetarian and gluten free food truck out back), Bangers Sausage & Links (v&v sausages), Blackhearts, and the Container Bar ... turns out Vegetarian and Vegan options were to be had at most places and all were delicious.
Rainey street is very dog friendly... there were dogs in the streets and sidewalks on leashes and on the patios and in the pubs ! Some of the venues even had water bowls and treats for our furry friends. I liked it ! and not a spot of doodie to be found anywhere.
We enjoyed Rainey Street immensely... but after a few meals, beers and a cocktail, we were toast ! By 6pm we were ready to move on and see more of the downtown area. If you go, get there on an empty stomach about 5p and try them all ! Happi hour starts ... share some drinks and food at each spot, that's what we did, it will help you to have room to try more of the restaurants. Live bands don't start till about 7p. Click the link I provided above for all the info you could need.
*tip : If you get the Veggie burger at Javalina - cut the patty open and give it a breather ! Turns out I had steamed the roof of my mouth with it ! OUCH days of mouth sores to contend with, no bueno.
*tip : If you get the Veggie burger at Javalina - cut the patty open and give it a breather ! Turns out I had steamed the roof of my mouth with it ! OUCH days of mouth sores to contend with, no bueno.
 We began our walk back to our hotel and on the way over we spotted the State Capital building, so we continued another 15 minutes along the downtown streets over to capture some pics for our collection. We walked back and then decided to grab the car and take a quick drive to check out S. Commerce street or SOCO as they call it ... a Strip of stores, restaurants boutiques... a shoppers paradise. Most stores were closed so we stopped way at the end at a place called Habana House for a snack and coffee. The food was just okay, service great. They have these cute little raised huts outside lit up with colorful lights. *Tip : Bring your mosquito spray ! I woke up with 20 bites on my legs and I had leggings on ! |  Did I mention Austin is dog friendly ! ? Back up in our room at the end of the night, my husband noted that the in-room dining menu had Dog meal options ! Can't say I've ever seen that before. Tid-bit : The tallest building in Austin is.... the Austonian. |
The next morning my husband headed out to teach a Living Proof Haircare class at a local salon and I had 3 hours free time to get my thoughts and adventures written down. The W Austin has a few cool areas to do that in, I landed in a comfy Eames reproduction chair in their Livingroom, next to the fireplace, perfect...
BREAKING NEWS !!! As I sit here writing about my Austin experiences I am privy to some news ! Starwood Resorts and Marriott properties have converged making them the biggest Hotel Company in the WORLD ! So, that means that I will be able to start sharing more hotels and adventures with you. I will be posting a blog after this one with all the details I find out about the merger.
My husband is picking me up and we are off to check out a place the concierge told us about, a graffiti park about 10-15 minutes drive away.
Austin Grafitti Park on Castle Hill or the true name for what it's all about is the HOPE OUTDOOR Gallery it's pretty neat ! It's easy to reference it as a graffiti park but there's really so much more going on here. It reminded me of Cadillac Ranch - in Amarillo Texas (see my past journal post on my 17 day road trip) The parks concrete walls of paint are ever changing... new spray art occurs daily ! ... What I photographed is sure to be painted over soon enough. Check out this great youtuber I just found, showing you the park on a day in 2014. HERE
After taking some time to photograph and climb around we met up with our friend Dete to go see about some BATS !
After taking some time to photograph and climb around we met up with our friend Dete to go see about some BATS !
We were told of the bats that come flying out from under the, "Austin Bat Bridge" aka the Anne W. Richards / Congress Ave bridge at sunset. The bridge is currently home to the world's largest urban bat colony. We arrived at 5:00p and walked around the bridge, asked a few people about where the ideal spot was to get the best views. Ideally we were hoping for adult beverages and front row seats. We ended up across the street from where we originated, on the side of the bridge (where the Radisson is) down toward the far end corner... (the Radisson valet gave us the insider secret spot) He said there wouldn't be that many bats because it was the end of the Season... who knew there was a season? We later learned more, the bats are Mexican free tailed bats, that migrate in the spring about March (knocked up females) who then have their babies within the bridge and then migrate again with the babies in October back to Mexico, about a million of them. Here's a nice blog post I found with details on parking, where to view and info on the bats.
After about 20 minutes of standing in our spot a man came up to us with a stuffed bat on his hat and a batman silhouette on his shirt, gently yet assertively and quietly moving us toward the center of the bridge... we watched him gathering up other tourists and doing the same until we had a small grouping of perhaps fellow bat watchers awaiting the big reveal !... He took pictures with us and then gave out bat buttons.. for a few bucks ! HA ! I just knew there would be money involved with his hospitality. He was a nice, def man so it made it easier to give up our bucks. We waited for what seemed like an eternity.. the wind picked up... sprinkling came and went and then hints of rodent feceses hit your nose, a sign of their soon to be emergence. We were entertained by our fellow batters and the boaters, kayakers below.. Finally, well past 6:00p, we start to see some fluttering... but with the wind.. they did not fly out... but UNDERNEATH the bridge !... after about 10 minutes or more of this... we head back down to our corner where we started and see more bats coming out from under there... mind you, these bats are babies so they appear more to be swallows, but there were a ton ! Unfortunately, the night sky with the clouds offered poor lighting to capture any good photos or video. But here are a few of my photos. I promise there are bats in those shots !
After about 20 minutes of standing in our spot a man came up to us with a stuffed bat on his hat and a batman silhouette on his shirt, gently yet assertively and quietly moving us toward the center of the bridge... we watched him gathering up other tourists and doing the same until we had a small grouping of perhaps fellow bat watchers awaiting the big reveal !... He took pictures with us and then gave out bat buttons.. for a few bucks ! HA ! I just knew there would be money involved with his hospitality. He was a nice, def man so it made it easier to give up our bucks. We waited for what seemed like an eternity.. the wind picked up... sprinkling came and went and then hints of rodent feceses hit your nose, a sign of their soon to be emergence. We were entertained by our fellow batters and the boaters, kayakers below.. Finally, well past 6:00p, we start to see some fluttering... but with the wind.. they did not fly out... but UNDERNEATH the bridge !... after about 10 minutes or more of this... we head back down to our corner where we started and see more bats coming out from under there... mind you, these bats are babies so they appear more to be swallows, but there were a ton ! Unfortunately, the night sky with the clouds offered poor lighting to capture any good photos or video. But here are a few of my photos. I promise there are bats in those shots !
After the bat show, we decide to walk down the street to grab a snack and a drink before our dinner rez which was at 7:00p Our friend, Dete had made dinner reservations before we headed out to Texas, she was so thoughtful to find a Mexican place called Guero's Taco bar with vegan options ! I later found out that they were closed for kitchen remodel, so our reservation was a bust !
We landed at a place called the Corner bar... across from the Radisson, enjoyed some queso and corn chips and some Mezcal Mules (a spicy version of a Ginger Mule) and pepper flavored cocktails next to the fireplace in their outdoor patio/bar area. We then walked down to our next reserved restaurant of choice a gasto pub of sorts called... Swifts Attic but when we got there, it was closed due to construction !
Turns out they were closed for a few days now... ! say what, our concierge at the W had just booked it a few hours prior ! How in the world !!! We made our way down about 5 streets to another gastro style eatery called Fixe, Austins Southern House recommended by our concierge... where we dined on unique and savory dishes and drinks. Mezcal mules with jalepeno muddled in... they had a few vegetarian dishes, salads, potatoes, I went with the Herbivore grits and sweet tea pickles, my husband and friends had the beet salad, fish, shrimp and fried chicken ! Sharing went on and we were all in agreement that everything was delicious ! We walked back to our cars and said our goodnights.
We landed at a place called the Corner bar... across from the Radisson, enjoyed some queso and corn chips and some Mezcal Mules (a spicy version of a Ginger Mule) and pepper flavored cocktails next to the fireplace in their outdoor patio/bar area. We then walked down to our next reserved restaurant of choice a gasto pub of sorts called... Swifts Attic but when we got there, it was closed due to construction !
Turns out they were closed for a few days now... ! say what, our concierge at the W had just booked it a few hours prior ! How in the world !!! We made our way down about 5 streets to another gastro style eatery called Fixe, Austins Southern House recommended by our concierge... where we dined on unique and savory dishes and drinks. Mezcal mules with jalepeno muddled in... they had a few vegetarian dishes, salads, potatoes, I went with the Herbivore grits and sweet tea pickles, my husband and friends had the beet salad, fish, shrimp and fried chicken ! Sharing went on and we were all in agreement that everything was delicious ! We walked back to our cars and said our goodnights.
So far Im disappointed that I have not heard one texas accent yet !
St. Anthony a Luxury Collection : 300 East Travis Street San Antonio, Texas
Our accommodations in San Antonio were at the St. Anthony, coined "the Waldorf of the Prairie", an historic 1900's newly renovated hotel new to the Starwood company, newly opened. Here's a post I found about it. I was immediately in aw of the beauty, the color scheme, the white marble floors and grand staircase. We checked in late, were met by 2 wonderfully friendly ladies, quick check-in, no other guests around, straight up to our room with a spectacular room of Travis park across the street all lit up with it's holiday lights ! Well, it could have been spectacular if the large room windows weren't covered in a layer of soot, so disappointing ! But the hotel was not ! So, lavish yet full of historical bones and beautifully modern decor mixed with both original and reproduction furniture and fixtures. Eye candy, the fragrant smell and the era music that were piped throughout took us back in time and were just layer after layer of goodness. I was in love ! In our room layed out on a desk was a coffee table book about the history of the hotel, called "Dusting off the Legend : the St. Anthony" 2014 ... I perused it and it was so thrilled to know that we were in a hotel with so much American history, it had been a Crowne, Wyndham ... and now a Starwood / Marriott !!
Our accommodations in San Antonio were at the St. Anthony, coined "the Waldorf of the Prairie", an historic 1900's newly renovated hotel new to the Starwood company, newly opened. Here's a post I found about it. I was immediately in aw of the beauty, the color scheme, the white marble floors and grand staircase. We checked in late, were met by 2 wonderfully friendly ladies, quick check-in, no other guests around, straight up to our room with a spectacular room of Travis park across the street all lit up with it's holiday lights ! Well, it could have been spectacular if the large room windows weren't covered in a layer of soot, so disappointing ! But the hotel was not ! So, lavish yet full of historical bones and beautifully modern decor mixed with both original and reproduction furniture and fixtures. Eye candy, the fragrant smell and the era music that were piped throughout took us back in time and were just layer after layer of goodness. I was in love ! In our room layed out on a desk was a coffee table book about the history of the hotel, called "Dusting off the Legend : the St. Anthony" 2014 ... I perused it and it was so thrilled to know that we were in a hotel with so much American history, it had been a Crowne, Wyndham ... and now a Starwood / Marriott !!
We headed down to look around and right straight away landed in a darkish room, a bar... with so much character. Old paintings led the way to a wall of paintings and then a bar with and old English pub feel to it. We were at The historic St. Anthony Club, once an exclusive member’s only club. Now open to the public. The Bartender Brian was an instant entertainment factor, we hung out for about an hour before last call. Some Absinthe and whiskey and then we went for a stroll admiring all of the hotels finishes, architectural elements, statue decor, doors, hallways a playground of surprises at every turn ...
We found ourselves at Rebelle, one of the restaurants ... though closed we wanted a closer look !! It's modern, blue glow cast such a contrast to the white pureness of the historical hotel. Sparkley tiles, acrylic dining chairs, mixed with iron lanterns glowing with vivid colored bulbs, iron staircase, arched windows, a decorative Eiffel tower sat on one table next to the central bar... our rez lady appeared and she let us take a peek and get some photos and video before she offered to have someone from security escort us around the hotel on a private tour of the rooms and pool.
Our tour was briefly and then entirely interupted by an issue in the very bar we were in earlier. Brian our bartender was found passed out, unresponsive... bar money and cash bag on the counter and cash register open. YIKES !
We ended up continuing our own tour around, ended at an outdoor roof with views of the surrounding buildings with all of their mixed and old architectures, stone work and details, iron fire escapes, then back to our room for some in-room dining at 2:00a ... which was a bit slow understandably, due to the bar issue and were relieved to hear that Brian had awoke and made his way home.
The next morning we toured the Gym and rooftop pool, before we headed out to the River Walk...
We found ourselves at Rebelle, one of the restaurants ... though closed we wanted a closer look !! It's modern, blue glow cast such a contrast to the white pureness of the historical hotel. Sparkley tiles, acrylic dining chairs, mixed with iron lanterns glowing with vivid colored bulbs, iron staircase, arched windows, a decorative Eiffel tower sat on one table next to the central bar... our rez lady appeared and she let us take a peek and get some photos and video before she offered to have someone from security escort us around the hotel on a private tour of the rooms and pool.
Our tour was briefly and then entirely interupted by an issue in the very bar we were in earlier. Brian our bartender was found passed out, unresponsive... bar money and cash bag on the counter and cash register open. YIKES !
We ended up continuing our own tour around, ended at an outdoor roof with views of the surrounding buildings with all of their mixed and old architectures, stone work and details, iron fire escapes, then back to our room for some in-room dining at 2:00a ... which was a bit slow understandably, due to the bar issue and were relieved to hear that Brian had awoke and made his way home.
The next morning we toured the Gym and rooftop pool, before we headed out to the River Walk...
Tip: Parking is 39.00 per night across the board from the W, Austin to the St. Anthony to the Sheraton in San Antonio. At the W, we were fresh, by the time we got to the St. Anthony we got smart and found other parking options literaly a stones throw away for free ! So, don't settle for the 39.00 hit per day ! If we had not we would have forked out 39.00 x 3 nights... now that's a lot of Queso !
We walked to the San Antonio Riverwalk that morning, just about 15 minutes away, down really cool streets with old theaters the Majestic, the St. Marys' church, the Aztec on the water - from there we plan to take the water taxi... to Pearl ...
Water Taxi :: You can purchase tickets at ticket locations or on the taxis themselves. 15.00 will get you an all-day pass (24 hr) on - off, anytime you want ... On their website you can keep track of the next boat coming (approx every 20 minutes) they are really good about calling-in their whereabouts, you just wave them down or stand at any nearby stop. Along the route you get to see ducks, sparrows pigeons, lots of native plant life, restaurants, bars, shops and hotels, and lots of people, other boats who's passengers are friendly, waving as they go by...
We walked from Travis St. /St. Mary's Bridge (the Aztec) and then hopped on about 1/2 way to Pearl, which is just a small section of it's 15 linear miles of water. Along the banks pedestrians and bikers go along, we saw a lot of joggers. There were lots of string lights hanging from the trees as we rode down during the day and I was so excited for the ride back at night, however I found out that those lights are not year round but just for the winter holidays and wouldn't be turned on until late November, drat ! I was so excited to share my pics and video with everyone. I found a shot that someone else took, so here it is.
Water Taxi :: You can purchase tickets at ticket locations or on the taxis themselves. 15.00 will get you an all-day pass (24 hr) on - off, anytime you want ... On their website you can keep track of the next boat coming (approx every 20 minutes) they are really good about calling-in their whereabouts, you just wave them down or stand at any nearby stop. Along the route you get to see ducks, sparrows pigeons, lots of native plant life, restaurants, bars, shops and hotels, and lots of people, other boats who's passengers are friendly, waving as they go by...
We walked from Travis St. /St. Mary's Bridge (the Aztec) and then hopped on about 1/2 way to Pearl, which is just a small section of it's 15 linear miles of water. Along the banks pedestrians and bikers go along, we saw a lot of joggers. There were lots of string lights hanging from the trees as we rode down during the day and I was so excited for the ride back at night, however I found out that those lights are not year round but just for the winter holidays and wouldn't be turned on until late November, drat ! I was so excited to share my pics and video with everyone. I found a shot that someone else took, so here it is.
 | Tip: You can buy an 8.00 tour around the loop but for your 15.00 you can get it all in your all day pass, if you just ask questions. I spotted a strange bird in a tree and was given the 411 on the bird, it was in fact a Texas parrot ! Learn something new every day! |
The ride was really nice, quiet, we had a water taxi all to ourselves over. You go under quite a lot of bridges each decorated artfully different from the next.
Pearl District: The neighborhood is home to the the old Pearl Brewery, 15 eateries and cafes, shops, vegetarian, italian, Latin, seafood, a bakery, bike rental, yoga, ice cream, and more all within the old Brewery grounds and buildings... you can read about it in the link above.
As we walked around we ran into the owners of Bakery Lorraine, the one place our concierge said we should be sure not to miss, after asking if they had vegetarian and vegan options and we got a yes, we headed over to sample some of their yummies and boy were they good ! More than just a bakery they have soups, sammy and salads. Their peanut butter cookies (which I normally would never eat) were large and full of peanuts and tasted salty, yet sweet, with chocolate morsels and the best I have ever had and they have their parisian macaroons... I tried the caramel apple... heavenly, we were tempted to purchase more to take back to the hotel... instead we headed over for some lunch at the Green 100% kosher Vegetarian Cuisine. where we feasted on vegetarian/vegan delights... herbed mashed potatoes, burritos, and burgers... hibiscus tea. So good ! With thoughts to get more cookies !
We sipped craft beer samplings at the Southleigh fine food and brewery housed inside the brewery where we learned of the amazing hotel, within... the brewery turned HOTEL ! WOW !! just wow ! ...
Pearl District: The neighborhood is home to the the old Pearl Brewery, 15 eateries and cafes, shops, vegetarian, italian, Latin, seafood, a bakery, bike rental, yoga, ice cream, and more all within the old Brewery grounds and buildings... you can read about it in the link above.
As we walked around we ran into the owners of Bakery Lorraine, the one place our concierge said we should be sure not to miss, after asking if they had vegetarian and vegan options and we got a yes, we headed over to sample some of their yummies and boy were they good ! More than just a bakery they have soups, sammy and salads. Their peanut butter cookies (which I normally would never eat) were large and full of peanuts and tasted salty, yet sweet, with chocolate morsels and the best I have ever had and they have their parisian macaroons... I tried the caramel apple... heavenly, we were tempted to purchase more to take back to the hotel... instead we headed over for some lunch at the Green 100% kosher Vegetarian Cuisine. where we feasted on vegetarian/vegan delights... herbed mashed potatoes, burritos, and burgers... hibiscus tea. So good ! With thoughts to get more cookies !
We sipped craft beer samplings at the Southleigh fine food and brewery housed inside the brewery where we learned of the amazing hotel, within... the brewery turned HOTEL ! WOW !! just wow ! ...
Hotel EMMA :: Brand new, opened Nov 9th... This place is so cool... you would never know just by walking by. You have to go inside and walk around. They built this hotel around the old Pearl brewery (org. xxx beer) once owned by Otto and Emma Koehler. It was sold in 2011 and boy did the interior design firm turn it into something like no other ! I was jaw to the floor, mind eating up the color palettes which were so perfect for a fall opening ! Really brilliant timing on the current hipster trend of craft beer/ pubs, trending in big cities nation wide... word is the food is to die for there, we were stuffed from our lunch and bakery snacks and beer tasting, so had no room for dinner, next time. Here's some history on the Pearl Brewery and the Koehlers. Check out the pictures, in hind site I wish I would have taken video. I'm definitely going back !
Walking around Pearl was a cool experience... new buildings and shops, a rail car and bricked over railway, the Culinary Institute is also there.. . new condo/apartment work/live space high-rise being built... quite a place to visit for the day. Lots to eat, shopping and history to be had.
As we rode the water taxi back ... Kenny, our driver (these guys are full of info) told us about the San Antonio Museum of Art .... and that it was free tonight, so we hoped off and up we went to view some art ! Art Exhibits and Installations and Collections from Latin America, Spain and Modern were all free. 28 Chinese was a minimal fee. My feet were really hurting me so we just did a quick run through. I love Myan art and we somehow never found the modern art floor. Here are a few pics I took. Back to the St. Anthony to pick up our luggage and make a short walk over to check-into the Sheraton.
As we rode the water taxi back ... Kenny, our driver (these guys are full of info) told us about the San Antonio Museum of Art .... and that it was free tonight, so we hoped off and up we went to view some art ! Art Exhibits and Installations and Collections from Latin America, Spain and Modern were all free. 28 Chinese was a minimal fee. My feet were really hurting me so we just did a quick run through. I love Myan art and we somehow never found the modern art floor. Here are a few pics I took. Back to the St. Anthony to pick up our luggage and make a short walk over to check-into the Sheraton.
 | Sheraton Gunter San Antonio 205 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX Another late night check-in and just a few min walk from the St. Anthony ( less than 10 min walk from the Riverwalk) The Gunter has a typical Sheraton feel on the outside... inside felt more like a W... the hotel in general was well kept, clean and modern. Service and check-in great ! ... we had access to the Executive Club lounge... and enjoyed some snacks, I was also able to eat vegetarian with spinach bites, grapes and corn chips and salsa and beer, wine, coffee and tea options all complimentary. Note: Sheratons Worldwide are Dog Friendly ! |
We were on the 4th floor, room 409, and discovered that in room 411 just a few doors down, Robert Johnson a jazz player stayed and wrote quite a lot of his hit songs in that room. Robert Johnson is considered to be one of the greatest blues performers of all time. His hits include "I Believe I'll Dust My Broom" and "Sweet Home Chicago," which has become a blues standard. Part of his mythology is a story of how he gained his musical talents by making a bargain with the devil. He died at age 27 as the suspected victim of a deliberate poisoning. My husband was given access to his room by the MOD.
 | After our Club lounge breakfast the next afternoon we headed out back to Austin, with the top down ! We figured it out and what a perfect day for a topless ride from San Antonio back to Austin. |
| But before we did that we took a walk back over to Travis Park, across the street from the St. Anthony where another wall mural stood by the artist.... this one is temporary. you can visit her website to find to where other temporary pop-up murals will be and where permanents will land. It's a fun thing to add to my adventures around the world... you can find my photos as well as others who have enjoyed these murals on instagram under the hashtag #whatmovesyou |  |
We took our time driving back to Austin, with a drive by of the Alamo (for memory sake) stop at the Blanco River where we looked for ammonite fossils in limestone and even toured a model home near the oyster river. The rental car company was good to take off the 30.00 up-charge even though we were able to enjoy a few hours with the top down. My husband was stopped going through the airpotr security as usual, for his scissors, but also go the pat down, an alarm was set off by the bag being searched next to him, so he then had to go thru the 20 minute ordeal of an entire search through all of his luggage and body, nearly missing our plane ! I was in a panic, luckily we were the first gate ajastent to the security check and there was another flight in a few hours (for back up) Our seat were separate and the plane was full... but with minutes to spare we were able to get our seats upgraded to the upcharge ones for free ! in the 10th row for free on a nice new American Airlines plane. Whoo hoo - sometimes I think have people looking out for us !
In the end things seemed different than I remember back in 1992 ! Sure Lake Travis is still the same... the RiverWalk ... the Alamo, but so many new hotels, restaurants and places to explore. Get yourself down to Texas and enjoy some of their hospitality, good food and walk the streets and enjoy their cities full of history and modern delights.
I'll tell you what moves me... TRAVELING on great Adventures ! See ya'll around.
Got great Austin and San Antonio and nearby and in-between things to do and see, and not to be missed, please post them in the comment section below. How'd you like my adventure, I'de love to know. Leave me a message. Like if you like. I'de be much obliged : ) said in a Cali-texas drawl. Yaw'll come back and see me now. ~ Di
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