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Heading to San Antonio

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oldsports_

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My son completes his Army Medic training in late March at Ft Sam Houston.
Where to go, stay and see, 4 nights. We are flying in, should we rent a car or just stay near the Riverwalk? Thnx in advance.
 
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dgtatu01

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We stayed at a Hyatt downtown. It was great, right across the street from the Alamo. Everything in San Antonio is situated around the Riverwalk so walking everywhere is fine. No need for a car once you get downtown.
 
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AustinTXCat

AustinTXCat

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Congrats to your son on completing his training. I visit San Antonio 3-4x per year. Aside from the River Walk and the Alamo, there's more.

- Tower of the Americas. 750 feet high. Built for 1968 Worlds Fair. Located at HemiFair Park.

- Spanish Colonial Missions. Many structures date to the mid-1700s.

- Sea World and 6 Flags Fiesta Texas.

- Alamo Beer Company lies not far from downtown and offers some decent brews. The tasting room at Freetail Brewing, located off Pressa St about 1.5 miles south of the city center, is worth a visit.

- Awesome Tex-Mex food.

Have fun.
 
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BBUK_anon

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Rent a car but drive aggressively. You aren't in Kansas/Kentucky anymore. When I lived there (Still own) my BP went up a good bit for a while. Don't be surprised if you happen to run into someone and they take off. (Many drive without insurance)

Lackland is cool if you get a chance tour the museum. Sea world is cool too, much to do more than just look at fish. (Try to get coupons on base though, tickets are pricey.), You must visit the Alamo and riverwalk. Spend time walking as it is a fun place to enjoy in that area. If you don't wear sun glasses wear some anyway......you have to understand..even this time of year gets hot for someone from Kentucky. You can fry eggs in the summer at times in Kentucky on the pavement but in SA you can fry steak. (Should be a real nice time now though BUT, bring sunglasses and even an umbrella (Too shade the sun.)

Hit a good steak house too. (A good steak needs no seasoning), what else.....Much good food...If you like barbeque don't be afraid to try Bill Miller's. They are a chain but had good prices and quality food. If you get a chance Rudy's too.. I liked Bill Millers myself..we frequented their many joints.

If you want a burger you have to try Whataburger. You'll be glad you did. They have so many other good places to eat.

Oh, bring "SUN GLASSES" too....trust me...
 
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BBUK_anon

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dgtatu01 said:
We stayed at a Hyatt downtown. It was great, right across the street from the Alamo. Everything in San Antonio is situated around the Riverwalk so walking everywhere is fine. No need for a car once you get downtown.
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lackland is not near downtown. If going on post....rent a car. :) You can always park it...
 
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UpstateNYCat

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Mi Tierra for TexMex. Excellent bakery and have a mariachi band.
http://www.mitierracafe.com/

La Contera is a nice area with shops and eateries, Whiskey Cake is very good. The namesake dessert is outstanding.
http://www.whiskeycakesa.com/

A day trip up to Austin with a stop in Gruene would be fun.

My son lives in the Pearl Brewery District, it's a nice area from what I remember, close to downtown SA.

Lockhart for BBQ. It's about an hour or so East of SA. Stay away from Bill Miller's for bbq, their fried chicken is underrated but better places to eat in SA than BM. Rudy's isn't bad for chain Q.
 
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BBUK_anon

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UpstateNYCat said:
Mi Tierra for TexMex. Excellent bakery and have a mariachi band.
http://www.mitierracafe.com/

La Contera is a nice area with shops and eateries, Whiskey Cake is very good. The namesake dessert is outstanding.
http://www.whiskeycakesa.com/

A day trip up to Austin with a stop in Gruene would be fun.

My son lives in the Pearl Brewery District, it's a nice area from what I remember, close to downtown SA.

Lockhart for BBQ. It's about an hour or so East of SA. Stay away from Bill Miller's for bbq, their fried chicken is underrated but better places to eat in SA than BM. Rudy's isn't bad for chain Q.
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Dude; La Contera??? Are you talking about off 1604? Bring a high limit credit card with you. Glad your son lives in SA. My home is off I-10 and DeZavala (just a couple miles at most down the highway from La Contera. I never liked the element that hangs around La Contera. It is beautiful but look at it as you drive by. Go on the other side of I-10 to the other mall near the Rim. A large movie theatre and much other restaurants and a brewery too. Yeah you can get much more food than Bill Millers but it's good food. The fried chicken is underrated as it is superb and once eaten and you will never go back to KFC. I like Bill's because of the condiments are self serve. I like that black bread a lot and the cream butter they keep along with the tea.... yep. There are tons of places to eat but he is going to be around Lackland. La cantera is a good 30 minutes from there or more. Tons more places to go just google what you like and you can probably find it within range.

Gruene? Most call it New Braunfels but yeah that area is fun. There is a huge strip mall near there you will pass and see from the highway tons of stores of all different types.. A trip to Austin is okay except for the traffic. Go late in the evening and hit some shows if you want. (Good music) About 90 miles or so from the area of I-10 and Dezavala.... There is lots to do.. You can spend a lot of time wisely if you plan correctly. They also have a wild animal park going down the highway to Austin and a reptile park. Good places all.

If you're a church goer make time to attend Cornerstone Church (John Hagee) is off 1604. used to attend there for several years. The wife sung in the choir. Tremendous services.

Be Good
 
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UpstateNYCat

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Lived in Texas 30+ years and not once heard anyone refer to Gruene as NB. The strip mall you're talking about are the Outlet shops. Nothing wrong with La Contera, The Rim is also a nice area. If I'm visiting SA for the first time, I'm stuffing myself with texmex and breakfast tacos, with a side trip to whataburger. 2 Brothers BBQ isn't too bad, certainly better than Bill Miller. Barbecue Station is another option.
 
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BBUK_anon

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UpstateNYCat said:
Lived in Texas 30+ years and not once heard anyone refer to Gruene as NB. The strip mall you're talking about are the Outlet shops. Nothing wrong with La Contera, The Rim is also a nice area. If I'm visiting SA for the first time, I'm stuffing myself with texmex and breakfast tacos, with a side trip to whataburger. 2 Brothers BBQ isn't too bad, certainly better than Bill Miller. Barbecue Station is another option.
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Ha ha..to each his own..where did you live? I won't argue the point but my home is in the Hart Ranch subdivision in SA, feel free to google it and you can see how close it is to La Cantera...I have plenty of experience with that area though only about 14 or so years I have owned that property and lived there and know police who have worked there a long time too.

Oh, and just to be clear..it may have changed since you were there or since I have been there but...My daughter still lives in the area. I haven't visited for about a year now or so but still own the home.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gruene,_New_Braunfels,_Texas
 
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AustinTXCat

AustinTXCat

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oldsports_ said:
Thanks for the input. What are the areas around San Antonio to avoid?
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San Antonio is usually a cool place to visit. My wife's cousins grew up there and a close friend lives in the northeast part. I've heard about some rough areas on the east side and also in the northwest, but nothing major. Just exercise caution as you would anywhere else.
 
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BBUK_anon

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AustinTXCat said:
San Antonio is usually a cool place to visit. My wife's cousins grew up there and a close friend lives in the northeast part. I've heard about some rough areas on the east side and also in the northwest, but nothing major. Just exercise caution as you would anywhere else.
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ha ha..NW is where La Contera is at. My home is on the NW side. That's not a high dollar area but it is a middle area as far as homes go. There are a few less than standard neighborhoods. Crime has risen. It's a shame too as it is a nice place. It has to be cleaned up.
 
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UpstateNYCat

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Had no issues with the area(LC), and he's just visiting not living there. It's right next to Six Flags and UTSA, can't be all that dangerous.
 
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AustinTXCat

AustinTXCat

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UpstateNYCat said:
Had no issues with the area(LC), and he's just visiting not living there. It's right next to Six Flags and UTSA, can't be all that dangerous.
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Yep, just like anywhere else, really. Heck, our neighborhood experienced a couple murders a few years ago, all drug-related. I hike all over the hood, say "howdy" (Buenos Dias), and wave to my neighbors like normal. It's all good. Everybody is cool.
 
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UpstateNYCat

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The Riverwalk can be shady at times, downtown SA? Jr. lived over by the Med Center area when going to school and heard gunshots quite often. There were parts of Austin I wouldn't want to be caught in. Make a wrong turn around the Alamodome and you could be in some trouble.
 
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BBUK_anon

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UpstateNYCat said:
Had no issues with the area(LC), and he's just visiting not living there. It's right next to Six Flags and UTSA, can't be all that dangerous.
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I never used the word dangerous. I stated I didn't like the elements...I didn't and don't care for the attitudes and actions. Some can stand it, I can't. Six flags if that is your thing. I am a sea world type. I don't do the rides and at sea world you have things other than fish. I like the beer wine and cheese tasting among other venues at sea world. (That is relatively close to lackland too and usually airmen and soldiers can get good discount coupons. (50%) Just suggestions..
 
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UKgreatinmyveins

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BBUK said:
ha ha..NW is where La Contera is at. My home is on the NW side. That's not a high dollar area but it is a middle area as far as homes go. There are a few less than standard neighborhoods. Crime has risen. It's a shame too as it is a nice place. It has to be cleaned up.
Click to expand...

Jesus, its La Cantera. I live off I 10 and Fredricksburg by USAA. Not too far from you.
 
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DaBossIsBack

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Places to eat...

Magnolia pancake haus - southern Bennie
Pancake joes - chorizo omelette
Southerleigh - go for brunch and get the burger.
Feast - trendy. Might not be your thing. Get the chorizo egg sandwich.
Barbaro - pizza
Hot Joy - trendy. Spam fried rice. Lots of ramen options.
Bakery Lorraine - just top notch French bakery.
One of the best in the country.
Commonwealth Coffee, Rosella Coffee, Brown Coffee, Fairview coffee, Halcyon coffee
Smoke shack for bbq
Smoke - decent bbq. More of a fusion bbq spot.
Sushi zushi
Folc - go for brunch.
Alamode - gelato
Dough - pizza
Florios- pizza
Stella's public house - pizza
Rosario's - tex-mex
La Gloria - Tex-Mex
Brindles - ice cream
 
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BBUK_anon

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DaBossIsBack said:
Places to eat...

Magnolia pancake haus - southern Bennie
Pancake joes - chorizo omelette
Southerleigh - go for brunch and get the burger.
Feast - trendy. Might not be your thing. Get the chorizo egg sandwich.
Barbaro - pizza
Hot Joy - trendy. Spam fried rice. Lots of ramen options.
Bakery Lorraine - just top notch French bakery.
One of the best in the country.
Commonwealth Coffee, Rosella Coffee, Brown Coffee, Fairview coffee, Halcyon coffee
Smoke shack for bbq
Smoke - decent bbq. More of a fusion bbq spot.
Sushi zushi
Folc - go for brunch.
Alamode - gelato
Dough - pizza
Florios- pizza
Stella's public house - pizza
Rosario's - tex-mex
La Gloria - Tex-Mex
Brindles - ice cream
Click to expand...

Dude, just send them to Chipotle...:rolleyes:
 
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UKgreatinmyveins

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BBUK said:
My wife worked at a barber shop on Bandera for a long time. She is a tremendous (Not showing favoritism) barber and had a huge clientele.
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At least a free cut and you better say its tremendous lol. Do you watch the games at your home? I watch at home since its on TV ( unlike my Bengals ), I go to fatsos for that. No bars for me for UK because its hard to watch when people around you don't care and save money on foods/beverages.
 
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BBUK_anon

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UKgreatinmyveins said:
At least a free cut and you better say its tremendous lol. Do you watch the games at your home? I watch at home since its on TV ( unlike my Bengals ), I go to fatsos for that. No bars for me for UK because its hard to watch when people around you don't care and save money on foods/beverages.
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I live in South Carolina now after spending several years in Korea. I rent the house in Hart Ranch off DeZavala...I watch the games at home so far. I use Bill when I can but upped Direct so I could get ESPN and other channels for the season...
 
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BlueThruAndThru_rivals115784

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Bill Miller's? Whataburger? Ahhh, no.

Rudy's is OK in a pinch but you should get to Lockhart. If you like BBQ, you won't be sorry.

Try P. Terry's for a burger. Similar to In and Out. They're in Austin but might be in SA as well.
 
AustinTXCat

AustinTXCat

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BlueThruAndThru said:
Bill Miller's? Whataburger? Ahhh, no.

Rudy's is OK in a pinch but you should get to Lockhart. If you like BBQ, you won't be sorry.

Try P. Terry's for a burger. Similar to In and Out. They're in Austin but might be in SA as well.
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P.Terry's burgers = great. P.Terry's fries = suck. Too thin and often overcooked at the Burnet Rd. outlet.

12 Austin locations so far. I heard they are targeting SA, just not there yet.

Bill Miller's BBQ corporate office is based in SA. In my opinion, they offer much better food at the SA restaurants. Whataburger = longtime Texas icon and worth a visit for those folks coming from back east.
 
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BlueThruAndThru_rivals115784

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AustinTXCat said:
P.Terry's burgers = great. P.Terry's fries = suck. Too thin and often overcooked at the Burnet Rd. outlet.

12 Austin locations so far. I heard they are targeting SA, just not there yet.

Bill Miller's BBQ corporate office is based in SA. In my opinion, they offer much better food at the SA restaurants. Whataburger = longtime Texas icon and worth a visit for those folks coming from back east.
Click to expand...
Always been underwhelmed by Whataburger. Fran's or Dan's are much better.

Always thought BM's to be pretty average. Life is short. Eat great.

(13 year former ATX resident)
 
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