Mark Twain once said that the United States has four truly unique cities: Boston, San Francisco, New Orleans and San Antonio. The grand old city in southern Texas, which dates back to Spanish colonial times when it was known as San Antonio de Bexar, has many great features. It is a popular destination for tourists who like the concept of walking. USA tourism statistics show that there is a steadily growing trend of taking independent or guided walks with tour leaders when visiting American cities. San Antonio's pleasant climate, colourful history, and lively Tex-Mex culture have combined to make it one of the ten most popular vacation destinations in the United States.
El Paseo del Rio
The River Walk along the San Antonio River has become the city's number one tourist attraction, and it is custom made for walking. USA visitors and international enthusiasts alike find that few other American cities have such a beautifully laid out pedestrian attraction right in the downtown area. Located twenty feet (six metres) below street level, the River Walk feels like a world apart from the bustling city. Here you can see lovely fountains and picturesque bridges, and listen to mariachi bands. The River Walk grew out of a flood control project that was conceived of in 1921, and completed in 1941. Smart planning and imaginative design have turned it into San Antonio's jewel.
The Best of the River Walk
As a visitor to the USA, walking in San Antonio may be best previewed by taking a boat cruise on the river. It's a relaxing introduction to San Antonio that gives your feet a break before your main walk begins. Then visit the Aztec Theatre, a wonderfully restored monument to the Roaring Twenties. A short stroll will take you to the H.B. Ganzalez Convention Centre and HemisFair Park. At the open-air Arneson River Theatre, the river runs serenely between the audience and the stage. Be sure to see the statue of St. Anthony, the city's patron saint, created by the sculptor Leonardo de Almeida. Bowen's Island is a great place to stop for a quiet break. The Rivercenter Mall, with more than 125 stores and eating places, is the best place for shopping. For great live music, go to the venue called the Landing. All of this is within easy reach of the River Walk.
Remember the Alamo
Nobody who is walking USA's San Antonio could complete their holiday without making a detour to see the Alamo. The shrine to Texas independence is in the heart of San Antonio, and just a few steps from the River Walk. The chapel and adjacent barracks are all that remain of the larger mission compound that was turned into a fort. Here, on the morning of March 6, 1836, a small garrison led by William Barret Travis, James Bowie and David Crockett, fought to the last man against the overwhelming forces of Mexican dictator General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. The site is now a museum, where among other things you can see a superb short film about the battle. Across the road is the Alamo Cenotaph, a sixty-foot (18 metre) memorial to the men who died that day.
No comments:
Post a Comment