Thursday, February 23, 2012

Riverwalk Attractions

There are so many things to do around the San Antonio Riverwalk. These are just a few suggestions that are within walking distance of San Antonio Riverwalk Rentals. If you see something you want to investigate further simply click on the attraction name and it will give you more details to help you decide what you want to explore.

The Alamo
The Alamodome
Briscoe Western Art Museum
Buckhorn Saloon and Museum
Eclectic Art Gallery
HemisFair Park
Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
La Villita Historic Arts Village
Majestic Theater
Rio San Antonio Cruises - River Barge Rides
San Antonio Museum of Art
San Antonio “Walks”
San Fernando Cathedral
Segway Tours
Tower of the Americas

Front of Alamo Picture taken by Nancy StrongThe Alamo – was originally named Misión San Antonio de Valero. For seventy years the Alamo was home to missionaries and Indian converts. In the early 1800’s the Spanish stationed a cavalry at the former mission. In 1835 San Antonio and the Alamo played a key role in the Texas Revolution. In 1835 Ben Milam led Texian and Tejano volunteers against Mexican troops that were quartered in the city. After 5 days of house-to-house fighting they forced General Martín Perfecto de Cós and his men to surrender. The Texian and Tejano volunteers then occupied the Alamo. On February 23, 1836 General Antonio López de Santa Anna and his army arrived outside San Antonio. The Texian and Tejano volunteers prepared to defend the Alamo. The defenders held out for 13 days. The final assault came at daybreak on March 6, 1836, by sunrise the next day the battle had ended and Santa Anna had entered the Alamo.
300 Alamo Plaza
210-225-1391

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Exterior of the AlamodomeThe Alamodome – is a unique facility with column-free span for unobstructed viewing. Many events are scheduled for the Alamodome including the Women’s NCAA Final Four, the Big XII Championship, the annual Alamo Bowl, Disney on Ice, and Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus. Top names appear for sold out concerts include George Strait and Reba McEntire.
100 Montana Street
210-207-3663
800-884-3663

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Briscoe Building Briscoe Western Art Museum – The main building for the Briscoe Western Art Museum is located in the Historic 1929 Carnegie Library. The art and artifacts tell of the history of art from the American West and specifically of South Texas.
315 East Commerce Street
Opening 2011
210-299-4499

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The Buckhorn Saloon And MuseumBuckhorn Saloon and Museum – has been in continuous operation since 1881 when Albert Friedrich started the saloon as Albert’s Buckhorn Salon. The salon offered a unique opportunity for patrons to “bring your deer antlers and you can trade them for a shot of whiskey.” The collection continued with cowboys and hunters bringing in all kinds of animals including a “78 point buck.” Albert’s father Wenzel made the furniture for the saloon using some of the horns and antlers. Albert married Emile Durr in 1891 and she instituted acceptance of rattlesnake rattles. Theodore Roosevelt was a regular at the Buckhorn and started recruiting his Roughriders in the saloon. Lone Star Brewery purchased the collection in 1956. In 1998, when the Lone Star Brewery was purchased by Stroh’s Beer, the Friedrich family acquired the collection and opened the new museum 2 blocks from the original location.
318 East Houston Street
210-247-4000

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Poster for Ecletic Art GalleryEclectic Art Gallery – consists of a wide selection of artists from the San Antonio area, each with their own style of art. You will find blown glass, silk and watercolor painting, mobiles, oil and acrylic landscapes, pottery, and much more that will inspire any artist.
518 Riverwalk
210-223-7700

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HemisFair Park with Tower of the AmericasHemisFair Park – was originally built for the 1968 World’s Fair. The HemisFair Park features waterfalls and fountains, historic buildings, children’s playground and the San Antonio Landmark, “The Tower of the America’s.” HemisFair Park offers year-round exhibits of the history of the people of Texas.
801 East Durango Blvd.
210-458-2300

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Henry b. Gonzalez Convention Center in San AntonioHenry B. Gonzalez Convention Center – was built in 1968 as part of the HemisFair World’s Fair. It has expanded to 1.3 million square feet and includes 59 meeting rooms, 3 ballrooms, 4 exhibit halls and 7 registration areas. The complex also features the Lila Cockrell Theatre, a 2,521 seat performing arts theatre. There are more than 450 events held in the HBGCC every year with over 750,000 convention delegates from around the world.
200 East Market Street
210-207-8500
877-504-8895

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Staircase from the Riverwalk to La Villita Photograph by Page StrongLa Villita Historic Arts Village – was San Antonio’s first neighborhood. It started as a settlement of primitive huts that housed Spanish soldiers stationed at the Misión San Antonio de Valero. Brick, stone and adobe structures replaced the primitive huts after a flood in 1819. La Villita was the site of Santa Anna’s cannon line in the Battle of the Alamo. The late 1800’s saw an influx of German and French immigrants move into the area. These pioneers became the business leaders, merchants, bankers and educators of San Antonio. The mixture of cultural backgrounds is reflected in the various architectural styles in the area. When the city of San Antonio commenced building the Riverwalk area in 1939, the city leaders and Mayor Maury Maverick wanted to preserve this unique part of San Antonio’s history. Today you will find various shops, restaurants, galleries and artists that make this community a monument to San Antonio’s past.
South Alamo at Nueva or Riverwalk
210-207-8610

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The Majestic Theatre in San Antonio TexasMajestic Theater – was designed and built in 1929 by John Eberson for John Hoblitzelle’s Interstate Theatres. The Majestic was intended to be the most modern and ornate building in Texas and was equipped with a new sound system and projection equipment of the time. The Las Casas Foundation raised $4.5 million dollars to restore the Majestic in 1989. 60 years of dust and dirt were removed to reclaim the hand crafted plaster, statuary, and other ornate carvings back to their original grandeur. Carpeting and upholster were woven to recreate the 1929 design. The Majestic is home to the San Antonio Symphony, hosted musical sensations such as Cats and Les Miserables, and contemporary artists such as B.B. King, Tony Bennett and Sting.
208 East Houston Street
210-226-5700 (Administration)
210-226-3333 (Box Office)

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Riverwalk Tour on the River Barges on the Rio San AntonioRio San Antonio Cruises - River Barge Rides – join our cruise personnel for a rewarding and enjoyable ride on the Rio San Antonio. Learn the history of the San Antonio River or relax for a taxi ride on the way to your favorite restaurant. Dinner and cocktail cruises are also available.
205 North Presa Street
210-244-5700

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San Antonio Museum of the ArtsSan Antonio Museum of Art – is housed in the original Lone Star Brewing Company built in 1884. In 1970 the building was rediscovered by the San Antonio Museum Association and opened its doors in 1971. Some permanent collections consist of Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities, Asian Art, Latin American art, American paintings and contemporary art. Admission to San Antonio Museum of Art is free every Tuesday from 4 to 9 p.m.
200 West Jones Avenue
210-978-8100

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San Antonio “Walks” – is sure to please those who are interested in the fascinating history of San Antonio. Not a dry, boring drone, but history retold through the eyes and hearts of the people that love our city allowing your questions along the way. You will also benefit from the open air, refreshing exercise and the nuances only a “Walk” can provide.
300 Alamo Plaza
1-888-Do-Tour-4 (888-368-6874)
sanantoniowalks@inbox.com

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San Fernando Cathedral Photo taken by Page StrongSan Fernando Cathedral – was founded in 1731 by 15 families that came from the Canary Islands at the invitation of King Phillip V of Spain. This church was planned to be at the center of life of San Antonio. San Fernando Cathedral is the oldest functioning religious community in the State of Texas. It also has the distinction of being the oldest standing church building in Texas.
231 West Commerce
210-227-1297

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Segway Tours – is one of the most enjoyable guided tours in San Antonio. Ideal for both novice and proficient segway riders, our tours allow you to glide through history 6 inches off the ground. For a limited time you can take one of the most phenomenal ghost tours in San Antonio. Enjoy the magic of San Antonio’s Christmas lights. Tours will take you to the best places for photo opportunities and help you experience the enchantment of the holiday season.
124 Losoya Street
210-224-0773

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Tower of the America's in HemisFair Park in San Antonio, TxTower of the Americas – has been open to residents and visitors of San Antonio since 1968. Built for the HemisFair World’s Fair this unique opportunity to rise above the city to see all her wonders. Since 1961 visitors have enjoyed the fine dining in the Tower’s revolving restaurant or go to the Observation Deck and enjoy the scenery of this remarkable city.
600 Hemisfair Plaza Way
210-223-3101

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