San Antonio has always been one of my favorite Texas towns. I have lived there twice, once when I was around ten years old and my father was stationed at nearby Randolph Air Force Base, and another time after I graduated with my MBA at Texas A&M. I have often returned for both business and pleasure and have always enjoyed our time in San Antonio.
On our most recent visit, we were excited to learn more about the extensive renovation and expansion of the Alamo Plaza complex, the new World Heritage Center, and an innovative urban winery. I also paid a visit to the Botanical Gardens, the San Antonio Zoo, took a fun boat ride at night along the Riverwalk, viewed the city from the up high in the Hemisfair Tower, and had a delicious meal at Boudro’s Restaurant.
Alamo $550 Million Construction and Renovation Project
The Alamo is the most famous and recognized landmark in San Antonio. Movies, books, tours, and stories over the years have told the story of the struggle till death of the brave soldiers at the Battle of the Alamo. Some changes and renovations have been made over the years, but recently more extensive construction and renovation projects will add to the impressive Alamo complex. Emily Baucum, public relations manager for the Alamo Trust, and Thomas Ledesma, from the research team, took time out of their busy schedules so show me around and tell me about the exciting developments.
One thing that was new to me since my last visit is the new 24,000 square-foot Alamo Exhibit at the Ralston Family Collections Center, which opened to the public in March of 2023. The $550 million project currently underway will be completed in phases, concluding in 2027. The project will restore the Alamo’s historic footprint with many additions and renovations. New exhibits and technology bring the experience to life, and visitors are immersed in the history of the area from 1719 to the present.
Another interesting aspect of the Alamo renovation is the contribution of Phil Collins, the British rockstar. Since an early age, Collins has been fascinated with the story of the Alamo, and has agreed to donate his large personal collection of documents, artifacts, weapons and more to the new museum.
World Heritage Center in the Mission District, a UNESCO Site
Located south of downtown in the historic Mission District, the new World Heritage Center building is due to open soon. The new center will showcase the history of the missions and provide residents with a community gathering space. The new building is adjacent to the historic drive-in marquee theater. According to Colleen Swain, Director of the WHC, and Rebecca Boysen, Special Projects Manager, the newly renovated spaces and new building will be an even better spot to host many festivals, events, movies, picnics, and other activities for residents.
The World Heritage Center facility is located at 3106 Roosevelt Avenue adjacent to the Mission Marquee Plaza, Mission Library, and the YMCA Building.
Bunnies, Birds, and Butterflies at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens
Yes, dozens of bunnies abound in the Mays Family Display Gardens at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens. The creation of renowned artist and sculptor Hunt Slonem, these larger-than-life bunnies dot the gardens with colorful, whimsical figures throughout. Hunt also created delightful birds and butterflies to join the menagerie. The Huntopia exhibition runs through November 3, 2024.
In addition to bunnies, meander among birds, butterflies, dinosaurs, winged lions, dragons, and other fun figures that fill the gardens. Butterfly sculptures dot the open field near the Overlook and Acequia. A line of Scarecrows and large serpents appear around the next corner.
The Botanical Garden’s formal beds are comprised of four large rectangular display areas that are changed seasonally to display a variety of fun colors and textures. Wander through the enchanting Kumamoto En, the authentic Japanese Garden that was a gift to San Antonio in 1989 by its sister city, Kumamoto. Or stroll through The Lucile Halsell Conservatory complex with five exhibit rooms featuring exotic plants from around the world. Beware of the otherworldly serpents and dragons protecting their domain.
The San Antonio Botanical Gardens, another attraction included in the San Antonio CityPASS, was a great place to enjoy the quiet beauty of nature and art in a tranquil setting.
San Antonio Zoo in Brackenridge Park
Visiting the zoo brought back memories from my childhood. Part of the large Brackenridge Park just northeast of downtown, the San Antonio Zoo is a fun family-friendly place. I immediately saw the miniature train that I once rode as a youngster during field trips to the zoo, still in operation. I was glad I made time to use my San Antonio CityPASS to explore the zoo for an afternoon.
Highlights for me on this visit were the large flock of pink flamingos, the Reptile House, and the large tiger resting in the shade under large oak trees. Gharials, crocodilians with narrow snouts, were sunning themselves, and an awesome Komodo Dragon was in command of his domain, with his tongue flitting in and out. The Great Blue Turaco, native to the sub-Saharan Desert, impressed me with its bright bluish-green feathers and yellow and orange beak.
I also got a kick out of the giant green Gorilla with butterflies at the entrance, and the sculpture of three rhinos stacked on top of each other, like some bizarre circus trick. The Reptile House, Aquarium, and Gift Shop offered some much-appreciated cool air on this warm September afternoon. An exciting coming attraction to the zoo is Congo Falls, which will be a two-acre gorilla habitat and event center. Congo Falls will be one of the nation’s largest gorilla habitats with unique spaces for guests and gorillas. It is scheduled to open in summer 2025.
Re:Rooted, an Urban Winery in Downtown San Antonio
Every downtown should have an urban winery like the neighborhood Re:Rooted on Hemisfair Avenue, just a few minutes from the Hemisfair Tower and the Riverwalk. Owner, operator, and sommelier Jenn Beckmann is a very friendly, knowledgeable, delightful lady who spent an hour with us talking about her winery, her wines, and her life.
Learning about wine and the hospitality business in Chicago, Jenn moved to San Antonio with her active-duty Army husband in 2009. A sommelier since the early 2000’s, she found herself working with local Hill Country wineries, learning more about wine and the wine business with each project. She also earned the prestigious title of Certified Wine Educator with the Society of Wine Educators, one of only 441 wine experts to earn the designation in the program’s history.
Jenn had studied art and poetry in college, and along with her wine education and effervescent personality, had the foundation to open her own winery. So in 2021, she did. At the same time she opened, COVID hit the world with a vengeance and made for some major challenges and adjustments. Re:Rooted made it through, and stands today as the only urban winery and tasting room in downtown San Antonio.
The eclectic space is a mix of trendy, funky, industrial, and elegant. Beckmann enlisted the design expertise of San Antonio-based graphic artist Robert Tatum and interior designer and artist Analy Diego. Jenn also incorporates the art of Tony Fitzpatrick, who Beckmann knows personally from her years of living in Chicago and working at a restaurant next door to his studio. The result is a very inviting space to share wine, stories, and laughter.
Paramount in the philosophy of Re:Rooted is the commitment to promoting sustainable, natural, environmentally friendly products and processes. Wines are on tap, so each glass, growler, or bottle is poured fresh from large kegs. Customers can take home wines in recyclable bottles that she sterilizes and reuses, cutting down dramatically on waste. Wines are made from 100% Texas grapes from the Hill Country and the Texas High Plains.
Boat Ride on the Riverwalk via Go Rio
We had a nice, relaxing hour cruising the river with Go Rio, listening to interesting narration about the history of San Antonio while seeing the sights. We used our San Antonio CityPASS, always a bargain to do more for less. We learned that San Antonio is the second largest city by land and population in Texas. It is home to the largest bat colony in the world. And we learned that several movies, including Selena, Miss Congeniality, and The Getaway were filmed in San Antonio.
At night, lights illuminate the bridges, riverside cafes, and clubs. We listened to a German band play Edelweis, while jazz blared around the next bend. We passed the Selena Bridge, the horse and bulls sculptures at the Witte Museum, Hemisfair Tower, El Mercado, and the Stargazer “Citlali” Statue by artist Pedro Reyes.
Describing the star the woman examines while holding it in her right hand, Reyes says, “The star could be a star like the ones that shine over San Antonio each night — the same ones that have been contemplated by all peoples throughout the region’s human history, the same ones that inspire awe and wonder as they help us glimpse our place in relation to the universe and to time.”
A Go Rio river cruise is always a fun time on the Riverwalk. They also offer dinner, beer, and wine cruises.
Boudro’s Restaurant on the Riverwalk
Our final dinner in San Antonio was at the fabulous Boudro’s on the Riverwalk. Octavio, our server, started the evening with his big smile and friendly personality. A veteran of this riverfront establishment, Octavio was just the right blend of warmth and professionalism. We started with the fresh guacamole made tableside. In just a few short minutes, Octavio opened the avocado, sliced and diced, and mixed in freshly cut tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. He squeezed a fresh lime, mixed, and voila!, we had some of the best guac ever.
For our mains, my wife chose the grilled amberjack served with mashed potatoes and a vegetable medley. I opted for the blackened drum fish with red potatoes and veggies. The fish was tender and tasty and seasoned just right, and paired well with my Sauvignon Blanc.
We finished our fantastic evening at Boudro’s with the tasty bread pudding with bourbon sauce. What a wonderful find on the Riverwalk!
Viva San Antonio!
San Antonio has so much to offer. Come see the new buildings, exhibits, and attractions that make San Antonio one of the biggest visitor attractions in Texas.
Thanks to Visit San Antonio, The Alamo Trust, the World Heritage Center, San Antonio CityPASS, Re:Rooted, and Boudro’s for hosting us.
