Remember the Alamo!

San Antonio's big draw is, of course, the Alamo. Another historic site preserved by a band of devoted women, it's amazing that visiting the shrine is free. Inside the ruins of the church, see the flags noting "counts" of battle participants, and within the courtyards, admire the flora and fauna including cacti and coy. Expect to find one of the larger gift shops within the walls, too. To learn the mission's potency in history, see the themed IMAX film at nearby Rivercenter Mall; to further understand how it looked at the time of the battle, pay the small fee to see Phil Collins's diorama at the History Shop. If you are interested in the non-battle life of the Alamo, don't neglect to tour the Long Barracks.

If you go, arrive at opening to avoid some crowds and come back again at night just for the beauty. Ghosts and Legends of San Antonio Tours are great excuse to come back by evening: Randy, the owner, gives enjoyable, history-oriented walks that are reasonably priced, fun, and informative. Think pleasant storytelling--not cheesy ghost hunting--that meets on Alamo Plaza, and Randy impressed us by being truly accepted by other service providers we passed...including the Alamo Rangers!

Relevant Websites:
The Alamo
Ghosts and Legends of San Antonio

Romantic Riverwalk

In honor of Justin's newly-minted history master's, we headed to San Antonio, Texas, for a few days of fun. Everything is bigger in Texas, so our trip description will span several blog posts.

While the draw to the city was the Alamo, we were incredibly impressed with the beauty of the Riverwalk, a winding path along the San Antonio River just below street level. Described as America's Venice, it is enchanting--full of interesting masonry, fountains, and outdoor art nestled among shops and restaurants with al fresco dining. There is some presence of "nifty" chain venues like Hard Rock Cafe, but many establishments are decidedly local. A large number of downtown hotels are either directly above the walk or within walking distance (as are destinations like the Alamo, La Villeta artisan village, and the San Fernando Cathedral), and the batteau boat cruises provide a great way to get a sense of place. Soon, visitors will be able to use the Riverwalk as a picturesque public transportation route; it's being extended so that visitors can cruise the river to multiple missions.

If you go, take time to learn a bit of the walk's history from a book like the readable River Walk: The Epic Story of San Antonio's River by Lewis F. Fisher. If you are good on foot and able to dress for the weather, don't bother renting a car and just hoof it and boat it to explore the city. Once you're there, you'll want to spend a lot of time down on the Riverwalk. Feel safe in so doing--the walk is well-monitored at all hours.

Relevant Websites:
Visit San Antonio
Rio San Antonio Cruises

Relevant Twitter Handles:
VisitSanAntonio
RioSanAntonio

Rock Symphony!

For its entire history, Justin and I have attended the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra's annual "rock symphony," an opportunity for classical musicians to play popular songs. Elijah enjoyed this year's British Invasion theme very much, becoming a Who fan and ending the night relaxing to "Hey, Jude." Some years they have cirque perfomers; every year, they have Jeans and Classics join them vocally. It's always fun--a means of enjoying some familiar music in a new way.

If you go, know that the event is part of the "pops" series, so you can tote in food and snacks. You can also wear pretty much anything--jeans are fine, as are thematic outfits. It's held at the Salem Civic Center. If you want to dance a bit, get a seat on the floor; if you like watching all the "goings on," sit in the stands. Intrigued by the concept, the symphony, and/or the annual theme? You should go! Next year, the theme is Queen hits!

Relevant links:
Roanoke Symphony Orchestra
Jeans 'N Classics

Relevant twitter handles:
RoanokeSymphony
JeansNClassics