On our trip to San Antonio, we had to take in the three most fun (and most strange) museums in town!
Believe it or not, San Antonio is home to the largest Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum, Justin's favorite "museum chain." The space itself is full of level changes and the typically-fun Ripley's fare: an Eiffel Tower from toothpicks, a "spinning tunnel" to walk through, some singing carnival figures. Nearby is Louis Tussaud's Waxworks (separately ticketed), home to some interesting statues that are not Madame's. It looks like many of the exhibits are kept contemporary, and on our visit, there was a Lady Gaga decked in meat, a Harry Potter scene, and a Michael Jackson grouping (Michael at different ages). There's also a creepy (but not too scary) hall of monsters, a hallway of integrated fairytale scenes, and Jesus storytelling scenes in a "Passion of the Christ" grouping. If you buy your tickets online, you can receive a joint ticketing discount, and we'd consider both museums worth your hour. This location has a Ripley's Cargo Hold gift shop just like the aquariums do, but don't expect much logo merchandise. They need to get some postcards.
In the category of truly awesome stops is the Buckhorn Museum and Saloon. A functioning--if touristy--"saloon," the staff invites you to grab a drink and tour(we passed on the drinks--something about any food or liquid near artifacts for us, but it was still a cool offer). Their collection consists of substantial taxidermy from around the world; there's a polar bears, numerous sets of entwined deer antlers, and an African safari section. The spacious museum also hosts a mock wild west town that's a good photo op, a display of carnival side show information, and a replica "Mystery Spot," an example of Depression-era tourism. Integrated within the site is the Texas Ranger Museum, a collection of large display cases apparently customized for individual rangers by their fans and families. Walking through this section is like walking through a good "chunky" read full of biography snippets. The overall site would be fantastic for family travel with elementary-aged kids. As a benefit for us, it was just steps from our hotel, the St. Anthony.
If you go, scope out coupons--most add up to the same discount, but it's good to save a few bucks on admission always. The Ripley's and Tussaud sites are just across from the Alamo itself; if you are at the Buckhorn, make time for a quick stop to the nearby antique mall and for a walk through the lobby of the St. Anthony, one of the four "really old" hotels in town. Its gracious peacock alley includes some photos of famous visitors near its end...and those visitors include Princess Grace. If you stay at the St. Anthony, take a swim in the small sixth floor rooftop pool.
Related Links:
Ripley's Believe It or Not! San Antonio and Louis Tussaud's Waxworks
The Buckhorn Museum and Saloon
St. Anthony Hotel
No comments:
Post a Comment