San Antonio: The Perfect Family Vacation

I don’t know about you, but when I take kids on a vacation I want a little bit of everything – fun, thrills, culture, good food, a learning experience. San Antonio has it all.

THE ALAMO Sam Houston, Davy Crockett, William Barrett Travis, Jim Bowie, and Antonio Lopez de Santa Ana Perez de Lebron, better known as Santa Ana, who decreed no prisoners would be taken … “American frontiersmen – including some of their most colorful leaders – ( writes Lamont Wood) gather to support a revolution against a foreign despot, and hold out against massive odds. Until the climatic moment when they’re annihilated, taking large numbers of the enemy with them. Their sacrifice changes history.”

He continues: “There’s one thing wrong about this romantic tale, one that sets is apart from others like it: It did happen, as described. And since then the Alamo has lodged itself deeply into the American psyche… It has to do with the fact that we gauge our experiences against the extreme situations, not against average ones. The Alamo represents one such extreme. It teaches us that even if you’re surrounded, outnumbered ten to one, they’ve announced they’re taking no prisoners, and they’re pouring over the walls, within your soul you still have options. You can decide that something is worth dying for. That here is where you will stand. That here is where you will draw the line.”

Before you tour the Alamo, take in the IMAX movie, “The Price of Freedom”.

After you’ve seen the Alamo check out the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum and the Plaza Wax Museum. Then take a horse-drawn carriage ride.

RIVERWALK San Antonio’s RiverWalk is just down the way from the Alamo. You'll find yourself in another world – 3 miles of shops, restaurants, clubs and artists. Take a boat ride for a historical tour of the City as you look up at the buildings you pass.

How unique is it? It’s featured in movies, most recently “Miss Congeniality” with Sandra Bullock and William Shatner (Captain Kirk).

BUCKHORN SALOON AND HALL OF HORNS Located two blocks from the Alamo is two stories of “the most exotic collection you’ve ever seen, from our unique horn collection, to cowboy memorabilia and fish from the Seven Seas, a two-headed calf and lamb with 8 legs.” There’s a shooting gallery and arcade, a restaurant, and of course a souvenir shop

BLUE STAR COMPLEX A complex of former warehouses with galleries and studios, contemporary art, student exhibits, alternative theater and a brew pub with hand crafted beers and good things to eat. The Blue Star Complex has family art-oriented activities year round.

WATER FUN Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort is located in the quaint town of New Braunfels, just 30 miles from the SA airport.

A family-owned resort, it includes something for everyone – tubing river rapids, a five-story high water fun house, an all-out water cannon fight, thrill rides for the teens, and water playgrounds for the little ones, with lifeguards (Lagoon Kiddie Park, Pollywog Pond, Kinderhaven, Squirt ‘n’ Sliden) and huge relaxing hot tubs (paddle on up to the bar for snacks, soda pop and mixed drinks). Everyone from the toddler to the great-grandparents can enjoy a day here.

Admission to the park includes all water rides and attractions, use of inner tubes, life vests, bodyboards, and tram service. Tips from a frequent visitor: wear some water shoes. The pavement gets hot in the summer!

Schlitterbahn is open full-time mid-May through August. Schedule is posted on their website, as well as driving instructions. http://www.schlitterbahn.com .

WHILE IN NEW BRAUNFELS: Play the small but challenging 9-hole golf course, spend some time at John Newcombe’s Tennis Ranch or have a picnic in Landa Park, including train rides, paddles boats, rope swing, and a swim in the Comal River.

There are also some great German bakeries and restaurants, and 6 miles west of town is Dry Comal Creek Vineyards - “Pretty enough to be nestled on the hillside of a California valley or strategically placed in the rolling hills of southern France.”

You won’t want to miss the Snake Farm and Exotic Animal Park – part of the “Corridor of Curiosities,” it’s an experience. It just has a nice feel to it, like the trips you took when you were a kid. And if you’re a Hummel fan, the New Braunfels Museum of Art & Music (formerly Hummel Museum) features Hummel figurines and the sketches and paintings that started it all

GRUENE, TX – “Gently resisting change for 100 Years” Just down the road from New Braunfels, situated on the Guadalupe River, you’ll find Gruene, Texas. At the Grist Mill Restaurant you can dine outside overlooking the River and enjoy some Texas fried catfish and pinto beans and great strawberry shortcake. Spend the night at the Gruene Mansion Inn (http://www.gruenemansioninn.com ), listed on the National Register of Historic Places and a Texas Historic Landmark And don’t miss Gruene Hall, the oldest running dance hall in Texas, and the location of that wonderful dancehall scene in “Michael.” Screened in, live music, a step back in time. I know I’ve seen some oldtimers playing dominoes around the bar. They have a Gospel Brunch with a Texas Twist and a huge buffet every 2nd Sunday.

NATURAL BRIDGE CAVERNS See one of the longest soda straw formations in North American – 14’ in length. What’s that? Come find out. Pan for Hidden Gems at the Mining Company. Option – The Adventure Tour … if you dare. A new spelunking experience. Physically demanding, you’ll be outfitted with cavinf fear and may be lowered by rope through a 160’ shaft (or use the walk-in tunnel). Includes rapelling, On the Adventure Tour you will be outfitted with caving gear and may be lowered by rope through a 160 foot well shaft or use the walk-in tunnel

NATURAL BRIDGE WILDLIFE RANCH Texas-style, drive through, and the animals will come right up to the car – complimentary feed given upon entrance. There’s a Petting Zoo and Walk-a-Bout. Open daily. Over 50 different species from addax antelope to zebras, llamas to ostriches. “Horn-to-horn combat, birth of newborns, and mating rituals” included. www.nbwildliferanchtx.com

MARKET SQUARE Billed as the largest Mexican marketplace outside of Mexico, it’s a great way to spend a couple of hours, with shops, entertainment, restaurants, and often a Mexican Festival of some sort being celebrated.

I told you there was something for everyone, and I haven’t even mentioned The Missions Trails, a tour of Spanish missions or the Alamodome. And of course the two big themeparks – Seaworld and Six Flags Fiesta Texas.

©Susan Dunn, MA, The EQ Coach, http://www.susandunn.cc . I offer coaching, distance learning courses, and ebooks around emotional intelligence. I train and certify EQ coaches. Get in this field, dubbed “white hot” by the press, now, before it’s crowded, and offer your clients something of real value. Immediate entry, no residence requirement. Mailto:sdunn@suasndunn.cc for free ezine. For daily EQ Tips, send blank email to EQ4U@yahoogroups.com .

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