THROWBACK EPISODE - This episode originally aired on PBS in May 2013. Some of the locations may have changed. Check thedaytripper.com for the most up-to-date information.
San Antonio has no shortage of tourist attractions: the Alamo, the Riverwalk, enchiladas, etc...but if you’re a native Texan, chances are you’ve already done all of these. If you’re looking to experience a different side of San Antonio, head south of the well-traveled downtown to Southtown, San Antonio’s burgeoning art district packed with restaurants, art galleries, history and hipsters.
For something a little artsy in Southtown, head to the Blue Star Art Complex. At the Blue Star Contemporary Art Museum, you’ll find all kinds of weird and wonderful contemporary artworks in a venue that’s almost as cool as the art itself.
Next drive through San Antonio’s King William District with some of the most amazing homes in all of Texas, including Villa Finale which is open for tours. Saved by Walter Mathis, this home contains an amazing collection of collections! Everything Mr. Mathis kept in his home is on display, including a real Napoleon Death Mask.
So, everybody knows about the Alamo, but, those that want to head further south can visit the other 4 missions of San Antonio inside of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. From Mission Concepcion to San Jose to San Juan to Espada, these grounds and chapels tell the story of Texas’s first settlers from Spain. They are amazing and an absolute MUST-SEE for every traveler to San Antonio.
If you’re looking for something less legendary but more urban-legendary, visit the haunted ghost tracks of San Antonio at the intersection of Shane Rd and Villamin Rd Legend holds that a school bus full of children died at this intersection when the bus broke down on the tracks in front of an oncoming train. To this day, any car that stops near the tracks will be pushed over the tracks to safety by the ghost children. Don’t believe me? Then try it. Park about 50 feet before the tracks on Shane Rd, put the car in neutral and turn off the engine. Let off the brakes and be amazed as you travel up hill over the tracks. Your doubt will be erased when you end up over the tracks, safe and sound.
If you’re looking for a way to navigate all of the stops in town, hop on a B cycle - San Antonio’s bike share program. A simple fee gets you a bike all day with multiple stations all over the city. It is seriously easy and fun! And you can explore parts of the city that you never knew of such as the newly remodeled parts of the Riverwalk or ride through the San Antonio Missions Historical Park.
For lunch with flair head to Liberty Bar which occupies a beautifully renovated old convent. Don’t miss their homemade fettuccine and enjoy a relaxing meal in this comfy upscale restaurant.
Sadly, since we filmed this episode, the Alamo Street Eat Bar has permanently closed.
To wrap up the night, head to the Beethoven Maennerchor, a German beer garden and singing club that’s been around since 1867. Most don’t think of the Germans when they think of San Antonio, but this will change your mind for sure!
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