Description

Highlights (i.e. best things to do, memorable moments, etc.)
We arrived in San Antonio on Thursday, got checked into the hotel met up with some family and went for a great Tex-Mex dinner at Chuy's (which is not in downtown San Antonio). After we got back to our hotel we walked over to Durty Nellie's on the river to sing along at the piano bar.

Friday was our first full day to explore the city. Starting out at 9:00 a.m. the first stop of our walking tour was at the famous Alamo. Arriving this early on a weekday is a benefit because this major attraction was not very crowded. We wandered around downtown, visiting the Menger Hotel, the Spanish Governor's Palace, a few churches and other historical sites. We shopped our way through the shops near the Alamo and La Villita. Friday evening was the reason we were in town, my sister and brother-in-law's 40th surprise birthday party.

Saturday we spent some time at the Japanese Tea Garden and Market Square before heading out for dinner and some drinks on the River Walk.

Quick tips/suggestions
Do: Make reservations if you plan to eat dinner at the River Walk on a weekend evening.
Don't: Forget to check out the music scene. Piano bars are very big and the Landing is a great place to hear some jazz. San Antonio is America's capital for Tejano music, a unique blend of Mexican and German sounds.
Do: Dress appropriately. Texas can be hot during the day no matter what time of year it is, and the evenings can get cool.
Don't: Expect everything to be at the River Walk. Since I head so much about it, I assumed all the great bars, food and shopping would be there. While there are many restaurants and bars, there aren't any little shops. Plan on visiting Market Square or La Villita for shopping.
Do: Pop into Rivercenter. Yes, it's a mall but it has their movie theater, a comedy club and several restaurants and bars on the lower level.

Suggested local dish to try: Fajita's or enchiladas. Anything Tex-Mex or authentic Mexican is good in San Antonio. For the daring, try some leguna (tongue) which I think tastes like pot roast.

Local tourist office: Across the street from the Alamo.

Best Way to get around
Getting There: Flying directly into Key West is expensive so most people fly into Miami and them drive down Highway 1 to Key West. It is a very nice drive which takes you through all the keys in about three and a half hours.
Getting Around: You walk the southernmost point to the northern most point of Key West up Duval street in about forty minutes. All around the island you will find little scooters for rent which are a great way to get around quickly. You can also rent bikes. Parking on Duval street is limited, but you can usually find spots a block west on Simonton St.