Destination San Antonio
by: Bobby McDonald
Most any "tried and true" Texan has made at least one pilgrimage to San Antonio and toured the Texas National Shrine, the Alamo. However, a whole world of exciting and fun activities await the traveler to the Alamo City. And, a trip wouldn't be complete without a boat ride down the San Antonio River, but have you ever toured the San Antonio Botanical Gardens? What do you know about Ft. Sam Houston?
The San Antonio Botanical Gardens are located at 555 Fulton Street at New Braunfels Avenue, and offer the plant and nature lover a haven of peaceful pleasure. Nestled on 33 acres of what once was a limestone quarry, the property was purchased in 1877 for a San Antonio water works system, by J.B. LaCoste. LaCoste sold the property to G.W. Brackenridge in 1833, and he worked to develop the property into an alternate supply of water for the City of San Antonio. The City purchased the property from Brackenridge in 1899, as he abandoned his projects. It wasn't until the 1940's that Mrs. R.R. Witt and Mrs. Joseph Murphy had a vision for a Botanical Garden situated on the property. They organized the San Antionio Garden Center and worked tirelessly with friends and associates to make the property into the beauty spot it is today. The hard work and dedication paid-off handsomely, as the ground-breaking ceremonies were finally begun in 1976, and the San Antonio Botanical Gardens were opened as a must-see travel destination, on May 3, 1980. For the past twenty-five or more years, the gardens have been a labor of love and a constant construction project for the San Antonio Botanical Society.
Termed "33 Acres of Tranquility," the San Antonio Botanical Gardens use both natural landscapes and the introduction of colorful annuals and perenials in their design, as well as using a variety of water gardens to enhance the beauty of the grounds. Creative lighting is used in the landscapes, as well as beautiful limestone walkways and garden paths. The Lucile Halsell Conservatory is a highlight of the gardens, as well as the Auld House, and the Sullivan Carriage House.
A variety of special events complete the San Antonio Botanical Garden's calendar, and the gardens are open year-round from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Admission to the gardens is $6.00 for adults, $3.00 for children, and $4.00 for Senior Citizens. Group rates and tours are available. Information may be obtained by calling (210)207-3250, or (210)207-3097.
Another tourist destination in San Antonio, that many people don't take advantage of is the historic Ft. Sam Houston. The United State Army has maintained a presence in the Alamo City sine 1845, the year that Texas was admitted to the United States. The fort has performed five distinct and important roles in San Antonio: that of headquarters, a logistical base, a mobilization and training site, a garrison, and provider of medical support fot he U.S. Army.
Historic structures and bits of Texas and U.S. history abound at every turn at Ft. Sam Houston, named for Indian Fighter and first Texas President, Sam Houston.
Are you hungry yet? Is the wife and kids wanting to go shopping? Well, it is time to head for the world famous San Antonio River, and enjoy shopping and dining along the beautifully landscaped river, that is the heart of San Antonio. Eat at one of the many authentic Mexican Food Restaurants or get a "mouth-watering" steak. Then, while the family shops, sneak away and get a ride along the San Antonio River, on a gondola boat, that will open a world of beautiful and historic sights, as you float lazily along the the waterway where many "true" Texans have been.
~ San Antonio ~
"A Relaxing Haven
For A Week or Weekend"
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