San Antonio

Travelers' Takes

Rates and Deals

Texas Off-Season

A November 2004 trip to San Antonio by emptynest

Trips along the less-traveled paths seem to be a great idea in theory, but reality can make concrete highways look like lifesavers. Old Route 66 and back roads in Texas taught me that I am spoiled by clean rest rooms and convenient rest areas!

  • 8 reviews

Holiday Inn RiverwalkBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

This is a traditional Holiday Inn, but located right along the Riverwalk, which makes parking to wander the Riverwalk so simple. The room was clean and quiet, with a nice view of downtown San Antonio. There is easy access to all of the tour sights, and the staff was helpful and friendly.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by emptynest on May 27, 2005

Holiday Inn Riverwalk
217 N St. Mary St. San Antonio, Texas 78205
(210) 224-2500

Hotel GalvezBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

This is a Wyndham historic hotel and as beautiful as the photos on their website. Going during the off-season (November) does not provide the beauty seen in the photographs, as the pool is not open and the spa-like atmosphere is nonexistent. It is relatively empty, and at times, we felt like the only guests.

It is also located a distance from the downtown area (15 to 20 blocks), so driving is a need. The gulf is across the street, but it is a busy four-lane street. The renovations are evident, and this is a beautiful place. If you are looking for an escape in a luxurious surroundings, this is the place.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by emptynest on May 27, 2005

Hotel Galvez
2024 Seawall Blvd. Galveston, Texas
(409) 765-7721

Adriana'sBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

We have visited Adriana's several times and tried a variety of sandwiches and Sicilian specialties. This is only open from 11am to 3pm, so lunch is the only option but worth a special trip. The menu is posted on the wall with sandwich names like Sunny and Charlie and daily specials. By far, the best is Charlie, thin slices of vegetables on a buttered and toasted roll topped with olives and dripping with a salad dressing of garlic, vinegar, and oil.

The crowd consists mostly of locals, but we happened to find this corner deli and are waiting to have an excuse to return.

  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by emptynest on May 27, 2005

Adriana's
5101 Shaw Ave. St. Louis, Missouri 63110-3039
(314) 773-3833

Texas Land & Cattle Steak HouseBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Texas Land and Cattle Steakhouse"

It has easy access from the Riverwalk. It had a cowboy dining hall, rough log walls, old photographs, and horseshoes. It is a busy place, rather noisy but cozy at the same time. It was a chilly night along the Riverwalk, and it was a warm atmosphere in which to relax and have a drink and a steak. It is, much like many other steakhouses, not a bad place to go, but not anything special, either.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by emptynest on May 27, 2005

Texas Land & Cattle Steak House
201 North St. Mary's San Antonio, Texas 78205
(210) 222-2263

T-Bone Tom's SteakhouseBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

T-Bone Tom's is a gem! The barbecued beef was incredible, and the portions were huge. The staff was so friendly. This is a local spot, so not many tourists are here. Everyone seemed to know each other, and there were welcoming greetings to people coming through the door. It doesn't "look" like a Texas steakhouse, with no log walls or horseshoes on the wall. It is just good food. It is so inexpensive. After a week of tourist-type restaurants, here is one that has comfort food at good prices.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by emptynest on May 27, 2005

T-Bone Tom's Steakhouse
P.O. Box 1188 Houston, Texas 77565
(281) 334-2133

Viviano and Son's GroceryBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Take a step back in time when you walk through the doors of Viviano's. The smells of the salami and spices overwhelm you, and the wooden floors and narrow aisles remind you of times when there were only a few selections needed to adequately shop for a family. The merchandise ranges from pasta machines to wine imported from Italy, and the opportunities to purchase special sausages, deli meats, and fresh breads should not be missed. Take a cooler to bring it all back!
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by emptynest on May 27, 2005

Viviano and Son's Grocery
5139 Shaw Avenue St. Louis, Missouri 63110
(314) 771-5476

AlamoBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Tour of the Alamo"

The volunteers are proud Texans who know the history and the life stories of those who died in the Alamo. They relate to this story as if they were discussing their own family history (and this may be the case). There is a miniature replica of the attack on the Alamo that puts the size of the army in perspective with the number of people inside the Alamo.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by emptynest on May 27, 2005

Alamo
300 Alamo Plaza San Antonio, Texas 78205
(210) 225-1391

Moody GardensBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

This is a relatively new facility comprised of three pyramids, each offering a different activity. The rainforest pyramid educates visitors about the environment and how to work to save our planet. The aquarium pyramid offers information about sea creatures.

There are three options for IMAX viewing. We saw the ocean IMAX. It became boring after awhile, but it was a good place to nap (the race car IMAX was sold out).

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by emptynest on May 27, 2005

Moody Gardens
One Hope Boulevard Galveston, Texas 77554
(800) 582-4673

About the Writer

emptynest
emptynest
Ottawa, Illinois
  • "We travel at least once a year to a new place and try to return to favorite places, we act as touris..."
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