Take Me With You...: January 2017

Christmas 2016 was spent in San Antonio, Texas. I was quite excited as I have never been to Texas and was looking forward to the trip and spending time with my family.

WHERE TO STAY:

Mom found an amazing place: Greystone Manor. It was located approximately 30 miles from downtown San Antonio. Mom chose "the enchanted cottage" and it was amazing! The room was quite large and filled with antique furniture. From our room we walked out and in a stone walled enclave was a 2 person hot tub. We continued walking and met paradise in a large pool surrounded by plants, ceramics and metal butterflies. The surrounding area was peaceful and perfect. I could definitely stay here again. Maybe next time a romantic weekend with a bae? Listen up Universe haha

PLACES TO VISIT:

Pearl Brewery (http://www.atpearl.com/): I loved this area! The brewery was built in 1881 and today is now a quaint neighborhood filled with restaurants, apartments and retailers. It reminded me of my favorite Arlington, VA neighborhood - Shirlington. Mom and I returned twice to enjoy meals at restaurants located inside Pearl Brewery.

Pearl Brewery at night

The Riverwalk (https://www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/): If you are in San Antonio one of the things I recommend is finding a way to enjoy the San Antonio Riverwalk! The day after Christmas Mom and I bought tickets for the riverboat tour (https://www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/directory/category/river-boats/). It is $10 and I would highly recommend it! It is approximately 30-40 minutes. You will see many landmarks as well as hear about the history of San Antonio and the Riverwalk. Additionally, they offer dinner cruises - something I would love to enjoy the next time I am in San Antonio!

Mom and I posing on "Selena's Bridge" where Selena posed
in the height of her fame.

After the riverboat tour Mom and I needed to make a decision: walk to the Alamo or sit at a restaurant on the Riverwalk, enjoy a drink and people watch. Hmm Mom and I decided to do both! We stopped at Rita's on the River (http://ritasontheriver.com/) for margaritas, chips, dips and to people watch. What we really liked about the menu is you choose your tequila and then the margarita flavor. We chose the "Rio Margarita" which was made with Patron Citronge, fresh lime and orange liquor. We ordered a pitcher and requested it be made as a swirl with blend of lime and strawberry. Deliciosa!

The Alamo (http://www.thealamo.org/): You kinda have to visit The Alamo when you are in San Antonio. So after margaritas Mom and I walked a short distance to the historical landmark. The tour is free but you can also book a private battlefield tour. The Alamo closes at 5:30pm but I think it is breathtaking to see at night!

All About Me Spa (http://allaboutme-dayspa.com/): Of course Mom and I booked spa time! Mom and I chose the "Relax Me" package. It was a 3.5 hour experience complete with 60 minute massage, facial and spa pedicure (cost $135). In between services and while we enjoying pedicures they served us chocolate dipped strawberries, Belgian chocolates, water and our choice of wine (red, white or rose). It was a relaxing afternoon and I would definitely return if I am ever in San Antonio again!

Sweet spa break

PLACES TO EAT:

Our first night in San Antonio Mom and I were on a mission to find a juicy steak! And mission was accomplished! My friend, Camellia, drove from Austin to meet us for a wonderful dinner at The Broiler House (http://www.boilerhousesa.com/menu/). This was the place we decided we would really spoil ourselves and we did! We enjoyed 2 bottles of wine, appetizers, filet mignon and scallops. Everything was really good! The meal is a la carte so we also ordered brussel sprouts and whipped potatoes. They accidentally served us lobster mac n cheese. Skip it. It was salty and tasted 'fishy' which let us know imitation lobster was used. I would definitely recommend this restaurant!

Texas whiskey bacon caramel kettle corn.
Make this happen for yourself. You will not
regret the calories!

Buffalo meatballs. These were amazing!

8oz filet mignon -- yes yes yes

The spread. Worth every cent!

Camellia, Mom and me

I was also lucky enough to be visited by my friend from university, Niki and her gorgeous sisters! Mom and I met them at The Westin. On the Riverwalk level is a cute Italian restaurant, Zocca (http://www.zoccariverwalk.com/). It was a bit of a breezy day so we enjoyed our lunch inside, however, many people were outside enjoying their food riverside. The company was great, the food was ok.

Located inside The Westin

Mom had the spaghetti and meatball

Niki and I shared a pizza

"Reunited and it feels so good!" Ladies on the Riverwalk

Looking for a great place to have lunch? Mom and I enjoyed lunch at Bakery Lorraine (http://www.bakerylorraine.com/) located inside The Pearl Brewery. Not only are the pastries and macarons delicious but they make really good sandwiches as well! I enjoyed a cuban while Mom enjoyed ham/cheese and fresh tomato soup. Needless to say, Mom and I were presently surprised at how delicious everything was at Bakery Lorraine. I would definitely return for the sweet goodies and yummy cuban sandwich!

I still dream about this cuban lol

At the airport Mom and I enjoyed a filling, boozy breakfast at La Gloria (http://chefjohnnyhernandez.com/lagloria/menu.php)! There is a restaurant in The Pearl Brewery but when we could not find it, we chose to eat at Bakery Lorraine. Look at GOD! haha We sat down and ordered water, sangria and breakfast. I ordered chorizo and cheese tacos. Mom ordered "ranchero plate" complete with eggs, chorizo, beans and potatoes. Woah was everything delicious! Please do yourself un favor and eat at La Gloria if you are in San Antonio!

Gracias a Dios por la Sangria La Gloira!

A NEED TO RETURN

San Antonio did NOT disappoint! We spent time together as a family, I was able to see my friends as well as enjoy San Antonio! Many have asked me, "Did you buy any cowboy boots?" My response, "Yup..." haha

Tall shotglass

Do I need to return to San Antonio? Yes! I would also love to see other cities in Texas -- visit Camellia and a childhood friend in Austin and of course visit Niki in Houston! We ate good, we laughed, we explored, we sipped, we had a #bootscootin Christmas in San Antonio!

WE ARE FAMILY