The River Walk is the Alamo City’s most famous neighborhood for a reason. What started as a simple green space and flood control project has become a hit neighborhood full of theaters, shops, restaurants, and events that keep people visiting all year round. Within a short walk from Hotel Valencia Riverwalk, you can find world heritage sites, art museums, parks, and the Pearl District – a nightlife and culture hotspot that acts as an endcap for the neighborhood.
NORTH – Artpace, 3-minute walk
Artpace isn’t your average gallery. As a catalyst for artistic expression, this nonprofit engages local communities, showcases contemporary artists from around the world, and is best known for its seasonal artist-in-residence program, which brings in four artists at a time to live and work in San Antonio. This means guests get a unique opportunity to interact with the artists and see a bit of their process while also enjoying regular solo and group shows by the residents. 445 North Main Avenue, 210-212-4900, artpace.org
WEST – The Historic Market Square, a 10-minute walk
The Historic Market Square is known for its colorful and festive ambiance, just a 10-minute walk from Hotel Valencia Riverwalk. Since the 1820s, this historic cultural hub has been a must-see to shop, dine, drink and dance. There are over 100 locally owned shops in festive indoor malls and an outdoor plaza filled with entertainment, food booths, and restaurants. 514 W Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78207
EAST- Majestic Theatre, 2-minute walk
In the heart of San Antonio, the city’s oldest and largest atmospheric theater wows visitors with its majestic design and impressive performances. The breathtaking interior alone is enough reason to visit; designed over 90 years ago to look like a Spanish palace, complete with arabesque towers and turrets. The Majestic regularly attracts touring acts like Earth, Wind, and Fire, as well as touring Broadway shows. 224 E. Houston Street, 210-226-3333,majesticempire.com
SOUTH – SoHo Wine and Martini Bar, 4-minute walk
SoHo is like a modern speakeasy: You can’t find it online, but if you like a good martini, it’s worth the search. Just head to the old Loan and Trust building on Crockett Street, and you‘ll find it tucked away in the old bank vault. The rainbow of martinis the bartenders shake up will have you in awe – think carrot cake, spicy cucumber, and even something called the Nutter- butter. This bar is the perfect place for a nightcap and dessert all in one. 214 W. Crockett Street, 210-444-1000
The capital of Texas may be known for its thriving live music venues and adored “keep Austin weird” motto, but just 25 minutes from the bustling downtown area sits Northwest Austin. A quieter part of the city home to grassy parks, The Domain (see below), eateries, and the fun-meets-funky Lone Star Court – our new-age motor court with a decidedly modern and high-design twist. Here’s our quick take on what to experience in each compass direction that will fill your days with new and authentic Austin adventures
NORTH: The Domain
To find the perfect keepsake from your Austin visit, you’ll want to make your way through the Domain where you can select from over 70 shops like nationally known Tiffany and Co. and Louis Vuitton to local boutiques. When you need a break from the shopping, stop in to one of the many restaurants, bars, and coffee shops lining the parklike setting for some much needed fuel, from sushi to homemade Italian. 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, 512-873-8099, simon.com/mall/the-domain
SOUTH: Franklin BBQ, 25 minute drive
You know a place has good food when their hours are listed as “11 a.m.–sold out,” often not even reaching late afternoon before the day’s stock of brisket, ribs, and coleslaw have been devoured. Just 12 years old, Franklin BBQ has already won dozens of culinary awards for their classically honed Southern menu. Get a pulled pork sandwich and ribs in-house, and a bourbon pecan pie to go.
900 E 11th Street, 512-653-1187, franklinbbq.com
EAST: Circle Brewing Co., 3 minute drive
There is no denying that Austin’s craft beer scene is thriving; the number of breweries in the city has more than doubled since 2010.
So, if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed about which of the 30 to check out, start near your home base. Circle Brewing Co., less than a mile from Lone Star Court, offers all you’d want in a brewery: outside seating, a cozy bar, a knowledgeable staff, fun crowds, and of course, a copious selection of beer. 2340 W Braker Lane, Suite B,
WEST: OASTHOUSE, 24 minute drive
Owned by two brothers who also happen to be the veteran chefs, this authentic restaurant serves up a cuisine different than any other in the area – German- inspired pub fare with a Texas spin. Stop in for their brunch for a taste of their popular Currywurst (eggs poached in tomato and carmelized onion gravy), or later on for a decadent dessert, like their seasonal crumble with a candy store’s–worth of optional toppings like bananas, brown sugar, and toasted pecans. 8300 N FM 620, Unit E, 737-222-5779,oasthouseaustin.com
College Station is more than just a college town, though Texas A&M University’s impressive brick buildings and green spaces are everywhere you look. Leave the front doors of either The George or Cavalry Court, the latest boutique hotels from Midway and Valencia Hotel Group, located within the restaurant and shop-laden Century Square development, and you’ll find excitement within a half-hour sojourn in any direction.
NORTH: HURRICANE HARRY’S, 3 minute walk
Classic Texas fun on a student budget, this lively country bar’s two large dance floors are College Station’s premier place for adults and Aggie students alike to strut their two-step skills or enjoy a rotating lineup of regional and national musicians.
313 College Avenue, 979-846-3343, harrys.bcsclubs.com
SOUTH: KYLE FIELD, 25 minute walk
This is the 102,512-seat home of the Aggies’ three-time national champion football program, which cranks out future National Football League stars on an annual basis. It’s one of the liveliest stadiums in the sport, and even when it stands empty, you’ll be able to get out on the field and practice your patter in the announcers’ booth during daily guided tours.
161 Wellbourn Road, 888-992-4443, 12thman.com
EAST: PUBLIC & MAIN, 18 minute walk
Public & Main goes by the motto of “dine, drink and play.” The food menu consists of casual pub cuisine with riffs on classic Texas comfort food, wood-fired pizza, brunch, and gourmet cinnamon rolls. Public & Main also offers a place to play featuring arcade games, ping pong, air hockey, and weekly ping pong tournaments. 4401 South Texas Ave, 979-977- 6246, publicandmain.com
WEST: MO’S IRISH PUB, 3 minute walk
Located inside Century Square, Mo’s eschews over-the-top Irish trappings in favor of a straightforward pub where you can rest your elbows on the bar, sip good whiskey, and catch some live music. Come game day, spicy Jameson-glazed burgers and a wall of flat-screen TVs make Mo’s the best place to watch the Aggies if you’re not in the stands. Century Square, mosirishpub.com