What I love about San Antonio
Neighborhoods
Government Hill is one of six San Antonio suburbs that developed during the "Gilded Age" of the city’s history, from 1890 to 1930. The other opulent suburbs of this era are Monte Vista, Alamo Heights, West End (Woodlawn Lake area), Tobin Hill, and Laurel Heights. Each neighborhood features fine examples of turn-of-the-century architecture. The Government Hill Historic District is located immediately south of Fort Sam Houston and is bounded by E. Grayson Street to the north, N. New Braunfels Avenue to the east, IH-35 to the south, and Willow Street to the west. The turn-of-the-century one and two-story commercial structures along North New Braunfels Avenue effectively served as the area's main street.
The history of Government Hill is integrally linked to that of Fort Sam Houston. Initial development of the fort began in the mid-1870s with a donation by the City of San Antonio of 93 acres to the War Department. Construction of Fort Sam Houston began in 1876, and by the late nineteenth century, the surrounding area of Government Hill was home to over 12,000 people. The area grew at a prolific rate during the World War I era, and by 1918 Fort Sam Houston included 193 acres.
During and after World War II, residential development began to decline, and rapid growth of the commercial sector forced the conversion of many architecturally significant single-family homes to multifamily housing. In the early 1950s, the area was split geographically by the construction of Interstate Highway 35, leading to further residential decline. Despite these impacts, today’s Government Hill neighborhood remains a unique and vibrant community with a diverse mix of architectural styles and building types.
The Gothic Revival-style St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 1018 E. Grayson was built in 1883 specifically to serve the military families in the Fort Sam area. The Bullis House Inn at 621 Pierce Street was constructed between 1909 and 1911 as the home of General John Lapham Bullis. The Classical Revival-style residence now serves as a Bed and Breakfast. The Romanesque Revival-style Terrell Castle or Lambermont as it was originally called, at 950 E. Grayson, was built in 1894 by noted San Antonio architect Alfred Giles for Edwin Terrell. It also serves as a Bed and Breakfast. A residential structure at 609 E. Carson Street originally served as the Faculty House for West Texas Military Academy. The academy, from which today’s Texas Military Institute evolved, was constructed in 1893 and included young Douglas MacArthur among its first-class members.
Government Hill
Government Hill is one of six San Antonio suburbs that developed during the "Gilded Age" of the city’s history, from 1890 to 1930. The other opulent suburbs of this era are Monte Vista, Alamo Heights, West End (Woodlawn Lake area), Tobin Hill, and Laurel Heights. Each neighborhood features fine examples of turn-of-the-century architecture. The Government Hill Historic District is located immediately south of Fort Sam Houston and is bounded by E. Grayson Street to the north, N. New Braunfels Avenue to the east, IH-35 to the south, and Willow Street to the west. The turn-of-the-century one and two-story commercial structures along North New Braunfels Avenue effectively served as the area's main street.
The history of Government Hill is integrally linked to that of Fort Sam Houston. Initial development of the fort began in the mid-1870s with a donation by the City of San Antonio of 93 acres to the War Department. Construction of Fort Sam Houston began in 1876, and by the late nineteenth century, the surrounding area of Government Hill was home to over 12,000 people. The area grew at a prolific rate during the World War I era, and by 1918 Fort Sam Houston included 193 acres.
During and after World War II, residential development began to decline, and rapid growth of the commercial sector forced the conversion of many architecturally significant single-family homes to multifamily housing. In the early 1950s, the area was split geographically by the construction of Interstate Highway 35, leading to further residential decline. Despite these impacts, today’s Government Hill neighborhood remains a unique and vibrant community with a diverse mix of architectural styles and building types.
The Gothic Revival-style St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 1018 E. Grayson was built in 1883 specifically to serve the military families in the Fort Sam area. The Bullis House Inn at 621 Pierce Street was constructed between 1909 and 1911 as the home of General John Lapham Bullis. The Classical Revival-style residence now serves as a Bed and Breakfast. The Romanesque Revival-style Terrell Castle or Lambermont as it was originally called, at 950 E. Grayson, was built in 1894 by noted San Antonio architect Alfred Giles for Edwin Terrell. It also serves as a Bed and Breakfast. A residential structure at 609 E. Carson Street originally served as the Faculty House for West Texas Military Academy. The academy, from which today’s Texas Military Institute evolved, was constructed in 1893 and included young Douglas MacArthur among its first-class members.
City/Town Information
The City of San Antonio is one of the oldest Spanish settlements in Texas and was, for decades, its largest city. Before Spanish colonization, the site was occupied for thousands of years by varying cultures of indigenous peoples. The historic Payaya Indians were likely those who encountered the first Europeans.
The "Villa de Bejar" was founded by Spanish explorers on May 5, 1718, by then-Governor Martin Alarcon, at the headwaters of the San Pedro Creek.[1] The mission San Antonio de Valero was established on the east bank of the creek and a presidio was 3/4 of a league downstream. Development of the Spanish colonial city followed. A trading post was also established near the presidio and the town developed as the capital of Tejas, a province of colonial Spain. It was the northernmost settlement associated with the Hispanic culture of the Valley of Mexico.
After Mexico achieved independence in 1821, Anglo-American settlers entered the region from the United States. In 1836, Anglo-Americans gained control of Texas in the fighting that gained independence for the Republic of Texas. In 1845 Texas was annexed by the United States, and became a state. (Wikipedia)
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San Antonio
The City of San Antonio is one of the oldest Spanish settlements in Texas and was, for decades, its largest city. Before Spanish colonization, the site was occupied for thousands of years by varying cultures of indigenous peoples. The historic Payaya Indians were likely those who encountered the first Europeans.
The "Villa de Bejar" was founded by Spanish explorers on May 5, 1718, by then-Governor Martin Alarcon, at the headwaters of the San Pedro Creek.[1] The mission San Antonio de Valero was established on the east bank of the creek and a presidio was 3/4 of a league downstream. Development of the Spanish colonial city followed. A trading post was also established near the presidio and the town developed as the capital of Tejas, a province of colonial Spain. It was the northernmost settlement associated with the Hispanic culture of the Valley of Mexico.
After Mexico achieved independence in 1821, Anglo-American settlers entered the region from the United States. In 1836, Anglo-Americans gained control of Texas in the fighting that gained independence for the Republic of Texas. In 1845 Texas was annexed by the United States, and became a state. (Wikipedia)
Food Scene
Places to eat.
Great interior Mexican food and mixed drinks at affordable prices.
I love their Enchiladas Verde, Elote, and La Sandia Cocktail.
You can sit outside or inside. There is a little bit of a wait, but I usually walk around and they will text you when your table is ready. Live cover band during the weekends. This is an informal restaurant and there is no need for reservations.
More information here: https://chefjohnnyhernandez.com/restaurants/la-gloria/la-gloria-pearl/
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La Gloria
100 E Grayson StGreat interior Mexican food and mixed drinks at affordable prices.
I love their Enchiladas Verde, Elote, and La Sandia Cocktail.
You can sit outside or inside. There is a little bit of a wait, but I usually walk around and they will text you when your table is ready. Live cover band during the weekends. This is an informal restaurant and there is no need for reservations.
More information here: https://chefjohnnyhernandez.com/restaurants/la-gloria/la-gloria-pearl/
This is my favorite place for a light breakfast. Coffee is great and of course, their pastries (Pan Dulce) are amazing. There is limited sitting outside and plenty of sitting inside. They follow CDC guidelines including waiting outside and letting a few people in at a time.
I like to order Cafe con Leche and their Ham and Cheese Croissant.
I waited a few minutes to get in and I was happy to sit by myself.
There is plenty of parking, but you can also ride your bike.
The location is downtown so you get to enjoy the beautiful architecture around the area.
More information: https://www.lapanaderiaonline.com/
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La Panaderia Bakery Cafe
301 E Houston StThis is my favorite place for a light breakfast. Coffee is great and of course, their pastries (Pan Dulce) are amazing. There is limited sitting outside and plenty of sitting inside. They follow CDC guidelines including waiting outside and letting a few people in at a time.
I like to order Cafe con Leche and their Ham and Cheese Croissant.
I waited a few minutes to get in and I was happy to sit by myself.
There is plenty of parking, but you can also ride your bike.
The location is downtown so you get to enjoy the beautiful architecture around the area.
More information: https://www.lapanaderiaonline.com/
Absolutely the best pizza I have tried so far in San Antonio. Public parking available. Great outdoor sitting area overlooking downtown San Antonio. After eating, you can walk around the area, there are parks, ice cream, and shopping.
My most favorite order is Burrata Tree Colore and a Margherita pizza.
More information: https://www.doughpizzeriaonlineorders.com/
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Dough Pizzeria Napoletana
6989 Blanco RdAbsolutely the best pizza I have tried so far in San Antonio. Public parking available. Great outdoor sitting area overlooking downtown San Antonio. After eating, you can walk around the area, there are parks, ice cream, and shopping.
My most favorite order is Burrata Tree Colore and a Margherita pizza.
More information: https://www.doughpizzeriaonlineorders.com/
Pearl Farmers Market is open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
I usually have my coffee, brunch, and shop around the grounds. This is a great place for dogs, children, family, or traveling by yourself.
More information here https://atpearl.com/farmers-market
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Pearl Brewery
303 Pearl PkwyPearl Farmers Market is open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
I usually have my coffee, brunch, and shop around the grounds. This is a great place for dogs, children, family, or traveling by yourself.
More information here https://atpearl.com/farmers-market
Art & Culture
This is a smaller size museum than your typical museum of art in other cities and countries; however, this museum offers a beautiful selection of artwork and events. This is a great museum for a taste of culture without having to invest a lot of time. The building is super interesting. The architects updated the building by including modern additional rooms that challenge the concept of an iconic building. My favorite collection is the Latin American one. But they have many other collections, programs, and events.
For more information visit https://www.samuseum.org/
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San Antonio Museum of Art
200 W Jones AveThis is a smaller size museum than your typical museum of art in other cities and countries; however, this museum offers a beautiful selection of artwork and events. This is a great museum for a taste of culture without having to invest a lot of time. The building is super interesting. The architects updated the building by including modern additional rooms that challenge the concept of an iconic building. My favorite collection is the Latin American one. But they have many other collections, programs, and events.
For more information visit https://www.samuseum.org/
Dates: May 8 through Nov. 2, 2021
The open-air Frida Kahlo exhibit will make its world debut at San Antonio Botanical Garden this spring.
Mexican artist Frida Kahlo’s connection to plants and the “natural world” will be on display in the San Antonio Botanical Garden’s newest exhibit.
Frida Kahlo Oasis, inspired by the icon’s Casa Azul and its lush garden in Mexico City, will debut on May 8 and run through Nov. 2.
Botanical Garden officials said it will feature vegetation, like Mexican native plants, tropical foliage and desert plants, that influenced Kahlo’s famous art. In 2,100 square feet of space, visitors will be able to immerse themselves in an overflow of elephant ears, bougainvillea, agave and marigolds.
Casa Azul is where the renowned artist was born and was her final resting place. In 1957, it was transformed into the Museo Casa Azul.
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San Antonio Botanik Bahçesi
555 Funston PlDates: May 8 through Nov. 2, 2021
The open-air Frida Kahlo exhibit will make its world debut at San Antonio Botanical Garden this spring.
Mexican artist Frida Kahlo’s connection to plants and the “natural world” will be on display in the San Antonio Botanical Garden’s newest exhibit.
Frida Kahlo Oasis, inspired by the icon’s Casa Azul and its lush garden in Mexico City, will debut on May 8 and run through Nov. 2.
Botanical Garden officials said it will feature vegetation, like Mexican native plants, tropical foliage and desert plants, that influenced Kahlo’s famous art. In 2,100 square feet of space, visitors will be able to immerse themselves in an overflow of elephant ears, bougainvillea, agave and marigolds.
Casa Azul is where the renowned artist was born and was her final resting place. In 1957, it was transformed into the Museo Casa Azul.
La Villita
McNay Art Museum
6000 N New Braunfels Ave
The Alamo
300 Alamo PlazaShopping
If you like color, fun, and interesting unique pieces, this is the place. They have dresses, fashion accessories, home decor, and Texas classic souvenirs.
Adelante has been around since the '70s. It is a small, local, and family-owned retail store.
More information here https://adelanteboutique.com/
Adelante Boutique
303 Pearl ParkwayIf you like color, fun, and interesting unique pieces, this is the place. They have dresses, fashion accessories, home decor, and Texas classic souvenirs.
Adelante has been around since the '70s. It is a small, local, and family-owned retail store.
More information here https://adelanteboutique.com/
Dog Scene
You can go to the store if you like, but for me, I love their little booth at the Pearl during Farmers' Market Saturdays and Sundays. I get all kinds of baked goods for my dog. His favorite one is the Chicken Jerky which is grain-free and all-natural. For more information PAWsweetBakery.com.
PAWsitively Sweet Bakery
5501 Blanco RdYou can go to the store if you like, but for me, I love their little booth at the Pearl during Farmers' Market Saturdays and Sundays. I get all kinds of baked goods for my dog. His favorite one is the Chicken Jerky which is grain-free and all-natural. For more information PAWsweetBakery.com.
Family and Kids
This is such a great place to walk with your puppy and lots of play areas for children. Beautiful view of the Tower of the Americas.
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Yanaguana Garden
434 S Alamo StThis is such a great place to walk with your puppy and lots of play areas for children. Beautiful view of the Tower of the Americas.
Hemisfair