Aloha to San Antonio - Morning Stroll to King William

Last Sunday was the mass exodus from San Antonio.  My roommate left at 530 am, prompting me to get up for one last stroll.

This time, I headed south to explore the extended Riverwalk into King William.  Still, all paths lead through the commercial section of the Riverwalk, including the Durty Nelly's Irish Pub.  

King William gave way to historic homes.  From the City of San Antonio (link),

The King William Historic District is located south of downtown and bounded by Durango, South St. Mary’s, Eagleland and the San Antonio River. The district encompasses land that was once irrigated farm land belonging to the Mission San Antonio de Valero, commonly known as the Alamo. When the mission was secularized in 1793, the lands were divided among the resident Indian families from the mission or sold at public auction. In the 1860s the area was subdivided into lots and laid out with the present streets.

It was about this time in the mid-nineteenth century that a great many Germans, who had immigrated to Texas in the 1840s, began to settle in this area, and it became known as "Sauerkraut Bend" to the rest of San Antonio. The area developed into an idyllic neighborhood of large, impressive houses designed in the Greek Revival, Victorian, and Italianate styles. The main street into the neighborhood was given the name King William in honor of King Wilhelm I, King of Prussia in the 1870s. During World War I, when America was at war with Germany, the name was changed to Pershing Avenue. A few years after the war ended the King William name was restored.

Walking back to the hotel district, San Antonio's landmark buildings peak over the greenery.

Even at dawn, the Riverwalk is beautiful, including the Arneson Theater - one of the film locations for MISS CONGENIALITY.

The bridge is named for Rosita Fernandez.  She starred with John Wayne in THE ALAMO.   Have you enjoyed my tour of San Antonio?  One randomly selected commenter from this week's blogs wins a book choice from my convention stash.   Comments are open through Saturday, August 16, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, August 17.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Iron bridge over the San Antonio River

Aloha to San Antonio - An Evening Stroll

Last Monday, I flew to San Antonio for the RWA Annual Conference.   I arrived late afternoon, giving me time to walk around the downtown area.  Above is the flag atop the San Antonio Fire Museum (link).

The Marriott Rivercenter hosted the conference, conveniently located near The Alamo.

From its website (link),

Although the Alamo fell in the early morning hours of March 6, 1836, the death of the Alamo defenders has come to symbolize courage and sacrifice for the cause of Liberty. The memories of James Bowie, David Crockett, and William B. Travis are as powerful today as when the Texan Army under Sam Houston shouted "Remember the Alamo!" as it routed Santa Anna at the battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836.

The Alamo Cenotaph is also known as the Spirit of Sacrifice.

Erected in Memory of the Heroes who sacrificed their lives at the Alamo, March 6, 1836 in the defense of Texas, 'They chose never to surrender nor retreat, these brave hearts with flag still proudly waving perished in the flames of immortality that their high sacrifice might lead to the founding of this Texas.

The Alamo leads to San Antonio's famous Riverwalk (link).

 Even the wildlife enjoy the river!

The Towers of the Americas offers a city wide view, including the San Antonio River (link). 

St. Joseph's Catholic Church demonstrates San Antonio's diversity.  From its website (link):

The cornerstone for Saint Joseph Church was laid in 1868 by a group of San Antonio's German Catholic Immigrants who wanted to worship and hear God's Word proclaimed and celebrated in their own language. Over the course of years the German Community constantly improved their Parish of St. Joseph and its buildings. 

The Riverwalk leads to La Villita.  From its website (link),

A Historic Arts Village since 1939, galleries and shops in one square block offer unique art by local & regional artists featuring oil paintings, sculptures, water-colors, metal art, rock art, textiles, copper wares, pottery, jewelry, stained glass and regional folk art.

The Riverwalk also offers its own entertainment center.   The Arneson River Theater was erected by the Works Progress Administration from 1939 - 1941. 

The theater was featured in MISS CONGENIALITY with Sandra Bullock.   

Have you visited San Antonio?  One randomly selected commenter from this week's comments wins a book choice from my convention stash. Comments are open through Saturday, August 16, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, August 17.   During this two week period, I will be away in Florida with my oldest son on a college hunting trip.  This also gives time for USPS to deliver my books from San Antonio!  

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City 

The Arneson Theater features five bells, representing 

the five historic missions in San Antonio.