While San Antonio is most known for the Alamo, this is only one of five historic Spanish missions in the area. Built along the San Antonio river, the missions were constructed in the late 1700s as waystations for Spanish colonists and places of worship for locals. 

The first was the San Jose Mission. Nicknamed the Queen of the Missions, the San Jose Mission is the largest mission in the area with thick stone walls and a well restored interior space. The stone arches that line each walkway create dramatic shadows on the courtyard and serve as frames to view the rest of the beautiful mission through. The baroque decorations served as both beautiful adornments and messages to visitors. Symbols like pomegranates, shells, and hearts were integrated into the stone work to express religious teachings for the missionaries and indigenous people. The visitor center and informational plaques tell the story of life on the mission over 300 years ago. 

Mission Concepcion is the least restored mission in the country. Built in 1731, Mission Concepcion is about to celebrate its 300 year anniversary, so it’s  more than impressive that the original roof, stone work, and wall remain. Even more impressive are the original frescos that decorate the stone around the space. 

Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Gallery is one of those offbeat passion projects that make me smile. A plumber by trade, Barney Smith created his own art form by decorating the toilet seat covers.  His collection of 1400 pieces of art, once stored from floor to ceiling in his home garage, continues to live on after his death at the Texas Truck Yard. I feel so lucky that I was able to visit and meet Barney in person. At the age of 96, his body might’ve been hunched and feeble, but his spirit was vibrant and infectious.  I spent an hour with him as he showed me the evolution of his art form, described some of his favorites, and had me sign the back of the toilet seat that represented my home state. 

As this was my first visit to Texas, I thought it was apt to check out my first rodeo. Since 1949, the San Antonio Rodeo runs every year for two weeks from mid February to March and draws more than 1 million visitors. I started with the business part of the rodeo: the animal auction. This was also my first time hearing a real auction take place, and the pace and cadence of the auctioneer was so fun to listen to.  Next I walked around and checked out the live demonstrations, art work, animal competitions. The rodeo even features unusual animals like ocelots, giant rabbits, and ball pythons.

After eating some rodeo snacks and cheering on some mini pigs in their race, I made my way to the main event – the arena for bull riding, roping, calf wrestling and the evening music performer – who was someone I actually had heard of. The whole experience was exactly as fun and immersive as I thought a rodeo would be. 

I spent my second day in the city in the downtown area and along the river. 

I started with a visit to the iconic Alamo. After visiting the San Jose mission and Mission Concepcion, the Alamo seems tiny. However, as the first mission established in San Antonio and the site of a 13 day battle for Texas’ independence, the Alamo’s historical significance makes it worth a visit. While it was established as a church, the Alamo became a military stronghold that helped Texas gain independence in 1836. The original church and basement barracks are open to visitors, and the site offers tours and videos to learn about the historical events at the place. 

The San Antonio Riverwalk is the main tourist hub of the city. Restaurants, shops, and seating areas line the narrow river on two levels. The space is decorated with classic Spanish tiles, mature trees and colorful flowers, and picturesque arched pedestrian bridges. 

I came across the unique open air stage and amphitheater – Arneson River Theatre – where the stage is across the river from the seats. This marks the entrance to La Villita Arts district. While the area is small in size, the varied of historic architecture, local artisan stalls, and over 200 events throughout the year make it a vibrant historic district.

Riverboats are available for tour of the area by water, but I opted to rent a city bike and bike along the river. This allowed me to see not only the main tourist area of the river, but also the outskirts. BCycle bikes are available throughout the city, and I was able to start my leg here and end it back in the neighborhood of Diggy Hill – where I was staying during my visit.

Biking the river allowed me to see the lock system that helps boat navigate the different parts of the river. I biked for a little bit and found myself at a beer garden with swings and picnic tables along the river. It was nice to enjoy the river away from the crowds of the main riverwalk. 

I have a whole list of places I didn’t get a chance to explore during my short visit to San Antonio, so I can see myself back here another time. It is a fun vibrant city that embraces its Spanish roots and celebrates the history and art of the area.