Additional Coverage:
- I’m a New Englander who visited San Antonio for the first time. Here are 9 things that surprised me about the Texas city. (businessinsider.com)
A New Englander’s First Impressions of San Antonio: Beyond Cowboys and Tacos
When most New Englanders think of Texas, images of cowboy hats, tacos, and beer usually come to mind-and I was no different. But during a recent November trip from Boston to San Antonio, I discovered that this dynamic Southern city offers so much more than the usual stereotypes.
Locals humorously embrace the motto “Keep San Antonio lame,” a playful twist on Austin’s “Keep Austin weird,” perhaps to keep the city’s unique charm under wraps. Yet, once you experience San Antonio, its allure is hard to keep to yourself.
Here are some of the most unexpected highlights from my first visit:
Spacious and Growing City Life
With roughly 1.5 million residents, San Antonio ranks as Texas’s second-largest city and one of the most populous in the nation. Despite its size and rapid growth-many residents I met had relocated from other states and even countries-the city never felt overcrowded. Remarkably, I didn’t encounter traffic congestion during my stay, which was a welcome surprise.
A Rich German Heritage
German immigrants have shaped San Antonio since the 1840s, and their cultural footprint remains strong. The historic Schilo’s deli, serving traditional German dishes like bratwurst and schnitzel since 1917, is a local institution. Additionally, the Beethoven Männerchor, a German singing society founded in 1867, continues to celebrate heritage through events like Oktoberfest.
Warm and Welcoming People
Coming from Boston, known for its blunt demeanor, I was touched by the friendliness of San Antonians. Uber drivers chatted easily and shared insider tips, strangers offered directions and even helped with photos, and restaurant servers went out of their way to ensure a pleasant experience. Compliments and greetings from passersby added to the city’s inviting atmosphere.
Impressive Texas Wines
While Texas is often associated with beer and spirits, it also boasts a thriving wine industry, ranking just behind states like California and Oregon. The Texas Hill Country, located just north of San Antonio, provides ideal conditions for grape growing, including mineral-rich limestone soils. Wines I sampled at Re:Rooted 210 Urban Winery displayed a complexity and balance that rival those of renowned wine regions.
Diverse Culinary Scene
San Antonio’s food offerings extend well beyond Tex-Mex and barbecue. Thanks to its cultural diversity and the presence of a Culinary Institute of America campus, the city features a remarkable range of cuisines-from French at Brasserie Mon Chou Chou to Caribbean at Mi Roti, and Asian fusion at Best Quality Daughter. In 2017, UNESCO recognized San Antonio as a Creative City of Gastronomy, making it the second U.S. city to earn that distinction.
A Haven for Art Enthusiasts
Beyond the famous Alamo and River Walk, San Antonio is rich in museums and galleries. Highlights include the Briscoe Western Art Museum, the McNay Art Museum-Texas’s first modern art museum-and the San Antonio Museum of Art with its impressive ancient collections.
For a more interactive experience, Hopscotch gallery offers immersive installations featuring optical illusions and laser graffiti. The city’s vibrant street art scene is growing, with the San Antonio Street Art Initiative working to create the largest outdoor gallery in Texas.
The Expansive River Walk
One of San Antonio’s signature features, the River Walk, stretches nearly 15 miles-much longer than I anticipated-running from the city center to Mission Espada. This picturesque waterway is lined with eateries, shops, museums, and trails, making it a lively and scenic destination.
A Thriving Live Music Scene
Music permeates the city, especially in Southtown, the arts and entertainment district. Venues like the historic Aztec Theatre offer a variety of genres, reflecting San Antonio’s rich Latinx heritage with salsa, bachata, Tejano, and mariachi sounds. Local musician Jed Craddock highlighted the diversity, noting everything from swing and rockabilly to indie folk concerts across the city.
Día de los Muertos Celebrations
Fortuitously, my trip coincided with San Antonio’s vibrant Día de los Muertos festivities. Altars honoring loved ones appeared throughout the city, from hotel lobbies to botanical gardens. Events featured colorful parades, stilt walkers, live music, and community art installations, culminating in large celebrations at Pearl Brewery and downtown’s Muertos Fest.
My visit to San Antonio revealed a city full of surprises-one that blends history, culture, and warmth in a way that defies expectations. It’s a place well worth exploring beyond the familiar Texas tropes.