San Antonio Off The Beaten Path

I have seen these museums all over the country. One in Hollywood, Vegas, Canada and now San Antonio. Although, these museums are fascinating, but a little scary too. So be prepared. I know it scared me...lol!

301 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205
Across From The Alamo

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As you wonder either to and from the downtown area, enjoy many of the historic buildings that surround a square or plaza topped off with a beautiful fountain. The Bexar County Courthouse 1731-1978 is just on of many structures that are truely buildings of art. As quoted from a web page listed below: "The Wharton Independent, in 1888 observed: "It has been truly said that the glory of a people is inspired by the genius of their institutions, by the monuments they build and the edifices they erect . . . How well it is then, in this era of progress, that we people of Wharton should set up in our gateway a structure that shall proclaim to the world our advanced ideas, our high conception of patriotism, and our love for the beautiful in art . . . Build, build high this temple of justice, that the virtues of our people may endure forever." I think this illustrates the pride of past, present, and future citizens of San Anotonio have for their city.

Located Main Plaza, San Antonio TX 78205

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Well, I thought I would post pictures of the Convention Center as I've come here many times for the bigger conventions in San Antonio. The biggest one being TMEA, or Texas Music Educators Association. Since a lot of people visit San Antonio for business first, the convention center and connecting hotels are right on the River Walk! So, when it's time for sightseeing, dinner, or a drink after the seminars it's right there.

Just some fun information from the website:
-The Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center (HBGCC) plays host to more than 450 events each year with over 750,000 convention delegates from around the world.
-The HBGCC once built as part of the 1968 HemisFair is but a memory as it has expanded into a beautifully decorated and spacious facility.
-The HBGCC spans an impressive 1.3 million square feet to include 63 meeting rooms, 3 beautiful ballrooms, 4 exhibit halls with a contiguous space of approximately 440,000 sq. ft. and 7 registration areas.
-The HBGCC complex also features the Lila Cockrell Theatre, a 2,521-seat Performing Arts Theatre.

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If you're planning on visiting the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in full then you will come upon the Espada Aqueduct. You actually see parts of it at each misison as it (expertly) flows continuously, and has since the 1700s.

"The Espada Acequia, or Piedras Creek Aqueduct, was built by Franciscan friars in 1731. It was built to supply irrigation water to the lands near Mission San Francisco de la Espada. The acequia is still in use today and is an Historic Civil Engineering Landmark and a National Historic Landmark." (Taken from Wikipedia link below)

Without this aqueduct life in this dry, hot area would have been next to impossible. The successful missions were built well, using expertise that is now evident in modern technologies.

It's a very peaceful stop on the Mission Trail. It's a bit off the beaten path, not on a regular, busy San Antonio street. It was a beautiful area, but being there alone was different and I was a bit uncomfortable. If going again, I would definitely go with a friend. But it's a nice stop and photo opportunity. I believe there are even picnic tables here in the area with the historic markers.

While I was exploring the Missions Trail I found these tin men in a field by the Mission San Juan. It was funny to see them in the middle of a field so I had to pull over on my leisure trip. San Juan is a bit off the beaten path, far from the main, busy city roads. So, it's quite the cute sight and it's probably even more fun with the kiddos.

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Although it is connected with the San Antonio Missions National Park, Espada Dam is not a mission, and is sometimes overlooked. However, to me it was one of the more beautiful parts of the whole mission trail. The sound of the running water at the dam was very peaceful. In fact, I bet it would make a very nice picnic spot!

The dam was built bewtween the years 1731 and 1740. It helped provide water for the missions and their crops. It is said to be "the best existing example of the four Franciscan-designed dams and is still in use today" (www.visitsanantonio.com).

Also at the dam is the Kennedy Memorial Tree dedicated to President JFK, John F Kennedy who was assassinated in Dallas, Texas in 1963.

This place is amazing and right in the heart of the artist district of San Antonio! A must-go in the Spring, it's in walking distance of the S.A. Zoo, so stop here if you have the time. The garden features beautiful flowers, ponds, and a waterfall to enjoy. They're opening up the reconstructed home of the Japanese family that once lived on the land, which is a very interesting tale of San Antonio history. Other than that, there really isn't any other attraction on the garden, but it's still worth the look. I come here to study, do photography, and get fresh air. There's also little hidden paths you can duck into that will lead you out to a road that connects to Brackenridge Park. Don't be alarmed if you see black cats! They're everywhere, but skiddish. All in all, this place is gorgeous and a nice break from the city. Best of all it's FREE!

Near our hotel we saw this statue of Samuel Gompers, the founding President of the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and it's President from 1886 until his death in San Antonio in 1924. The statue has Gompers in the center surrounded by what I thought were children but it appears that there are children and laborers all of whom are less than 1/2 of his height .

At the base of the statue there is the following quote from Samuel Gompers:

“What does labor want?
We want more school houses and less jails
More books and less guns
More learning and less vice
More leisure and less greed
More justice and less revenge
We want more ... opportunities to cultivate our better natures”