The weather around the country is iffy in the spring. Too cold up north, too hot down south. We decided to head directly west. We knew we could fairly reasonably rely on the weather to be a safe bet. Jacksonville, FL to San Antonio, Tx is a pleasant enough two-day drive with a kindergartener. We rented a fabulous 2 bedroom, 2 bath duplex located half a mile from the Pearl on Air B&B. I had seen reviews that the neighborhood is iffy, and while I wouldn’t run here in the dark, the area was safe and quiet and supremely well located. Our rental looked brand spanking new and ultra-modern plus it had a washer and dryer as well as full kitchen. In a heartbeat, I would recommend it again. On our drive, we found Shipley’s donuts. These did not disappoint, and even in the afternoon, they tasted fresh.

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Day One

I should give a little background that I am a relatively avid recreational runner, and I find nothing more appealing that an early morning run in a new place. Waking early in the morning, I drove the half a mile and parked in the Pearl where it’s free, well lit and a safe spot to run along the Riverwalk. Day one included an easy 10K run along the River taking everything in, including popping up into downtown to see the Alamo without tourists, ogle the buildings and structures and watch a city wake up.

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All that running worked up an appetite, and it was a quick shower and time to wake the crew for breakfast. This was number one eats on our list, and I had been drooling over the images online for weeks. Lulu’s bakery and cafe for their chicken fried steak and 3-pound cinnamon roll. Yes, you read that right THREE pounds! I worried it might be dry, but nope. Fresh, delicious and managed to feed us for several more days thanks to the servers wrapping it in plastic for us to take it to go. This plate of chicken fried steak is the smallest on the menu. They do have a massive challenge type one, and I cannot fathom having room for all that, but if it’s your thing or you have a large family to feed this should be stop #1. Bear in mind even on a weekday after rush hour traffic this place was busy. You can seat yourself, and a waitress may or may not get to you. They work hard, but it’s busy. If you hate waiting, though, they are open 24 hours a day, and I’d bet it’s not as crazy in the middle of the night.

Full bellies helped us take on the rest of our day. First, stop… the Alamo (open 9a-7p Memorial Day through Labor day) A free attraction unless you want to take a guided tour. We opted for the free walkthrough. My daughter isn’t much for standing in line or tours. There isn’t a line to wander. If it were just adults, I’d have waited. You learn so much from experts. The courtyard is beautiful and covered in trees. They have a live history display with people happy and willing to answer questions about the Alamo. My take away from this visit is how minimal the space would’ve been during all those days in the standoff.

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We only wanted to park once since we arrived early on a workday, so we opted to walk everywhere. The weather was perfect. A light jacket with a T-shirt was all that was necessary to stay comfortable. Since everything is within a few miles, our task was simple. Next stop a playground. At her age, she needs a break to keep chugging along on our schedule. Hemisfair Park fit the bill perfectly. Slides, climbing ropes, swings, you name it, including chickens. After we released the wiggles, our adventure took us to Tower of the Americas. A 750-foot tall observation deck. Your admission fee is $14 and includes unlimited 4D movies as well as all-day admission. We took advantage and went up both during the day and returned at sunset to take in the changing cityscapes. It is open most days from 10a-10p. The grounds are a delight to walk around as well with various ponds and waterfalls.

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For dinner that evening we took a local’s advice and hit up Rosario’s for tacos. I think if I could live on one savory food for the rest of my life, I’d choose tacos. It was a little further up the road and out of the way from the main tourist destinations. Not enough to be a hindrance, but just enough to find parking easily.

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Day Two

Ideal weather for a zoo day, we woke early, ate some cinnamon roll leftovers, and headed to the San Antonio zoo. In the spring they open at 10am, so we weren’t in any particular rush. I wouldn’t hesitate to come early though, as parking fills rather quickly. Even before the opening time, we had a hike to the entrance and as we headed to our car latecomers were circling for spots like vultures. The price isn’t overly high for a full days activities. There are loads of things to see and do, and if you like avian exhibits, this zoo was exceptional. We visited the petting zoo, debated the train (ultimately didn’t choose the extra fun), fed giraffes, and took photos with the animal sculptures located throughout the park. Right next door is the Japanese gardens. A free attraction and, in my opinion, one not to be skipped. Waterfalls, koi fish, short hiking trails, & flowers. This larger than expected garden had it all.

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Day Three

The Witte museum Oh we had some fun here! Free parking, easy walk, and both indoor and outdoor sights. This museum is open 10-5 most nights of the week with a monthly free Tuesday as well. Skeletons, art, history, treehouses to climb, human anatomy play areas, and flowers. We spent hours looking around, climbing, and playing. My daughter’s favorite was the wind chimes. We had worked up quite the appetite and just down the road is a BBQ place serving a smoked brisket grilled cheese sandwiches called Smoke Shack. Oh, Texas!

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My daughter’s favorite spot was the Pearl. The outdoor beer garden that gathers groups of families thanks to the grassy play space and water fountains ideal for children to play and parents to relax while enjoying a wonderful meal or a drink. Because this was a family-oriented trip, we spent most evenings relaxing here.

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Day Four

Breakfast out today. We started the day with Apple Pfannenkuchen at Magnolia Pancake Haus. It’s a fair bit away from where we were staying but on the way to our next destination; the Natural Bridge Caverns. It was a weekday, and we didn’t wait long to be seated, but I’ll tell you it took a while to decide. I had dessert for breakfast while my husband ordered eggs and bacon with Elvis pancakes. Naturally, I stole some while he went to the restroom. Peanut butter, banana, and bacon in a pancake. I regret nothing. Fueled up for an adventure we drove 45 min north to the caverns and found an up-close parking spot.

We were lucky, indeed. This place was popular. It was found in the 1960s by four college students and stays a regular 70 degrees and very humid. It’s not a bad hike, and one person in our group brought a stroller and a baby in a carrier, though I wouldn’t suggest it. While we waited for our tour time, there was plenty to occupy our time. The first stop was the maze. There is an observation deck if you don’t feel like getting lost, but you should. You’re given a card which you punch when you find each station in your challenge and then finally make your way out. You are timed, and you can do this as a group or compete to see who completes the task first. The next stop was mining for gems. The gift shop sells bags of dirt guaranteed to have at least a certain number of gemstones. Located just outside along the railings are sieves and flowing water. My daughter found at least 20 gems, and we were able to clean and catalog them using the chart included with the purchased zip-lock bag.

There is also a zip line and a ropes course available for more fun. We had a few more minutes until they called our group and despite having a lovely shaded table to wait at we wandered around taking pictures of the blooming Texas bluebonnets. Finally, it was time. Our guide led us down through the doors and into the darkness. The vastness of caverns always amazes me. It’s so quiet, and one can hear the drips of water forming structures. Each room had a different feel, and while we took the short tour, we were told how this cave system goes on and on some not yet explored. We chose not to do the Animal safari located next door and instead, headed back to town.

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Of course, we were starving yet again, and I had a plan. More tacos. Yes! Henry’s puffy tacos were delicious. The staff was friendly and answered my questions about the process and gave me advice on selecting the tastiest options. Tonight’s adventure was the DoSeum. A hands-on children’s museum open roughly 9a-6p. We made wax molds, created earthquakes, and played with musical instruments, but our favorite was the spy exhibit. There are two stories and an outdoor play area. They also have one free night each month.

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One would think exhaustion would be full on at this point, but nope, we had some trails to explore nearby before heading to Dough Pizzeria for dinner.

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We just couldn’t end the day without another visit to the Riverwalk. This time by boat. We parked about half a mile to the boat launches and used the tickets we had previously purchased at Rosario’s along with dinner. When we arrived, we were quickly boarded, and away we went with our knowledgeable guide. We made our way down the various paths created by the river from the colorful umbrella lined restaurant areas, to the lock bridge, to the different architecture and sculptures. An easy and entertaining way to see more of the city. Before turning in for the night, it was necessary to try one last treat. Lick Ice cream! Tequila lime pie for me. My baby girl chose a lemon poppy seed, and we shared it. Hubby chose Goat cheese, honey, and thyme. Each delicious in their own way.

Day Five

Our final day in San Antonio and we had a special surprise in store for our daughter. While we live in Florida and we go to the various theme parks a lot, we just knew she would love a day at Sea World. We arrived early, and it wasn’t crowded, so we went straight to breakfast in the park. We had purchased the meal plan, and it includes unlimited drinks and a meal every hour. You read that right, every hour. I can’t imagine why you’d eat that often, but the drink package and three meals made this a no brainer. Even though it wasn’t overly hot, we still drank a bunch of bottled waters. From the Steel Eel ride to the shows, this park is noticeably smaller than the one in Orlando, but we were able to spend a good long day taking it all in any way.

Day Six

Heading home. We sadly locked the door behind us and left our home for the last several days. We had two last stops recommended by my sister in law who was raised in San Antonio… Buc-ee’s truck stop and Rudy’s BBQ. Yes, this place is a chain, yes, you need to go anyway. Drive-thru smoked meat breakfast burritos that I wish we hadn’t saved for the last day so I could’ve made this a repeat. We bought the brisket, sausage link (think smoked not breakfast sausage) and the potato which also had egg. It was a toss-up, but I think the potato was the winner and that’s coming from a couple of meat lovers. Buc-ee’s is a massive truck stop with several locations in Texas and along I-10. It makes for a great place to grab a quick bite to eat, fuel up, and stretch your legs. Make sure to bring plenty of souvenirs home when you stop. My husband wishes he’d bought more of the pepper jelly.

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Day 7

We intentionally split our travel days with an overnight in the French Quarter New Orleans. We arrived late and woke early to drive home, so this was a quick pit stop. Dinner was just down the road and of course, I had to have the muffuletta. The next morning was another touristy 6 miles running along the mostly quiet streets. If you’ve never been to the French Quarter you may not realize, the smells aren’t the most pleasant even in daylight. This notwithstanding, Jackson Square and the waterfront at sunrise are a sight. Instead of breakfast at Cafe Du Monde for the infamous beignets, we stayed closer to our hotel at the 2 Chicks Cafe and had a delicious french toast rolled in corn flakes. The added crunch cranked up the wow factor, and the chicory coffee was a much-needed jolt to start the day.

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