Air Canada launches daily flights from Toronto to San Antonio, Texas. A Win-Win for Foodies and Culture Buffs.

A few days ago I was invited to a San Antonio, Texas – “Visit San Antonio” – event at Los Colibris restaurant in Toronto. Los Colibris, by the way, is the best Mexican cuisine restaurant in Canada. The event celebrated the launch of the first direct flight between Toronto and San Antonio and invited media to visit the famous Texan city and tell Canadians about it. I must confess, I have never been to San Antonio. A bit ironic because when I lived in Mexico as a young person, my Mother used to go to San Antonio for shopping. On those weekend getaways though she’d take my sister. Girls!
The only 2 things I knew about San Antonio before this event was the story or history of the Alamo Mission (1835-1836) and that its River Walk is supposed to be beautiful and amazing. I sort of knew about San Antonio’s Mexican culture and heritage. Texas, after all, was Mexican until March 2, 1836.

While there are all kinds of restaurants in San Antonio, I learned that there are over 1,000 Mexican food restaurants of all kinds. Someone said Guacamole? Photo Berne Broudy (courtesy Visit San Antonio)

Running along the River Walk in San Antonio (which I plan to do if I do visit this beautiful city in the future). Foto – Visit San Antonio

When I met Diana, I also had the pleasure of meeting Dave Krupinski, Visit San Antonio’s COO, Dorah Putney, Director of Tourism Development and David Gonzalez, Director of Communications. What struck me about all of them was their warmth as persons. We had a very nice albeit short conversations about travel, Canada and, of course San Antonio. It felt like new friends telling me about the charms of their city. I asked them to tell me 1 place or spot they loved in San Antonio, their personal little (or big) place that they love to go to when they can. Dave’s was The Pearl Brewery, a historic brewery complex where there’s dining, shopping and even a farmer’s market. I wonder if it’s somewhat similar to Toronto’s Distillery District. Dorah’s spot is the River Walk. But in the morning she clarified. I recently read that the best way to experience the Trevi Fountain and surroundings in Rome is to go early in the morning around 7 or 7:30. Perhaps it’s the case with the River Walk. Experience it when it’s hopping, but do go once in the morning. It’s probably very romantic at that time of day too. Finally, Diana mentioned she loves the Cathedral of San Fernando. which opened in 1750 and is one of the oldest active cathedrals in the United States.

The Mission Concepcion in San Antonio, one of several that are now – as a group – a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. Bow Howen (courtesy Visit San Antonio)

I would be remiss if I wrote about San Antonio, Texas and did not mention the Missions (other than The Alamo) that date back to the 18th century and are great examples of Spanish architecture of the time. “The San Antonio Missions are also an example of the interweaving of Spanish and Coahuiltecan cultures, illustrated by a variety of features, including the decorative elements of churches, which combine Catholic symbols with indigenous designs inspired by nature” Unesco.org
Air Canada’s direct flight from Toronto to San Antonio had it’s inaugural flight yesterday. I may give it a try at the first opportunity. My wife has mentioned San Antonio in the past as a city she’d like to visit. This year we’re kind of booked with Canada 150 trips and our 25th Wedding Anniversary adventure (in Italy), but San Antonio is now on the top spots of our list for next year. We’ll see. Wouldn’t mind having another destination to photograph and write more about.
Since I have not yet visited San Antonio, I cannot recommend a specific hotel or hotels for you to consider, but TripAdvisor is always a good place to start.

Source: canadianandworldtourism.com

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