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San Antonio, Texas
The center of activity in San Antonio, the Paseo del Rio, or Riverwalk, comes to life with many of its hotels, restaurants, and sidewalk cafés opening their doors onto its meandering flagstone paths. But that's not all the city has to offer. Three of our friends -- artist Linda Pace, designer Verónica Prida, and architect Michael Imber -- reveal their choices for the true San Antonio experience
Marion Koogler McNay Art Museum
by Avery Thibadeau
Photos by Shelly Strazis


Its history goes back more  than 300 years and colors just about every word and sight you'll encounter in San Antonio. But this is a city definitely on the move, recognized recently as one of the top 25 art destinations in the country and thriving with expanding museums, cutting-edge art galleries, and vibrant neighborhoods that make living here maybe even more fun than visiting. And there are the iconic sites, such as the Missions and the Alamo that we never tire of.

Architect Michael Imber, who describes it as a "big small town," says, "The Riverwalk is wonderfully romantic. You're in a tropical environment with riverboats passing, music floating through the air, and people laughing and eating. It's a great place to have a margarita and people-watch." So join the surge of tourists and visit the city for a history lesson, cultural enrichment, destination hotels, great food with a Latin kick, and enough shopping to enchant even the most die-hard globetrotter.



WHERE TO STAY
Havana Riverwalk Inn
Boutique hotel with intentional patina.
1015 Navarro St., 210/222-2008, www.havanariverwalkinn.com

La Mansión del Rio
Spanish Colonial style with lush courtyards and fountains on the Riverwalk. "The perfect setting for a luxurious, restful stay in our city," says Prida. 112 College St., 210/518-1000, www.omnilamansion.com

Watermark Hotel & Spa
Escape the downtown bustle at this world-class hotel and spa. 212 West Crockett St., 210/396-5800, www.watermarkhotel.com

The Westin La Cantera Resort
Great golf and superb high-end shopping at the Shops at La Cantera. 16641 La Cantera Pkwy., 210/558-6500, www.westinlacantera.com

WHAT TO SEE AND DO
Marion Koogler McNay Art Museum
A beautiful 1920s Spanish Revival home housing works by Picasso, Miró, Hopper, Monet, and others. 6000 North New Braunfels Ave., 210/824-5368, www.mcnayart.org

San Antonio Museum of Art
"Usually my favorite pieces are in the Nelson Rockefeller wing for Latin American art. The museum also has a new Asian wing," says Prida. 200 West Jones Ave., 210/978-8100, www.samuseum.org

Blue Star Art Space
Old warehouse with display and performance space. 116 Blue Star, 210/227-6960, www.bluestarartspace.org

King William Association
Charming Victorian estates. 1032 South Alamo St., 210/227-8786, www.kingwilliamassociation.org

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