Historic Sites in Calaveras Lake

"The Alamo is a famous complex on Alamo Plaza in downtown San Antonio, which is the site of a renowned ‘crossroads’ in Texan history, such as the first Spanish colonization, the independence of Mexico, and the place where the Confederacy stood its ground. One of the most popular attractions, particularly with kids, is the hallowed ground where a small band of Texans, including David Crockett, James Bowie, and William B. Travis, who held out for just under two weeks against General Antonio López de Santa Anna during the siege. The three men came to symbolize courage and sacrifice for the cause of liberty."

"OK, bad joke  - but it's definitely a great place to visit when in San Antonio, so don't forget that!. Here's the thing though - it gets incredibly crowded. My first "photo visit" there resulted in so-so shots with folks in them."

"With over 160+ years of tradition, this list wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t mention The Guenther House restaurant in Southtown SATX. Located right next to the River Walk, you can make the trip from downtown heading south and end up at The Guenther House 15-20 minutes later. There’s a lot of history to The Guenther House for those that interested, but most importantly, their breakfast is superb. The Guenther House only serves Breakfast and Lunch, and I would recommend Buttermilk Biscuits & Sausage Gravy or the Southern Sweet Cream Waffle Platter."

"The genteel Victorian manor called The Guenther House next to Pioneer Flour Mills along the River Walk is a museum and a gift shop. But it’s also a restaurant celebrating Pioneer flour and the great things that come from it — like pancakes. The Pioneer Pancake Platter comes with two cake-crumble pancakes, sausage and fruit ($10.95) for a breakfast both satisfying and picturesque, served under the patio’s shaded pergola."

"La Villita, one of San Antonio’s most historic neighborhoods, has been transformed into a Historic Arts Village, featuring an eclectic assortment of galleries, shops, and restaurants, as well as one Little Church. Though small, there’s a beautiful simplicity to the Little Church’s subdued take on the Gothic Revival style, especially as lit by the central, stained-glass window. The church was built by German Methodists in 1879, and credit for much of the craftsmanship within it is given to a Norwegian sailor named Olaf."

"La Villita was originally settled nearly 300 years ago as one of the city’s first neighborhoods. Nestled on the south bank of the San Antonio River Walk, this historical district has been lovingly restored, with charm oozing out of every building's nook, cranny, and crevice. You’ll find nearly 30 shops and galleries offering distinctive handmade crafts from some of San Antonio’s most renowned artists."

"Within the historic district of La Villita lies some of the best shopping and dining right in the heart of San Antonio. Located on the south bank of the River… Read More"

"If you’re looking for a quintessential Texas location with beautiful backgrounds, graceful arches, and a rich history, then the San Jose mission is for you!. The neutral colored walls of the mission make you and your fiance POP as the focus of the photo. If you choose this as your engagement session location, make sure to wear those light, calm colors that will complement that background sooooo well (I talk about that in the Engagement Style Guide I send you!)."

"I think of Mission San Jose as "the big Mission" as it is pretty large and seems to be the most popular. It has a wonderful entryway that is just amazingly beautiful. This is also known as "the Queen of the Missions" since it was largest and strategically important to the missionaries at the time."

"LOL I remember coming here back in Junior High (late 90s) and being amazed at the architecture and history of this… read more ». Rating: 4.5 based on 39 reviews"

"Built in 1879, this church lies in the middle of La Villita and continues to hold nondenominational services on Sunday morning. During other times La… read more ». Rating: 5 based on 5 reviews"

"Now, it’s home to a museum and garden filled with fine and decorative art. The artworks come from the last owner who had a collection of over 12,000 items. Stroll through the beautiful grounds to enjoy the historic view.Where: 401 King William St, San Antonio, TX 78204"

"Celebrating all things bizarre and unusual, Ripley's Believe It or Not!. is the strangest place in San Antonio. Visitors can browse through 18 themed galleries with over 500 exhibits in this "Odditorium" and learn about the fascinating life of Mr. Ripley himself; from semi-pro baseball player and cartoonist to collector and curator of the world-famous museums."

"Ripley’s displays a variety of oddities from the world’s tallest man to other strange things. You and your family can walk through 18 themed galleries with over 500 exhibits, examining bizarre and unusual phenomena. You’ll also learn about Mr. Ripley himself and his fascinating life."

"An entire day of fun awaits your children when you take them to the DoSeum, a state-of-the-art, hands-on museum for kids that opened in 2015. Permanent exhibits include Big Outdoors, Sensations Studio, Explore, Little Town, Innovation Station, Spy Academy and Imagine It. The museum hosts birthday parties for a fee."

"The DoSeum seeks to spark kids’ interest in STEM subjects, literacy, and the arts through its interactive exhibits and programs. Bring your kids to play, explore, and expands their minds on every first Tuesday of each month from 6:30-8:30. Be sure to get tickets at 4 pm at the entrance."

"Why you’ve got to go: The DoSeum offers hands-on experience for mom and dad and your tots. But this is where things get interesting. Here, their interactive play is designed to teach young ones and you something you’ve probably not done before."

"As you stroll along the picturesque San Antonio River Walk, you will notice a magnificent, finely restored historic neo classical/art deco building from the 1930s, the campus of the Briscoe Western Art Museum. The museum is a great place to immerse yourself in the rich traditions and heritage of the American West through its art and history. The museum has nine galleries that showcase permanent collections, temporary exhibitions, special events, and community programs."

"Relive your childhood fantasies at the one place that has the history and artifacts to bring them to reality!. The Briscoe Western Art Museum houses some of the most iconic and legendary vestiges of Wild West culture, from Santa Anna’s steel and gold sword, to John Coleman statues, and even to Pancho Villa’s saddle!. Up and coming events include the “Sounds of the West” Music Salon Series, the Native Film Series in February, and special gallery talks."

"For visitors of San Antonio it can be worthwhile to explore the local culture. And an excellent place to start off with that is the Briscoe Western Art Museum, which is a museum that focuses on preserving the history, art and culture of the American West. The museum has permanent galleries, items on rotating display, temporary exhibitions and a garden filled with more than 30 bronze sculptures."

"Huynh Chun Lieu wasn’t content to make just any old doughnut when she opened M&M Donut with Chen Ban 10 years ago in Converse. No, she invented one: a glazed donut with a ring of cinnamon through the middle like a vein of precious ore. The shop also makes one of the area’s best old-fashioned doughnuts, a style that looks like a gear, powered by a sweet crumbled density like wedding cake."

"Small and located off the skirts of San Antonio, M&M Donuts are some of the tastiest. This shop has been around for years. A popular flavor is their fruity pebble topped donut!"

"Concepción’s chapel is thought to be the best-preserved of all San Antonio’s missions. Incidentally, it is also the only mission chapel in the area (apart from that at the Alamo, which is no longer a church) to feature a traditional cruciform floor plan. Visitors should note that the restored colors of the inside of the chapel serve as reminders that the church’s exterior was also once painted with brightly colored frescoes."

"Dedicated in 1755, Mission Concepción appears very much as it did over two centuries ago. It stands proudly as the oldest unrestored stone church in America. Mission Concepción still retains its twin bell towers, arched hallways and several fresco paintings and is an excellent example of Spanish Colonial architecture."

"San Antonio Mission Trail San Antonio is home to five missions. These missions were Spanish communities that were dedicated to converting the native people to Catholicism. Dating back to the 17th century, these missions became the foundation of the city of San Antonio."

"A photo posted by Brandon Hightower (@brandonhigh14) on Aug 13, 2015 at 1:21pm PDT. Worth a visit just to get the perfect cover to your San Antonio photo album, the World's Largest Cowboy Boots are located outside the North Star Mall, just north of San Antonio. Getting in: viewing the World's Largest Cowboy Boots is free!"