Must See Sights and Landmarks in Calaveras Lake Area

"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."

"This historic three-block market square resembles a little slice of Mexico that has somehow been transported to the streets of San Antonio. Boasting more than 100 locally owned stores, restaurants and stalls, the San Antonio Market Square is a fun place to shop for inexpensive souvenirs and also to dine on authentic Mexican dishes. It has often been described as the largest Mexican market outside of Mexico."

"Enjoy the taste, sights and sounds of the rich Mexican culture!. With over 100 locally owned shops, filled with authentic handcrafted pottery and art, couples can spend an entire day marveling and shopping. For a more romantic, sit-down option, La Margarita Restaurant & Oyster Bar serves up perfect margaritas and delicious dishes in an Old World setting."

"The earlier the better is when you should be making your way downtown to find some great photo quality in this downtown San Antonio location. From shots under the papel picado to the various colorful walls-Market Square really lets you get some great photography. Come early for this hotspot."

"The San Fernando Cathedral is a beautiful and historic church that is just a stone's throw away from the Riverwalk, so it is very easy to get to if you are already downtown. I recommend getting there in the evening so that you can catch it all lit up - it's breathtaking!. There are also these great little fountains in the front of it, so be sure and get those in the shot too!"

"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"

"This was the first mission in Texas and the smallest of the 5 churches. But although it is not a large mission it sure is pretty, with a beautiful garden that provides nice shade in the hot San Antonio sun. If you like unique architecture and doors then you must check out the beautiful and a bit unusual door here as well as the stone archways."

"There are four more missions, Mission Concepcion, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada, located just south of the San Antonio city center. These four missions make up the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015."

"A post shared by San Antonio Adventures (@instasatx) on Mar 10, 2019 at 10:19am PDT. Want to spend the day exploring a quaint, rural spot?. Head to Mission Espada to bask in the peace and tranquility of this modest community."

"The oldest fort at Sam Houston does the job of multitasking better than any place, it is an active military post for the United States army North division as well as an open zoo where visitors can take a stroll on the lush green gardens while bumping into deer’s, peacocks and rabbits. The Quadrangle was built in the year 1876 and legend says the Apache leader Geronimo was imprisoned here in 1886 and numerous deer’s were brought in order to make him feel comfortable."

"Constructed in 1876, the Quadrangle at Fort Sam Houston stood as the original limestone fort structure that hosted housing supplies before the US Army used it as an arsenal. Apache leader Geronimo was once imprisoned here and it is rumored that the deer and other wildlife roaming on the property were brought for the Apaches. Furthermore, visitors can walk around the Fort Sam Houston Museum on base to view the history of the fort dating back to 1845."

"1405 East Grayson StreetBuilding 16Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234(210) 221-1886. Fort Sam Houston has been around since 1845, keeping within its walls the stories of war and conquest. On the other hand, the quadrangle was constructed in 1876 as the Quartermaster Depot and Headquarters."

"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."

"Insider tip: If you’re feeling up for a little jaunt, get off at the VFW Post 76 stop to check out the oldest Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in the US and walk the Museum Reach section and pick the bus back up at the Wyndham Garden Riverwalk Hotel. Stop #5: Buckhorn Saloon and Museum & Texas Ranger Museum"

"Ranging from its opulent shops to restaurants, North Star Mall is a must-go attraction while visiting San Antonio. The shopping mall is conveniently located in the city’s Uptown District, at the intersection of Loop 410 and San Pedro Avenue. It’s a one-stop-shop for a shopping spree and sampling delicious Texan food."

"In the words of Serena Williams, “The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another.” Today, we celebrate all the trailblazing women in our lives and around the world. Tag the women who inspire you in your lives!. #InternationalWomensDay #EachforEqual #WomenEmpowerment"

"It's not unusual for people to get 'dressed up' when shopping at North Star Mall. Sometimes it's fun to meet your friends for mimosas at The Cheesecake Factory on Sunday mornings. Maybe you just can't get enough of M.A.C. cosmetics or BCBG Max Azria is your place."

"After touring The Alamo, hop back on the bus and hop off at the next stop: The Pearl Brewery. Although it’s not actually the site of a brewery today, it is a culinary and cultural destination along the river and is the perfect spot to belly up to for lunch."

"Stop #3 – Pearl Brewery & Entertainment Complex Hop off at the very next stop: The Pearl Brewery, a culinary and cultural destination along the river, is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat."

"The newly revitalized Pearl Brewery, now known as The Pearl was originally established in the 1880s by the Pearl Brewing Company, a Texas…"

"La Boulangerie is a charming family-owned French bakery that specializes in freshly baked pastries, croissants, bread, and made-from-scratch confectionary. The bakery is open for breakfast and lunch, seven days a week, and offers a menu of light French-inspired fare such as gourmet sandwiches and baguettes with a variety of fillings from Comté cheese and chicken to ham and tomato and fresh basil. Other delights on the menu include chocolate croissants, French omelets, raisin rolls, scrambled eggs, croque monsieur and croquet madames, and quiche Lorraine, along with freshly brewed house-roasted coffee."

"Treat yourself to a housemade croissant and chocolate macarons, or place an order for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The bakery has everything from croque madames and monsieurs to quiche. Call 210-639-3165 to place an order for pickup."

"Located in the Collection Shopping Center, Revolucion Coffee + Juice is a plant-based coffee and juice shop that offers artisanal coffee, a range of homemade nut milk; cold-pressed juices, and a variety of healthy food options. With locations in San Antonio and Houston, the alternative-style café draws fitness freaks and health nuts who flock to buy chlorophyll water, detox kits, cold-pressed juice paletas, and energy-boosting vegetarian tacos. Signature sips include iced coffee that comes in a beer bottle, and favorite foods dishes include acai and pitaya bowls."

"If you’re craving something slightly healthier, Revolucion, the newest coffee shop in our neighborhood, has you covered. Serving up fresh acai bowls and green juices alongside some great coffee, they’ve got everything you need to keep you fueled and focused for long brainstorming sessions. (Our staff recommends the Rev acai bowl for a cool lunch on a hot day) Looking for something more filling?"

"Located at 7959 Broadway, Suite 500, the spot to score coffee and tea and juices and smoothies is the highest-rated coffee spot in San Antonio, boasting 4.5 stars out of 331 reviews on Yelp."