Healthcare Traveler - January 2009 - (Page 44)

Cityscape AN UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL LOOK Photo: Getty Images/Donovan Reese/Photodisc San Antonio, Texas One of America’s oldest western cities, San Antonio is an urban oasis that offers both modern amenities and historic charm. Karin Marcus A lthough the city was originally settled by Native Americans, a group of Spanish explorers came upon the San Antonio River in 1691. In 1716, the building of a fort to be called San Antonio de Bejar was approved. Over the subsequent decade, the stronghold became a settlement for military personnel and their families. In 1836, the Battle of the Alamo was a turning point for the small community, spurring the city’s growth. Indeed, the cry, “Remember the Alamo,” would come to mark San Antonio’s place in our nation’s history. Today, the population of San Antonio is approximately 1.3 million, a figure that makes the city the second largest in Texas and seventh largest and fastest growing in the United States. Dawn by the river At the center of this historic municipality is its urban downtown area, which is comprised of several different districts—including the Market Square and River Bend districts—and the River Walk. Built along the 44 Healthcare Traveler January 2009 winding banks of the San Antonio River, it is a tranquil and beautifully landscaped pedestrian pathway that guides visitors under bridges and along the river. Located one story below street level, its cobblestoned paths are lined with restaurants, shops, and pubs, leading to some of San Antonio’s most famous attractions, including the outdoor Arneson River Theater, which opened in 1939 and seats audiences on one side of the river, with the stage on the other. The King William Historic District, built in the 1880s along the south bank, is another favorite spot. It is graced with beautiful tree-lined streets leading to an assortment of magnificent mansions, art galleries, and quaint bed and breakfasts. Located nearby is La Villita, established by Alamo Soldiers as San Antonio’s first neighborhood. Today, this historic arts community contains an eclectic array of architecturally styled homes, renowned restaurants, and oneof-a-kind jewelry stores. 20th-century collections, including pieces by Cezanne, Renoir, and Boudin. Home to one of the country’s finest compilations of Asian art, as well as Roman and Greek antiquities, the San Antonio Museum of Art contains the most wide-ranging collection of Latin American works in the United States. Operating since 1881, the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum is a one-of-a-kind, historic site that has been educating and entertaining people for more than 120 years. It includes a wax museum with interactive displays, an extensive collection of over 1,200 trophy mounts, 200 different aquatic creatures, and a bird exhibit. Both a museum and a shrine, The Alamo is indisputably San Antonio’s most famous attraction. The 300-year-old landmark played a pivotal role in the Texas Revolution of 1836 and is one of five missions situated within the city. Every year, more than 2.5 million people visit the 4.2-acre complex, where 189 Texans—including Jim Bowie and legendary frontiersman David Crockett—held off 4,000 Mexican soldiers for 13 days. It is open every day except for December 24 and 25, and admission is free. Unexpected experiences in dining Although the area is renowned for its TexMex food, San Antonio is home to numerous restaurants that surprise and delight locals and out-of-towners alike. Biga on the Banks, named one of America’s Best Restaurants by Gourmet magazine, presents an innovative menu that includes an assortment of AsianSouthwest fusion dishes guaranteed to delight any palate. Le Reve, another highly acclaimed eatery, At a Glance San Antonio, TX Elevation: 710 feet Average July Temperature: 95° Average January Temperature: 62° Annual Precipitation: 27 inches Population: 1,328,984 (estimated) Border States: AR, LA, NM, & OK www.healthcaretraveler.com Steeped in history The McNay Art Museum, Texas’ first museum of modern art, has exquisite 19th- and http://www.healthcaretraveler.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Healthcare Traveler - January 2009

Healthcare Traveler - January 2009 Editor’s Desk Contents By the Numbers Paws for Thought Field Notes In a Flash Med Ec-cerpts Dream Destinations Nursing from the Heart Drug Update Professional Update Clinical Tips On Assignment Cityscape Name It Advertiser’s Index Contest Rules When In… It’s in the Bag Dot.com Tax Facts Big Deals Starter’s Kit Going the Distance Allied Corner Classifieds Tales from the Road

Healthcare Traveler - January 2009

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