San Antonio Travel and Leisure Guide 2008 - (Page 26) Authentic Culture ARCHITECTURE/HISTORIC TOURS The urge to recycle and respect the past – while building for the way we live, work and play – continues at a massive project at the old Pearl Brewery. Its developers have already renovated much of the historic complex and have succeeded in attracting a branch of the Culinary Institute of America. Plans for more restaurants and shops, a seasonal farmers market and housing are also on the horizon. The Pearl complex will be the northern terminus of extensive improvements now being made to extend the River Walk and, by means of locks, provide for river barge traffic north, all allowing visitors and locals alike to experience San Antonio in new ways. Back in city center, the river continues to be our guide through history, and nowhere is that history more apparent than in La Villita: simply ascend the steps of the Arneson River Theatre from the River Walk and step through the arch leading to the Little Village. The site was once home to Spanish soldiers assigned to the Alamo, became a permanent settlement in the early 19th century, and was first restored in 1940. Farther south along the river’s banks you will find Sauerkraut Bend, once the term for that stretch of the river lining the King William Historic District, home to many German families who helped define the city in the mid 19th century. Pioneer Flour Mills, on the opposite bank, is one such institution, and its Guenther House Museum & Restaurant is a perfect place to refuel for more self-guided immersions in special places. Bus tours in the neighborhood have 26 VISITSANANTONIO COM O. been discouraged by residents, From left to right: Steves Homestead, Blue Star Conbut oak-shaded strolls along temporary Art Center during King William’s streets are the First Friday celebrations and best ways to appreciate the Garcia Art Glass gallery. stately architecture (a visit to the Steves Homestead Museum will give you an inside look), and side trips to flanking Southtown, a thriving area of restaurants and galleries – especially alive during First Friday celebrations – will provide colorful contrasts. As tempting as it may be to keep to the river, you’ll also want to hit the streets for additional discoveries. The “enchilada red” public library, for example. Located next to the Southwest School of Art & Craft (housed in the 150-year-old Ursuline Academy), the building’s bold forms and colors speak to the city’s contemporary connection to Mexico and further reinforce the diversity of San Antonio’s culture, both built and felt. IF YOU GO (as referenced in text) First Friday Art Walk, 210-226-0888, southtown.net Guenther House, 210-227-1061, guentherhouse.com La Villita Historic Arts Village, 210-207-8613, lavillita.com Southwest School of Art & Craft, 210-224-1848, swschool.org Steves Homestead, 210-225-5924, saconservation.org For complete listings, visitsanantonio.com http://southtown.net http://guentherhouse.com http://lavillita.com http://swschool.org http://saconservation.org http://visitsanantonio.com http://visitsanantonio.com
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