We stayed two nights at Braunig Lake RV Park off exit 130 on Route 37. We used our Passport America card to make it only $25 each night for full hookups with 50 amp power. It was a decent park for this type of stay, and only about 12 miles from The Alamo and River Walk. Our plan was to chill the first evening while getting caught up on laundry. The next day we would go into San Antonio, briefly stop and see the Alamo on our way to the San Antonio River Walk. So glad we had all afternoon and evening to explore.
So many people have said either to us directly or via YouTube that “The Alamo” was so much smaller than they expected. That there isn’t much of anything there, so it’s a quick stop. I was then under the impression that it was just the front wall facade that was still standing. Barry and I were pleasantly surprised and thoroughly enjoyed being there for at least an hour! I believe timing is key.
The limestone of the mission is seriously deteriorating. Luckily, there is work currently being done to continue to preserve it. However, you are not to touch any of the walls or take any photos/videos inside. There were many extremely knowledgeable members of the Living History Staff inside the mission and out back. The were happy to talk with you about The Alamo and things leading up to it. We found it fascinating. In the outer courtyard area we watched a 17 minute film that was done really well.
As we finished watching The Alamo film, the afternoon enactment of musket firing was to start within about five minutes! This was the last enactment of the day out on the lawn and “camp enactment” area. I was fascinated by how educational this turned out to be. We were very thankful for such great timing of our visit!
As we were exiting the walled-in back and side grounds, I was immediately impressed with an amazing Live Oak tree. It was enormous. In fact, a significantly sized limb came grew outward and down to the ground, and back up towards the sky. I first thought it was a separate tree! One substantial limb grew over the walkway. It went out so far that a post was added for support, as well as a sign, “Watch Your Head”. As we were about to take a selfie in front of the tree, a volunteer, Karen, offered to take the picture for us. While talking with Karen we learned that she and her husband work at different parks. They have a motorhome that they keep on a leased site at the Thousand Trails Rancho Oso in California! What is now Rancho Oso used to be the ranch where she grew up. In fact, the lodge used to be her parents’ home! How cool is that!?!
Out front was a really cool monument that now made so much more sense. All the men killed at the Alamo were not allowed to be buried. Santa Ana set fire and burned them all.
The River Walk was so close to The Alamo! We crossed the street and took the stairs down to a walkway that led into the ground floor of the Hyatt Hotel. We walked through this lobby area and out onto the River Walk! Wow…this is so cool! I loved all the water and waterfall features. I could’t wait to see it all lit up after dark as well.
Original adobe bricks foundation of Indian quarters.
The RIVER WALK!
We were both impressed with the length of the River Walk! Most restaurants, but not all are in one main section on both sides of the river. River tour boats and river “taxis’ are plentiful. We were glad that we could capture the River Walk during the day and at night. It is not very easy to find gluten free options and/or Keto friendly for meals. It is very cool how there are bridges every so often to access the opposite side. The River Walk can lead you to a mall and to a river side park. It really is a cool area! The only real disappointment today was that the lights on all the trees never got turned on. I was so looking forward to it getting dark to see it all lit up. Evidently, that doesn’t happen after the December holidays. Still was an AWESOME day!!
Light lunch along the River 
Chillin’ by the river 
One of the river boats coming through. 
Brussels sprouts were awesome! 
Creamed Kale–also good. Healthier options are not easy to find. 
Yum! 
Site of first mass 
Is this Mayan? Danny Murphy help us. 
Theater across the river 
Seating for theater area 
Western Art Museum 
Nueva Street Dam 
Unique building in background…Don’t know what it is! 
Cool architecture seen from the outer part of the River Walk 
Search for dinner. 
From upper street level 
Where we ate dinner 
This group just finished playing shortly after sitting at our table by the river. 
My dinner – Grilled Mahi Mahi with poblano sauce, veggies and salad. 
Barry’s chicken enchiladas 
Incredible swarming of birds!~ 
We were waiting for night fall to see all the lights. After the December the ones in the trees are not turned on. 🙁 
Back inside the Hilton
We needed to get home. Glad it wasn’t midnight yet!!
