Mission San Jose | San Antonio, Texas

Texas did not receive its first UNESCO World Heritage Site until 2015. The sheer amount of history and culture that embodies this state is remarkable, yet largely overlooked. With the exception of the Alamo, the historical sites of Texas are rarely visited by anyone other than Texans themselves. Even then I find myself guilty. Born and raised here in the Lone Star State I had never visited any of the San Antonio missions other than the Alamo. During a recent trip to San Antonio I had decided it was time to visit a part of Texas' first World Heritage Site. 

The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is made up five Spanish missions scattered across  the city of San Antonio. They are Mission Valero (the Alamo), Mission Concepcion, Mission San Juan Capistrano, Mission San Francisco de la Espada, and Mission San Jose. The purpose of these missions were colonization. The Spanish had claimed the land that would later be called Texas in the name of Christianity. Although the main goal of the missions was to convert the local people to Catholicism, the missions were also a safe haven. With the threat of Europeans looming on all sides, the Texas frontier had become a dangerous place. The San Antonio missions became communities that would later shape the idea of Texas itself. 

On this hot summer day I only had time for one mission, so I chose Mission San Jose. Founded in 1720, the original church still stands today. I was lucky enough to visit while a mass was in progress. Yes, it is still a functioning Catholic Church to this day. It reminded me just how different historical churches in America are to their European counterparts. 

The whole mission grounds were incredible. Especially if the only mission you have visited is the tiny Alamo. Spreading over acres, it was easy to imagine the thriving community that once called Mission San Jose home. 

I'm hoping I'll get the chance to visit the rest of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park soon enough. Texas is so large that many people are born and raised within the state without even visiting the majority of it. There is so much history in my own backyard that I am just beginning to explore. 

xoxo

San Antonio, Texas | Travel Guide

There is no city in the world like San Antonio.
Deep in the heart of Texas, San Antonio is the city to discover your inner "Texan, y'all".
I called San Antonio home during my freshman year at university. In that year I successfully managed to eat and explore my way through the entire city. So here are some of my favorite sites, tours, and restaurants within this amazing city.

SITES

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THE ALAMO
Website | Location
Admission - Free
The first stop on your visit to San Antonio should ALWAYS be the Alamo. Located in the heart of San Antonio, the Alamo is Texas' most important building. Originally a Spanish mission, the Alamo is where Texain rebels held off Santa Anna's Mexican troops for 13 days. The battle ended in a loss for Texians, leaving no survivors. However, it allowed Sam Houston enough time to gather troops and win Texas Independence in San Jacinto 2 months later.

FIESTA TEXAS
Website | Location
Admission - $66 at park, $46 online
If it's fun you're after, Six Flag Fiesta Texas is the perfect place. Located in North San Antonio, Fiesta Texas is 200 acres of theme park fun. The park hosts 50 rides including 8 roller coasters and 9 water rides. October at Fiesta Texas is especially spooky and fun. Tickets are expensive, so I highly recommend buying online beforehand to save almost $20.

THE RIVERWALK
Website | Location
Whatever mood you're in, the Riverwalk in San Antonio offers a wide variety of things to do. Home to San Antonio's best restaurants, museums, hotels, markets, and bars, the Riverwalk is always bustling with activity.

TOURS

RIO SAN ANTONIO CRUISES
Website | Location
Admission - $8.25
 Rio San Antonio Boat Cruises offer a unique view of the San Antonio Riverwalk. Each cruise lasts about 35 minutes, showing you the best sites along the San Antonio River. The staff is extremely friendly and knowledgable of the area.

FOOD

MI TIERRA
Website | Location
 If it's Mexican you're after, Mi Tierra is a must. Out of all the restaurants in the WORLD, Mi Tierra is my favorite. Located in Market Square, this Mexican restaurant is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The front of the building hosts a traditional Mexican bakery with the restaurant area the back. If possible, avoid on Sundays as it is their busiest day.
Suggested dish: Huevos Rancheros

THE COUNTY LINE 
Website | Locations
The County Line is the best place for cheap(ish) barbecue in San Antonio. A Texas tradition since 1975, the  County Line specializes in roadhouse barbecue. With three locations in San Antonio, it's perfect no matter what side of town you're on.
Suggested dish: Half Rack of Baby Back Ribs



xoxo

New Years Eve | San Antonio, Texas

There's no place in the world like San Antonio, Texas.

I lived in San Antonio my freshman year of undergrad and absolutely loved it. Since I'm back in Texas for a couple of weeks, my family decided to make the short drive to SA for New Years Eve.

Mi Tierra Mexican Cafe, located in Market Square, has been my favorite restaurant for as long as I can remember. Its atmosphere is unique and its food is INCREDIBLE. It's always a must stop whenever we're in San Antonio. 

Happy New Year everyone!

xoxo