Hotel Emma of San Antonio- More Edison than the Edison

San Antonio, Texas is world famous for its beautiful River Walk, and rightfully so. There's tons of charm and fun to be found with its mix of restaurants and entertainment. New to me is a place that had just opened years ago on my last visit: The Pearl. 

The former brewery site has turned into a pretty great place for shopping and dining! There's an open market on Saturdays, and I'm sure much more the rest of the week. Yet, the real gem for me was stepping into The Hotel Emma. 

The hotel's tower is fairly plain. It actually reminds me of the California Adventure version of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror before Guardians of the Galaxy took over. 

As you know, I'm not a great photographer, so you'll have to do with these photos, but the porte-cochère at the entrance is a simply stunning,  beautiful, piece of black iron art.  

Inside the hotel, beginning with the lobby, it's just a feast for the eyes with its lovingly reworked machine parts, lighting, and tile floors and woodwork. It evokes more of the Edison at Disney Springs than the actual bar and restaurant. 

I won't give away any more details, but I will say this: Check this place out. You'll find just a couple hours away from Disney World, there's a terrific place to spend a long weekend, and there's much more to be found in this terrific city.

(Photographs copyright Mark Taft.)

Christmas at San Antonio's River Walk

A family event is always a good excuse for a change in the scenery! Last weekend, my wife and I and our youngest son flew down to San Antonio for our niece's wedding. Not only was the ceremony and reception great- in a grand ole Texas tradition- we spent a bit of time at the River Walk. It's always beautiful, but at Christmas, it's a real treat for the eyes. A family member snapped this photo, and I just had to share it. Really spectacular.

A San Antonio Christmas at the River Walk

Yes, it is absolutely true. The River Walk in San Antonio is stunning on a Christmas evening. The sounds celebrating the season fill the air with a Mariachi twist. Restaurants pump out the delightful scents of Mexican treats, children and their parents are caught laughing while they wait for a cruise on the river, and everyone is having a good time. In a world where family is increasingly devalued, San Antonio is one place where celebrating takes on a warm heritage all its own.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Frontier Wisdom

During a short trip to San Antonio, Texas, I saw this sign inside a restaurant by the beautiful River Walk. Seems like pretty good advice, "I reckon."
(Photo copyright Mark Taft.)