Tourist avdice for Canyon Lake / San Antonio?

I've got a week of timeshare time to kill so I'm making my first-ever trip to Texas tomorrow. I'm going to be staying in Canyon Lake, and I'll have a rental car. I've got a little time set aside for visiting with a friend from Austin, but otherwise I'm traveling solo and looking to relax and unwind. I'm going to take some time to go into San Antonio to see the art museum, Riverwalk, the Alamo. But I'm wondering if you locals have any advice on cool things to do / eat / see around Canyon Lake or SA that might be off the beaten path? (Adult options also welcome, but I've already got a post on the ISO for that. I'll definitely be needing a vacation massage.)

I'm a friendly educated 30 yo white guy with a rare week off. Any suggestions would be welcome! I can't spend *every* day drinking by the pool.

Thanks!

Don't bother eating at Casa Rio. Seriously. It's the worst tex-mex I've had in SA.

Make sure you check out a country bar like Wild West, Cowboys, or Thirsty Horse. Even though it might not be the music you prefer it really is an experience you should have while in Texas.

Ranger Creek is a small brewery/distillery. They do tours Saturdays. Try out Rimfire if you are a whiskey drinker.

In the way to Austin stop at Buc-ee's...everything really is bigger in Texas.

Thank you! I didn't have a country bar experience on my list, but I'm always down to try something new. Plus it won't hurt to see some ladies in cowboy hats and boots...

You will be close to New Braunfels so definitely get down to old town. A visit to Gruene Hall is a must if you want a taste of a true Texas music venue. It's older than hell but probably the birthplace of the Texas outlaw country scene. Have no idea who is playing this weekend but go anyway.

If downtown by the Alamo go get a drink at the Menger hotel bar. Teddy Roosevelt camped out there for several months and recruited his rough riders from the bar. Good history there. Story is he got drunk end up one day and rode his horse into the lobby straight back to the bar. Shit I think I will have a drink right now in memory! Have fun

Thanks, Sleepster!

And an update: I just pulled off I-35 to take a break, and pulled into a Buc-ee's. Holy crap. Thanks for the tip SA Angel!

Plooky's.


http://www.plookys.com/

Eat at Chuy's

Don't bother eating at Casa Rio. Seriously. It's the worst tex-mex I've had in SA.

Make sure you check out a country bar like Wild West, Cowboys, or Thirsty Horse. Even though it might not be the music you prefer it really is an experience you should have while in Texas.

Ranger Creek is a small brewery/distillery. They do tours Saturdays. Try out Rimfire if you are a whiskey drinker.

In the way to Austin stop at Buc-ee's...everything really is bigger in Texas. Originally Posted by SA Angel

Be sure to also avoid Mamacita's Restaurant and Cantina, which also has terrible food. Don't be fooled by all the cars in the parking lot.

Be sure to also avoid Mamacita's Restaurant and Cantina, which also has terrible food. Don't be fooled by all the cars in the parking lot.
Originally Posted by ugotme10

Yeah don't be fooled by all the people inside eating... They have no idea why they keep going back!!

Yeah don't be fooled by all the people inside eating... They have no idea why they keep going back!! Originally Posted by bigplayantx

Especially when they're being dazzled by all the fake scenery. The only really interesting show is their tortilla making machine. Same as the ones at Taco Cabana.
Really, there are much better places to eat than that goofy place.

You're in a great spot for some great Texas Nature, too. When you're not spunking, try some spelunking at nearby Natural Bridge Caverns: http://m.naturalbridgecaverns.com.

And if you're bat-shit crazy, hit the Bracken Bat Cave at dusk. 15 million bats head out to party all at once. The swarm shows up on Doppler radar.
http://www.batcon.org/our-work/regio...s/bracken-cave

Welcome to SA! Have fun and stay safe!

You should go tubing down the Guadalupe River. Rock in R River Rides near Gruene Hall will rent you the tube and transport you to the drop off point by bus.

You should go tubing down the Guadalupe River. Rock in R River Rides near Gruene Hall will rent you the tube and transport you to the drop off point by bus. Originally Posted by Jed Clampett

Hell!!! You may see the next major country star before he/she become one.