What’s Along Alamo Street?

Before I picked the Historic King William district , I checked with my friend, Estelle, to see if she considered it a safe area — and she did. In some cities, “historic area” can also be code for “in transition” from a rundown area to a renovated one. And safety can be a concern. This historic district is very nice, but shows some signs of age. The sidewalks are narrow — some needing repair from “historic” to a more modern, smooth walkway. But that didn’t diminish the experience.

Along Alamo Street we found several chic little clothing shops, a church that had become a theater and cafe and the Blue Star Arts Complex. Blue Star is housed in former warehouse buildings and includes a brewery, performance space, art studios, galleries and artsy shops. We were told that on the first Friday of each month, Blue Star hosts an Art Walk on the street with exhibitions, food vendors, etc. Unfortunately, we visited too early on a Monday morning for any of these shops to be open. (By the way you’ll find that some — not all — San Antonio shops/galleries/restaurants are closed on Sunday.)

Across from the Blue Star Arts Complex, a few blocks south on Alamo from the Gardenia Inn, is The Guenther House, the home of the founding family of Pioneer Four Mills. It is now a museum, restaurant and gift shop. No admission is charged to enjoy the beautiful grounds and rooms filled with exquisite antiques. The restaurant, on the lower level, offers outdoor dining. Being associated with a flour mill, the shop offers a terrific array of gourmet baking and cooking items, ready-to-make mixes in flour sack bags, jam, jellies and other fun items. A great place to pick up gifts.

We caught the streetcar trolley just outside the Guenther Inn parking lot and headed to the north end of the River Walk — for just 80 cents.

NEXT:La Villita, Arts and Authentic Mexican Dining

TIPS:
1) Recommended Restaurants. Our innkeeper at the Gardenia Inn highly recommended these nearby restaurants — Azuca (Cuban/Latin American), Rosario’s(Mexican), El Mirador (Tex-Mex), Tito’s(Tex-Mex Homestyle) and Madhatter’s (great salads).

2) Southtown. The King William Historic District is located in Southtown – an arts area. Check this link for more information about the area and for a calendar for events when you visit.