San Antonio - Hotel Havana

What: Hotel Havana
Where: San Antonio
Driving time from my house: 5 hours

Today, I'm continuing my "back yard vacation" series with a trip to San Antonio, Texas.  We'll drive for most of the day from Dallas, and check into the beautiful old Hotel Havana.  Once we're settled in and refreshed from the drive, we'll visit the Ocho Lounge at the Hotel for drinks and appetizers. Then we'll ask the concierge for dinner recommendations.  Since Hotel Havana is on the River Walk, there are countless dining options just a short walk away.  That's how my husband and I usually kick off our stay in a new city.  My number one travel tip is always "ask the locals."

After breakfast in bed, we'll head down to the San Antonio River Walk Park.  While we're there, we'll do some shopping at the La Villita Historic Arts Village.  For lunch, we'll eat at The Cove, which the New York Times describes as "burgers with a conscience".  We'll walk off the calories with a stroll through Brackenridge Park and spend a contemplative moment in the Japanese Tea Garden.  In the evening we'll visit the shops at Pearl Brewery.  Dinner?  My first choice is Il Sogno Osteria.  But if the lines are too long (they don't take reservations) we'll head over to the Sandbar Fish House and Market. After dinner, we'll head back to our sweet Hotel Havana for a good night's sleep!

Tomorrow?  Marfa, Texas!  I can hear you saying, "Marfa?  What is there to do in Marfa?"  We'll, hang on to your hats - cowboy hats if you have them - and stay tuned.