| Long a crossroads of history (and a meeting place of cultures), San Antonio is a rich blend of deeply rooted traditions and 21st century cosmopolitan flair, a place where America’s past and present merge to create a unique vibrancy. Now the nation’s eighth largest city, San Antonio is a joyful melange of the flavors and sounds of Native Americans, Old México, the Republic of Texas, Germans, the Wild West, African Americans, and the Deep South. A tour of downtown San Antonio will uncover literally centuries of history. Developed in the mid to late 18th century, La Villita ("the little village") was one of San Antonio’s original settlements which became a hub of Texas revolutionary activities in 1835 and 1836. Today, La Villita is a National Historic District and a haven for artists and craftsmen, selling blown glass, jewelry, stained glass and other handcrafts, as well as fashions from Mexico and Guatemala.   For many visitors, San Antonio is the Paseo del Rio, an urban masterpiece. Better known as the "River Walk," these cobblestone and flagstone paths border both sides of the San Antonio River, 20 feet below street level, as it winds its way through the middle of the business district. The River Walk has multiple personalities – quiet and park-like in some stretches, while other areas are full of activity with European-style sidewalk cafes, specialty boutiques, art galleries, nightclubs and gleaming high-rise hotels.   San Antonio is beautiful blue skies and outdoor adventure. With more than 300 days of sunshine annually and an average temperature of 68.8 degrees Fahrenheit, visitors to San Antonio will find an abundance of outdoor sports and recreation to challenge them. Dining options in San Antonio run the gamut from fine French cuisine to Chinese to Texas steaks and barbecue to Soul Food and Cajun, but San Antonio is home to Tex-Mex. Tex-Mex is a passion with local residents of all ethnic backgrounds, and numerous restaurants are open 24 hours in case a craving for guacamole or fajitas develops at 3:00 a.m. A glossary of terms to familiarize yourself with before hitting the San Antonio dining scene: queso flameado, carne asada, chili relleno, menudo, enchiladas, chalupas and sopapillas. Did you know that chili was first sold in the open-air markets of San Antonio by women known as "chili queens"?
 
When the sun sets in the west and the stars come out over the South Texas plains, it’s time to head to the nightclubs and dance halls. San Antonians and visitors alike enjoy two-stepping to a country-western tune or swaying to a Tejano super group or a local conjunto band. Or maybe it’s traditional jazz or a sing-along at an Irish pub or piano bar? What about Hard Rock Cafe, Coyote Ugle or Howl at the Moon on the River Walk?   
What's special about San Antonio? The Alamo, the River Walk, conjunto music, friendly people, Tex-Mex cuisine and Fiesta San Antonio. Yes, and more. The answer is as varied as the people who live in and visit San Antonio. Come experience San Antonio - her natural beauty, her history, her people, her music, her cuisine. You'll leave with memories to last a lifetime. It’s not just a conference. it’s a vacation! So plan to join us in San Antonio for SITE 2007 a great conference in one of the world’s greatest destinations. For further San Antonio information see:
http://www.SanAntonioVisit.com
Photos: ©San Antonio Conventions & Visitors Bureau | 
