Stay, Eat, Do: San Antonio

>> A sophisticated newcomer on the North River Walk is Thompson San Antonio, just a short stroll to the historic Alamo, the San Antonio Museum of Art. and dozens of restaurants and bars.
>> The 162 rooms and suites, with floor-to-ceiling windows and custom leather sofas, wide-plank hardwood floors and wet bars, have views of downtown, the River Walk or Hill Country.
>> The pièce de resistance of this striking contemporary building is an outdoor deck that has a pool and private cabanas, a horseshoe-shaped bar, and The Moon’s Daughters, a Mediterranean restaurant.
>> Another of the four eateries is Landrace, helmed by chef Steve McHugh, a five-time finalist for the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef.

>> The Cove in downtown is San Antonio Magazine’sReader’s Choice Winner for Best Outdoor Dining. The elevated casual fare—a grass-fed bison burger with blue cheese and chipotle mayo, grilled tilapia tacos with cilantro coleslaw and poblano sauce—is prepared with sustainable, organic and local ingredients. There are 50 Texas craft brews on tap.
>> Restaurant Gwendolyn in the historic Exchange Building offers al fresco dining on the patio overlooking the River Walk. Chef Michael Sohocki prepares his three-, five- and seven-course tasting menus by hand (nary a kitchen appliance to be found). Expect classic fare like artisanal cheese and charcuterie boards, beef cheek ravioli with truffled cream, and smoked venison tartare tart.

>> Relax during Happy Hour at Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen. Located on the river on the Museum Reach, choose from two dozen craft beers as well as ciders and wine, which you can enjoy from a swing overlooking the water or a table. Soak it up with fried pickles, zucchini fries, or double blanched and battered French fried potatoes.
>> Rent a kayak to paddle through the historic King William’s District or join a guided tour to learn about the ecology and wildlife of the river while hitting two kayak chutes along the way. Mission Adventure Tours
>> Go for a walk at the Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge at Phil Hardberger Park. The new land bridge is the first in the world that is designed for both wildlife and people to safely cross over a busy thoroughfare.