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Great Country Bars in San Antonio

Coming to San Antonio most of my friends each had a long list of nighttime entertainment I simply had to try out in the time I spent here. Make no mistake it would take me a lifetime and surely longer than a mere three months to get through all the bars and clubs scattered around San Antonio. However talking to locals who had a better perspective on their bars and clubs I revisited my list and added some of my own to that of my friends. I would present them with an even better list that was certain.

One of my favorites, which I will certainly visit again, is Dixies Country Bar that according to locals was a complete revamp from a previous dive bar. Huge patio, large bar, decorated with sports memorabilia and well-lit and excellent service while being very affordable they do have live entertainment at night with locals making out-of-towners feel welcome. My third week in San Antonio I went with work friends to a bar on Houston Road, which will become one of my favorites called Rebels Honky Tonk Austin.

At the time, they had a wedding party hosted there, but due to its size was it possible for us to be separate and still have a great time. They have several venue setups and we sat outside on a huge patio while entertainment was available, but I was more interested in watching the latest soccer game on big screen. One other bar that impressed me greatly was the Cooter Browns Saloon with its great service and an excellent place to chill. It is one of the few places in San Antonio that even has an attendant in the men’s room.

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Soul Food in San Antonio

When I visit another state or country especially, I love trying to stick to my hosts eating habits and tastes. Eating soul food was something my friends back in China would love to do especially those who had never been to Texas. Soul food or rather Southern Food as this cuisine is called was something I had never had the privilege to eat and I was overeager to stay away from anything remotely Chinese style. One of the first places I went to was Mrs. Kitchen Soul Food Restaurant and for the first time enjoyed Chicken, Corn Bread, Corn, and mashed potatoes on one plate.

I have to admit it was unlike anything I ever eaten and so unlike traditional Chinese food that I had trouble walking that is how full I was. It was amazing and since I had been back twice each time trying a different combination and I have to recommend the catfish for sure. Tucker’s Kozy Korner in Houston Street is a place with the best hamburgers or so I was told. If my word is anything to go by, I have to say that I have eaten at several other fast food places in Texas in the last few months and the burgers at Tuckers remain tops while the music is tops too.

Tony G’s Soul Food Restaurant is one place in San Antonio that also stands out as one of the greatest places I have ever enjoyed an excellent meal. I could easily say that no Chinese food could ever come close to their Broccoli Casserole or brisket in mustard glaze.

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Great Bed & Breakfasts to Stay In While in San Antonio

I am happy to say that after my first three weeks in San Antonio I had the privilege to find other accommodation. Not that there was anything wrong with the current B&B I was staying in, but my initial booking was for three weeks only and in the meantime did I have enough time to browse around for other accommodation. My preference is Bed And Breakfast setups, as I love the freedom to choose other eateries and restaurants while I explore a country I would have to leave after a few months.

I stayed in O’Casey’s Bed and Breakfast in a quiet neighborhood and large, clean, and comfortable rooms. My bed was comfortable, amazing linen and excellent service, but I needed exploring in a country and city that fascinated me tremendously. My next stay was at The Inn at Craig Place where I has gourmet breakfast in my room each morning for two weeks. Even though it was mid-summer and I did not use it, the room had a lovely fireplace, which I could imagine very comfortable and cozy in the heart of winter.

King William Manor is extraordinary and well within my budget and a magnificent, stately 1892 Greek Revival Mansion that offers free breakfast each morning and the outdoor pool is something I enjoy each afternoon. I went over to another B&B earlier today and the only downside that is somewhat of a disappointment is the shared bathroom. The Bulls House Inn is a lovely neoclassical home with high ceilings, continental breakfast, as well as a swimming pool, but sharing a bathroom is the thing that might cause me to think twice.

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Explore San Antonio free

When you live in a great city such as San Antonio you might not appreciate many things that I have noticed the locals take for granted. Visitors to the city however find immense pleasure without even spending a dime. I did research before I left China and noticed that it is a top city for people who are budget-oriented. Although I am relatively well off or rather my parents are, I do not wish to live extravagantly and spending money is not something I do lightly and I love living on a budget.

One of the first places I visited without spending was the San Antonio Museum of Art, which has a free evening once a week. San Antonio is furthermore a place that outdoors people such as I find gorgeous with stunning gardens and parks with the picturesque Japanese Tea Garden a place anyone would enjoy. The Missions National Historic Park is where a group of students took me on my second week in San Antonio where we went biking on the trails for an afternoon of fun.

Arts lovers will adore Southtown, which is the city’s art district and apart from being a contemporary arts center also boasting magnificent galleries, theatres, shops, bars, restaurants and gift shops. Locals and visitors alike find it one of the most intriguing parts of the city and this is a place I recommend to anyone who had never seen a city within a city. The Market Square or El Mercado is great especially on weekends where you ca expect anything from various festivals, vendors, live music and activities for any age group.

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Three Months in San Antonio

Welcome, to my blog, my name is Chang and I am a student in Occupational Therapy at the Brown Mackie College. I am a Chinese resident and the youngest son of great parents both whom support me significantly in my choice of career. I am in the fortunate position to be part of an exchange program between various universities and colleges for students to visit another college or university in their chosen field of study.

My ideal to become an occupational therapy assistant is something many friends do not understand and they do not regard is quite “manly” as they suggest it is too feminine. However, I have been in many circumstances where male strength and support would be preferable to patients. To me it is an honorable position to be able to aid patients in recovering, developing, and improving necessary skills through therapy. I have a wide field of places to choose to work from once I am qualified, from hospitals, nursing care facilities, schools, or private practices. It is a physically demanding position and although many people think Chinese are physically small, I am a strong, wiry person with desire to help others succeed physically.

My journey to Texas and San Antonio in particular is something I particularly look forward too and I know I am the envy of many of my friends. Although I had the opportunity to stay on-campus I preferred to stay in my own accommodations simply because I expected that student life would not give me enough opportunity to explore new territory well enough as when I am on my own.