San Antonio, Texas is amazing! Exploring The Vibrant City That Won Our Hearts

It's our first time exploring San Antonio and we are exploring all of the amazing things to see, do and eat over the next 2 days. From visiting some of the famous sites like The Alamo and the Riverwalk to checking out the fantastic food San Antonio has to offer to taking an amazing guided tour with a local, we absolutely loved San Antonio and can't wait to visit again.
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[@TheMagicGeekdom]

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[@martinvegas1327]

Keep 'em coming👍

[@gaslighthotel]

Minor point but important: "America" did not fight a battle at the Alamo, Texians/Tejanos fought against Mexico. There were volunteers who came to help but they were on their way to Texas anyway because of the land. It was actually Mexican citizens against Mexican citizens, but since some of those Mexican citizens were Anglo settlers who had been invited by the Mexican government to settle in Texas (and thats how they became Mexican citizens...it was a requirement if you wanted that league of land they offered. See "Old Three Hundred" in your encyclopedia...) it was in essence more of a civil war. The Anglo settlers came to live in Tejas y Coahuila with the promise that they would be represented in the Mexican government but when Santa Ana was elected into office, he trashed the Mexican Constitution of 1824 and declared himself dictator. (See "Napoleon of the West" in your encyclopedia). AMERICA fought the Mexican American War which was in 1847, YEARS after the Texas Revolution.

[@sansbazinga9821]

This is true. Though one could argue if the Anglo settlers ever truly intended on remaining a part of México long term, as many of the Anglo settlers had strong ties to America and viewed the opportunity more as manifest destiny than anything else.

[@SquidProQuo80]

Actually the impetus to war wasn't anything to do with Santa Anna suspending the Constitution because that had happened 12 years before and the Anglos continued to migrate to Texas and had no major issue with that. What actually drove them to rebel was that Mexico started to enforce the law that abolished slavery and the Anglos in Texas wanted to keep the horrendous practice. Mexico not only abolished slavery more than half a century before the US but also had a black president in 1814. Texas History today is more or less a white-washed mythology entirely glossing over the rebels fighting to keep blacks enslaved, and the evidence is plentiful with escaped blacks fleeing south of the Rio Grande and joining the Mexican army to fight against their former masters.

[@guillermoochoa6993]

The anglos wanted to bring their slaves which was against the law in Mexico also they declared independence from Mexico under the promise of American help which did not come America s. Plans were to annex Texas to the union it was never their plan for an independent texas

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

I appreciate the info! Thank you

[@WalksandSuch]

load of revisionist hogwash. those anglo settlers primarily came from the south and wanted to bring their barbaric insitution of slavery, which Mexico had already outlawed. therefore they wanted to fight for the right to slavery, much like the american civil war.

[@lazesquivel2677]

As a San Antonian, if and when you guys ever come back for another visit, y'all definitely need to visit the pearl. It's a former brewery that has turned into local shops, and host to a farmers market I believe every Saturday morning. Also a visit to our local flea markets on Saturdays and Sundays would really enhance your experience to tex mex and Mexican food and pastries!

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Thank you for the suggestion! Our Uber driver also made that suggestion, but unfortunately we ran out of time. Next time!

[@brandtc.7991]

I agree with this! The Pearl area is like the gem of our city, its beautiful!

[@ronrendon]

If you’re going to the Pearl make sure & take a few hundred bucks with you coz everything is UBER EXPENSIVE over there. Think tourist prices, then double that!!

[@charymandy]

Texas use to be in mexico before in mexico it had its own country called "republic of Texas"

[@nikkyslade17]

Just watched from the UK. I honestly didn't realise the history of San Antonio, really interesting watch. Thank you :)

[@kellyokinneally3955]

Moved here to San Antonio in 2018 after spending my whole life, 46 years, in Chicago. Have never regretted it! Simply an awesome, EASY city full of amazing people, and brisket nachos!

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

You had me at brisket nachos lol. I feel like I could see myself living in a lot of the places we visit, but San Antonio is definitely at the top of the list.

[@jtowers6722]

I was born and raised here and still haven’t heard or tried brisket nachos mind=blown, thank you.

[@xcompa77x]

San Antonio will become as congested as Chicago in the next decades. Then you'll have to move somewhere else. San Antonio is changing rapidly. May i say for the better

[@Enne_esse]

@@xcompa77x it isn't and it won't. Go to Austin for that vibe.

[@trinityplayer12]

I loved visiting San Antonio so much that I moved here 3 years ago. I love it here. I get to gradually explore everything. I am finally ready to do Fiesta this spring post Covid. Would not live anywhere else at this point

[@Brooklynborn74]

Be careful at fiesta… that’s just a bunch of people getting drunk and bumping into people and people getting into fights.. The food is good but be careful!!

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Oh nice! I could definitely see ourselves living there.

[@Thatsbananas1289]

Glad you enjoyed our city ❤️

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

We loved it! Thanks for watching. 😀

[@BirdMarcel98]

I love watching people come and do touristy things in my hometown like this. After living here for over 15 years, all the charm of these places has worn off, so seeing it brand new through your eyes always makes me fall in love again and wanna go explore those same ole places 💖💖💖

[@greydlt2126]

I love that you accidentally ended up at La Panaderia. I love that place and it's definitely somewhere I recommend to everyone that visits SA 😍

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

It was so good! We are glad we found it.

[@christianoliver3572]

On any trip to San Antonio you have to go for food at Mi Tierra. It should be a law. And you should eat chicken mole enchiladas and get some pan dulce to have with your morning coffee. Casa Rio is also a great place for Tex-Mex as well. Make sure to get a table on the river walk. If you want to venture out of downtown for some amazing burgers go to Chris Madrid and get the refried bean burger. You can thank me later.

[@gageous8306]

I'm with you on Chris Madrid, but Mi Tierra is too touristy. I usually recommend Gilbert's for a true hole in the wall tex mex experience.

[@clydekimsey7503]

And try betos for empanadas and la Paloma Blanca

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Thank you for the suggestions! Hope we can check them out next time.

[@msmellowmood84]

We just moved to San Antonio. This was really helpful in our start to exploring the city. Thank you. 🙏🏽

[@lorismitherman8744]

Check out the Pearl next time you are in San Antonio

[@texmexfla]

Glad you liked San Antonio! The Smoke Shack is awesome! Someone already mentioned The Alamo comment as Not being an American Battle, but otherwise an awesome program. Not to be picky but the National Park Service has a wayside by the Rose Window which has a different story.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Thank you for the info!

[@edledskal9147]

I lived on the River Walk in an apartment for several years with my wife (now ex-wife) and kids. We loved living down there and had a river walk private entrance to our apartment, it was great. We used to go on walks every evening and during Christmas it was always so nice. My son and I would ride around on bikes every Saturday and Sunday, just talking to people, eating, etc. I miss living down there, but I don't miss the drive after work into downtown. Traffics not bad downtown itself, but the highway 35 leading into it can get very backed up.

[@sarahidalgo6507]

Food wise y'all did it all wrong. Next time you come go to black's BBQ. They have more locations now. The best fatty brisket you'll ever have. So much better tex mex places out of downtown.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Good to know! Thanks for the suggestions.

[@laurencowan7006]

blacks is so far! Pinkertons is right downtown, I would recommend getting breakfast tacos outside downtown as well, original donut shop has amazing tacos!

[@lorismitherman8744]

My home town enjoy you will love the food

[@cowabungakev]

Sweet time you guys. Head over to the Chinese Tea Garden next time in San Antonio.

[@jamiecinder9412]

Howdy, neighbor! I moved to San Antonio 2 years ago, and I've already decided that I don't ever want to live anywhere else. It's a truly amazing and unique city, with the livability and convenience of a big city but with the friendly and laid-back atmosphere of a small town. I'm glad that you liked San Antonio as much as I did.

[@janebaker966]

This is a lovely film,it's so nice. I apologize for using such an anodyne word but it does look a nice place with nice people,history notwithstanding. Get yourGuide sounds good. I'd like to do a tour with them next time I'm in Paris.

[@cbedwards8396]

Glad you liked it. There is a plan for Alamo Plaza, which includes getting rid of Ripley's, etc. The State of Texas bought those buildings and, I believe, will demolish them. A buddy of mine owns Casa Rio - should have gone there! Enjoy!

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Oh nice! I'm excited to see what they do with it! We almost went to Casa Rio. Hopefully next time!

[@pollyduron674]

I lived there for over five years. It is a lovely city. Glad you liked it. ❤. Mi Tierra is THE best place for pan dulce. I really need another trip there.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

We'll have to visit Mi Tierra next time. I think I heard there is also a Selena shrine there.

[@GracielaSLara]

Thank you for visiting my city

[@lance8080]

Wheather is way to hot

[@dee_mcgee11]

Thank you from a ǃong-time resident of Northeast San Antonio.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Thank you for watching! We'd love to know any recommendations you have for next time.

[@dee_mcgee11]

@@TheMagicGeekdom if you like zoos, we have a 5 year old teenage hippo named Timothy who became quite the internet celebrity when he started writing "love letters' to Cincinnati Zoo's female hippo, Fiona.

[@therese6447]

San Antonio is a great place a lot of diversity, culture and history. Food is great. Lot to do. But the property taxes are high! Housing is always a boom. If you decide to move...go to the nearby towns in the countryside....cheaper and less taxes. The cost of living is low and it is military city USA...very military and vet friendly. Crime rate is high in some areas...but like other big cities...growth is outpacing infrastructure though they are expanding roads etc. Population will more than double.

[@gageous8306]

Three letters... H-E-B.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

We tried some pretty interesting things at H-E-B like corn dog chips and butter tortillas and loved them. I'd love to know any suggestions you might have for us to try next time!

[@DownAroundSanAntonio-ik4ek]

Wish people wouldn't bring up the "Alamo basement." OK, so they saw the Pee Wee Herman movie.

[@WalksandSuch]

i'm also from florida but you can't compare FL bbq brisket to anything in texas. texas is known for beef brisket

[@nickreestearsofaclown4661]

About four years ago I felt bored and stuck a pin in the map of USA and landed in san antonio.only managed to see the area around the Alamo , only had a long weekend,but I found taxis were only interested in a fare if you had a zip code, which I didn’t have so could have seen more if I had more luck with knowing zip codes lol !😊

[@rockybridges4820]

The for sharing guys. Headed there in April. I seen you with your dog but when he's not with you what do you do with him? Also where did you stay at if you don't mind answering? TIA

[@kingrobs89]

Those Ripley's shop are closing down 3:18 that's a children's hospital

[@demonik2108]

I'm from San Antonio, I don't go downtown all that often hahahaha

[@DadLore85]

I love this city. Thanks for visiting! #LetsGo210 #BirdsUp

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

We can't wait to make it back. Thanks for watching!

[@haveyoueverheardtherain]

Hi guys, I loved the video, watching from Edinburgh. To answer your question, yes We know about Selena over here and will also be watching the movie again. Tack care xx Pam

[@Poultrymad]

Not everyone knows about Selena, I have no idea who she is? (from England)

[@tbthatzme]

*There for sure is a basement under the gift shop. You have balls for filming inside the Alamo, normally a HUGE no no. * Link for Alamo basement… kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqjdk3iDhceUaJY Even weirder, Phil Collins believes he is a reincarnated Alamo defender, hence his massive Alamo collection… kzbin.info/www/bejne/laKoeaewnZKZfKM

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Oh we didn't know that you're not supposed to film in there. We noticed a few different people doing it and the employees didn't say anything. 🤔 How interesting that Phil Collins believes he is a reincarnated Alamo defender!

[@charymandy]

I dare you to visit the capital austin

[@tonywilkinson6895]

Looks like a nice place!

[@MrsH091011]

I grew up in San Antonio . I enjoyed the video .

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Thank you for watching!

[@greggarza4226]

Here's some facts for you that may have been overlooked: *Some attractions that were in front of The Alamo, Ripley's Haunted Adventure, Tomb Raider and Guinness World Records were bought out by The Alamo or State to put a museum. The museum is to house many of musician Phil Collins Alamo artifacts. Phil threatened to take his items back if they were not going to be displayed. *San Antonio is home to many beautiful missions, I hope you were able to see more than The Alamo and San Jose. * Casa Rio may be the oldest river restaurant, but the oldest restaurant in the city is really close to them, Schilo's. The German restaurant is home to home cooked meals and sandwiches. They are famous for their homemade root beer. * Smoke Shack is some good BBQ, but Texas alone is known for great BBQ establishments. I, personally, like going to the macabre side and go to Bastrop, Texas. There is The Gas Station, this is the gas station where the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre was filmed. Loved their brisket there, too. ( Or was it brisket? Lol. ) Have fun in your future travels.

[@alredxiii]

Glad that you enjoyed our city, next time you visit check out the rest of the missions they are much better than the Alamo. Also check out 2M Smokehouse for some killer brisket and sausage. As for Barbacoa and Big Red check out Papi's Barbacoa although not a restaurant they have the best cheek meat and some great tortillas from La Luz.

[@Mr.Ludwig1386]

I lived there 10 years. The whole of San Antonio is super haunted. Everyone talks about certain areas or buildings. I’m telling you, the entire area is full of thousands of dead people all around you. Stop talking, walk around where there’s no people and listen. You will start to hear it. Look closer and you will actually see them.

[@annamiranda8716]

I moved from Southern California 13 years ago and I absolutely Love San Antonio except for the hot summer.

[@Chilifer34]

The Ripley's are now closed. Believe the city is building towards expanding the Alamo

[@janesouthworth4216]

You didn't go to Schilo's for root beer and split pea soup. Even my root beer hating youngest son loved the root beer there.

[@artpiseno5582]

You were at Market square you missed good Mexican food it's called Mi Tierra

[@codyarnold3118]

loved the video as a local! captured great points with many more for y'all still to discover!

[@august8882]

I missed San Antonio,lived there less than a year!

[@Brooklynborn74]

It is a pretty city but the people have changed a lot,people are rude now and the driving sucks.. I’ve lived here for 40yrs and it’s gone down quite a bit in the last 10yrs.. people are just rude now and looking for a reason to fight.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Sorry to hear that

[@sharij3711]

The second I saw the Alamo, I was hoping you’d make a PeeWee reference! 🤣 Still laughing!

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Lol it's all we could think about. 😂

[@CHARIOTangler]

Too many people are moving here. It's destroying everything that makes living here worth it.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

I can see that. I'm from Portland and San Antonio feels like Portland when it started to blow up 15 or so years ago. It was a struggle to watch the city I loved become something else, but I guess it also means that other people now know what a gem it is.

[@nathanham3592]

As someone that used to work at the Alamo, yes the Sanctuary does not have a basement but the administration/gift shop does.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Good to know!

[@thomasblackmon5722]

She was a rising STAR

[@MelissaAnnMajestic]

Lovely video and so happy you enjoyed your trip to my hometown. Unfortunately, your tour guide wasn't very correct about their Mission San Jose information. Mission San Jose is the most complete of the 5 Spanish missions of SA. Mission Concepcion is closer to downtown, aside of The Alamo. The window is called the Rose window because it was carved in honor of the craftman's fiancee., who died making the ocean journey to join him in Texas. The tale about pirates at the missions is a new one.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Thank you for the information!

[@laurencowan7006]

This! The Rose Window is said to be haunted by the fiancée

[@tangotea7192]

What about the driving?

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

We thought the driving was fine. Seems like a good infrastructure set up there, but we also weren't there long enough to get a real feel for it.

[@williamjohnchisholm8960]

Hello from UK your shows are just as enjoyable as ever all the best John

[@erzsebethyoung]

They are a friendly couple and their tone of voice is relaxing and enjoyable.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Thank you so much! ❤

[@bl_leafkid4322]

Is that Salena Gomez??

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Selena Quintanilla. She was a singer in the 90s before she was murdered. 😢

[@Poultrymad]

Why the question about a basement/no basement at the Alamo??

[@kellyokinneally3955]

In tbe movie "Pee Wees Big Adventure", a fortune teller tells Pee Wee that his stolen bicycle can be found in the baseball of the Alamo, so he spends days getting to the Alamo and takes the tour, just to ask the tour guide at the very end of the tour "When are we gonna see the basement?". The tour guide, (and all the other tourists ) tells Pee-Wee (through her laughter) "There's no basement in the Alamo!"

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Not sure if you're familiar with Pee Wee's Big Adventure, but the basement of The Alamo is a big plot point of the movie. It was a film we grew up watching and probably the first reference of The Alamo we knew about.

[@Poultrymad]

@@TheMagicGeekdom No, I've never seen the film but thanks for the explanation!

[@Poultrymad]

@@kellyokinneally3955 Thanks for the explanation.

[@gilbertodominguez5212]

Good comments about the city, although not entirely accurate, but that's to be expected from people who are not from here. Everybody comments about how small the Alamo is, but they don't realize that the structure called the Alamo was actually the chapel and not the entire mission. The area is being restructured so that it will look more like the way it used to be during the time of the battle, so visitors will get a better idea of how big the mission really was. Hate to be a critic, but the editing could've been better, with smoother transitions. The video jumps suddenly from the beauty of Mission San Jose to the Tower of the Americas. It was a bit jarring to me. But the intentions were good.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Thank you for the info!

[@stopthatluca]

Salina?

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Yes, Selena was a singer in the 90s who was on the brink of becoming a huge star when she was murdered. There is a movie about her starring Jennifer Lopez.

[@stopthatluca]

@@TheMagicGeekdom thanks, I’ll keep an eye out for that one

[@duncanmit5307]

👍💜👍💜👍💜

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Thanks for watching, Duncan!

[@AcornElectron]

I dunno, we got selina gomez over here but I don’t know any other selinas.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Selena was a Tejano singer that was on the brink of becoming a huge star when she was murdered in her early 20s. There's a movie with Jennifer Lopez about her.

[@AcornElectron]

@@TheMagicGeekdom well, thanks for the reply, I like true crime stuff so I’ll investigate that further. Although, I DO prefer the lighter side of KZbin, like you two visiting new places. Keep up the good work lass and fella and stay safe.

[@Kari_B61ex]

I've never visited the USA - unfortunately, my opinions aren't great. The USA tends to turn historic sights into a trashy theme site. I've travelled, but have never wanted to visit the USA.

[@MrsH091011]

If you’ve never been to the US then how do you know they turn historic sights into trashy theme sites ? You should give it a chance before you form an opinion .

[@truekels]

@@MrsH091011this!

[@truekels]

What an odd thing to say esp. coming from someone who has never stepped foot on a said “trashy theme site”…

[@dancooper7012]

I survived Texas for 45 very, very long years. Half of that in SA. I HATE Texas!! The only things I miss, my sister and the food. Texas and SA are so, so corrupt!! Oh, the gift shop at the Alamo DOES have a basment!

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Yes it was not the most pleasant city to drive or park in, but we enjoyed it. Would love any recommendations you have for Bristol!

[@donotclickthis]

the cowboy boots are about 2 minutes from my house 😂

[@Itaketoomanypics]

I hate San Antonio with passion