The Failed San Antonio Trip.

[@shirleybrooks1599]

Lived in San Antonio for years, one of my favorite places. The prettiest city in Texas and one of four unique cities in the United States.

[@bigbadassphiljacson]

What are the other three?

[@thinkingimpaired5663]

​@@bigbadassphiljacsonexcellent question👍

[@thedarkerarchery3553]

Unique in what way?

[@TollHammer]

Yeah right, come by Moss Landing apartments and ill show you a real city

[@shirleybrooks1599]

@@bigbadassphiljacson Boston, New Orleans, and San Francisco. Mark Twain was the person who said these four cities were the most unique cities in the United States.

[@louc.1606]

Thanks, Mr. Briggs for coming to visit our hometown. There are a lot of interesting places, and, of course, all those SA natives will chime in on what they believe is interesting and beautiful in our town. I've lived in SA all of my life...(64 years) and I rarely go downtown. Still very proud to live here and it's grown so much that there are parts of the city that I've never gone to. Timing is everything for our city.....in February we have our annual Stock Show and Rodeo. In April, our annual Fiesta celebration (a collaboration of events throughout the city and surrounding areas over a 2 week period) with good food, drink and celebration...topped off by a day and night Parade featuring bands and cheer squads from local schools and includes area talent. Christmas on the Riverwalk is also a sight to see which also includes a parade on the river. There is, of course, the Alamo and the 4 missions (San Jose, San Juan Capistrano, Concepcion and Espada). Hope you give our town another peek in the near future. Wish you well! Lou C.

[@lauralaabs7917]

I was born at Fort Bexar. My son graduated as a combat medic and I finally went to San Antonio. My best place I visited was the Fire Department Museum. My husband is retired firefighter and my other son is serving the museum held a special place in my heart. They warned if you fell in the river walk to just stand up as it’s only four feet deep. They still rescue people who drown in the river every year.

[@DJCinthaBoy]

I’ve been all around the world and San Antonio still has one of my favorite downtowns.

[@bobbybob3865]

Did you have a meal on el pasa del rio, the river walk?

[@truebetold65]

One of my favorite cities in America. It is absolutely gorgeous when the river is full. Honorable others, Seattle, Las Vegas, New York, Charleston SC, San Francisco before 2010, Portland Oregon, West Virginia. lastly Richmond VA. Thanks Briggs.

[@Anderson-g3r]

Loved the guitar music in the background ❤ Thanks for another great video ❤

[@markelmore66]

I have lived in San Antonio for 12 years - always construction going on! Another super cool place to visit is Savannah Georgia if you like San Antonio.

[@miamivicefanatic9736]

I love towns that have public art scattered all over. I remember going to a town that had bear statues all over, and I walked all around just looking for them so I could take a picture. Turned out to be really fun and was a good way to experience the stores and restaurants in the town.

[@BeBeBraveSpirit]

Sounds like New Bern, NC with all the bear statues.

[@scedge]

Greenville, SC has little bronze mice hidden all over the downtown area.

[@LinFo23]

No one goes to San Antonio in January. December is a great time. And it's fun to go during festivals. San Antonio is a beautiful city.

[@BenBoulayGay]

I was there during Christmas 2022.

[@leminnz]

I actually moved to San Antonio from Atlanta partly because of your videos! Been here almost a year now

[@mrleverage2006]

Briggs, glad you made the attempt; sorry you didn't know about them draining the "river" My wife and I have family in TX. We got to enjoy downtown San A. and really enjoyed the restaurants, the Alamo and of course the river cruise. You'll have to make a return trip.

[@WorldAccordingToBriggs]

Thanks 👍

[@holiday197]

These travel videos that you have done lately have been great. Hopefully you do some more. I would have thought that there would have been more people walking downtown as it seemed deserted in a lot of places. Great video!

[@Zodia195]

He went during the Winter after Christmas and New Years from the looks of it. We don't get a lot of Tourists in January and first half of February.

[@conroyjett]

You didn't hit any of the nearby Missions??!! For me that was the coolest part of San Antonio. I did a self-guided tour of them on a Sunday morning when I went there and came to one just outside of downtown to hear beautiful Spanish guitar and singing and walked into the Mission to see it was a father and his young daughter performing the last song of their set. I'm sure I won't get as lucky if I ever get to go again so I will always cherish that once in a lifetime moment.

[@thedarkerarchery3553]

🤣🤣🤣 Even the 'thanks for watching' sounded defeated. Don't worry, even Pee Wee Herman felt the same way when he went to San Antonio looking for his bike in the Alamo's basement. It must be a thing with the city...

[@bobbybob3865]

I've been to the Alamo but didn't go down in the basement.

[@scedge]

And they seriously find no joy in you making the joke about the basement.

[@KjKharismatic]

SanAn is my favorite city. I love its culture, architecture, food, and Riverwalk, and I can't wait to find a reason to go back.

[@michaelwall213]

Briggs, I was just in San Antonio earlier this month (I went there with my brother as part of a Texas trip to see the solar eclipse), and it was truly a beautiful place. Our hotel was right at the Riverwalk, and there was so much to enjoy about the place. The boat tour on the river was great fun, and we did it at night when all the scenery was lit in brilliant colors. I recognized a lot of the stuff you shared in the video (Tower of Americas, Hemisfair, etc.), and I also dined at an extraordinary Mexican restaurant called Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia (it blows away every Mexican place in my hometown of Raleigh, NC). Hope you get a chance to visit there again soon under better circumstances.

[@skittlesandfriends5710]

I was in San Antonio multiple times with the Air Force and absolutely loved the Riverwalk, there are so many different places to eat. and it was always so lively and exciting to be down there.

[@dalecollins581]

Fun fact, downtown has the old Guenther hotel...its where Robert Johnson recorded his crossroads blues sessions.. for those who don't know, Robert Johnson is where the story of someone selling thier soul to the devil at the crossroads to plat guitar comes from

[@fuzzy3440]

I was at the Bexar county courthouse for jury duty last week. Also took my dad to Brackenridge Park to see the Sunken Japanese Tea garden today, not realizing it is Fiesta this weekend, while my son and grandson went through the zoo. I live in Alamo Ranch and I never go downtown just because of the traffic. I do love the area around downtown, Alamo Heights, Fort Sam Houston.

[@karenwaddell9396]

There is a huge park with a children’s amusement park, a rock garden and horses to rent. My children loved this park. Not sure is all is still there tho. Same park…Breckenridge park.

[@Chiller11]

Went to a professional convention in San Antonio many years ago. It was a great trip, hotel on the river, easy walking, got to the Alamo etc.

[@geoffdbirds]

San Antonio is one of my favorite towns in the country and with my job (hot shot driver) I get to see everything our incredible country has to offer

[@waterydepths5584]

Shame you didn't get to enjoy the River Walk. At a conference during the fall, I took a boat to the end, had a nice Mexican meal and beer, then rode the boat back. Very pleasant evening.

[@speedfiend925]

You ought to do more of this. Your video reminded me how COOL San Antonio is. 😁

[@joannmay-anthony1076]

I was there at Ft. Sam Houston in the early 90's as an reserve nurse training for combat duty. I really loved it there.

[@erikarommel]

@joannmay-anthony1076 Same here! The AMEDD Museum was great.

[@joannmay-anthony1076]

@@erikarommel I was surprised to find out that the Alamo wasn't the real Alamo which was someplace else. I also got whispered at rather loudly cause I did a short bark of laugh at what someone said and told the place was sacred which i apologized for and then found out later it wasn't the real place.

[@valerief1231]

I watch Judge Boyd from Baxter Cty all the time, she’s such a good human, and the residents are lucky to have her. I live in Texas and actually thought about going in January, glad to know about the water way getting drained every couple of years. Thanks for visiting our state!

[@FloRiDaNication]

Mr. Briggs, your videos never a fail. I appreciate your sharing real footage as it is, no filters. I didn't know they drain the river. Now I know :) Thank you!

[@beemarie6840]

If you want to visit the river, go back in December. They usually have really beautiful Christmas lights hanging off the big trees over the river. They all reflect off the water, and it looks beautiful. There are also river parades, so you might want to check the city calendars to see when those are just for the experience, if you're interested. They do boat rides, too! You can grab a drink and just relax on the boat and enjoy the ride while they give you the river tour.

[@CassieDavis613]

I lived in San Antonio from 1991 to 1998. I still miss it. Had a blast living there. Don't miss the heat.

[@ggdail]

We used to go to Austin for our short getaway trips, but now we prefer San Antonio. It's cleaner & feels a lot safer.

[@thinkingimpaired5663]

Nice video, sad that the river was drained. Unfortunately stuff💩 happens! It's good to see the other featured sites.

[@caramanico1]

Yes- got the chance to visit awhile back and loved it.

[@hankpoth9681]

I was stationed at Ft. Sam 78-79. The wife and I always had a new thing to do every month, couldn't do much on a military salary back then, The Alamo, Breckenridge Park, Tower of the Americas and the Riverwalk. And restaurants to die for!

[@Sugerloadedgirl789]

I used to live in San Antonio for 4 years and I really do appreciate the city. They got some AWESOME amusement parks!

[@texasflood1295]

Hey Briggs, there’s more to San Antonio than the Riverwalk. If your were there recently, you were there during Fiesta, the biggest party in Texas.

[@BenBoulayGay]

I was in all the outskirts

[@kennethbode2017]

come back during Christmas season to the River Walk

[@the48thhawk74]

Say less😈

[@richardafutrell9864]

I love San Antonio and the Hill Country region of Texas. If you’re in town and visit the Alamo, be sure to drop by the Menger Bar built in 1887; It’s directly across the street and is absolutely stunning. Teddy Roosevelt recruited the rough riders there. Also, rent a car and drive into hill country; you will not regret it.

[@susanneschmidtcruz7156]

Have wanted to go to San Antonio for a long time. Maybe one of these days I'll be able to make the trip. Thanks for taking us along Briggs and sorry about the River Walk.

[@CruisingforFood]

You should have come here now! Fiesta! Lol I'm sorry you didn't get to experience the Riverwalk the way you wanted to. I hope you come back again.

[@kurtb8474]

My first rip to San Antonio, well near there, was to Lackland AFB for basic training and tech school in 1983. But, I never left the base to see the city. 2 years later, as an Airman 1st Class, my wife and I drove from Sacramento to SA to visit her folks. We got to see a lot of the city. It was impressive.

[@itsjohndell]

We all started at at Lackland and still do. i went through in 1975 and i hated it. Then they sent me to Randolph for Flight training (other side of the City) and i was livid. Swore i would never set foot in texas again.9 years ago I drove from South Florida to Phoenix and since I-10 ran right through it I'd stop for a night with an Invitation from the BC at Randolph (who I had trained) for dinner. Completely different city! The county was 250k back then, now the city alone is 1.4M. I like it, even been back since. Lot of greatly repurposed old architecture. I plan om going back. PS don't stand in line for the Alamo, it's a replica.

[@Tyrannosaurus_Wrexx]

I was just in San Antonio this morning and stopped by the Alamo and Riverwalk on my way back home to Dallas!

[@garychristison763]

On our last San Antonio trip, the hop on hop off bus was a big hit. If you spend too much time at the River Walk, you start feeling like a mall zombie.

[@mpatbanks1]

Check out how the Fairmount Hotel was moved to its current location in San Antonio. Also, the construction of the Hilton was unique!

[@jenniferd2094]

Try spring. If you come during Fiesta, it’s like a mini Mardi Gras. Also, go to the Pearl. It’s a cute area downtown.

[@jevasjunkbox]

Well, if it helps any, our SA trip back in 2003 was botched. On the day we were passing thru, the Alamo was closed due to construction and we never got to take a tour. To make the situation worse, we took a picture in front of the Alamo and the guy who took our picture for us, had his finger in front of the lens, cutting off half of the picture. Haven’t been back to SA since!

[@thabilldozer]

I made the same mistake 35 years ago when I moved to San Antonio. I was told that it is pronounced Beh-har. There is a story about how the name came to be. Apparently there was a General in the Mexican army whose last name was Bear, but his hand was injured in combat, and he could not sign his name to a declaration of intent. So, instead he just simply put an X and his last name was filled in around the X. And so we have the legend of BeXar county.

[@robertstone5747]

Sorry, this is not true. Somebody is pulling your leg.

[@brixalpha]

Man Fiesta is going on right now down here. You should have went to the botanical gardens, the Sunken Japanese Tea Garden, go out to the Pearl, eat BBQ at 2M or even Pinkerton's (even though they are originally from Houston) I'm sort of sad you didn't get to see more of San Antonio and just hung out near the Riverwalk.

[@r.taylor4646]

You missed a slew of touristy things like the rest of the missions, Natural Bridge Caverns, tour King William district, ghost tour, Botanical Graden and Japanese Teas Garden, etc. The other experiences are more for family such as Sea World, Fiesta Texas, San Antonio Zoo.

[@Eric12358]

I love the old missions just south of town.

[@josephhudson7378]

Yeah. Thank you for the video. I am undecided where I want to go for vacation.

[@edg8535]

It has been many years since we were at the Riverwalk. You could get a hotel on the water reasonably years ago. You need to plan a return visit.

[@raylopez99]

I visited San Anton once on the way to Mexico, did a River Walk boat tour and at the time they had some sort of family event and the whole town seemed to be at the RiverWalk. Place looks old (the architecture). Had no idea they get 41m visitors a year, it sounds inflated (not buying it).

[@VickiBowers]

Beautiful architecture, wow, what history, and BEAUTIFUL music that you put with the video!

[@gregholloway2656]

Briggs, if you decide to visit San Antonio again, take the train! I did, all the way from British Columbia in 2010. It was a work trip for two weeks, but I really enjoyed the train ride. I can recommend some restaurants too, if you’re interested, I’ve been to SA about 20 times.

[@divinemessages444]

Sometimes I miss home. Thank you Briggs for showing me what I've been missing. Maybe I'll go visit soon

[@robpete88]

We were there (rving)a couple of months ago and the river walk walk was spectacular as well as the other sites in town! The Texas hill country was nice! Love it!

[@martianmurray]

Sorry about the river

[@WorldAccordingToBriggs]

Thanks

[@russellbarton7194]

The first time I went to San Antonio was for basic training....but I've enjoyed every other trip there !

[@cthomasal4e]

San Antonio outer neighborhoods were each unique... as long as you listen, folks like hosting a conversation

[@gabewilliams2800]

The north side is super nice too. I grew up there. Can’t go wrong with the la Cantera area and stone oak.

[@bryanschwertner3585]

My wife runs and did the Rock n Roll Marathon (2 fulls and 2 halves I think) in SanAntonio. One trip we were walking by San Fernando Cathedral and decided to attend at least part of the Mass. Well, a little late and it was a Quinceanera Mass. The girl whose 15th birthday it was got up and sang a Hymn. It was like listening to an angel! Beautiful voice. Anyway, sorry you missed out on the Riverwalk. Take care.

[@MayWhite-bz7xl]

I went in a Ripley's believe it or not once and it was great lot's of interesting things to see and you can learn a lot too.

[@barchie9757]

Stayed there for 3 months as tdy with the Air Force and loved it.

[@jamesdavis6829]

Briggs, San Antonio is one of our favorite places. I felt bad for you that the river walk was closed. There are many other great things to do there. I hope you made it to the mexican market and Mi Tierra Restaurant. There is so much history to take in there like the missions and musiums. Great food too. Better luck next time.

[@noahwalker8359]

You're right that the outskirts are nothing to look at, but that the downtown has things to do including the Pearl Street Market.

[@edsteward7717]

Haha! I remember when you went there. You were so bummed! It's still a beautiful city, and you got some good info. Not a loss.

[@coolaunt516]

Went to San Antonio traveled around on the hop on hop off bus. A great trip.

[@fastwheels195]

Sad you missed out and came here when the river was drained. What you see downtown however is just the tip of the iceberg. There is so much more to the area

[@SA-hz1rs]

lol. like what

[@seanmuir9594]

dang, what a horrible time to visit. Also, in January the trees and the grass are not green. If you were there today on April 21, it would be amazing. I'm not from there but I have loved visiting the times that I've been.

[@loftus4453]

I worked downtown SA for years. It’s terrible when they drain the river walk. It smells horrendous. It’s necessary though. It’s a man made River in a party zone so it gets absolutely disgusting. So sorry you came when it was drained. Bummer

[@pattyolson3842]

Thanks Briggs! I've never been to San Antonio. Sorry you picked the wrong weekend. That Riverwalk does look nice.

[@karenwaddell9396]

There is a huge park with a children’s amusement park, a rock garden and horses to rent. My children loved this park. Not sure is all is still there tho.

[@buckshot6481]

Have family in San Antonio. My biggest disappointment was the actual Alamo mission bldg being downtown. The Riverwalk was beautiful at Christmas.

[@marsgal42]

San Antonio was my base for the eclipse. I really liked it. The River Walk was cool. I couldn't get near The Alamo: too many people in town, and the whole area was under construction. Another time. By the time it was obvious the weather wasn't going to cooperate alternate locations were getting hard to find (and expensive), so I hoped for the best and saw good stuff through gaps in the clouds from Junction, TX. Saw an armadillo run across the road. Hit the bathroom and gassed the car up at Buc-ee's. Of course. 😎

[@augiegirl1]

My maid of honor lives in San Antonio, & I SERIOUSLY considered going down to see her for the eclipse; she lives in a part of town that would have been in the totality path. Thankfully, I gave up on the idea a week before, after I saw the weather forecast. I've been down to visit her twice, in 1999 & 2003, both at Christmas time!

[@bodontknowsuperbowl]

Sometime back, I took my son to the Alamo Chapel. We waited in line a long time. Then there was not anything in there. They were doing some kind of a makeover. Then I took him to one of the other missions. Some of the displays were not working any more. It was a real bust. I was disappointed for my son. I wish I had known that ahead of time.

[@GH-cp9wc]

Interesting fact: Santa Ana stayed at the Hyatt across from the Alamo. On a more serious note, San Antonio is an interesting blend of American and Mexican culture. Many great restaurants and things to see. Check out Rosarios restaurant near downtown for excellent food, especially the sour cream enchiladas!

[@Bailey1879]

That's disappointing! I hope you visit again during a more opportune time. Christmas and April are great if you want to enjoy the energy around downtown but February, March, and October are great if you want to avoid the heavy crowds. Summer is hot. It's not so bad if you are used to the heat, but overwhelming if you are not.

[@Jose-ht2lw]

Good to see you out and about.

[@ryanrigley]

I ran a 10k and a marathon in San Antonio in 2014. I liked San Antonio. Fortunately the River Walk was in good shape too.

[@EchoSigma6]

Reminds of the time I really wanted to see majestic stars fill the night sky so I booked a trip to Bryce Canyon NP, UT. Nothing, a week of cloudy weather. I liked this video, it was amusing and informative. Hey life happens. I would have liked to see some food and drink reviews too.

[@The_Dudester]

Interesting fact: Famous singer/songwriter Phil Collins strongly feels that, in a past life, he was in the battle at The Alamo in 1836. To that end, Phil bought one of the kitschy tourist shops across the street from The Alamo. He then conducted an unofficial archeological dig as he dug under the foundation of the shop. He found bullets, belt buckles and knives. The dead of The Alamo were burnt in funeral pyres, so everything around The Alamo is sacred ground. Seeing The Alamo is deflating as it is smack dab in the middle of downtown-next to high rises and kitschy tourist shops. Phil donated his findings to The Alamo museum as well as other objects he had bought from collectors. Finally, there is a serious crime problem everywhere in San Antonio, except the downtown area. I stayed at The Marriott three times in my visit there. My car wasn't molested, but there are signs in the garage to take your valuables with you and not to leave them in the car.

[@thatguy8869]

The last time I was on the River walk in San Antonio, I was asked to please not drink beer from the pitcher of beer I had purchased. I had to pour it in the glass. Since then, I've become sober; but If I did drink, I'd want to drink the beer straight from the pitcher, and the whiskey from the bottle.

[@suzanibafazi8661]

I have watched a number of your videos you seem like a nice,polite guy.Anyway interesting video TA!!

[@sammisuejams]

So But there are so many restaurants and shops in the Hemisphere. Also- Southtown and King William and the Mission Trail.

[@dner75-xh9le]

I actually found that the homeless people were far more polite and less aggressive in San Antonio than the ones up here in the Twin Cities.

[@Gabby14597]

Born in that country. Brooks Army hospital/1953. Welcome to Texas. 🕊️Texas/USA 🇺🇸

[@rawburtfuzzles3373]

I went once in 2011, and I loved it, but wish I could go again. And I'm sorry to hear about that situation you had...

[@richard195838]

A great video Jimmy, I would not call it a failure. San Antonio is my favorite city in Texas. Frank Tolbert journalist and Texas historian stated, “ Every Texan has two homes, his own and San Antonio”. I agree with a Frank. It’s only about a five hour drive from my home and I don’t get to go there nearly as often as I wish.

[@maxs9742]

San Antonio bought out all them tourist shops and they're closed down now and they're going to spend over half a billion dollars on the Alamo redo it would be pretty cool when it's done

[@randalmayeux8880]

I went to San Antonio once. I was spending Thanksgiving in Kerrville with my girlfriend and we went for the evening. It's only about an hour and a half drive. Wish I had had more time. I'm going to have to go back.

[@lindawilson4625]

I have watched many of your videos and I recall you mentioning this trip "fail" many times. My heart goes out to you :-)

[@davidlarson2534]

What do you do when you are going to Lackland AFB for Basis Training and you get there 3 days early and have no money? You spend 3 nights at the Green Gate Club Burlesque on N. St. Mary’s St. in downtown San Antonio! Yes, myself and my buddy did just that.😊

[@idristaylor5093]

5:14 video saved by squirrel!

[@ArmenChakmakian]

2:20 San Antonio is just one giant construction zone right now.

[@King_Bored]

I live in SA. I remember when you were here for this. I'm sorry the river was drained.

[@AlyssaVanilla]

“including a GOAT” 🤣 you were in my hood! sorry it was uneventful, but I hope you at least got some good Mexican food while you were here!

[@WorldAccordingToBriggs]

I did. How are you doing? How is the break?

[@chuckinhouston9952]

One of my favorite cities anywhere.

[@baronvonjo1929]

I went to San Antonio to see my brother graduate from boot camp. Then I went to Hawaii to visit a friend. Wasn't there long but other than the water way it wasn't all that impressive. Very dusty. Other than a few bits you needed to drive all over to do anything. Also met up with a friend there who went to college there. My parents and aunt stayed behind and got so bored they tried and failed to find a flight back early. I enjoyed it for a one-time, two day thing. But don't really find a compelling reason to return.

[@alantrask6500]

Briggs on the river has a nice ring to it.

[@KookyWitch67]

I am so sick that I can't sit up!!! Thank you for taking me traveling with you in spirit

[@WorldAccordingToBriggs]

Glad I could help.

[@gracealleman4102]

You should have turned around after the water was drained part.

[@kleokleopatra3536]

you're good: they drain the river and you still manage to make a nice video about the town anyway !!!!