Fiesta on the ... River Walk

 Jacob Tucker, feature editor

                               Living, Working, and Relaxing Along the River Walk

SAN ANTONIO-San Antonio has always been a place of excitement, beauty, and entertainment. 

The Alamo is the premier tourist attraction within the city; however, the River Walk runs a close second. 

The River Walk is a beautiful stretch of water that winds its way through the heart of San Antonio.  It is lined with limestone sidewalks on either side.  These sidewalks also contain gorgeous beds of flora and foliage that are very pleasing to the eye, as well as the touch.

This is the place where tourists and conventioneers flock to see all of the magnificent artwork on the concrete walls and look at the serene waterfalls and fountains over a stretch of three miles of river.

“We are here for a conference,” said Mary Ann Patterson, a resident of Kansas City.  “I’ve only been here for three days, and I have found myself down here five different times.”

The River Walk also gives people a chance to view some of the native wildlife of the area, even though it is sometimes just sparrows and squirrels. 

This place is not only a tourist attraction, but local residents like to spend time there also.

“I love this area,” said Lisa Rosales, a 20-year resident of the city.  “It is peaceful in some areas, and I come down here often to enjoy it as much as I can.”

The River Walk is also an area thriving with businesses and restaurants.  These are the primary tourist attractions.

“I come just to see all of the different attractions, such as the local drinking establishments and the restaurants,” said Robert Bixler, a visiting conventioneer.

Local restaurant owners find it quite exciting to see the how people interact with their business.  Lisa Wong, owner and operator of the restaurant Acenar, enjoys all of the attention her business receives on the River Walk.

“To own your own business is good, but to see it excel is exciting,” said Wong.

With the opening of Acenar two years ago, Wong has started a trend among the new restaurants in the area.

“Our place is more of a modern setting,” said Wong.  “This is because of the change of the atmosphere on the River Walk.”

Wong describes the general atmosphere as young and very party oriented.  The restaurant has adapted to this change by providing a modern setting with bright colors and modern furniture.

“Even though we have made this change, our restaurant is still mature enough to attract adults,” said Wong.

According to Wong, the area where Acenar is located, under Houston Street, is the most beautiful area on the River Walk.  She said the main thing that keeps people coming back to the River Walk is the variations of culture.

“Due to a high concentration of Latinos in the area, the River Walk and its businesses give you a cultural feel of going across the border without going the distance,” says Wong.  “Tourists and locals can sit on the patio of a restaurant and enjoy the most popular drink of San Antonio, the margarita, and watch the bustle of people go by.”

The colorful atmosphere, friendly people, and flavorful foods continue to make the River Walk a place of excitement for all ages.