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Riverwalk
At the heart of the city lies the Riverwalk district. Take the stairs from the street level down to the Riverwalk, where a lush, shady refuge awaits. There the San Antonio River is lined on both sides with pedestrian walkways that are closed to bicycles and motor vehicles. Hotels and shops line the Riverwalk and delicious scents emanating from restaurants beckon to passersby. Many of the buildings have entrances on both the street level and the Riverwalk level. Visitors can take relaxing river cruises and some restaurants offer lunch and dinner cruises.

Alamo
A short walk from the Riverwalk is the famed Alamo, 300 Alamo Plaza, which stands as a testament to American courage. On March 6, 1836 the 189 men defending the Alamo fell to the Mexican troops of General Santa Ana after a 13 day siege. Today the only two buildings left standing of the original fort are the chapel and the long barracks. Take a free guided tour of the grounds, then visit the Long Barracks Museum and Library to learn more about the fort from the displays there.

La Villita
Adjacent to the Riverwalk is La Villita, a collection of restaurants, arts and crafts stores and other shops. Wander among the shops featuring a variety of works such as glass figurines, original paintings and pottery.

Shop at Market Square
Another popular shopping district is the Market Square, 514 W. Commerce, designed to look like an authentic market in Mexico. Here you’ll find pewter and enamel bracelets, bright porcelain wall crosses, clothing and more. There are additional shops located across the road at Farmers Market Square.

Churches?

San Antonio is famous for its beautiful mission churches along the San Antonio River. In the 18th century Spain built the missions as part of its effort to convert the area’s Native Americans to Catholicism. In addition to the Mission San Antonio de Valero at the Alamo, visitors can tour Mission Concepci

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Love Shopping and Dining?

For great shopping and dining visit the Magnificent Mile, stretching along Michigan Avenue from Lakeshore Drive to the Chicago River. While on the Magnificent Mile be sure to get a look at the famous Water Tower, one of the few buildings to survive the great fire of 1871, which destroyed almost everything else in its path. Today it is one of Chicago’s most recognizable symbols.

Art Lover?

The Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave, contains many works by great masters, including the famous painting of the stone-faced farm couple, “American Gothic.” The Art Institute also has a great collection of Asian art, an exhibition of ancient artifacts and a fun collection of miniature rooms decorated in the styles of the 1200s up to the 1930s.

For The Children


Located steps away from the Art Institute is a fun, free treat for the kids called Milennium Park. In summer the park features a wading area with two large walls at either end. Huge faces are projected on each wall, and at regular intervals they purse their lips and water comes squirting out of the wall. The kids love it! Bring a bathing suit or a change of clothes and a towel, or purchase a towel from vendors at the park.

Field Museum


The Field Museum, 1400 South Lake Shore Drive, includes rooms and rooms of nature and culture exhibits from all around the globe. There is also the Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton named Sue, the largest and most complete T.Rex skeleton on display in the world and an ancient Egypt exhibit.

Animal Lovers?


Near the Field Museum is Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. Lakeshore Dr., with a wide range of sea creatures on show, including sharks, Beluga whales, sea turtles and stingrays.

The Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Dr., is a fine zoo located in the city’s tony Lincoln Park neighborhood. The zoo has all sorts of animals, from cows and chickens to giraffes and apes. Best of all, it’s free!

Great City View
For great views of the city, visit the skydeck at the Sears Tower, 233 S. Wacker Dr., or the observatory at the John Hancock center, 875 N. Michigan Ave. The Sears Tower is the tallest building in the United States, but the view from the Hancock Tower is great as well.

Do Not Miss Navy Pier!
Finally, Navy Pier is a complex including shops, an IMAX theater, a Shakespearean theater, a Children’s museum, carnival rides and more. There’s something for everyone! For more great ideas on affordable and short getaways, check out last minute family vacation deals located at Last-Minute-Vacation-Guide.com

As a business traveler, Jonathan has traveled extensively within America, across Asia and Europe. Last minute travel is the norm for him, you can check out his site called to learn how to secure bargain cheap last minute vacations.

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