We love our hometown of Austin, Texas, but when we need a change of scenery, we jump in the car and head about an hour and a half south to San Antonio. Along with our three kids, Bridget, Collin, and Holly, we've taken dozens of weekend trips to this sprawling city, now the country's eighth largest. Here are our suggestions for enjoying the Lone Star State flavor of this lively town.
Can't forget the Alamo: To start our visit on a quintessentially Texan note, we head straight to the Alamo, scene of a legendary 13-day battle for independence from Mexico in 1836 (free; www.thealamo.org). First, we get fired up by watching Alamo ... The Price of Freedom at the Imax Theatre Rivercenter (mild battle scenes; adults, $9; kids ages 3 to 11, $6; www.imax-sa.com). The movie wows the kids and gives perspective on the historical site with its famous facade. After the movie, we head for the real thing right across the street to wander the four-acre grounds and let the kids pretend to be Davy Crockett or Jim Bowie around the old barracks building.
