Is anyone familiar with San Antonio?
He will be graduating from Basic Training in September and of course we will attend. It's a 4 day event beginning on Thursday: First 2 days are ceremonies, and he is essentially restricted to base until Saturday, when he's free to leave and explore. It will be his first opportunity to leave the base since arriving at Basic Training and I'd like to put together a day of sightseeing. We'll have plenty of time to visit over the 4 days (including a full day of base leave on Sunday), but we get just one day to get away from the base together. We'll do the Alamo, of course, but he has no interest in Sea World. Does anyone have any suggestions for things we should try? I'd like to make it special for him - He's worked so hard. Thanks! |
|
|
| It's been a few years since I was there with my son who was also graduating bootcamp. My memory is shot. (thanks kids) But I do remeber having such a great time. There was plenty to do and see. I don't think you will have too much trouble finding cool stuff to do in San Antonio. |
| From friends who have been there, think RIVERWALK! Go to the web site ( http://www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/) and check it all out. Hope you have a great time with your new "Airman" |
| Congrats to him!!!
Well, as someone who graduated from that bootcamp herself, times have changed! 4 day event? Good grief. It was just graduation followed by a pass out when I went. Maybe I'm finally reaching that "getting old" stage 
We are from TX, not to mention have family there we visit regularly. GRADUATING from boot camp and that excitement alone will carry your son through the entire weekend!!!! I guarantee. He will be on the biggest high and can't wait to see all the friends he made again since most of them will spend their free time in hotels having sex with girlfriends and ...even each other, followed by a night out of getting their first tattoo. Hardly an exaggeration to what the majority will be doing. (just being honest)  Of course I was not one of those, for the record.
Going to see the Alamo, eating on the riverwalk, followed by going to the mall at the end of the riverwalk is kinda what everyone goes there to do which can easily be a day event. He'll just want to eat somewhere good which is pretty much anywhere on that riverwalk. To be quite honest, the riverwalk really ain't all that ...just where EVERYONE goes when they're there. Just a stretch of restaurants with a river/canal in the middle (some people take a boat in). Outside of that, there's a drive through safari/zoo (it's in the town of garden ridge or schertz). Six Flags and Sea World are really the only other things us other Texans really go to SA for, not that there isn't great shopping there, but that's usually what you'll hear. It's a normal town. My husband and I would honestly use the second day to drive to Austin (an hour or so north), so you guys aren't bored to death. I think going to six flags or sea world in sep is the best time. Kids are back in school, and the weather is "cooler." |
| Where is he leaving for AIT, and how long is it?
Mine was 6 months at Goodfellow (san angelo, tx) followed by 3 months at Ft Meade (maryland) ...which at the time was the longest school outside of linguists. Hopefully his isn't too long, and he gets stationed somewhere nice! |
He has 8 weeks of Basic, the last week being 'Beast Week' His recruiter said that was a new addition to the training - She didn't have to do it. It's a week of simulated combat conditions. After that, it's "approximately" (their best estimate) 17 weeks of training for his 'job', SigInt and Decryption at Goodfellow AFB. He's been promised a post at either his first or second choice: UK or Japan. That's with the assumption that he'll graduate from Basic (Average temp 100 degrees for the past month - Moms do worry about that, especially during Beast week  )
I've seen River Walk mentioned in the listing of hotels - I didn't realize it was anything more than a path next to the water! Actually, though, point well taken........... He may just elect to head for our hotel and snooze poolside. Whatever he wants - He earned it. I really do want to take him out for good food, too. I see there's a Ruth's Chris steakhouse there - We don't have one anywhere near us and I've heard that the food is awesome. He'll need a rare steak after graduation. Any other suggestions? We get him for breakfast and lunch too!  |
Joahaeyo wrote: Congrats to him!!!
Well, as someone who graduated from that bootcamp herself, times have changed! 4 day event? Good grief. It was just graduation followed by a pass out when I went. Maybe I'm finally reaching that "getting old" stage We are from TX, not to mention have family there we visit regularly. GRADUATING from boot camp and that excitement alone will carry your son through the entire weekend!!!! I guarantee. He will be on the biggest high and can't wait to see all the friends he made again since most of them will spend their free time in hotels having sex with girlfriends and ...even each other, followed by a night out of getting their first tattoo. Hardly an exaggeration to what the majority will be doing. (just being honest) Of course I was not one of those, for the record. Going to see the Alamo, eating on the riverwalk, followed by going to the mall at the end of the riverwalk is kinda what everyone goes there to do which can easily be a day event. He'll just want to eat somewhere good which is pretty much anywhere on that riverwalk. To be quite honest, the riverwalk really ain't all that ...just where EVERYONE goes when they're there. Just a stretch of restaurants with a river/canal in the middle (some people take a boat in). Outside of that, there's a drive through safari/zoo (it's in the town of garden ridge or schertz). Six Flags and Sea World are really the only other things us other Texans really go to SA for, not that there isn't great shopping there, but that's usually what you'll hear. It's a normal town. My husband and I would honestly use the second day to drive to Austin (an hour or so north), so you guys aren't bored to death. I think going to six flags or sea world in sep is the best time. Kids are back in school, and the weather is "cooler." hmmmmmmmmm I wonder what tattoo he'll opt for? Are the artists in San Antonio good? Maybe I'll indulge in another one for myself!  |
| Ruth Chris has really good food, but around here (Philly/Washington area) their prices are outrageous for what you get! When in Texas, why not sample the "local" flavors. You can get a steak anywhere. |
Lokis Mom wrote: He has 8 weeks of Basic, the last week being 'Beast Week' His recruiter said that was a new addition to the training - She didn't have to do it. It's a week of simulated combat conditions. After that, it's "approximately" (their best estimate) 17 weeks of training for his 'job', SigInt and Decryption at Goodfellow AFB. He's been promised a post at either his first or second choice: UK or Japan. That's with the assumption that he'll graduate from Basic (Average temp 100 degrees for the past month - Moms do worry about that, especially during Beast week
)I've seen River Walk mentioned in the listing of hotels - I didn't realize it was anything more than a path next to the water! Actually, though, point well taken........... He may just elect to head for our hotel and snooze poolside. Whatever he wants - He earned it. I really do want to take him out for good food, too. I see there's a Ruth's Chris steakhouse there - We don't have one anywhere near us and I've heard that the food is awesome. He'll need a rare steak after graduation. Any other suggestions? We get him for breakfast and lunch too! I was too harsh, and a lot of it was b/c I am VERY cranky right now. Like, we can't go out b/c I'll tear someone up (customer service).
PLEASE don't let me prevent you from going to the riverwalk. Here's what MOST will say. The Alamo is what people wished they didn't go to over the riverwalk. Both are basically next to one another. This is a common statement that Mr. J and I always hear, as it ain't anything they show off well, but people come all the way over for the riverwalk. It just is, what it is.... I just remember what I thought when "I" graduated from basic. It is BEAUTIFUL (the riverwalk) during the christmas season though due to all the lights they put up. That's awesome he got a GREAT job!! I was imagery interpretation (military intell) which goes to school alongside your son many times (back in the day). San Angelo is the worst town ever, lol, so... he'll have plenty of time to get tattoos. The girls and I used to tan on their TINY landing strip.  I know I did things there that I never would have done out of boredom. I may not have any markings on me, but I got several piercings. That's also a good place to meet a girl with all that boredom. I wish him lots of luck!!
His first assignment (choices) sound amazing! I don't know a single person who doesn't love either of those places. I've also wanted to try Ruth Chris even though I don't like steak ...but I hear hannity always talking about We've talked about going ourselves. |
Lokis Mom wrote: hmmmmmmmmm I wonder what tattoo he'll opt for? Are the artists in San Antonio good? Maybe I'll indulge in another one for myself!
That made us laugh... I know nothing about the artists there.
Wanted to add, usually the drill instructors will take us to a free Spurs game, so you know it's close if they generally take ALL of us. That is, if he's into basketball.. it may be worth it to see if a pre-season game has started there. Though may not be fun for mom if she's not into it. |
Joahaeyo wrote: Lokis Mom wrote: He has 8 weeks of Basic, the last week being 'Beast Week' His recruiter said that was a new addition to the training - She didn't have to do it. It's a week of simulated combat conditions. After that, it's "approximately" (their best estimate) 17 weeks of training for his 'job', SigInt and Decryption at Goodfellow AFB. He's been promised a post at either his first or second choice: UK or Japan. That's with the assumption that he'll graduate from Basic (Average temp 100 degrees for the past month - Moms do worry about that, especially during Beast week )I've seen River Walk mentioned in the listing of hotels - I didn't realize it was anything more than a path next to the water! Actually, though, point well taken........... He may just elect to head for our hotel and snooze poolside. Whatever he wants - He earned it. I really do want to take him out for good food, too. I see there's a Ruth's Chris steakhouse there - We don't have one anywhere near us and I've heard that the food is awesome. He'll need a rare steak after graduation. Any other suggestions? We get him for breakfast and lunch too! I was too harsh, and a lot of it was b/c I am VERY cranky right now. Like, we can't go out b/c I'll tear someone up (customer service). PLEASE don't let me prevent you from going to the riverwalk. Here's what MOST will say. The Alamo is what people wished they didn't go to over the riverwalk. Both are basically next to one another. This is a common statement that Mr. J and I always hear, as it ain't anything they show off well, but people come all the way over for the riverwalk. It just is, what it is.... I just remember what I thought when "I" graduated from basic. It is BEAUTIFUL (the riverwalk) during the christmas season though due to all the lights they put up. That's awesome he got a GREAT job!! I was imagery interpretation (military intell) which goes to school alongside your son many times (back in the day). San Angelo is the worst town ever, lol, so... he'll have plenty of time to get tattoos. The girls and I used to tan on their TINY landing strip. I know I did things there that I never would have done out of boredom. I may not have any markings on me, but I got several piercings. That's also a good place to meet a girl with all that boredom. I wish him lots of luck!! His first assignment (choices) sound amazing! I don't know a single person who doesn't love either of those places. Harsh? phooey! Not at all! Thanks to you and Baileysdad I now know what it is and can offer it as an option as a way to spend the day (or not). Up here we have literally miles of paths next to water - The Erie canal runs right through here so we've spent many hours walking them and loving it (In fact, those and the trails leading from them into wooded parks are where Alex did most of his pre-enlistment training. 8 - 10 miles a day of canal path running). Riverwalk sounds beautiful and, if he feels like it, I'll already know all about it! Here I was trying to come up with an itinerary and as you so wisely pointed out, he may well want to just kick back and do nothing. Any and all info gratefully accepted! |
Joahaeyo wrote: Lokis Mom wrote: hmmmmmmmmm I wonder what tattoo he'll opt for? Are the artists in San Antonio good? Maybe I'll indulge in another one for myself! That made us laugh... I know nothing about the artists there.Wanted to add, usually the drill instructors will take us to a free Spurs game, so you know it's close if they generally take ALL of us. That is, if he's into basketball.. it may be worth it to see if a pre-season game has started there. Though may not be fun for mom if she's not into it. LOL Alex loves all sports, with the exception of hockey. Mom prefers football, but loves a well executed full court press as well. Very cool! |
| Well Lynn, CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have only been to HUSTON 3 TIMES. 2 girls married there ( ugh ) and both came home!!! went to 1 wedding, but went to get them to come home and ofcourse with in a yaer 
It was nice but the humidity was awful. So no luck here! |
| When your son goes to San Angelo have him try the Twin Mountains Steakhouse outside of town. When I was stationed there the had the best steaks you could find in the area. I hope it is still there as I was there in the 60's. |
OES Mommy wrote: Well Lynn, CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have only been to HUSTON 3 TIMES. 2 girls married there ( ugh ) and both came home!!! went to 1 wedding, but went to get them to come home and ofcourse with in a yaer It was nice but the humidity was awful. So no luck here! They could have moved the base, but I think she's going to San Antonio not Houston |
| If you are into Texas history, by all means go to the Alamo. We enjoyed for a one time visit. A friend who lived down there took many visitors and her kids hated it after the 3rd trip. Otherwise you can walk (or drive) past it and be satisfied.
The riverwalk is nice - lots of white lights in the trees at night, barges that you can ride up and down the river on (some serve meals). The hotels on the riverwalk tend to be very nice, with fine dining. Lots of little shops. It seems like Sea World and Six Flags/Fiesta Texas often have special offers for servicemen and their families. Our Sunday paper often includes ads for San Antonio, I'll try to pull them for you. With school starting soon, the hours of operation will be changing. Also look at www.visitsanantonio.com for some ideas. Hyatt Hill Country Resort is wonderful if you just want a place to chill out. Golf, water park, spa. It's across the road from Sea World, but not cheap. We tend to stay in cheaper hotels most of the time. Restaurants vary hugely between locations. Family and friends that lived there have moved, so I can't give you much current info. There is Mexican food and TexMex, not at all alike. |
| Twin Mountains is still there.
Laughing at all this talk of San Angelo! Hubby's dad was there for much of WWII.......yeah, way back. So DH's opinion of San Angelo is colored thru youth's eyes to the 1940's. His eyes popped at a grade school reunion a few years ago. |
Thanks to all for the excellent ideas! I've been looking at all there is available for the past two weeks and my brain just hit overload  It's great to get input from people who have actually been there.
It all depends on what #1 son is up for, of course. If he wants to sleep by the pool that's not going to hurt my feelings any - Sounds pretty good, actually. But if wants to explore, now I can help with informed suggestions. Hopefully if he wants Tex-Mex we'll find a place that serves just a plain burger without jalapenos - No way I can handle those |
Didn't find exactly what you're looking for? Search again here:
Custom Search
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|