San Antonio is home to good food, good scenery and good times.
There's a place to the south where Texan and Mexican cultures collide, and you don't have to go all the way to the Rio Grande to find it. San Antonio lies 448 miles and only seven hours south on Interstate 35, and the flavor it offers students is like nothing you will find anywhere else in Texas.
THE PLAN -- Get on I-35 south and go. No matter what anyone tells you, if you want to get out of the Dallas/Fort Worth area with any kind of speed, stick to I-35W through Fort Worth when the highway splits in Denton.
You will pass through two metropolitan areas on the way to San Antonio-- DFW, roughly three hours south of Norman, and Austin, six hours south of Norman. Plan your departure time so that you don't hit either of these areas during rush hour. If you must choose to avoid only one, avoid Austin. Not only is the traffic much worse, but no one should be forced to remain in Austin any longer than it takes to pass off rude gestures at the UT tower.
Get there and find some lodging. There are several economy hotels and motels (Holiday Inn Express, Days Inn, etc.) within walking distance of the downtown and River Walk areas. However, check a map before you book anything, and make sure the locale is good (a room a few blocks too many from downtown could be in a less-than-glamorous neighborhood).
GETTING AROUND -- Buses and cabs are available downtown, but you should be able to stay relatively cheaply close enough to downtown to walk to most places you want to go.
ATTRACTIONS -- San Antonio is full of fun and historic locations. The Paseo Del Rio (or the River Walk for all you gringos) is the heart of downtown San Antonio and a wonderful place to pass the afternoon. The cobblestone walkways that flank the river lead visitors to various shops and restaurants one level below the city streets. Whether you're looking for some afternoon shopping and food or some nightlife, the River Walk is the place to go.
The Buckhorn Saloon and Museum was voted the best attraction of 2002 by the Downtown Alliance/San Antonio and offers food, drink and an interactive historical experience.
If history is what whets your appetite, simply remember the Alamo. No trip to this mission town is complete without a visit to the place where such American heroes as Jim Bowie, Davy Crockett and William B. Travis made their final stand against Santa Anna's Mexican army. San Antonio is also home to several other museums and historic buildings.
DINING AND NIGHTLIFE -- Fine Mexican and Tex-Mex dining can be found all over San Antonio. The River Walk offers the best of both food and atmosphere, with ample patio space along the river. Try Biga on the Banks or Paesanos on the River Walk. Those of you who crave chain restaurant fare can check out Joe's Crab Shack on College Street, and if your mom has requested a T-shirt, yes, there is a Hard Rock Cafe downtown. Fat Tuesday's and Howl at the Moon Saloon, both on Crockett Street, promise a good time, and establishments like Mark's on the River and Tequila Mockingbird won't let you down either. Pull up a chair and a beverage and enjoy the sights and sounds of an authentic Tex-Mex city.

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