About Town: San Antonio

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The Valero Texas Open takes places in San Antonio this week in its last fall outing before it makes its move to the spring schedule in 2009. There's a packed field but plenty of room outside the ropes if you want to come along.

Mobley/PGA TOUR

The San Antonio River Walk

HOT HOTELS

Watermark Hotel and Spa
Hotel Contessa and Spa
Marriott San Antonio Rivercenter

HUNGRY?

Republic of Texas
Café Ole
Le Reve
Mad Dog's British Pubs

GET BUSY

The Alamo
The River Walk
Mission San Jose
Tower of the Americas

SOMEWHERE TO SNOOZE

The course is a little north of downtown San Antonio, but as long as you don't mind a short drive, it's really better to stay in the heart of the city.

Lone Star luxury: For a great deal on a snazzy hotel, look no further than the Watermark Hotel and Spa. Situated on the famous San Antonio River Walk, this four-and-a-half-star resort hotel is walking distance from all the food, sights and sounds of downtown San Antone. LaCantera is about a 20-minute drive, and rates start around $216 a night.

Other options
• The four-star Marriott San Antonio Rivercenter is another great choice for around the same price (rates start at $220 a night) and distance from the course, plus it has fantastic views of the city.
• For a slight price break, try the Hotel Contessa and Spa on the River Walk. It's a four-star hotel, 20 minutes from the course and rates start around $135 a night.

SOMETHING TO SNACK ON

There are endless options along the River Walk, and if you're staying in that area, then there's no reason to look anywhere else. While you will easily stumble upon any number of tasty choices the moment you step out in downtown San Antonio, here are a couple of my favorites.

• The Republic of Texas: Everyone knows Texas has just a little bit more spunk than any other state; everything's bigger here, and they even have their own "national beer." So join in the mentality and enjoy a hearty Texan meal at this American-style joint right on the river.
• Café Ole: Spin around in a circle with your eyes closed and your finger outstretched, and you'll likely land on a Mexican restaurant -- or at least within a few feet of one -- but I am partial to Café Ole. Make sure you get a margarita. And make sure you walk back to your hotel.
• Le Reve: The Lone Star State has some of the best steak houses and Tex-Mex/Southwestern restaurants you can find in America, but don't pigeonhole the great state of Texas. They can do French food, too.
• Mad Dog's British Pub: No matter how many times this Brit is disappointed, I will keep trying and trying all the English/Irish-themed places I come across until I find one that's thisclose to home. Mad Dog's is no substitute for the village pub, but it's a good bit of fun, and the food's not bad either.

SOMETHING TO TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT

This tourist favorite has plenty to offer if you're looking for things to do off the course. Here are just a few suggestions:

Mobley/PGA TOUR

The Alamo

• The Alamo: Yes, it's first on my list and not just because it's the symbol of San Antonio. This historic spot really is worth the trip. Nestled among modern buildings and neon signs, it's a reminder of what once was -- not to mention, it's truly beautiful. Even though you can't go in after dark, make some time to stroll by once the sun goes down. There's just something about the Alamo by night.
• The River Walk: In case you didn't take the hint from the hotels and restaurants sections, the River Walk is the heart -- albeit long and windy -- of San Antone. Take a gondola ride beneath the streets of the city (a dinner cruise if you fancy), peruse the market stalls behind the amphitheater and have an afternoon drink beneath a parasol in what should be perfect fall weather.
• Mission San José: If you feel like getting out of the trendy town and learning more about the history of this city, head out to the San Jose Mission. A National Historical Park, San Jose was the largest of the Spanish Missions and was restored almost fully in the 1930s. Step back 250 years in time to when Texas was but a dream.
• Tower of the Americas: Get a birds-eye view of one of Texas' most fun and probably most beautiful cities. The needle stands 750-feet high and is equipped with an observatory, restaurants and a state-of-the-art 4d theater.

STICKING AROUND?

Texas is a big ol' state, but San Antonio's location makes it a good starting spot for exploration. If you have some time, don't miss...

• Texas Hill Country: Most people think Texas and conjure up high-noon scenes with tumbleweeds blowing by in the dirt. What you don't know is that the Texas Hill Country looks like a rolling, green golf course of the highest standards with lakes and trails and about everything you could want from the great outdoors -- especially at this time of year. Just watch out for those coyotes if you camp out.
• Austin: San Antonio and Austin are locked in a battle for real estate in my heart, so I have to point you in this direction after all this San Antone talk. One of the coolest places you will ever visit, Austin has great food, great bars, great architecture, great music and great football. Just ask Vince Young.