La Gloria

We decided to drive back to San Antonio and head for the River Walk. We wondered if the new section of the river was open to the boats and whether we could travel up and back. Traffic was light, and we easily found a good parking spot just off St. Mary's Drive and walked back one block and entered the River Walk area. We quickly found a boat with only one other family on it and asked our questions, purchased tickets and headed north to the new extension. This part had been open for over a year, but we had not found the time to visit it. Under each bridge you pass is located some art work which was interesting. The huge fish hung on the I-35 bridge were fun and are lit from within at night. The boat drove into a lock, and we were quickly raised nine feet and then left the lock to travel onward. The natural flow of the river produces the necessary water with no pumps necessary unless it is a period of drought. The river is landscaped and has walking and biking paths which were being used as we traveled along. We stopped at the northern terminus and got off. Our boat turned around, and we waved as we left to explore the old Pearl Brewery, which is now home to restaurants and organizations like the Culinary Institute of America. This is the third location for this institute. Their main home is in Hyde Park, New York and the other in Napa Valley, California.

Right on the edge of the river is located La Gloria, a restaurant that specializes in interior Mexican street food. As you enter the building, you are given a menu or can read the menu board and decide what to order. You are then given a number, and the food once cooked is brought to your table. We decided to eat outside where it was quieter and found a table over looking the river. Shortly we were brought our lunch of tapas, fish tacos, and mole. Dos Equis beer finished the treat. The food was spicy but good and the atmosphere delightful.

We then explored a farmers market, which was closing up, and some stores before wandering back to the river and our return trip. While waiting for the boat to arrive, we met a couple from Fort Worth who were having a weekend vacation. We visited all the way back. Another entry on our Christmas list, I think. We will miss being able to visit San Antonio but plan to return in the future. Happy travels.