Those who know me well know that I’m not satisfied unless I’m planning my next vacation. I work to live (not the other way around), and as an adult, I’ve marked the passing of time based on where I’ve traveled over the years. For instance, 2013 was the ill-fated Paris trip (we didn’t coordinate lift tickets for the Eiffel Tower and made the decision to walk up — a total of 674 steps). 2014 was my first time visiting Key West, FL. 2017 involved an exploration of Havana, Cuba, and an adventurous climb up the Coba pyramid of Quintana Roo, Mexico. Most years, I mark the start of spring based on where I’m traveling for AIChE’s Spring Meeting.
This year, the Spring Meeting and 18th Global Congress on Process Safety is being held in San Antonio, TX. If, like me, you enjoy experiencing regional cuisine and doing some exploring by foot in your travels, then San Antonio could be a great city for you to check out (regardless of whether or not you are attending the Spring Meeting). San Antonio boasts some of the best tex-mex food in the state and some iconic barbecue spots like Two Bros BBQ Market, 2M Smokehouse, and Augie’s Alamo City BBQ. If you are looking to enjoy a steak in an old-school setting, Bohanan’s is said to be one of the best steakhouses in the city, although I’ve never had the pleasure of dining there.
The San Antonio River Walk is a well-known tourist destination. Located in the heart of the city, the River Walk abounds with shopping, bars, and restaurants. Visitors can explore the River Walk on foot, dine al fresco on the banks of the San Antonio River, or hop aboard a guided barge tour. Be sure to watch your step if you decide to visit the River Walk’s nightlife offerings; many of the walkways along the river have no handrails, and tipsy tourists have been known to fall in.
San Antonio is also home to several important historical sites, the most famous of which is the Alamo. The Alamo is actually one of five missions that were originally built by Spanish missionaries during the 1700s in the area, all five of which are now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Another area worth a visit in San Antonio is the historic district known as the Pearl. Originally home to the Pearl Brewing Company, the Pearl district was revived and restored into a community gathering space in the 2000s, and now features dozens of restaurants and retailers. With the launch of Southerleigh Fine Food and Brewing in 2015, the Pearl district once again is home to an active brewery. The past two times I’ve visited San Antonio, I’ve made the trek up the River Walk from the convention center area to the Pearl district for dinner — a journey of about two miles. Not a bad walk if the weather is nice.
Whatever this spring brings, whether I travel farther than San Antonio or not, I plan to try plenty of new restaurants and dishes this season — and maybe even find a new favorite.
Emily Petruzzelli, Editor-in-Chief
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