2007 NCAA Tournament Destinations — San Antonio

Once again, San Antonio is hosting 3 games in this year’s Men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament in the South Regional bracket. The games will take place in the Alamodome on Thursday, March 22 [Sweet 16] and Saturday, March 24 [Elite 8]. On the evening newscast from our NBC Affiliate, WOAI, sportscaster David Chancellor mentioned that ESPN.com had featured a Men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament Travel Guide for those coming to San Antonio. Like David, I’m a little discouraged by the selections. But you can’t blame ESPN completely. I mean, they could have called David…or myself…for a little advice. Sometimes the internet guides aren’t great for suggestions.

I thought I’d offer my own suggestions based on their categories in case you decide you’d like the opinion of a local socialite. Sorta. Anyway, I kept the choices downtown for sake of proximity to the main event.

Nightlife.
Let’s be a little more specific. Upscale bar: Suede Lounge or V Bar (located in the Valencia Hotel).
Hole In The Wall Bar: Durty Nelly’s, Alibi’s, and Pat O’Brien’s.
Dancing: Polly Esther’s.
Don’t go to St. Mary’s Street…except maybe for Joey’s.

Sports Bar.
Tex’s Sports Bar? Eh…it’s ok. Lots of TVs is a plus, but hotel prices (it’s under the Palacio del Rio next to Durty Nelly’s). But I can’t think of a “sports bar” other than Hooter’s on the Riverwalk.

Restaurant (cheap or otherwise).
Ok…I actually agree with Boudro’s. This is one of my favorite restaurants in San Antonio.
Mexican: Aldaco’s. They have amazing margaritas!
A little nicer: Little Rhein Steak House and Zuni Grill.
Don’t Leave San Antonio without going to: Dick’s Last Resort…unless you have a short temper. The name suggests why.

Attractions & Things To Do.
This is the category Mr. Chancellor with which Mr. Chancellor took issue. Sure the Alamo is here. It’s cool. The Museums? Send the non-sports fans in your family there.

• The Quarry Market. Go shopping, eat and have a few drinks, and catch a movie all in one place…all outdoors.
• Sea World and Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Can’t go wrong with Theme Parks.
• Aztec Theatre and The Buckhorn Museum if you want to stay downtown (not your ordinary museum).
• Enchanted Springs Ranch if you wondered where all the horse-n-buggies went. And you get a nice scenic drive in the process.
• San Antonio Botanical Garden
• Rio San Antonio Cruises for barge rides along the River Walk.
• Canyon Springs, Quarry Golf Club, and Pecan Valley for some solid daily fee golf courses. There aren’t any games on Friday, so….

If you really want to go nuts (as if I haven’t already done that for you), visit the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau website for a nearly complete guide of things to do.

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