San Antonio: Why Go Now

San Antonio Celebrates 175th Anniversary of the Battle of The Alamo

2011 marks 175 years since the famed battle for Texas independence. This iconic last stand has inspired a battle cry recognized throughout the world, "Remember the Alamo." In 2011, San Antonio remembers the Alamo with reenactments, special events and hotel packages.

First Phase of River Walk Expansion is a Success and There's More to Come

The famous San Antonio River Walk added an additional 1.3 miles in May 2009, bringing the park up to approximately four stunning miles and connecting the original River Walk toSan Antonio's museums, the historic Pearl Brewery and cultural attractions to the north. The River Walk will eventually extend to 15 miles when the $384.5 million San Antonio River Improvements Project is completed in 2013. The latest phase of the extension will join the original River Walk to four of the city's Spanish colonial missions to the south and Brackenridge Park to the north.

128-Year-Old Brewery Redeveloped into Urban River Village

Once the birthplace of Pearl Beer, this long-time staple of the San Antonio economy is being redeveloped into an art-filled urban village next to the River Walk. Preservations and additions are being made with great detail to the site's historic character and incorporate the latest-available, eco-friendly technology including the largest solar panel system in all ofTexas. Once complete, Pearl Brewery will be the city's "it" spot to live, learn, shop, work and play. A few highlights include the Culinary Institute of America's newest campus, which focuses on the cuisines of Latin America; the Aveda Institute; restaurants by top San Antonio chefs, and the historic Pearl Stable entertainment venue, as well as a new river theater adjacent to the River Walk.

Culinary Institute of America Welcomes New San Antonio Campus

The "CIA" has opened a new 30,000-square-foot campus at San Antonio's historic Pearl Brewery. The CIA San Antonio campus focuses on the cuisines of Latin America and takes advantage ofSan Antonio's access to regional ingredients and Tex-Mex culture. Programs are offered for future chefs as well as food enthusiasts. Classes can also be arranged for small group meetings.

World's First Special Needs Theme Park Opens in San Antonio

Designed specifically for individuals with special needs, Morgan's Wonderland is the world's first ultra-accessible family fun park. Morgan's Wonderland is completely wheelchair-accessible and features more than 25 elements and attractions including rides, playgrounds, gardens, an eight-acre fishing lake, 18,000-square-foot special-events center, 575-seat amphitheater, picnic area and rest areas throughout the park.

JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa Opens

The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa offers two PGA TOUR, TPC golf courses designed by Pete Dye and Greg Norman; a 26,000-square-foot spa; 1,002 luxurious rooms and suites; and over 140,000 square feet of unparalleled meeting space. In 2010, the Valero Texas Open moved to the new JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa.

San Antonio International Airport Adds New Terminal

Traveling to San Antonio International Airport just became more convenient with the opening of a new eight-gate terminal. The $134 million dollar Terminal B replaces the older of the airport's two terminals and caps off several years of airport renovations, which include a new long-term parking garage, the bi-level roadway system, consolidated baggage handling system and a new central utility plant. Home to Continental and American Airlines, Terminal B also has dining options from local chefs, charming shops, public art and free Wi-Fi. Architects utilized tile designs from the area's historic missions and incorporated regional elements such as limestone. Friendly airport ambassadors are also on hand to make sure everyone experiences the charm of San Antonio.

Briscoe Western Art Museum to Open in 2012

The upcoming Briscoe Western Art Museum will add a new dimension toSan Antonio's art scene along with upscale meeting space. This one-of-a-kind museum will be devoted to celebrating the art, people and history of the great American West with an emphasis on the Western art ofSan Antonio and theSouth Texas region. Included will be an arts and education center as well as an artist in residence program. A renovation of the former San Antonio Library andHertzbergCircusMuseum, to cost approximately $18 million, will provide more than 40,000 square feet of gallery and exhibition areas.

For more of what's new in San Antonio, explore visitsanantonio.com.