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Sunny South Texas

Go for the Tex-Mex food and stay for the distinctive culture of the southernmost part of the state

By Amy Durham

Boat ride along The San Antonio River Walk || Photo by f11photo, courtesy of Adobe

Combine rust-colored sunsets, historical roots, and a vibrant culture, and you get the South Texas Plains region. Occupying the southern tip of the state, this area is known for its close cultural ties to Mexico and its natural beauty.

Covering 28,000 square miles and stretching from just south of Austin down to the Texas-Mexico border, this region was the location of some of the earliest encounters between Native Americans and Spanish explorers. Its rich history blends with a modern intersection of Texan and Mexican cultures.

The semiarid climate of the region means little rainfall and a lot of sunshine. Among the communities that dot the region, San Antonio is the largest city, welcoming some 36.8 million visitors a year. “San Antonio is a vibrant city with a thriving economy, deep cultural heritage, and communities that are compassionate, inclusive, and proudly diverse,” says Mario Bass, executive vice president and chief strategy officer at Visit San Antonio.

Look outside of San Antonio to Laredo, McAllen, and Boerne, and you will find a warm Southern welcome and plenty of amenities for small to midsize meetings.

Old & New
When he arrived in North America in the 16th century, the Spanish explorer Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca wrote about the Coalhuiltecans, a grouping of small bands of Native Americans in what would become South Texas and northern Mexico. When the Spanish began building missions and presidios, or forts, in the area, Spaniards came to live and work near the outposts.

Texas’ first large cattle ranch was started at the Goliad mission and presidio complex, and the first cowboys were the Coahuiltecans who lived at the missions. In 1718, San Antonio was founded as a mission and colonial outpost for the Spanish empire, and, in 1731, it became the first chartered settlement in what is now the state of Texas.

The 1.6-million-square-foot Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio || Courtesy of Visit San Antonio

Today, San Antonio is the second-largest city in Texas with a population of 1.5 million. “With its rich history, global culture, exquisite cuisine, and infrastructure to host any size or style of event, San Antonio is a meeting and convention powerhouse,” says Bass. “The city, the nation’s seventh largest, is growing exponentially, offering many new options for hotel packages, unique venues, and restaurants along with many nonstop flights that provide easy access. Just 8 miles from downtown, San Antonio International Airport offers 45 nonstop routes and is undergoing a major $2.5 billion expansion, adding new flights, new airlines, and a new terminal.”

Hospitality is thriving as one of the top five industries in San Antonio, contributing $19 billion to the local economy every year and employing more than 140,000 people. Bass adds that the city has several new and in-the-works properties, including the Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection, which opened earlier this year, and the Kimpton Santo Hotel, which opened at the end of August.

The ballroom at San Antonio’s Natural Bridge Caverns || Courtesy of Natural Bridge Caverns

The Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection, bridges downtown and Southtown, creating a resort-like district in the heart of the city. “Situated on 4 1/2 acres, our property offers a serene escape where guests can forget they are in a bustling city,” says Geoff Lemasters, director of sales and marketing for the hotel. “According to our current meeting- planner survey results, we are ranked No. 11 out of 154 Autograph hotels. Being in the top 20% after just seven months of operation speaks volumes.”

Another option for serene surroundings is JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, situated on 600 acres with views of the Texas Hill Country. The resort offers golf, pickleball, spa amenities, and a water park, along with 265,000 square feet of meeting space.

A Walkable Welcome
One of the benefits planners appreciate about San Antonio is its walkability. “San Antonio has always been known as one of the most easily walkable convention center districts in the country, in large part thanks to The San Antonio River Walk, which connects the Henry B. González Convention Center with hotels, restaurants, museums, attractions, and outdoor areas,” Bass says. “The city’s walkability eliminates the need for mass transportation, supports sustainability, and enhances the attendee experience.”

Hill Country Mile in Boerne || Courtesy of Visit Boerne

The Henry B. González Convention Center accommodates the largest of meetings, boasting 1.6 million square feet, including 514,000 square feet of exhibit space, 70 meeting rooms, and a 50,000-square-foot ballroom—the largest in Texas. Surrounded by the convention center, the Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk—recognized by Cvent this year as a Top 10 Meeting Hotel in North America—offers 115,000 square feet of meeting space and 1,003 guest rooms.

The Hotel Valencia Riverwalk is a short distance from the convention center and offers 7,000 square feet of adaptable indoor and outdoor meeting space. The 213-room luxury property offers stunning views of the river walk from many rooms, and dining at the Argentinian-inspired Dorrego’s affords a seat next to the promenade for a cool breeze.

For outdoor events, the city has added public land nearby. “Civic Park is a part of Hemisfair District redevelopment, home of the 1968 World’s Fair, and adjacent to the Henry B. González Convention Center,” says Bass. The park recently opened and includes 7 acres of public parkland, five splash pools, and a lawn area that can accommodate large events up to 15,000 people.

“Entertainment options range from culture and attractions to barge rides and kayaking,” Bass says. “And there is good reason San Antonio is known as the ‘Culinary Capital of Texas.’ In 2017, the city was named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. There are so many dining options, from award-winning barbecue to very upscale dining experiences, as well as an enormous variety of restaurants.”

The Alamo and the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park, which both make up the only World Heritage Site in Texas, are the top tourist attractions. “San Antonio is full of art, history, exquisite cuisine, and global culture, there is always a fiesta spirit in San Antonio and never a shortage of things to do,” Bass says.

Rendering of Tenfold Rooftop bar at Kimpton Santo Hotel in San Antonio || Courtesy of White Lodging

And, he adds, all are welcome: “We are deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, setting a standard as a vibrant mosaic of cultures and identities. The city’s efforts are underscored by its perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index and numerous resolutions supporting communities, highlighting its dedication to fostering an environment of respect and equality.”

Off the Beaten Path
The South Texas Plains have wide open spaces, but the area around San Antonio is bustling with activity. “This area is the heart of tourism in Texas with millions traveling here for history, culture, cuisine, and natural beauty of a river-filled community,” says Ray Martinez, manager of sales at Natural Bridge Caverns. “There’s no shortage of lodging of every kind, from glamping [upscale camping] to luxury hotels to resorts to unique boutique properties.”

Natural Bridge Caverns is a short drive from both San Antonio and Austin and offers a one-of-a-kind meeting experience in an ancient cave. “The ballroom underground has incredible acoustics, as well as facilities to make it easy to enjoy live music, food, and drink,” Martinez says. Above ground, there is a shaded meadow, along with a ropes and zip line course. “We have an incredible events team that provides it all—help with planning, decor, greetings, VIP options, and so much more,” Martinez says.

Boerne, just north of San Antonio, is home to the Hill Country Mile, a stretch of shops, restaurants, and historic architecture running through the center of town. Book rooms at The Bevy Hotel Boerne, A DoubleTree by Hilton, offering more than 12,000 square feet of meeting space and 120 rooms. Another option is The Kendall, a historic 34-room hotel that features a 4,500-square-foot luxury conference center accommodating up to 250 seated guests.

Mural on the Martha C. Narvaez City Hall Apartments building depicting the seven flags that have flown over Laredo || Courtesy of Visit Laredo

Travel southeast and you will discover Laredo sitting right along the border with Mexico. “Laredo offers a unique blend of cultural heritage, modern amenities, and a strategic location at the crossroads of international trade routes,” says Silke Jasso, media coordinator at Visit Laredo. “From authentic Tex-Mex cuisine at our local restaurants to lively entertainment in our historic downtown, the city provides a unique blend of Old World charm and modern excitement.” The AAA Four-Diamond La Posada Hotel offers 206 rooms and more than 15,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space for up to 400 attendees. “Laredo is more than just a meeting destination,” Jasso says. “It’s a place where attendees can experience the rich tapestry of Texan and Mexican cultures.”

Almost at the southern tip of the state, McAllen welcomes visitors to the McAllen Convention Center with 174,000 square feet of meeting space, including 60,000 square feet of column-free exhibit space. The nearby Embassy Suites by Hilton McAllen Convention Center provides an additional 12,000 square feet of meeting space for up to 700 attendees.

With all the culturally rich, spacious options, it’s easy to see why the South Texas Plains brings the fiesta to your events.

ci.boerne.tx.us
hilton.com
hotelvalencia-riverwalk.com
thekendalltx.com
laposada.com
marriott.com
naturalbridgecaverns.com
sahbgcc.com
santohotelsanantonio.com
visitlaredo.com
visitmcallen.com

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