Destination: What’s New in South Texas
San Antonio
San Antonio is voted one of America’s favorite and friendliest cities. The city is recognized for unparalleled service, personalized attention, and extraordinary hospitality. The St. Anthony Hotel, known as one of the “finest expressions of Southern hospitality,” is no different. The hotel, located in the heart of downtown, serves as the “epicenter of the San Antonio’s social scene,” with its timeless elegance, city views and modern design. Its newest renovation features 277 guest rooms and suites and more than 31,500 square feet of outdoor and indoor meeting and event space. The hotel also has a sixth-floor outdoor pool, rooftop lounge and cocktail lounge.
Looking for a bite to eat? The newest Texas-centric restaurant, Gallery on the Park, is located in the hotel’s atrium overlooking Travis Park. The menu encompasses traditional Texas with a twist, with dishes like the oh-so-San Antonio-style N.Y.Strip B.L.T and the crisp and savory BBQ Salmon Cobb Salad. Don’t forget to take some time to explore the River Walk, visit the famous Alamo, or picnic and stroll through Travis Park.
Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi offers sun, surf and sand with miles of beaches and tons of things explore. Visitors can enjoy the Nueces River, walk along the North Beach, go fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, and more.
The Omni Corpus Christi Hotel is the premier destination for conventions on the Texas coast. The hotel features 475 newly renovated guest rooms and 11 meeting rooms, including the 10,050 square-foot Corpus Christi Ballroom. The Theatre room offers a capacity of 1,115, and the Banquet room offers a capacity of 832. Along with the meeting rooms, the hotel offers fine dining options within, including the Republic of Texas Bar and Grill and the Glass Pavilion Restaurant.
Named a 2016 ConventionSouth Reader’s Choice Award Winner, the Omni Corpus Christi is located in the downtown area which offers some of best dining options, a marina home to several waterfront restaurants, and museums. Local area attractions include USS Lexington Aircraft Carrier Museum, the Harbor Playhouse and the Rebel Toad Brewing Company. If you want to take a break, hop on a Segway at SegCity Segway Tours for an easy, fun and entertaining tour around the city.
South Padre Island
Travel to South Padre Island at the subtropical southern tip of Texas for the ultimate island experience. Visitors walk along South Padre’s miles of “white, sugary shoreline,” enjoy the mild climate with majority sunny days and entertain with fine dining on the bay. Known the best island escape in Texas, South Padre Island offers accommodations for any setting. The Isla Grand Beach Resort is the largest hotel meeting facility on the island with 10,000 square feet of meeting and convention space. Capacity ranges from Boardroom seating of ten to the Conference Center seating of 860. Outdoor locations are also available.
Laredo
Located in South Texas on the Southern U.S. border, Laredo offers history, dining, arts and culture. Visitors can walk the famous “streets of Laredo,” visit the historic districts and marvel at the art in the historical and newly built galleries. Visitors can also try signature drinks that represent Laredo’s culture, location, and flavor: the Sol De Laredo and the Border Breeze.
Sources: Visit San Antonio, Visit Corpus Christi, Visit South Padre, Visit Laredo Texas
Author Sarah Pickett is a writer with Naylor Association Solutions.
Photo credit: ©iStock.com/PGIAM