"The Hidden Riverwalk": Top 5 Things To Do
Chief Assistant Editor, Maria Frimble, presents her top picks for the Riverwalk on Labor Day.
I think the Riverwalk offers so much for friends and family to do on Labor Day. It’s a bounteous gift, much like the way that Neptune – the God of the sea – provided fishes for the oceans, that enables us to reflect on how much the Riverwalk really provides for its guests and visitors. It’s fair to say that if the Romans or Greeks had survived to present day, they would have believed in a Riverwalk God, for all he has bestowed upon us, even though the Riverwalk Baptist Church may have legally restrained them from doing so, or starting stoning riverboat drivers in protest.
In compiling my “top 5″ list, there were three things that were considered, and each one has been officially approved. City Manager Mike Mongrales gave the list the City’s official approval in a ceremony that highlighted the importance of the three things. So I’m proud to present this list, which has been pre-approved by its sponsors at highly competitive interest rates, with a reward program that will actually reward your time on the Riverwalk. Therefore, in no particular order, here are the top ten activities for Labor Day, which also slightly change position in the days before.
1. The Riverwalk’s Farmer’s Market.
In the Venn diagram of life, with our food needs on the left and HEB on the right, the intersection forms at the farmer’s market. I love the unrivaled freshness of produce, which is rivaled by HEB which does not currently have a store on the Riverwalk. I have met many of the farmers, most of which are simply delighted about Labor Day, and oranges and tomatoes are excellent bargains here. Avocados continue to remain expensive following the guacamole wars that are currently troubling the border town of Laredo.
2. The Navarro Duck Santuary.
Although the San Antonio Zoo is a major attraction for most tourists, especially with the upcoming Fall Halloween house where live performers have been replaced with wild cats, the Duck Santuary is a personal favorite. Many of the people on the Riverwalk are unaware of the contribution provided by its indigenous duck population, many of which live natively in the sanctuary on Navarro. I met the owner, originally from China, who is currently starting an orange grove just outside 410, purely in the interest of helping the Riverwalk’s duck population.
3. The Bike Cop Museum.
The bicycle police are a revered fixture of the Riverwalk, acting both as friendly tour-guides for new visitors and enforcers of local and state laws, capable of bringing instant justice with a swiftness and severity that would have Judge Judy in a near-sexual frenzy. I really enjoy my visits here, which provide free parking but also entitles each visitor for an authentic $29 parking ticket that has to be paid. Originally on motorcycles, the bike cops downgraded to the pedal version after the 1985 Texas Oil Crisis.
4. Tower of The Americas’ Underground Tour.
I’ve dined at the top of the Tower several times, and while the view from its peak is spectacular, the underground tour provides one of the city’s best views. The elevators on the four sides of the tower retract over 250 feet into the ground, and provide an excellent insight into subterranean San Antonio. The tour officially started in 2005, but elevator operators will deny its existance until the keyword “Reservation” is mentioned, unless you have a dining reservation or an American Indian reservation. Described by the San Antonio Rough Guide, this is “Do Not Miss” event for any visitors to the Tower of The Americas without a reservation, but willing to use the word ‘reservation’.
5. Riverboat Jazz.
Many local businesses are willing to provide guests with catering on the river, but only one provides authentic San Antonio Riverwalk Jazz. Cul Jizzum’s Jazz Landing, with its celebrated cast of geriatrics that have state permits for musical instruments, bring their entire troupe to board boats and wow their audiences as they circle downtown San Antonio. Don’t miss their Halloween specials where songs are modified accordingly, and some guests are made to relive their childhood musical teacher nightmares.
Personally, I can’t wait to spend Labor Day on the Riverwalk, and I sincerely look forward to seeing you there!
Maria Frimble
.I thought the office closed at 3 today? Why isn’t Outlook working? And why is everyone still here? Why’s that red light on?
