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By
Eddie Sanchez
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Click on the link for a handy PDF version of our August 2007 Texas travel feature!
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With its boat taxis and scenic downtown "River Walk " promenades, San Antonio is a perfect spot for romance. Add to that the breathtaking San Antonio Botanical Gardens (which is hosting its Concert Under the Stars series through August), the Natural Bridge Caverns, the
yearly Fiesta (a city-wide week-long event with songs and dances from Mexico, Spain, Argentina, and Texas)-- and you might not ever want to leave this magical city. And while it may seem to the uninitiated like a sedate scene, trust me, these people know how to party!
Proof positive can be found at X-ing-- that is, "The Crossing"-- (1818 North Main). I was there for their grand opening, and it was a total blast with male dancers, Las Vegas showgirls, and performers channeling everyone from Wayne Newton to Sonny and Cher and
Cher and Cher. They also had a cell where the cutest security guard I've ever seen would lock up anyone of your choice for ten minutes. (I, personally, can think of quite a few people I'd like to have under lock and key.) Four separate bars and three different themed dance floors
(Tejano, Country, and Video) will keep you moving all night long. Add to that friendly bartenders and their daily drink specials, and you'll make The Xing the first place you hit in San Antonio. Oh, and did I happen to mention their Wet Boxers contest on Wednesday?
Temperatures rise at Heat (1500 North Main). Full of futuristic video/media panels complementing the great music and still allowing for intimate conversation, Heat's open daily 4pm through 2am on Mondays and Tuesday, and after-hours Wednesdays through Sundays.
There's a heated outdoor patio (note the cookouts on Sundays), and a well-trod dance floor with hot go-go dancers on weekends. Wednesdays are a big guzzling night, with discounted well drinks. Modern and upscale, this is a hot and happening place.
Nearby, Saint (1430 North Main) shines. Female impersonators account for a lot of the devilish revelry here, and drag shows and various local Divas are an ongoing spectacle.
Annex (330 San Pedro Avenue) is a cruise bar where you might find the local dream
boy you've been looking for.
There's nary a cover at Silver Dollar (1418 North Main), a country-western bar with a large patio. Daily drink specials and gyrating strippers draw gay men of all leanings.
Pegasus (1402 North Main), a cruise bar, gets going after 9pm.
Partying in the downtown River Walk area is at
Bonham Exchange (411 Bonham), locally alluded to as "bottom exchange." This large, multi-leveled club is well trafficked for their happy hour on Fridays.
Centrally located, the 2015 Place (2015 San Pedro) is a neighborhood bar with a daily happy hour from 4-8pm.
Dining
Located minutes from downtown in the quaint King William Historic District is a great gay-owned restaurant and cafe called
Mad Hatter's Tea (320 Beauregard). Besides tea, there's a wealth of breakfast, lunch, and dinner offerings for every budget. Sunday "Champagne
Brunch" is one of their specialties, and is usually packed with a funky mix, welcomed by owner Rene. There are several relaxing dining and sitting areas here. With the attractive art, friendly people, and the delicious fare, you may want to linger for most of the afternoon!
Candle Light Coffeehouse (3011 North St. Mary's), on the opposite side of downtown from King William, is a gay-friendly up-market yet laid-back coffeehouse serving casual fare and popular appetizers at reasonable prices, along with gourmet desserts, coffees, and teas. The shady
outdoor patio here is heaven, especially during the hot summer months.
Shopping
The gay-owned and operated Encore Video (1031 NE Loop 410) is a videosmith that also offers daily and weekly rentals of camcorders and VCRs. Their other establishment,
Zebraz (1608 North Main Avenue), carries a large assortment of gay-oriented
merchandise. Goodies range from funky club wear to CDs, flavored lubes, and everything in between.
Lodgings
Painted Lady Guesthouse (620 Broadway; 210-220-1092) is one of the best-run bed-and-breakfasts in the US-- even
the New York Times is impressed. It's close to the Alamo, and offers impeccable, luxurious suites replete with amenities. At this truly
sybaritic retreat, complimentary breakfast is delivered to one's room. There's a rooftop spa, videos to rent, and the affable innkeepers are a wealth of information. Plus there's free off-street parking.
The historic Arbor House Suites (109 Arciniega) consists of five stately houses linked by a lush garden courtyard, just one-and-a-half blocks to River Walk. Both the owner and management are native South Texans and have developed Arbor House to reflect
the independent spirit of their native land. Suites are named after Alamo heroes, geographically appropriate given that the real Alamo is just down the street.
Steamy diversions
Alternative Club Inc., known as ACI Spa (827 East Elmira), is an interesting alternative to a bath house that is worth checking out.
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