Every metropolitan area boasts of it's downtown magnet attractions. In Baltimore - the Harbourfront. In Boston - the Haymarket. In San Diego - the Gaslamp District. In NYC - Chelsea Piers (among many others) In San Antonio, we have the RiverWalk, drawing millions of tourists each year to stroll its banks, dine in the reataurants, shop in the stores, and stay in its hotels. The RiverWalk is unique to our city, and can be sometimes be ignored by those of us who live here. When I lived for a time in New York, it took friends from Germany on a visit to get me to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Circle Line tour. I think I had as much fun as they did!

I know, I know. The RiverWalk is overrun with tourists. It's almost impossible to stroll the banks of the river without "taking big steps and little steps" on a sunny Spring day. The restaurants tend to be pricy, and parking is expensive. All this is true, and the price we pay for being a major tourist destination. That said, pick a nice weekday afternoon, park at the RiverCenter mall, get your parking validated by making a small purchase somewhere, and rediscover part of SA you've probably not seen in a while. Have a cocktail at the Menger bar, or grab a taco in the plaza to save a few bucks. Visit www.riverwalkguide.com.