All 3 Noble Inns properties are very conveniently located in downtown San Antonio’s King William Historic District. Situated at the end of King William closest to the central downtown area, we are only a short walk from the Convention Center, Alamo, central Riverwalk area, Alamodome, and all other downtown attractions. The city also operates a trolley system which may be ridden to reach virtually any downtown location, with trolleys passing every 10 minutes throughout the day
The Alamo: World famous as the "cradle of Texas liberty", it began in 1718 as one of San Antonio’s five Spanish Colonial missions. Located downtown on Alamo Plaza, it contains relics, mementos and other exhibits related to its history, including the famous battle in 1836 — www.thealamo.org
Casa Navarro State Historical Park: The restored home and store of Jose Antonio Navarro illustrates the life of this Tejano leader who served as a legislator under Mexico, the Republic of Texas, and the U.S. — www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/jose
The Quadrangle: On the grounds of Fort Sam Houston, the Quadrangle was completed in 1878 as the Quartermaster Depot. Noted for its clock tower and for its famous prisoner, Geronimo. Tame deer, peacocks and other animals wander its grounds; a great place for the kids! Pedestrian gate on Grayson Ave. open 8-6 weekdays, noon-6 weekends.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park: The greatest concentration of Catholic missions in North America, San Antonio’s five 18th century missions permit a fascinating trip back in time to experience what life was like at the northern reaches of Spain’s empire in the Americas. Of particular interest is San Jose, the "Queen of the Missions", whose large and very complete complex of buildings has been accurately restored. San Jose also hosts an interesting National Park Visitor Center with a theater showing a 20-minute movie explaining mission life, a museum and book shop — www.nps.gov/saan
Spanish Governor’s Palace: Downtown on military plaza facing the current City Hall, it was built in the 18th century to house the Spanish Governors of the Province of Texas. Now restored and filled with period furnishings, it gives a fascinating glimpse back into life on the frontier of New Spain — www.sanantonio.gov/dtops/SpanGovPal.asp
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| King William Historic District |
The King William area, the first historic district created in Texas, is famous for its collection of 19th century residential architecture. These are best appreciated by strolling the tree shaded streets. The San Antonio Conservation Society, one of the country’s oldest preservation groups, is headquartered in one of these historic mansions, and publishes a helpful guide/map to King William: www.saconservation.org/tours/sitevisits_kingwilliam.htm
The Conservation Society also owns and operates the Steves Homestead, a period house museum. This fascinating Second Empire mansion, built in 1876, is beautifully furnished and open to the public daily - www.saconservation.org/tours/steves.htm
The Pioneer Flour Mill, founded in 1851 by Liesl Noble’s ancestor Carl H. Guenther, is located at the south end of King William Street. The ancestral family home, The Guenther House, has been beautifully restored and houses an excellent restaurant open for breakfast and lunch, as well as the restored parlor, a museum, and unique gift shop — www.guentherhouse.com
For art lovers, the San Antonio Art League Museum has a nice collection of works by Texas artists as well as frequent special exhibits, and happens to be located in another of Liesl Noble’s ancestral homes — www.saalm.org
Garcia Art Glass: Talented glass artist Gini Garcia has her workshop and gallery/shop at 715 S. Alamo. The display cases at the Oge House have several of her works available for purchase, while Gini’s shop displays many more — www.garciaartglass.com
Blue Star Arts Comple: Located on South Alamo Street at the south end of King William, Blue Star has become a major center for contemporary art, housing galleries, artist's lofts, a theater, and the Blue Star Brewing Company brewpub — see www.bluestarcomplex.com and www.bluestarart.org
The Church Bistro and Theatre on South Alamo offers live theatre productions, as well as dining — www.churchbistroandtheatre.com
The King William Association is the very active neighborhood association for the area. It sponsors two major events each year, the King William Fair during Fiesta week, and the Fall Home Tour — www.kingwilliamassociation.org
The commercial streets in the neighborhood, known as Southtown for the Urban Mainstreet Program that started their revitalization in the 1980’s, are represented by the Southtown Urban Alliance. Its website is a good resource for becoming familiar with the many restaurants, shops, galleries and other businesses now located in or near the King William area — www.southtown.net
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San Antonio Botanical Gardens: Our climate nurtures many lovely natural areas. Our 33-acre Botanical Garden is situated on a breezy hilltop minutes from downtown and showcases plants native to several different zones of Texas, as well as a Japanese Garden, conservatories and Garden for the Blind. The Sullivan Carriage House, designed by Alfred Giles (also architect of the Oge House) was dismantled at its original downtown location and reassembled stone-by-stone to house a charming garden shop and café - www.sabot.org
Brackenridge Park: Our city park system provides many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Just north of downtown, Brackenridge Park features 343 acres, including the headwaters of the San Antonio River. Visitors will find a miniature train ride, walking trails, picnic tables and driving range, as well as the zoo and Witte Museum. For information on the zoo and train - www.sazoo-aq.org
HemisFair Park: The location for the 1968 World’s Fair, it gives downtown visitors and residents a place to meander through water features, small gardens, a playground, and several surviving Victorian-period homes. It is also the location of the Convention Center, the Institute of Texas Cultures, and the Instituto de Mexico. All is found below the ever-turning Tower of the Americas restaurant which provides a great view of the city.
Antique Rose Emporium: For those wanting to meander among beautifully blooming roses, we suggest visiting the San Antonio location of this well known rose grower and retailer - www.antiqueroseemporium.com.
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The Alamo: See Historic Sites
Buckhorn Saloon & Museum: The collection of horns and curiosities started at the historic Buckhorn Saloon more than 120 years ago has grown into a unique attraction, including cowboy memorabilia, fish, wax museum, curio store, and café. Now also includes the Texas Ranger Museum — www.buckhornmuseum.com
Institute of Texas Cultures: Celebrates the numerous cultures and ethnic groups that settled Texas, and includes interactive exhibits, a domed theater showing the "Faces and Places of Texas" multimedia experience, as well as historic buildings of great variety on the outdoor grounds. Also sponsors special exhibits and festivals throughout the year — www.texancultures.com
Tower of the Americas: Built for HemisFair, the 1968 World’s Fair, it is known for its incomparable views. There is an observation deck as well as a revolving restaurant now operated by the Landry’s restaurant group — www.toweroftheamericas.com
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Aztec on the River: This spectacular, newly-restored 1926 movie palace has been transformed into an entertainment complex featuring a giant screen theater, Mighty Wurlitzer organ, free special effects show every 90 minutes, and unique shopping and dining — www.aztecontheriver.com
Imax Theater: Now with two giant screens, the Imax in Rivercenter Mall shows "Alamo — The Price of Freedom" that was made for this theater, as well as numerous other Imax films — www.imax-sa.com
Majestic and Empire Theaters: The Majestic is an amazing, restored "atmospheric" movie palace, while the adjoining Empire is an earlier historic theater. Together they host the San Antonio Symphony, traveling Broadway shows, and other arts performances of many kinds. Located on Houston Street downtown — www.majesticempire.com
Magik Theatre: Located in HemiFair Park downtown, this organization produces high-quality live theater for children and families — www.magiktheatre.org
San Antonio Symphony: Our symphony orchestra performs classical and pops programs during their season, as well as children’s and free public performances — www.sasymphony.org
San Pedro Playhouse: Produces a season of high-quality community theater — www.sanpedroplayhouse.com
Arts San Antonio: sponsors a variety of artistic performances each year, including ballet and Shakespeare in the Park - www.artssanantonio.com
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