San Antonio is one of the fastest growing cities in North America.  The famous Alamo, along with several other lesser-known (but equally old) missions, hearken back to the days when Texas was not yet a state.  Some residential neighborhoods, such as the King William District, are more than a century old.

But San Antonio, like any growing metropolis, has plenty of modern features: a vibrant nightlife, cutting edge music and eating scenes and, yes, lots and lots of free attractions.  Perhaps SeaWorld and Six Flags will not be on a budget traveler’s itinerary, but there are more than enough cost-less sights and sounds to fill a trip to this modern city.

Here’s is a list of all things good (and free) in San Antonio.

1. San Antonio’s Japanese Tea Garden recently reopened.  The well-manicured, highly-stylized gardens would not be out of place in Tokyo or Osaka.  This authentic feel makes the garden a great place to explore.  In addition to the trees, rocks and pathways, there are koi ponds and a rather impressive 60-foot waterfall.

2. Fiesta San Antonio, held in April, is the city’s biggest festival.  Actually, with more than two and a half million attendees, it is the largest outdoor festivals in the entire US.  The events take place in mid-April (the 15th to the 25th this year).  This year’s festivities will include parades, outdoor concerts, fireworks, cultural performances and food-related events.  Though not all events are free, most of those that take place in public places do not charge admission.  Others, such as the popular Taste of New Orleans ($10 admission), are reasonably priced.

3. The San Antonio Missions Trail is a 6-mile walkway that runs between four of the area’s historic Spanish-built missions.  Yes, it is one of the better places to walk if you are in search of an urban hiking venue, but the missions, which are part of a national historic park, are the real attraction.  They are among the oldest in North America, dating back to the early 18th Century.  These lesser known missions are a great alternative to often-crowded, more touristy Alamo.

4.  When they return home, San Antonio tourists can expect to repeatedly be asked: “Did you see the Alamo?”  It is hard to pass up the mission, even though it is bound to be crowded (2.5 million people pass through the site each year).  Luckily, it is possible to arrive at early, at 9 a.m. Monday through Saturday, to avoid the peak-time crowds.  Also, during summer weekends, the building remains open until 7 p.m.  Of course, it’s free to enter.
5. The Riverwalk is San Antonio’s lengthy entertainment promenade.  The shaded walkways, water and laid-back atmosphere make is a great place for a stroll.  Of course, the restaurants, bars and shops on the riverbanks aren’t free, but Riverwalk is a great place for window-shopping and there are several art galleries and museums in the area.

6. El Mercado is one of the largest Mexican markets north of the border.  Aside from the virtually unlimited amount of goods up for sale, there are musical and cultural performances, kids’ activities, and crafts during Primer Sabado, First Saturday.  The area in and around El Mercado is a great place to get a taste of the Mexican culture that is so much a part of San Antonio’s identity.

7. Art is a major part of San Antonio’s culture.  San Antonio Art Walk is usually held on the first Friday of every month.  It takes place in the Arts District, which is located in the Southtown area of the city. Aside from the art  (and free snacks, if your lucky), there are usually local bands, of all genres, performing.

8. Though they typically charge admission, several San Antonio museums waive entrance fees at certain times during the week.  Chase Bank sponsors a free night at the San Antonio Museum of Art.  It takes place between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. each Tuesday.   The Witte Museum, an exhibit hall featuring the natural history, culture and artifacts of Texas, offers free admission between 3 and 8 on Tuesday evenings.

9. San Antonio Summer Jazz and Art Festival, often shortened to San Antonio Summer Fest (or just SAS Fest) is a three day event that takes place on the first weekend in June.  Though it has not reached to same attendance numbers as springtime’s Fiesta, SAS Fest is worth a visit.  There are a dozen jazz concerts, music workshops, a craft fair and plenty of food.  It’s free to listen to music.

10. San Antonio’s Main Plaza, located in front of the Alamo and near the Riverwalk, is the heart of the city.  There is a series of free concerts held each year.  But it doesn’t stop with music.  There are dances, theater performances, movie screenings and fashion shows.  Most of these events take place during the warmer months, between April and October.

Today’s photo of the Week is of the Texas State Capital in Austin.  Austin, Texas, also known as the Live Music Capital of the World is a great place to visit.  They promise that any day or night, weekday or weekend you can always find great live music playing somewhere.  With miles of biking and hiking trails, more than 200 parks, and 300 days of sunshine each year the outdoors is a big part of the Austin lifestyle.  You will be sure to find people biking, running, walking and hiking throughout town.  From music, golfing, hiking, biking, shopping, and great restaurants Austin has something for everyone.  With cold weather embracing most of the country right now why not travel down south and enjoy the beautiful Austin weather.   There are plenty hotel deals to be found in the Austin area including this current special from the Four Seasons Austin.

The last great decision of 2009 is where to spend the last moments of the year and the first moments of the new decade.  The standard champagne toast and balloon drop will, as always, be a popular choice.  But there are other, more unusual options.  People who are planning to spend December 31st away from home have some interesting choices at resorts in the US and abroad.

Here are four unique New Year’s Eve options:

The Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Northern Michigan will host the Dancing Through the Decades event, sponsored by Pepsi.  A Motown band will provide cover tunes from the past 7o years.  Packages, including a room at the hotel and a casino voucher, start at $119.  Non-package tickets (meal and concert only) are $75.  The resort’s Aerie Restaurant will host a Latin-themed New Year’s Eve party with dinner and dancing.  Packages start at $152.  To book a package or obtain more information, visit Grand Traverse’s web site.

One Utah celebration will be decidedly more rustic.  The Homestead Resort in Midway, Utah has a full menu of holiday activities, including sleigh rides and cross-country skiing.  On New Year’s Eve, a family-friendly dance, billed as Homestead’s New Year’s Hoe-Down, will take place.  A package costs $238 for two adults and includes a room, tickets to the hoe-down and a wild game buffet in the afternoon.  Prices for the hoe-down only are $20 for adults and $10 for revelers under the age of 10.  The package can be booked on Homestead’s web site.

The Best Western Lafayette Executive Plaza and Conference Center in Lafayette, Indiana will be putting on a wet New Year’s Eve party at the city’s Buccaneer Bay indoor water park.  Packages, including room and breakfast, start at $199.  The festivities include live music and DJs inside the water park.  Details and booking options are available at 1-800-780-7234.

Of course, something more exotic might make for a more memorable end to 2009.  In Brazil, the New Year’s celebration is known as Réveillon.  Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro will be the site of major celebrations with fireworks displays and popular Brazilian bands playing on multiple stages.  It is expected that nearly 2 million people will be on the beach partying away the final moments of 2009.  Information is available on the Brazil Tourism Network web site.