City: San Antonio, TX

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (210) 212-7260

Address: 200 E. Grayson

Description: The birthplace of Pearl Beer, this longtime staple of the San Antonio skyline is being redeveloped into an art-­filled urban village next to the River Walk’s Museum Reach. The transformation, which began in 2009, has been undertaken with the goal of preserving the old brewery’s historic character while incorporating modern, eco-­friendly technology, including solar power. Once completed, the Pearl site will include loft living spaces, retail space, and entertainment venues in a unique gathering spot for the city. Already in place are eateries including Il Sogno Osteria, featuring Italian specialties; La Gloria Ice House, serving upscale interior Mexican dishes; and the Sandbar Fish House and Market, offering fresh oysters and seafood from a perch overlooking the river. Eclectic shopping opportunities abound, and the Pearl Farmers’ Market offers fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and meats, as well as live entertainment in a street market setting on Wednesday and Friday. The Culinary Institute of America recently opened its newest campus here, offering cooking classes as well as a 30-week culinary arts certificate program for emerging chefs. The campus includes a demonstration kitchen, 7 cooking areas, and a Latin American outdoor cooking space, as well as classrooms and presentation venues. Other attractions at Pearl include an Aveda Institute and spa; a Synergy Studio, offering exercise and yoga classes; and the Twig Bookshop, featuring children’s literature and story times. Pearl Park is a quiet retreat on the river with picnic tables, an amphitheater seating 1,000, and a stop where you can catch a river taxi.