As we rolled into San Antonio yesterday, Joan asked, "Do you want to look for another pair of SAS shoes, since they make them here?"
I jokingly replied, "Sure - maybe we can take the factory tour."
Joan loves factory tours: breweries, wineries, guitar factories... she would watch "How That Is Made" every day if it was on. "Great idea!" Yeah, I was kidding.
So, bright and early this morning, we headed for the SAS factory and general store. They don't open 'till 9:00, and their website said the first tour is at 9:15. We got there a few minutes early...
The exterior of the place had a Cracker Barrel feel to it. Even better, they had some old cars to keep me occupied while we were waiting for the store to open...
We were the first customer vehicle in the lot - the employee lot had a couple hundred cars in it... they are already at it.
A very nice lady opened the door to the store and said, "I saw you two out here - you can come in now, if you want." She directed us to their Customer Service desk, where we found out that they are not doing tours for the next two weeks... "But, we are offering a $15 off sale on all shoes, and there are some great bargains on shoes that have been discontinued or may have a slight blemish."
The place was kinda Cracker Barrel feeling inside, too. Only with shoes... lots of shoes. And some shirts, candy, soda, books, purses, etc, etc. We browsed around; I decided to check out another pair of shoes and met our new friend, Maria. When I asked about trying on a gray pair (to replace a gray pair that I already have), she said, "Oh, we have a new color in those - blue! They aren't even in the stores yet, we are just unboxing them here. What size?"
I told her my fat foot size, she brought back a box and said, "And these are even a better deal - there is a blemish... I can't find it."
Sharp color! Really. Yes, I know what I have said about SAS shoes being popular amongst the ... um... seasoned citizens crowd. But, these shoes look... almost hip! She and I both looked the shoes over again... she said, "Maybe this is it?" pointing at a stitch that looked perfectly fine to me. SAS men's sneakers for less than $100 - good deal for me. She even offered to go talk to the manager to see if we could get a tour... she said, "When we have a sale like this (the $15 off), we get bus-loads of people. Tour buses. We need everyone in the store, so that's why no tours right now. We thanked her for the consideration, but said we'd check it out next time we were in town.
Joan looked around, but didn't see anything she wanted... until I pointed out a display of purses and clutches...
"Well, I don't really need ..."
I said, "Look at the name of the designer"...
"Ohhhh." That happens to be the name of our favorite girl (don't tell Izzy I said that). So much for what I saved on shoes. ;-)
We enjoyed our time in the SAS store. The shoes really are comfortable, and they make a great variety of sizes. Not inexpensive, but very well made, and cushy enough that you don't have to "break them in."
From there, we decided to go to the RiverWalk. San Antonio is famous for a lot of things... the Alamo, the Spurs, and the RiverWalk. We found out that San Antonio is now the 7th largest city in the US... the most visited tourist attraction in the state is the Alamo... second most visited attraction is the RiverWalk.
It was a perfect day for walking (temp in the 70s, hazy overcast, light breeze)...
We take a RiverWalk boat tour each time we come here, and today was no different...
Yes, a selfie. Cause we are "with it."
Our boat driver was a delightful young lady. We visited with her for a few minutes before heading out on the tour - found out you don't need a Captains License to drive these boats; they are "licensed" by their parks department. Regardless, she did a fine job handling what is essentially a barge; and provided entertaining narration along the way.
Some history, some architecture talk, and plenty of "local color." Best $12 you can spend in San Antonio (that's the senior price, by the way).
After the boat tour, we walked around some more, then stopped for lunch at a Mexican place on the water...
Is it too early for a margarita? Nahhh - just kidding!
Plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops along the RiverWalk. And just a beautiful stroll, with the lush trees and flowers...
No, I have no idea what kind of flowers those are. The RiverWalk wasn't always like you see it now - it has gone through times where it was a pretty rowdy place, without much in the way of businesses. Then, when the World's Fair was in San Antonio, this blossomed. Some of it is natural river, some is man-made (and used for flood control).
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I know some of you are wondering "What cities are bigger than San Antonio?" Ask, and you shall receive...
Notice that San Antonio is the fastest growing of the top 10 cities.
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S.A.S. = San Antonio Shoemakers
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