A Unique Bed & Breakfast In the Heart of San Antonio's Historic District

---

Home About Ruckman Haus House and Gardens The Ruckman Family Ruckman Haus Cuisine Public Areas About the Rooms Room Comparison English Room French Room The Highlands Luxembourg Room Sun Room Suite Local Attractions Near Ruckman Haus Around San Antonio Photo Galleries The House The Gardens English Room French Room The Highlands Luxembourg Room Sun Room Suite At Breakfast

Nearby Places to See and Things to Do

One of the reasons we chose this property for our B&B was that there are many things to do, places to see and places to eat within walking distance or a very short drive from Ruckman Haus, and we'd like to describe some of them below. San Antonio is always changing, though, and we always encouraged our guests to ask us for our latest recommendations. But no matter what the interests or needs of our guests and visitors were, there was something close to Ruckman Haus that would suit.

(NOTE:
This page contains many links so you can obtain more information on some of these local attractions. If you follow any of them, they will open a new browser window for you, and all you need do is close that window when you are done and you will back at this website right at the point you left off. Keep in mind that while we tried to ensure that all our links to other sites actually worked, and while we will continue to try to do that, sometimes there are changes we don't find out about until someone tells us. So if you find one that doesn't work, please let us know.)

Places to See

San Pedro Park Springs and Pool

The Grotto (an enclosed spring)

We and our neighborhood are very fortunate to be just a short block from San Pedro Park which is the second oldest park of any kind in the United States. (See if you can find out what the oldest one is; we will be happy to tell you or confirm your answer if you email us.)

In the park you can find the famous San Pedro Springs, which actually feed the huge wading pool that is open to the public. There are a number of water features associated with the springs as well. The park also contains picnic areas, playing fields, tennis courts and many paths along which people can stroll. The entire park was completely renovated eight years ago, and you will find it a wonderful place to spend some time.

If you would like to know more about the park, here are three sites that will interest you:

The History of San Pedro Park
The Edwards Aquifer and San Pedro Springs
San Pedro Park Facilities

The Monte Vista Area

Monte Vista is arguably the most prominent of the neighborhoods that blossomed during San Antonio's "Gilded Age." This was the period between 1890 and 1930 when the city began to establish itself as more than just an outpost for cattle drives. In fact, Monte Vista was where many of the rich people in the cattle and oil industries decided to make their home during this time.

Instead of the usual Spanish-influenced architecture that was prominent at the time, San Antonio architects such as Alfred Giles and J. Reily Gordon went outside of the box and varied the houses. The result is an attractive mix of Queen Anne, Hollywood bungalow, Georgian, Moorish, Arts and Crafts (of which Ruckman Haus is an example) and Victorian era architecture that gives Monte Vista its unique feel.

Ruckman Haus is located just one short block outside the official Monte Vista boundary. So if you love old architecture, a walk along our own block and into Monte Vista is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

Learn more about Monte Vista
 

Things to Do