Things to Do and Places to See at Monte Vista Historic Neighborhood

Monte Vista Historic District is located in Midtown San Antonio, Texas, and it is a neighborhood of about 3,000 people. The district was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998; that is why the residents adhere to the rules and regulations set by the San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation. In this article, we will know more about the history of Monte Vista and the things to do while you’re there.

History

During San Antonio’s “Gilded Age” from 1890 to 1930, several lavish suburbs were developed, and one of them is Monte Vista. The vast architectural styles of the buildings and houses in the area truly reflects the booming period of San Antonio’s history just before the Great Depression happened. These iconic and luxurious styles were all done by notable San Antonio architects such as Harvey Young, Atlee B. Ayres, James Riely Gordon, and Alfred Giles. They are known for designing the stately homes in Monte Vista and for some of San Antonio’s wealthiest citizens during the 1910s.

One iconic building in Monte Vista is the eight-story structure known as the Bushnell Apartments located on Shook Avenue. It provided several people with a feeling of luxury living for more than a few decades. Aside from that, Monte Vista is known to be the home of several Texas cattle baron constructed estates.

However, during the latter part of the 20th century, the Monte Vista neighborhood faced deterioration and developmental intrusion. That is why in 1973, the residents decided to establish the Monte Vista Historical Association to help preserve their community. Two years after the Monte Vista Historical Association was formed, the neighborhood became a designated a local historic district. The historical association helped preserve the Monte Vista area’s distinctive heritage and keep its physical identity of this late nineteenth-early twentieth-century district complete. The association also aims to educate the public, most notably the youth, about their inherited neighborhood values, which can help promote a wholesome urban environment for everyone. In 1998, The Monte Vista neighborhood was included on the list of the National Register Historic District.

What to See and Do in Monte Vista

Witte Museum

Well, there’s not a lot of major attractions located in the Monte Vista neighborhood. However, if you have a car, you might enjoy grabbing some coffee and driving up and down the beautiful tree-lined streets. Not far from Monte Vista is the Brackenridge Park, the Witte Museum, and the San Antonio Zoo.

San Antonio Zoo

Where to Eat in Monte Vista

The neighborhood might not be teeming with restaurants, but we can assure you that you will find the restaurants here quite exceptional. Make sure that you will grab a bite to eat for lunch at Barbaro, and have a unique, unforgettable dinner, at Mixtli, because this restaurant only serves one table a night inside a railway car. But if you are looking for an incredible but also affordable meals, we suggest that you try and dine at FOLC.

Where to Shop in Monte Vista

Again, there are just a few shops that are in the Monte Vista neighborhood. However, we can assure you that you won’t be disappointed with them. If you happen to stay downtown and you like to shop in unique stores, you should head on down to On Main Off Main, where you can see and buy quirky gifts and kitsch. If you are looking for a more upscale clothes shopping experience, then we suggest that you head over to Kathleen Sommers, a retail store that sells clothes made by a local designer. If you are looking for more options, you should go north to Julian Gold.