The Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas, a 630,000 square foot behemoth that hosts more than 300 events each year, is named for the congressman who served San Antonio’s citizens in the U.S. House of Representatives for 37 years. Upon his death, Molly Ivins paid tribute to Gonzalez, summing up his principled career as a public servant.

Those who travel to San Antonio to attend a convention probably don’t spend time wondering about who Henry B. is or was, but while I was at Worldcon, a Science Fiction/Fantasy convention, this weekend, I couldn’t help but thinking that Henry B. would have been delighted that folks from all over the world were in town enjoying his beautiful city. He’d probably even recommend going for a slice of pie and a cup of coffee at Earl Abel’s.

I’ve attended various conventions here in San Antonio over the years, and my favorite thing about our convention center is that the San Antonio River flows through it. How many city’s convention centers can say that? When you’ve had enough of meetings and meeting rooms, just step outside to enjoy nature. Plus, the convention center’s downtown location makes renting a car unnecessary. You’re within walking distance of La Villita, San Fernando Cathedral, The Esquire Tavern, Schilo’s Delicatessen, Restaurant Gwendolyn, Haunted Tours of Downtown San Antonio and more. For those who want to venture a little further than walking allows, VIA’s #7 Sightseer Special is all you need.

San Antonio’s convention center is located at 300 E. Market Street in the shadow of the Tower of the Americas and just south of Rivercenter Mall. One day soon, I hope to see a “George R. R. Martin read here” commemorative plaque on the convention center’s wall. Too bad Henry B. isn’t still around. I think he and George would have enjoyed each other’s company.

Denise Barkis Richter, Ph.D., author of “San Antonio’s Passport to Fun,” has been blogging about San Antonio since June of 2010. Follow her at facebook.com/SanAntonioTourist so that you’ll never miss a post. Her love affair with the Alamo City began at Hemisfair in 1968. She moved to San Antonio in 1979 as an 18-year-old college student, and San Antonio has been her home ever since. Denise completed certification to become a professional tour guide in 2019. Please contact her at sanantoniotourist at gmail dot com if you’d like for her to curate a fabulous San Antonio experience for you!