Congratulations to our guest-author, Rachel, a details writer at Groupon and recent newlywed!
My husband and I love Groupon—it inspires our date nights and helps us find favorite places near our new apartment. Also, after I work there all day, Groupon the Cat signs my paychecks with an inky paw-swipe. So it fit that as we searched for our honeymoon destination, we began browsing the Groupon Getaways e-mails as they materialized in a puff of sunset-colored smoke each Tuesday. That’s how we ended up in sunny San Antonio, lounging by the heated pool of the Riverwalk Plaza Hotel & Suites as we chortled with glee over saving a cool 46 percent on our boutique hotel (and at swimming in December—probably illegal where we live in Chicago).
Before we left, as I counted down the days to Texan sunshine, a fellow writer told about a deal she was working on for an Indian restaurant near the hotel. I thought it sounded cool, so I bought it. Then I got to thinking. Part of what makes Groupon great is saving money on trying new experiences where you live. So why not use it to find things to do on our stay?
That’s how we ended up savoring three succulently spiced courses at Mela Indian Bar & Grill. It’s how my husband, Joe, found himself atop a horse for the first time ever at the Clear Horizon Horse Ranch, where we drove out for an equine tour and soaked up tales of how the lively steeds had been rescued and given a new lease on life by Kelly, our guide. It’s how we found ourselves devouring melt-in-your-mouth brisket at Sausage Hauze, a hidden gem whose affable cook told described the meat as tender enough for him to eat it, despite being nearly toothless. We also followed the deal’s recommendations for other area activities, from cruising on a Rio San Antonio River Tour to wandering awestruck through the King William Historic District’s collection of homes built more than a century a ago.
In addition to our five-night stay, we handed over a total of five Groupons on our trip, helping us sample the Alamo City’s finest on less than a grand and exploring places we might never have found otherwise. So thanks to Groupon for an unforgettable trip (and giving me a week off)! Any other savvy lovebirds planning a Getaway for two?
Tags: getaways
