Alamo dubbed 'worst tourist trap' in Texas, here's why that's blatantly wrong

Located in the heart of downtown San Antonio, the Alamo is an easy stop for any trip to San Antonio. Click through for a minute-by-minute guide to getting the most out of trip to San Antonio. Located in the heart of downtown San Antonio, the Alamo is an easy stop for any trip to San Antonio. Click through for a minute-by-minute guide to getting the most out of trip to San Antonio. Photo: BRITTANY GREESON, Staff / San Antonio Express-News Photo: BRITTANY GREESON, Staff / San Antonio Express-News Image 1 of / 24 Caption Close Alamo dubbed 'worst tourist trap' in Texas, here's why that's blatantly wrong 1 / 24 Back to Gallery

Another week, and another round of Yankees spouting off terrible hot takes on San Antonio.

New York-based writers Sophie-Claire Hoeller and Amy Daire pulled together a state-by-state guide of attractions to avoid for Business Insider recently, and named the Alamo as one of the country's "worst tourist traps.".

The article suggests that the attractions on their list are not "legendary landmarks that everyone should see."

Sure, a Jack-in-The-Box-themed store in Connecticut and a ball of twine may not fit the "legendary landmark" category, but the two writers clearly aren't well-versed in the importance of the hallowed ground in Texas history.

RELATED: Controversial Alamo master plan gets council approval

Hundreds of men, on both the Texas and Mexico sides, died during the 13-day Battle of the Alamo in 1836, making the landmark an everlasting symbol of resistance during the fight for independence.

So the inclusion by these travel "experts" to put the Alamo in the same conversation with an "intentionally tacky" restaurant and neon sign somewhere between the Carolinas is obnoxious.

But wait, there's more.

The article also mentions the traps are "blatant attempts to make money."

This rebuttal is almost too easy: Alamo admission is free.

Sure, the Alamo offers guided tours, but sightseers can stroll through the church and grounds without having to open their wallet. Activities like reenactments are also free of charge. And unlike dreaded "tourist traps" the Alamo is easily-accessible, right in the heart of San Antonio. Visitors also won't spend hours waiting in line to get in.

Tourists won't be conned by stands selling frozen lemonade for $10, but there are a couple of vending machines and a local raspa man nearby offering a cool refreshment for a couple of bucks.

The Business Insider story also argues the Alamo is "shockingly small in real life" and "the building's remains are so small they consistently disappoint visitors."

RELATED: Out-of-state politician's River Walk dis could cost Chicago company $100 million S.A. contract

The Alamo was built as a mission in 1718 and housed Spanish settlers, why people expect it to be the size of the Roman Colosseum is baffling. Still, it remains Texas' most-visited landmark, according to the Alamo website.

"History buffs might get a kick out of it for an hour or so, but looking at a picture will suffice for most," the BI article also says, bringing us to our next point.

The Cradle of Texas is Liberty is the most-Instagrammed spot in Texas, racking in 62,497 posts, according to a study by TravelBird.

That's a lot of trendy Millennials who did more than look at a picture, and were impressed enough by the "shockingly small" mission to stick a "#travelinspo" caption on it to share with their followers.

mmendoza@mysa.com

Twitter: @MaddySkye