RIO Magazine DECEMBER 2020 by Traveling Blender

DECEMBER 2020 COMPLIMENTARY

Lights, Cell Phone, Photos! Culture Wrapped in a Corn Husk Christmas Cheer!

VISIT US: THESANANTONIORIVERWALK.COM â&#x20AC;¢ COUPONS & MAPS INSIDE

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Enjoy patio dining overlooking the san antonio river walk.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Order Online For Curbside Pickup or Delivery Happy Hour 3pm-6pm and Reverse Happy Hour 9pm-11pm 421 E. Commerce St. | (210) 226-8462 Check our website for restaurant hours riorioriverwalk.com

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Shop Small. Shop Local. Located in the heart of downtown, La Villita offers over 20 unique boutiques, art galleries and savory dining experiences. Shop local & have a holiday shopping experience as charming as the gifts you’ll find.

Hours of Operation

Thurs – Sat 10am – 6pm | Sun 11am – 4pm Restaurant hours vary

La Villita | 418 Villita Street | lavillitasanantonio.com

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LOCATED AT RIVERCENTER MALL 849 EAST COMMERECE STREET • SAN ANTONIO, TX 78205

$5 off

SAN ANTONIO

RESTAURANT OR RETAIL PURCHASE

*Excludes alcohol and may not be combined with any other coupon or discount. Offer valid at Margaritaville San Antonio. One per table per visit per transaction. Excludes sale items in retail. Maximum 6 people per party. Offer expires 12/31/2021. TBLEND5OFF

RESTAURANT OR RETAIL PURCHASE

*Excludes alcohol and may not be combined with any other coupon or discount. Offer valid at LandShark Bar & Grill San Antonio. One per table per visit per transaction. Excludes sale items in retail. Maximum 6 people per party. Offer expires 12/31/2021. TBLEND5OFF

JUST LIKE

MAMA MAKES IT! LOCATED ON THE RIVER WALK

406 Navarro Street • 210.224.4867 River Walk Patio • Free WiFi • Perfect for Groups • Retail Market

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IN THIS ISSUE FAMILY FUN SO MUCH SPARKLE, SO LITTLE TIME By Janis Turk

BE ENTERTAINED CULTURE WRAPPED IN A CORN HUSK By Kimberly Suta

GREAT FINDS SHOPPING AFTERGLOW By Dawn Robinette

CULTURE & COMMUNITY GET IN THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON By Dan R. Goddard

RECREATION WHERE TO GET LIT By Drew Henry

IN EVERY ISSUE FEATURES 12 16 20 24

Sip & Savor Family Fun Be Entertained Great Finds

GUIDES 39 Food & Drink 40 Shopping

COUPONS 46

SPOTLIGHT

Coupons

35 Casa Rio

MAPS 42 River Walk 43 Museum Reach & King William 44 Downtown

28 Culture & Community 32 Recreation 36 24/48/72 Hours

ON THE COVER

The lights on the River Walk were tuned on November 9 this year. Traditionally they are turned on the day after Thanksgiving to coincide with the Ford Holiday River Parade. Due to COVID, the parade was cancelled as were all major events organized by the San Antonio River Walk Association, a nonprofit who was created in 1969 to promote, protect, and preserve the crown jewel of San Antonio. Cover photo by John Cabuena. TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com/donate

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RIO Magazine is the official publication of the San Antonio River Walk Association. All expressions of opinions and statements of supposed facts are published on the authority of the writer and cannot be regarded as expressing the views of the San Antonio River Walk Association or its Publisher. Advertisements do not imply sponsorship or endorsement by the San Antonio River Walk Association or its Publisher.

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2020-2021 San Antonio River Walk Association

The San Antonio River Walk Association’s mission is to promote, protect and preserve the River Walk. This is done through special events, public education, social media, and RIO Magazine. The association also serves as an advocate for member businesses. For more information, call 210-227-4262. PRESIDENT Maria Martinez The Westin Riverwalk PRESIDENT-ELECT John Carbajal Keller Williams PAST-PRESIDENT Laurence Seiterle Zurich Properties TREASURER Ashley Ciomperlik CHAIR, OPERATORS COMMITTEE Andreas Esparza Boudro’s EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Maggie Thompson San Antonio River Walk Association EX-OFFICIOS Veronica Carrillo Center City Development and Operations Department Angela Camarillo San Antonio River Authority Eddie Romero Centro San Antonio Will Grinnan San Antonio Restaurant Association Sharon Aguillen San Antonio Tourism Council BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mike Bolick Hotel Emma

Ric Morales Silver Eagle Beverages

Bob Buchanan The Original Mexican Restaurant

Tammy Peacock-Werline Topgolf

Ashley Ciomperlik Wyndham Garden Riverwalk Terry Corless Mad Dogs Group Mike DeLuna Paesanos Restaurant Group

David Ramirez San Japan Rudy Saenz Staybridge Suites Carrie Anne Silvers Hard Rock Cafe

Mae Escobar aMAEzing Marketing Group

Mark Vilagi Marriott San Antonio Airport

Amanda Garcia Visit San Antonio

Ryan Wood On the Bend

Janis Maxymof Marketing Specialist

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Some things are not to be missed. The River Walk. The Alamo. And the Shrimp Paesano at Paesanos. For more than 50 years, locals and visitors alike have enjoyed the contemporary setting, Italian/Mediterranean cuisine and Old World service of this culinary landmark. Join us at our River Walk location for an experience you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t soon forget it.

C h e C k O u r W e b s i t e F O r r e s ta u r a n t h O u r s Order Online FOr Curbside PiCkuP Or delivery paesanosriverwalk.com 111 West Crockett Street

(210) 227-2782

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EDITOR’S LETTER

The Official Magazine of the River Walk

PUBLISHER

Louis Doucette louis@travelingblender.com EDITOR

Paula Schechter paula@riverwalksa.org BUSINESS MANAGER

Vicki Schroder vicki@travelingblender.com ADVERTISING SALES

CHERISH, LOVE & GIVING. I’m looking forward to the holiday season this year and will cherish the memories of trying new things with my son as he returns home from his first year in college. He doesn’t know it yet, but we’re going to make tamales – thanks to inspiration from the Be Entertained story in this issue. San Antonio has so many over-the-top light displays that I wonder if they can be seen from space? With so many offered, we feature them in three different stories this month; Family Fun, Culture & Community, and Recreation. Each year my son and I try and take in a new one; perhaps we’ll add SeaWorld to our list. An addition to my gift list this year is my son’s new girlfriend. I suspect the Great Finds story will help us both navigate shopping for his new love and her family. Jewelry and an ornament? Maybe a book from the Briscoe Museum and a gift card to a River Walk restaurant?

San Antonio: Gerry Lair gerry@travelingblender.com Madeleine Justice madeleine@travelingblender.com Austin: Sandy Weatherford sandy@travelingblender.com GRAPHIC DESIGN

2 Rare Birds Creative info@2rarebirds.com

As we close out 2020, please keep in mind those who have experienced a financial downturn. If possible, show them your support by utilizing their services or making a donation. The San Antonio River Walk Association is one nonprofit in need of your help TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com/Donate.

Paula Schechter Editor, Rio Magazine

paula@riverwalksa.org TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com

Rio Magazine is published by Traveling Blender, LLC. (Publisher) on behalf of the San Antonio River Walk Association. Reproduction in any manner in whole or in part is prohibited without the express written consent of the San Antonio River Walk Association. Material contained herein does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the San Antonio River Walk Association or its staff. Rio Magazine, the Publisher and the San Antonio River Walk Association reserve the right to edit all material for clarity and space and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors or omissions. Rio Magazine does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertisements or editorial nor does the Publisher or the San Antonio River Walk Association assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Articles and photos are welcome and may be submitted to our office to be used subject to the discretion and review of the Publisher and San Antonio River Walk Association. All submissions become the property of the San Antonio River Walk Association. All Real Estate advertising is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make such a preference limitation or discrimination.”

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SIP & SAVOR Acenar

DISH UP SOME

Yuletide Yum! 12 RIO Magazine

by Kimberly A. Suta

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F or me, food is the best part of the holiday season! I’ve had my fill of pumpkin spice and am ready to roll-out the yuletide flavors, including some unexpected offerings to make this year’s celebrations tasty! IRON CACTUS While there are many exceptional dining options on the River Walk, Iron Cactus always holds a special place in our San Antonio hearts. This Mexican restaurant, grill, and margarita bar was born on Austin’s infamous 6th Street in ’96 but has also been an integral part of the River Walk for decades. Always a sure bet for a fabulous meal. Popular dishes include the Cactus Filet, served with jumbo lump crabmeat, green chile bacon mash, and seasonal veggies, or the Camarones a La Parrilla—jumbo shrimp with jalapenos, panela cheese, bacon, Mexican rice, and beans.

This scrumptious silky chocolate mouse cake is topped with cinnamon-spiked chocolate ganache and served with bananas and whipped cream. Arrive early to lounge on the patio for happy hour specials, including featured cocktails and shareable bites such as their mini tinga empanadas, gleefully stuffed with shredded chicken, chorizo, chipotle butter, and topped with a jalapeno salsa drizzle. It’s just enough spice to keep you toasty warm all night long!

ON THE BEND OYSTER BAR & CIGAR LOUNGE If you’re looking for a seasonal brew, not to mention great eats, However, in December, Iron On the Bend Oyster Cactus loves to showcase Bar & Cigar Lounge their festive Chile Relleno is showcasing a Rustico, made with chicken, fantastic seasonal sun-dried cranberries, brew from Karbach pepitas, pepper jack, toasted Brewing Company. pecans, and verde sauce. Yule Shoot Your Eye The dish pairs nicely with their Southerleigh Out is a clever nod to one Mexican City Sour cocktail – Patron of America’s favorite movie Silver, red wine, passion fruit, fresh lime, classics, A Christmas Story, and brings and agave. It’s a classic, to be sure, but you won’t with it all of the cheer you’ve been anticipating. find another one in Texas quite like it This glorious red ale is brewed with orange peel, making it a super smooth caramel malt ACENAR After a lovely stroll along the River Walk, with a citrus twist that pairs nicely with any of illuminated by thousands of colorful Christmas the seafood offerings, including Hot and Spicy lights, make sure to stop in at Acenar, located Shrimp, fresh-shucked Gulf oysters on the half along Houston Street. Not only do they serve up shell, and Glazed Bourbon Salmon. some of this city’s best Tex-Mex, but they have a SOUTHERLIEGH FINE FOOD & BREWERY gorgeous patio overlooking the river. Just a hop, skip and jump from downtown, This holiday season, they’re dishing up a to-die- Southerliegh Fine Food & Brewery, located for dessert—Mousse de Chocolate Mexicano. at the historic Pearl Brewery, is a year-round favorite for coastal classics with a modern twist

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SIP & SAVOR

Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery

Iron Cactus

Lucy Cooper’s Ice House

from Chef Jeff Balfour. Now that we can finally put our bathing suits away, it’s time to tuck into some comfort food. Even grandma would approve of Southerleigh’s rich and hearty meatloaf, topped with a smoked tomato sauce, and accompanied by creamy whipped potatoes. Although Oktoberfest is long gone, Southerleigh’s Crispy Pork Schnitzel will warm your cockles even better than a blazing fire in the hearth. For starters or endings, don’t walk away without trying one of their Wood Fired Pretzels, best enjoyed dipped in their signature beer cheese and sweet pickle mustard for a gooey, cheesy tang that will ring your (Christmas) bell. Any of these delights pair superbly with a tall glass of handcrafted Gold Export or Darwinian IPA beer.

click on this: ACENAR Acenar.com DORCOL DISTILLING & BREWING CO. Dorcolspirits.com IRON CACTUS Ironcactus.com LUCY COOPER’S ICE HOUSE Lucycoopers.com ON THE BEND OYSTER BAR & CIGAR LOUNGE Onthebendsa.com SOUTHERLEIGH Southerleigh.com

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Good news for those heading to the RIM for some Christmas shopping, Southerleigh has recently blown north with a new, abridged iteration called Southerleigh Haute South. With their signature fried chicken, seafood, and even a full oyster bar, this more fast-casual dining option is already a hot spot, even on a cold winter’s night. LUCY COOPER’S Still on the northside? Lucy Cooper’s is a chefforward ice house, centrally located along 281. This local’s favorite is an ideal place to sip and socialize. With plenty of room to relax with your party, either inside or outside on picnic tables, this is the kind of place you can while away the entire holiday season and let somebody else do the shopping. They offer exceptional bar eats with kitschy class, from a Shaved Prime Rib Sammich to a Krispy Kreme Brunch Burger and Fried Green Tomato BLT. Bacon is served up on a mini close line, and not just any bacon, but “ridiculously” thick-cut smoked whiskey brown sugar bacon.

Dorcol Distilling & Brewing Company

With enough TVs to classify as a sports bar, San Antonio and Texas made beer and spirits, live music on Friday nights, and a pool table, Lucy Cooper’s checks all the boxes. During December, get ready to kick off your shoes and your diet at Lucy’s by ordering their Holidays at Mom’s Burger. This delicious monster burger comes with their signature burger patty smothered in creamy swiss cheese, piled high with smoked ham, a deep-fried “ho’made” stuffing patty, zesty orange cranberry compote, a drizzle of roasted turkey gravy, and served on a potato bun topped with a deviled egg. They hope it reminds you of the holidays at Mom’s house, even if you can’t be there. It pairs perfectly with their Frozen Sazerac of rye whiskey, cognac, absinthe, lime juice, and aromatic bitters for a wintery wonderland all your own! DORCOL DISTILLING & BREWING COMPANY Are you looking for a nightcap? Pick up a brew from the award-winning Dorcol Distilling & Brewing Company, located in the Southtown Arts District, just a few minutes from the River Walk. For the holidays, they recommend their HighWheel BarrelAged Stout – a classic American stout with plenty of malt and roast, yet enough hops to balance the whopping 8% ABV. Aged in sherry barrels and finished in brandy barrels, this very merry brew offers flavors of vanilla, oak, warm spices, and dried fruit layered with traditional roast, dark, and chocolate flavors expected of an American stout. WRITER’S BIO Kimberly A. Suta of Sutapants Productions is a local and national food writer, award-winning filmmaker, and publicist for the culinary industry. She’s also the co-creator of Homegrown Chef (homegrowncheftv.com), a culinary series and catering and events company featuring our city’s best chefs and delicious eats.

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12/31/20

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RIO Magazine

FAMILY FUN

Sparkle, SO MUCH

By Janis Turk

SO LITTLE TIME!

San Antonio simply sparkles this season; so don’t sit “Home Alone” watching the same old Christmas movies on TV; take a drive with the family to see San Antonio’s spectacular holiday lights. Or, combine lights and exercise with a stroll along the River Walk. It’s bright, it’s beautiful, it’s safe, and it’s fun. RIVER WALK WONDERLAND Delighting families for decades, the splendid San Antonio tradition of heading downtown to see the lights along the River Walk never ceases to thrill locals and visitors alike. Draped with more than 100,000 colored Christmas lights, the Bald Cypress trees shading the River Walk are a joy to behold. With 2,250 long strings of LED lights draped high in the branches, long bright strands of colored bulbs cascading from above, create the ultimate free holiday display. The water’s reflection of the twinkling lights brings families a glimmer of comfort and joy, and sweethearts find it romantic, too. Where to begin? Why not start at the steps leading down to the River Walk from the Commerce Street Bridge. Then, walk in any direction and prepare to be dazzled. Don’t miss the Christmas tree located outdoors in the Shops at Rivercenter lagoon. 16 RIO Magazine

ALAMO PLAZA Be sure to see the Christmas tree, lights, and Texas-sized decorations in Alamo Plaza. From river level, take the Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk’s glass elevator to street level, then walk out the front doors and up through a pretty passageway to enter Alamo Plaza. While in the plaza, visit Kilwin’s for hot cocoa and a Christmas candy treat.

TRAVIS PARK Another not-to-miss free family experience is a stroll through Travis Park to see the 50-foot-tall Christmas. Texas grocery retailer H-E-B sponsors the Alamo Plaza and Travis Park tree each year. If it’s more convenient for the family, enjoy the view from your car. Travis Park is one square block and can easily be driven around—several times. LIGHT THE WAY If Santa went to college, he might have gone to the University of the Incarnate Word’s sprawling campus just off Broadway, for he’d surely feel right at home there this time of year. The campus glitters like the North Pole with glimmering lights draped in the tree boughs canopying the campus. Drive through after dark, or meander under the lights through January 6. An illustrated easy-to-access map is available on the campus thesanantonioriverwalk.com

Lights downtown and along the River Walk are on from dusk to dawn each evening through January 4. LA VILLITA AND MARKET SQUARE Do a little downtown holiday shopping at La Villita in Market Square and stop for a bite to eat tamales are traditional holiday eats. The colored lights, Mexican imports, food, and atmosphere combine for a memorable family experience. Nearby Milam Park will feature sparkling lights, colorful banners, a large Christmas tree, and bright holiday decorations. La Villita Christmas

Lights Alive

Sea World Christmas

website. Don’t miss this free drivethrough wonderland delight. CALLING ALL ELVES When Santa comes to Texas, he always makes a stop at Elf Acres, a 20-acre family-owned drive-through ranch that’s sure to dazzle—featuring nearly ¾ of a million holiday lights, large animated Christmas displays, a one-mile driveable trail of lights with a sing-along radio station. Park and walk around Santa’s Village to partake in photos with Santa, treats sure to put you on the naughty list, shopping, and more. Elf Acres opens at 6:30 p.m. nightly through December 30, Sundays through Thursdays, until 10 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays until 11 p.m.. Brightening the holidays for six years now, Elf Acres is easy to find: look for the enormous LED sign at its entrance at 1475 Grosenbacher Rd. thesanantonioriverwalk.com

Alamo Plaza

Lights Alive

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Downtown San Antonio Lights

FAMILY FUN

Nutcracker Ballet

click on this: SAN ANTONIO RIVER WALK Thesanantonioriverwalk.com CHILDREN’S BALLET Childrensballetofsanantonio.org LIGHT THE WAY Lightthewaysa.com SAN ANTONIO ZOO Sazoo.org ELF ACRES Elfacres.com

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LIGHTS ALIVE Seelightsalive.com SEAWORLD Seaworld.com TOBIN CENTER Tobincenter.org

WINTERY WATERY WONDERS The annual Christmas celebration and light display at SeaWorld San Antonio is spectacular, as 9 million colorful lights illuminate the 250-acre park, making it one of the largest light displays in Texas. Sip hot cocoa and sing along with carolers, enjoy Christmas shows, holiday displays, traditional festive foods, a visit with Santa Claus, and more. Rudolph, with his nose so bright, will be prancing through the park, eager to greet the kids. Tickets are available for purchase online or at the door. Holiday fun will be held this holiday season through Jan. 3, at 10500 SeaWorld Dr. LIGHTS ALIVE For a wow-inducing holiday light extravaganza, visit Lights Alive, a mile-long drive-through display in the Alamo Ranch area. This “technocentric,” musically synchronized, professionally designed light show made entirely of computercontrolled RGB pixel nodes, just like you’d see on a Jumbotron screen. At the end of the drive, stop at the Park & Play Wonderland for holiday confections. Create Christmas crafts, take photos with Santa, and see a 50-foot animated light show tree. It all began with a family featured on ABC’s “Great Christmas Light Fight,” but now,

at this bigger and better location, it’s become a popular holiday spot drawing visitors through January 3 starting at 6 p.m. nightly and running until 9:30 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and on Fridays and Saturdays, until 10 p.m. at 5931 Roft Rd. Look for tickets online or at the gate. NUTS ABOUT THE NUTCRACKER [NUTCRACKER V. 2020] A special socially distanced seating arrangement helps ensure a safe return to a beloved annual holiday tradition: the Ballet San Antonio performance of The Nutcracker at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, Dec. 4-6; and Dec. 11-13. The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) will virtually present three performances of The Children’s Nutcracker, Friday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 12 at 2 p.m., and again at 7 p.m. This special holiday performance features youngsters, ages 3-19. WRITER’S BIO Janis Turk is an award-winning travel writer and author of travel guides and books about Texas. Visit her website at TurkTravels thesanantonioriverwalk.com

Nothing tops the tower

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Prime Rib & Craft Cocktails

Hot Chocolate Lava Cake

Observation deck WITH incredible views

three 4d theater rides

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739 E. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd. 210-223-3101 TowerOfTheAmericas.com thesanantonioriverwalk.com

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BE ENTERAINED By Susan Yerkes

CULTURE WRAPPEDIN The only thing more plentiful than the variety of tamale flavors in San Antonio - pork, chicken, bean, spicy, green sauce, red sauce, veggie, and even dessert tamales - are the sweet memories wrapped in corn husks of those who have made them for generations. This year, as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Cities of Creative Gastronomy, San Antonio has shone a spotlight on tamales with a series of virtual events celebrating the iconic tamal (the singular form of tamales...but who can eat just one?) For several years, downtown’s Market Square’s held a Gran Tamalada – a festival celebrating all things tamal-related. This year the celebration, like so many others, is going virtual with a special twist. The city’s World Heritage Office and its Tamal Institute, a partnership with the University of Texas at San Antonio, has filmed a video series about tamales and the tamalada – the traditional gathering of families and friends to prepare big batches of tamales for the holidays and beyond each year. Ellen Riojas Clark, professor of bilingual-bicultural studies at the University of Texas-San Antonio, is one of the prime movers of La Gran Tamalada. She hosts the videos made in her San Antonio home, where she has held holiday season tamaladas for more than half a century. Clark literally wrote the book on tamales – in 2011, she and San Antonio Poet Laureate 20 RIO Magazine

A CORN HUSK

Carmen Tafolla co-authored the delightful Tamales, Comadres and the Meaning of Civilization still available on amazon.com. “My mother never made tamales at home, but my aunt used to make them, and every Christmas Eve we would go to her home for tamales,” Clark said. “When I grew up and married, I wanted to start that tradition, and for 50 years now, I’ve made them every year. When I first began, it was a big party; I would make 150 pounds of masa for the event. Everybody would bring their pots and make the tamales and take them home to cook.” Chef Cariño Cortez, whose family owns the iconic Mi Tierra restaurant in Market Square, was also involved with La Gran Tamalada and worked on the new videos. “It’s a three-part series – how to make the masa, how to make the fillings, and finally the assembly and cooking, and Ellen will weave in the cultural significance and history. We want it to be a great resource for people. There will be a Facebook event, and it will be on the World Heritage site. The thesanantonioriverwalk.com

tamaltrivia 1

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Tamales are the original “to-go” food of the Americas. The name comes from the ancient Nahuatl language meaning wrapped food. They were used by travelers and hunting groups. Water tamales (served without any spices) were eaten during Aztec festivals honoring the corn god. Aztec tamales fillings included turkey, flamingo, frog, gopher, rabbit, fish, turkey eggs, honey, fruits, squash, and beans, or with no filling at all and no added fat. Tamales became popular in the U.S. around 1900 when African Americans adopted the food from Mexican migrant workers in cotton and sugar cane fields. Called “red hots,” they were a popular street food in cities from New Orleans to Chicago and New York. Blues legend Robert Johnson (who recorded many of his songs in Room 414 of San Antonio’s historic Sheraton Gunter Hotel, wrote a hit song about “They’re Red Hot.” The late President Gerald Ford is remembered in San Antonio for his “Great Tamale Goof,” During a visit to the city, he eagerly bit into a tamale in front of journalists and photographers – without removing the corn husk. At a White House celebration of Mexico’s Cinco de Mayo holiday, President Barak Obama told guests that Mexican food is Michelle Obama’s favorite cuisine. “You do not want to get between Michelle and a tamale,” he added. “Nixtamalization” is the traditional practice of preparing the masa. Corn is cooked and soaked in a solution of lime that loosens the hull, softening the kernel and boosting nutrition. While most tamales are steamed, they can be boiled, grilled, fried, barbecued, or roasted. Guanajuato, a region in Mexico, make tamales de muerto (tamales for the dead) of blue corn for Day of the Dead altar offerings. In Oaxaca, the region’s famous black mole spice is a common ingredient, as is iguana meat. In the Huasteca region, tamales made for sharing are called zacahuil, which can be up to 10 feet long and weigh 100 pounds. That was pre-Covid, of course. Modern chefs have shown great creativity. One fancy L.A. eatery features Tokyo tamales with ahi tuna in ponzu and Shanghai tamales with duck and bok choy. How about the Jewish tamale with whitefish mousse and smoked salmon? And who can resist a solid chocolate dessert tamale?

RIO Magazine

BE ENTERAINED

videos will go live on Dec. 5. and archived on YouTube,” Cortez said.

Gran Tamalada. Photo by Ellen Clark

On Dec. 12, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Witte Museum has transformed its’ annual tamal-themed fundraiser into a virtual event – the 13th Annual La Tamalada. For $80 per household, virtual attendees receive a 20-quart steamer pot and the ingredients to make a big batch of tamales, plus personalized online attention to guide you through the tamalcreation. Fortunately, you don’t have to host a tamalada to enjoy great tamales—especially in San Antonio. You can order them in many of the city’s cozy cafes – Mi Tierra, for instance, where the red chile pork tamales are a year-round staple, and bean and cheese and jalapeno and chicken tamales are added to the menu during the holiday season.

Mi Tierra Cafe Tamales

You can also pick them up in almost any grocery store (H-E-B, brands are popular) or order online – but do it as early as possible! The demand for tamales goes through the roof this time of year, and by midDecember, they often sell out.

Check out Adelita’s or Delicious Tamales for traditional flavors or Tamalhi, for a different twist, with banana-leaf-wrapped tamales in addition to more conventional recipes. Their Sleepy Hollow tamales, pumpkin with raisins and spices, are a favorite. Hollow sweet pumpkin tamales with raisins and spices are a seasonal favorite. Wherever you order them, most tamales ship for between $9 and $12 a dozen. That’s a small price to pay for a savory delight steeped in powerful cultural tradition. As Clark wrote in the forward to her book: “As you unwrap these delicious, steaming, freshly-made tamales, giftwrapped in corn shucks, that have kept human beings alive for more than 7,000 years on this continent, think about the things that last beyond nations, beyond languages, beyond flags. Our histories, and our stories, are wrapped in those shucks, and our memories are wrapped in their love.” WRITER’S BIO Susan Yerkes is an award-winning San Antonio-based journalist, travel writer, and ardent consumer of tamales year-round.

click on this:

Gran Tamalada. Photo by Ellen Clark

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ADELITA TAMALES AND TORTILLA FACTORY Adelitatamales.com

SAN ANTONIO CITY OF GASTRONOMY Sacityofgastronomy.org

DELICIOUS TAMALES Delicioustamales.com

TAMALHI Tamahli.com

MI TIERRA CAFÉ Mitierracafe.com

WITTE MUSEUM Wittemuseum.org

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2 BUTTERMILK PANCAKES 2 SAUSAGE LINKS 2 BACON STRIPS 2 EGGS • HASH BROWNS

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20% OFF ENTIRE GUEST CHECK One coupon, per table, per visit. Not valid on national holidays, with the 2468 Value Menu™, Super Slam™, AARP or any other coupons or promotional offers. This offer can be redeemed only once by the original recipient. Coupon has no cash value. No change returned. Taxes and gratuity not included. Alcoholic beverages not included. Valid at participating restaurants for a limited time only. Selection and prices may vary. Photocopied and Internet printed or purchased coupons are not valid. No substitutions. Offer valid for dine in only. Not valid for online orders. Restrictions apply. © 2020 DFO, LLC. Offer ends 2/15/21

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FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY | NO SUBSTITUTIONS Visit your local Denny’s at 903 E Commerce St • San Antonio, TX • 210-223-4321

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One coupon, per table, per visit. Not valid on national holidays, with the 2468 Value Menu™, Super Slam™, AARP or any other coupons or promotional offers. This offer can be redeemed only once by the original recipient. Coupon has no cash value. No change returned. Taxes and gratuity not included. Alcoholic beverages not included. Valid at participating restaurants for a limited time only. Selection and prices may vary. Photocopied and Internet printed or purchased coupons are not valid. No substitutions. Offer valid for dine in only. Not valid for online orders. Restrictions apply. © 2020 DFO, LLC. Offer ends 2/15/21

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RIO Magazine

GREAT FINDS

San Antonio Museum of Art

Briscoe Western Art Museum

The Shops at Rivercenter

The Pearl

SHOPPING AFTERGLOW By Dawn Robinette

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thesanantonioriverwalk.com

Alamo Quarry Market

The Pearl

La Villita

The Shops at Rivercenter

click on this: ALAMO QUARRY MARKET Quarrymarket.com

The magic of San Antonio during the holiday season is hard to beat - twinkling lights, festive music, and smiling faces combine to create the perfect atmosphere for crossing-off your list. Before you know it, you’ll have shopping afterglow! The River Walk is a sparkling wonderland of lights each holiday season and provides a fantastic backdrop for shopping. Amid the lights, The Shops at Rivercenter is a bright beacon, with the only Christmas tree you’ll find on the river and a Santa waiting to greet you. Rivercenter mixes local shops and national chains so you can find a specific gift or browse to discover a treasure for thesanantonioriverwalk.com

the hard-to-please person on your list, all with views of the twinkling River Walk lights. There’s something magical about shopping and gazing out of Rivercenter’s wall of windows to see a tour boat floating by. Anchored by Macy’s and H&M, Rivercenter has everything from sporting goods and jewelry to novelties and the latest fashion. Tackling your holiday list quickly leaves time for fun me-time at Dave & Buster’s at the Shops at Rivercenter . Stroll the river to the Shops at La Villita, a tree-shaded trove of shops, restaurants and fun just off of the River Walk, a secret all shoppers should happily share with others who enjoy an array of artisan quality finds. Listed on the U.S. government’s National Register of Historic Places, La Villita is a kaleidoscope of color, culture, and flair. With clothing, jewelry, artwork, décor, candles, copper, and more, La Villita offers something for everyone, but especially for those who seek to give the gift of quality, unique goods.

BRISCOE WESTERN ART MUSEUM Briscoemuseum.org LA VILLITA Lavillitasanantonio.com PEARL Atpearl.com SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART Samuseum.org THE SHOPS AT RIVERCENTER Shoprivercenter.com

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GREAT FINDS

La Villita

San Antonio Museum of Art

Over the river (sorry, no woods to go through) from La Villita, let your adventure take you west, as in the real west featured at the Briscoe Western Art Museum. If you think museum shopping is just souvenir trinkets, think again. Unique finds unlike anything you’ll see in regular shops await, making museums a secret weapon for landing the perfect gift. The Briscoe’s museum store features a curated selection of books, ornaments, children’s toys and games, pottery, jewerly, and more, including original artwork and prints, all tucked away in the Briscoe’s beautiful restored 1930s building. For more museum-worthy finds, stroll the River Walk to the San Antonio Museum of Art, or SAMA as referred to by locals . The Shop inside SAMA features a stunning line of vintage silver from Mexico called Moosepablos. Each piece is unique and reflects the culture and craftsmanship of Mexico. To celebrate the museum’s new exhibition, “Exquisite Adornment”, the Shop’s usual array of stunning jewelry is even more fabulous this year. The selection of art books is exceptional and all items are sure to please the art-lover on your list. By the way, like the Briscoe, you do not have to pay admission to enjoy shopping at the San Antonio Museum of Art. Anything you purchase can be shipped to your home. Both museums offer online shopping as well, but nothing beats the in-person experience. Letting the river be your guide, make your way to the Pearl. Decked in lights and holiday finery, the shops at Pearl make shopping a joy. Pearl is also known for its shops and their variety can help you find something for everyone on your 26 RIO Magazine

Briscoe Western Art Museum

list. Explore and enjoy The Sporting District, Feliz Modern Pop, The Twig Book Shop, The Tiny Finch, Adelante Boutique, Ten Thousand Villages, LeeLee, Dos Carolinas, and Niche Boutique, but fair warning: you might have a hard time sticking to your list. Shop and stroll among Pearl’s holiday lights, enjoy a bite at any one of Pearl’s terrific restaurants and check out the view of the River Walk’s Museum Reach—and take home gifts sure to bring holiday smiles. Away from the river but only a short drive from the Pearl, Alamo Quarry Market is a hop, skip and a jump from downtown and impossible to miss thanks to its iconic smokestacks. Nestled in

what was once the Alamo Cement Company, Alamo Quarry Market’s design highlights remainders of the historical landmark that provided the mortar binding together much of San Antonio’s historic buildings, giving this shopping destination a unique vibe. The smokestacks that tower over the shops are lit in colors of the season, shining brightly and drawing you in like a moth to the flame of shopping. With the retail array at Quarry Market, you can definitely “cement” a deal with terrific additions for your home or wardrobe, ahem, for everyone on your list. The market includes national favorites like Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Chico’s, Francesca’s, Lululemon Athletica, J.Crew Mercantile, Victoria’s Secret, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware and local treasures like Lucchese Boot Co. and SAS Shoes. Pair the retail selection with an almost overwhelming array of dining options and you can make a day or evening shopping adventure into a date or family outing. There’s something for every appetite and speed, from fast casual to a sit-down meal to enjoy as you regale your friends and family with your shopping finds.

WRITER’S BIO An award-winning communications expert who enjoys sharing new discoveries and revisiting old favorites in her adopted hometown, Dawn Robinette loves to tell stories. You can read more of her work at Alamo City Moms, San Antonio Woman and Texas Lifestyle Magazine.

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CULTURE & COMMUNITY

Get in the Spirit of the Season By Dan R. Goddard

Photo by John Cabuena

San Antonio’s Downtown’s Christmas spirit starts below street level on the San Antonio River Walk. Thousands of lights hang from towering Bald Cypress trees and reflect on the water, and carolers voices fill the evening air. On weekends, luminarias line the sidewalks. The holiday magic continues on street-level, where shops, restaurants, and hotels compete in the mayor’s annual Light Up Downtown contest with festive window displays. The city’s giant community Christmas tree dazzles in the middle of downtown in Travis Park, just one block north of the lights on Houston Street. HOLIDAYS ON HOUSTON STREET From the mid-1920s to the early 1960s, Houston Street reigned as the city’s premier business address. Frost Bros. department store, the Gunther and St. Anthony hotels, and one of Texas’ most palatial atmospheric movie theaters, the Majestic, brought the crowds to Houston Street. But with the rise of suburbs and malls, the street lost its luster by the 1970s. Since 1982, Centro San Antonio has committed to strengthening the Houston Street corridor to reclaim its status as “San Antonio’s main street.” Both hotels and the Majestic Theatre now exceed their original glamour and visitor appeal and have been joined by new hotels and restaurants. Saddly the glamourous Frost Bros. department store is no longer. Holidays on Houston Street traditionally kicks off with a tree lighting event led by Mark Bohanan, owner and executive chef of Bohanan’s Prime Steaks and Seafood. He created Holidays on Houston Street to showcase the spirit of historic downtown San Antonio and support local non-profits. The Houston Street tree is placed in Bohanan’s patio at 219 E. Houston St. Other businesses join in the holiday spirit with icicle lights and holiday garlands. Since 2002, Bohanan’s has been serving Japanese Akaushi Steaks and mesquite-grilled prime cuts of Midwestern corn-fed beef plus seafood and flaming desserts. The ambiance and food make Bohanan’s a great choice for a December meal or cocktail at Bohanan’s Bar.

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Houston Street

click on this: BLUEBONNET CARRIAGE COMPANY Bluebonnetcarriage.com BOHANAN’S PRIME STEAKS AND SEAFOOD Bohanans.com BUCKHORN SALOON Buckhornmuseum.com CENTRO SAN ANTONIO Centrosanantonio.org HILTON PALACIO DEL RIO Hilton.com LA PANDERIA BAKERY CAFÉ Lapanaderia.com LOLLIPOP CARRIAGE COMPANY Lollypopcarriage.com SAN ANTONIO RIVER WALK Thesanantonioriverwalk.com YELLOW ROSE CARRIAGE COMPANY Yellowrosecarriage.com

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CULTURE & COMMUNITY Hertzberg Clock

Pearl Brewery Lighted Carriage Ride

Houston Street

Snap a holiday pic on the corner at North St. Mary’s Street with the restored 17-foot-tall cast iron and brass Hertzberg Clock owned by the San Antonio Conservation Society. Built by E. Howard & Co. of Boston. In 1878 the clock was erected outside the Eli Hertzberg Jewelry Co. on Commerce Street, then moved to Houston Street in 1910. Strolling east toward Alamo Plaza, check out local favorites La Panderia Bakery Café and Revolucion Coffee + Juice for a warm holiday beverage and treat. With one of the largest collections of taxidermied animals in the world, the Buckhorn Saloon, established in 1881, displays a world record 78-point whitetail buck and a 1,100-pound marlin along with custombuilt antler chairs once owned by Teddy Roosevelt and Kaiser Wilhelm of Prussia.

Lighted Carriage Ride Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias

Several downtown streets are named after heroes of the Alamo battle. Houston Street, of course, honors the leader of the Texas Revolution who wasn’t there, Gen. Sam Houston. Ironically, if Col. Travis and his men had followed the general’s orders – destroyed the fort and high-tailed it out of San Antonio – the Alamo wouldn’t be the Alamo. LIGHTED CARRIAGE RIDES Take your holiday lights with you on a carriage ride through downtown. Local carriage companies have night-time rides that turn horse-drawn carriages into sparkling winter wonderland-like fantasies of color and light. Bluebonnet, Lollipop, and Yellow Rose carriage companies provide a romantic ride for two, including chocolates and flowers and tours of downtown and the King William District. Carriages will pick you up at your favorite hotel, restaurant, or landmark. Ask about reduced rates for young children. HILTON PALACIO DEL RIO Construction contractor Henry Bartell Zachry made headlines worldwide when he built the 21-story, 500-room Hilton Palacio del Rio in 202

30 RIO Magazine

days. Rooms were cast in concrete miles away, completely decorated, and then moved downtown, where a tall crane lifted each 35 ton module into place, averaging 18 to 20 rooms a day. The hotel opened March 30, 1968, less than a week before the beginning of the World’s Fair, HemisFair ‘68. Still one of the city’s top-rated hotels, the Hilton Palacio del Rio always goes overboard for the holidays. Guestroom patio lights are changed to red and green to form a Christmas theme. The interior is festively decorated and Holiday food and beverage specials are offered at the River’s Edge Café and Patio Bar, which also serves American and South Texas cuisine. Also home to the River Walk’s only sports bar, a coffee shop with Starbucks, and Durty Nelly’s – an Irish pub with cozy fireplaces, stone walls, and sing-a-longs. FORD FIESTA DE LAS LUMINARIAS & BOAT CAROLING Along with the 100,000-holiday lights cascading from the towering Cypress trees, the River Walk takes on an added glow from the Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias. The traditional Mexican Christmas lantern symbolically lights the way for the holy family. River Walk luminarias use flickering electric candlelight set in paper bags with sand so that the experience can last from Friday through Sunday. More than 2,000 luminarias are set up along the river banks held the three weekends in December before Christmas. While strolling under the lights or dining riverside in the evening, you will see and hear private reserved boats drift by filled with Christmas carolers during the Ford Holiday Boat Caroling, a San Antonio tradition and twist on the Christmas classic activity.

WRITER’S BIO Dan R. Goddard is a longtime San Antonio arts writer.

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RECREATION SeaWorld

Six Flags

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t i L t e G o t e r Whe By Drew Henry

This holiday season, why not get lit! Not in an open-bar spiked eggnog kind-ofway. I’m talking in a strictly G-rated version, meaning Christmas lights! And in San Antonio, they abound at theme parks, neighborhoods, universities, heck even the local zoo gets in the spirit of the season. We have rounded up some of our favorite light festivals so you can get lit. Windcrest

Old West Light Show

Remember to bring your festive spirit, a warm coat, and a facemask. All of these activities offer open-air outdoor areas, social distancing, and regular sanitation and cleaning. Make sure to practice safe fun this holiday season. OLD WEST CHRISTMAS LIGHT FEST Ready for a Texas-sized Christmas? The Old West Christmas Light Fest is home to a rootin’ tootin’ holiday time. You may even catch Santa wearing a cowboy hat. Located at the Enchanted Springs Ranch in Boerne, this Texas-sized light festival is about a 40-minute ride outside of downtown that is well worth the trip. The lights run through Christmas night, and they are one of the most beautiful displays around. The adventure is two-fold, enjoy twinkling lights as you drive into the ranch and then descend into an old-timey Western town that has decked the halls. Main Street has over 40 decorated buildings, where you can stroll thesanantonioriverwalk.com

outside, shop, catch spirited shows, and meet Santa. A Texas Christmas wouldn’t be complete without making s’ mores over the open flame of a campfire. SEAWORLD’S CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION Catch a wave to a nautical Christmas at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration. This wintery and watery wonderland features Christmas shows, over 250 acres of holiday lights, and festival foods. You may even catch Santa taking a swim! SeaWorld’s celebration runs through January 3, and the park is located a 30-minute drive west of downtown. With millions of twinkling lights, this is one of the largest displays in Texas. At this celebration, you will not only get to meet Santa, but you can also hang out with Rudolph and all his friends. Then grab a hot chocolate and watch The Merry Mariachis fill the streets with music. Now that’s how you celebrate the holidays in San Antonio! SIX FLAGS HOLIDAY IN THE PARK, PRESENTED BY H-E-B Why take a sled when a roller coaster can get you there faster? The Six Flags Holiday in the Park, Presented by H-E-B, is a combination of a roller coaster and holiday fun made for everyone. See the Fiesta Texas park transformed into a Christmas utopia with millions of lights, musical shows, and Santa meet and greets. The celebration runs through January 3, and the park is located a quick 20-minute drive north of downtown. In addition to coasters, you can also catch a ride on the Holiday Express Train that offers choice views of the holiday lights, as well as sing-a-long stops and photo ops. Meet Santa at his workshop and then catch the Majesty of Christmas show. This holiday spectacular delivers a nativity reenactment, RIO Magazine

Six Flags Fiesta Texas

Windcrest

stunning vocal performances, and a reminder of the reason for the season. Finish out the night by roasting marshmallows at the campfire. SAN ANTONIO ZOO’S ZOO LIGHTS Santa may rely on reindeer to drive his sleigh, but how would you like to ride a camel? Imagine walking through the zoo, gazing at twinkling lights, and spotting your favorite animals. Zoo Lights runs through December 31, and the zoo is a 10-minute drive north of downtown in historic Brackenridge Park. At this event, you’ll be able to ride the Holiday Express train that embarks on a special journey through the park to catch the lights and meet up with Santa. After, you can bake cookies with Mrs. Claus and pick a gift from under their tree. Commemorate your visit with a family photo in Santa’s magical giant snow globe - the perfect snapshot for your holiday card. Before you leave, though, you have to catch a ride with a camel. Get up close to these majestic animals as they show you their favorite light displays. 34 RIO Magazine

UNIVERSITY OF THE INCARNATE WORD’S LIGHT THE WAY For over 30 years, the University of the Incarnate Word has trimmed its school trees with a stunning twinkling light display. This is a free low-key local tradition which visitors may enjoy too, by car or on foot. Located at the corner of Broadway and Hildebrand, a short 10-minute drive north of downtown; look for the LED illuminated art sculpture on the Fine Arts building, aptly named “The Source of Life,” simulating sunset. The art piece, created by artist Cakky Brawley, was added in 2015. WINDCREST LIGHT UP When it comes to neighborhood light displays, the residents of Windcrest take decorating to the next level! The annual Windcrest Light Up is a decades-old tradition where residents decorate their homes with elaborate displays of holiday lights. A panel of judges selects the most beautifully decorated homes, and the public is invited to enjoy it for free. Stroll or drive the neighborhood and maybe even start caroling! Thousands of visitors flock to Windcrest every year to see the displays. This year’s theme is “Let Freedom Ring - A Tribute to our Military.” Catch the displays that will be lit through New Year’s Eve. Maps are available to the public at Windcrest City Hall located at 8601 Midcrown Drive. The neighborhood is just a quick 15-minute drive north of downtown.

click on this: OLD WEST CHRISTMAS LIGHT FEST Christmaslightfest.com SEAWORLD Seaworld.com/san-antonio SIX FLAGS FIESTA TEXAS Sixflags.com/fiestatexas SAN ANTONIO ZOO Sazoo.org/zoo-events/zoo-lights UIW LIGHT THE WAY Lightthewaysa.com/ CITY OF WINDCREST Windcrest-tx.gov

WRITER’S BIO Drew Henry is a writer, content creator, and founder of the Design Dudes blog. When he’s not writing, he’s out exploring all Texas has to offer. View his work at DrewHenryWrites.com and get some home design tips at DesignDudesLife.com. Follow on Instagram: @design_dudes. thesanantonioriverwalk.com

The River Walk Gets Lit From the early 1940s, Houston Street and Alamo Plaza were focal points in downtown San Antonio during the holiday season. But that all changed in ’74, the year the Downtown Merchants Association donated their lights to the River Walk so they may be hung in the towering Bald Cypress trees on river level instead. Prior to then, all the buzz and beauty was displayed on the street level of downtown-- the center of Christmas. Long time locals will never forget the department store Joskes located at Alamo Plaza with their beautifully lit display windows. They boasted a winter wonderland on the fourth floor and a forty-foot Santa on the roof.

Casa Rio’s patio has always been the perfect spot to enjoy dinner and the beautiful Christmas lights along the riverbanks. Tables 69 through 78 are some of the favorites as one can enjoy three different river angles by the bridge, including views of the Torch of Friendship and the Tower of the Americas.

Bill McCormick of Joskes and other downtown civic leaders envisioned a merry and bright River Walk and replaced street-level lighting with river lighting. Joskes and Sears provided the lights the first year, and city workers were tasked with hanging them. What started with 35,000 donated lights has grown into over 100,000 lights. And in 1983, the San Antonio River Walk Association ceremoniously began flipping on the lightswitch preceding the Holiday River Parade, the day after Thanksgiving.

There is no better way to relish the lights than sitting on Casa Rio’s patio, enjoying comfort food, and a steaming cup of Mexican Hot Chocolate. Speaking of comfort food, Casa Rio serves up a mean bowl of chili! In the mid-1800s, women known as the “Chili Queens” were famous for the stew spiked with peppers (chiles) that they sold in open-air stalls in the city’s plaza. Casa Rio serves the authentic savory recipe seasoned with the pulp of dark red ancho peppers. During a season that is rich with traditions and atmosphere, visit Casa Rio, a restaurant that honors both.

The lit River Walk brightened the downtown area. It became a draw for people to come downtown, making what was once a slow season for downtown hotels, restaurants, and shops into a thriving focal point that attracts locals and visitors. Casa Rio founder Alfred Beyer always thinking of ways to enhance Casa Rio’s dining experience; he added red and green patio lights during the Christmas season and lived to see the beautifully lit Bald Cypress trees. The year of his passing, 1977, the lights shined white in his honor.

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24 48 72 HOURS by Crystal Henry

on Day one. . .

La Villita

Market Square

A DAY OF HOLIDAY SHOPPING If a gift is to be classified as Puro San Antonio (Pure San Antonio), it must be purchased beneath a papel picado. La Villita has rows and rows of booths, shops, and vendors selling authentic Mexican wares. There’s no better place to pick up a unique hand-painted nativity scene or a molcajete to make your holiday salsa. Pick up a cinnamon sugarcoated pan fino and sip a Mexican hot chocolate from Mi Tierra Bakery and Cafe during your break from shopping.

RIVER WALK WARES Anchoring the world-famous San Antonio River Walk is the Shops at Rivercenter. Stroll under the twinkling lights of the river and make your way to the shopping beacon in downtown San Antonio. With more than 100 retailers and six restaurants, you won’t have trouble finding gift ideas around every corner. Where else can you get true Texas gifts like a Whataburger charm from James Avery?

SIMPLY THE BEST For dinner, try something new from the creators of Tenko Ramen. Best Quality Daughter, a pop-up that’s been temporarily bringing joy to the city for three years, is settling in for good at The Pearl. BQD features unique snacks like Thai curry babaganoush, crispy fried pig ears, and twice-baked bananas, but it’s more than a new Asian pitstop. The concept of the four dining rooms inside this historic 1904 home is based on the “four auspicious beasts” that appear in Chinese constellations, and there are custom artistic elements that serve to celebrate all girls as beautiful. native plants and flowing aquatic trail.

SWEATER WEATHER If you need an excuse to wear your winter boots and cozy scarf, bundle up and head out to The Shops at La Cantera for an upscale outdoor shopping experience. This gorgeous shopping venue on the northside. Start at the north end of the shops with high-end retailers like Tiffany’s and Coach, then make your way past Lush and Godiva on your way to relatable favorites like Barnes and Noble and H&M. La Cantera is a lovely way to spend an afternoon browsing. Store owners are taking extra precautions with social distancing, cleaning, and store capacity limits. 36 RIO Magazine

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‘

was the end of a wild year, and all through the town, People were feeling—a bit upside down. Though the river was lit with twinkling lights, They needed more normalcy this long winter night. So they flipped through our pages, and what did they find? A city that’s thriving and adapting with time! Masks keep the cold - from nipping our face, And there’s still so much joy to be found in this place. So check out our picks for some fun things to do, San Antonio’s still out there—waiting for you.

on Day two. . . A DAY OF HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

Some traditions might be altered this year, but there’s still room to make the “new normal” feel quite normal. HOLY DAY Whether you’re religious or not, you can have a spiritual experience at the beautiful, historic San Fernando Cathedral, the oldest operating sanctuary in North America. Christmas mass schedules will be posted this month, and things are subject to change. But it’s worth the trip if only to see this incredible piece of architecture and history. After all, nobody knows about last-minute Christmas plans like Mary and Joseph. Just roll with the punches, and seek joy in whatever path you take.

The Saga

LATE NIGHT SHOW If you’re near the cathedral at night, your best bet for a truly awe-inspiring performance is a viewing of The Saga. On select nights, the face of the San Fernando Cathedral is washed with a dazzling video art projection depicting the historical discovery, settlement, and development of San Antonio, the state of Texas, and the United States. With 7,000 square feet of light and color, you get an entire art show and a history lesson in less than half an hour.

Pasterela Folklorica

ON WITH THE SHOW We might not be able to pack a theater this year, but we can still enjoy the shows that have become a dear part of our holiday spirit. Throw yourself a tamale party at home and watch the dazzling dancers of Pastorela Folklorica light up your television on Dec. 20. This traditional shepherd’s play brings a Folklorico and Flamenco flair. This year, the Guadalupe Dance Academy and the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center will bring traditional Mexican music and dance to your home through a pre-recorded show. It will air Sunday night, so snuggle up with the ones you love and give thanks for the miracle of virtual viewing.

AWW, NUTS If you’re dying for Nutcracker tickets, you can still get them. But this year, you can buy or rent the video production from the Alamo City Performing Arts Association and host an in-home screening. The Alamo City Dance Company will join Symphony Viva to retell the classic Christmas story by shooting in iconic San Antonio locations. This 4k video will be shared with local hospitals and nonprofits, and the full production will start airing on Dec. 12.

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Santikos Theater

on day three. . . click on this:

A DAY OF SCROOGE-LIKE ACTIVITIES

ALAMO CITY PERFORMING ARTS ASSOCIATION

If this year has you feeling less-than-festive, embrace your inner Scrooge, and just do you. Do take out, and veg out, and reward yourself for a year well-done.

Alamocityperformingartsassociation.com BEST QUALITY DAUGHTER

Bestqualitydaughter.com GUADALUPE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER

Guadalupeculturalarts.org LA CANTERA

Theshopsatlacantera.com LA VILLITA

Lavillitasanantonio.com MI TIERRA

Mitierracafe.com PF CHANGS

Pfchangs.com RIVERCENTER MALL

Shoprivercenter.com SAN FERNANDO CATHEDRAL

Sfcathedral.org SANTIKOS

CHINESE AND CHILL Find your flannel PJs and order in with P.F. Changs at the Quarry Market. Try a family meal for four, whether it’s you and a crew, or just a single man’s feast for a week. Noodles are always better the next morning anyway. They even offer wine and beer-to-go, so you can get Bah-Hum Drunk while watching A Christmas Story in your pink bunny jammies. BIG SCREEN If you want to take your viewing party outside of the house, there likely isn’t a safer place than a Santikos theater. As one of the first businesses in San Antonio to test employees weekly for COVID-19, the nonprofit takes community safety very seriously with increased health protocols and plenty of space between seats. They also installed new HVAC systems that kill bacteria and viruses and recirculate fresh air every 15 minutes so that you can breathe easy in your recliner. Order a Philly cheesesteak at the snack bar and kick back in what often is a private theater just for you while the rest of the poor saps in this town watch bootleg Charlie Brown Christmas on their phones. God bless them, every one. WRITER’S BIO Crystal Henry is a loyal Texan and an award-winning author, writer, and columnist. She is fluent in both sarcasm and English, and evidence of those bilingual writing talents can be found at crystalhenrywrites.com. Or follow her on FB + IG @crystalhenrywrites and Twitter @chenrywrites.

Santikos.com THE PEARL

Atpearl.com

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SAN ANTONIO FOOD & DRINK AMERICAN BOUDRO’S TEXAS BISTRO 421 East Commerce St. boudros.com p44, 16

SALTGRASS STEAK HOUSE 502 River Walk saltgrass.com p44,53 53

BIGA ON THE BANKS 203 S. St. Mary’s Street biga.com

TEX’S RIVER WALK AND SPORTS BAR 200 S. Alamo texssportsbar.com p44, 27

BUBBA GUMP SHRIMP CO. 406 Navarro bubbagump.com CHILI’S ON THE RIVERWALK 849 East Commerce St. Chilis.com DAVE & BUSTER’S 849 E. Commerce St. daveandbusters.com DICK’S LAST RESORT 223 Losoya St. dickslastresort.com p44, 18 EL TROPICANO HOTEL 110 Lexington Avenue. eltropicanohotel.com HARD ROCK CAFÉ 111 W Crockett St #210 hardrock.com HOWL AT THE MOON 111 West Crockett St. #201 howlatthemoon.com IHOP 849 E. Commerce 210-444-1201 JAZZ, TX 312 Pearl Parkway #6001 JazzTX.com LAS CANARIAS 112 College Street omnihotels.com LONESTAR CAFE 237 Losoya lonestarcafe.us MARGARITAVILLE 849 E. Commerce St. margaritavillesanantonio.com RAINFOREST CAFÉ 110 E. Crockett rainforestcafe.com p44, 17 RUTH CHRIS STEAK HOUSE 600 E. Market St. ruthschris.com THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS 526 Riverwalk therepublicoftexasrestaurant.com THE RIVER’S EDGE CAFÉ AND PATIO BAR 200 S. Alamo St. riversedgecafesa.com

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BBQ COUNTY LINE BARBEQUE SPORTS BAR 111 W. Crockett St. countyline.com BBQ - p44, 7 BRAZILIAN FOGO DE CHAO 849 E. Commerce St. fogodechao.com TEXAS DE BRAZIL 313 E. Houston St. texasdebrazil.com BRITISH MAD DOGS 123 Losoya St. maddogs.net p44, 11 DELI SCHILO’S 424 E. Commerce St. schilos.com p50, 26

MICHELINO’S 521 Riverwalk michelinos.us. PAESANOS 111 W. Crockett #100 www.paesanosriverwalk.com p44, 54 PIZZARITAS 245 E. Commerce pizzaritas.com ZOCCA 420 W. Market zoccariverwalk.com MEXICAN ACENAR 146 E. Houston acenar.com p44, 2 SEAFOOD CHART HOUSE Tower of the Americas, 739 East Cesar E. Chavez toweroftheamericas.com JOE’S CRAB SHACK 212 College Street Ste 10 joescrabshack.com LANDRY’S SEAFOOD HOUSE 517 N. Presa landrysseafood.com

ON THE BEND 123 Losoya St. onthebendsa.com p44, 96 TEX-MEX CAFÉ OLE 430 E. Commerce St. cafeole.us CASA RIO 430 E. Commerce St. casa-rio.com p44, 61 IRON CACTUS 200 River Walk ironcactus.com p44, 4 THE ORIGINAL MEXICAN RESTAURANT 528 River Walk originalmexican.com p44, 14 RIO RIO CANTINA 421 E. Commerce St. rioriocantina.com p44, 13 RITA’S ON THE RIVER 245 E. Commerce, Suite 100 ritasontheriver.com

GERMAN BIER GARTEN 124-150 Losoya St. alamobiergarten.com p44, 36 ICE CREAM JUSTIN’S ICE CREAM 245 E Commerce St. mercadoritas.com KILWINS 109 Alamo Plaza Kilwins.com IRISH DURTY NELLY’S IRISH PUB 200 S. Alamo St. durtynellyspub.com p44, 80 ITALIAN FIG TREE 515 Villita dine.figtreerestaurant.com GUILLERMO’S 618 McCullough St. guillermosdowntown.com LITTLE RHEIN STEAKHOUSE 231 S. Alamo St. dine.littlerheinsteakhouse.com Photo by John Cabuena

RIO Magazine

SHOPPING ALAMO PLAZA SHIRTS 325 Alamo Plaza San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 223-2347 ALAMO QUARRY MARKET 255 East Basse Road San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 824-8885 www.quarrymarket.com THE ALLEY ON BITTERS 555 W. Bitters Rd. San Antonio, TX 78206 (210) 494-3226 www.TheAlleyOnBitters.com ANGELITA’S Building 2, 418 Villita St. angelitaboutique.webs.com ART PACE 445 N Main Ave artpace.org BATTLE FOR TEXAS 849 E. Commerce battlefortexas.com BONITA RITA’S 245 E. Commerce, #100 San Antonio, TX 78205 mercadoritas.com BRISCOE WESTERN ART MUSEUM 210 W. Market Street briscoemuseum.org

THE FIESTA STORE 2611 Broadway San Antonio, TX 78215 (210) 227-5191 www.fiesta-sa.org

PENNERS DOWNTOWN 311 W. Commerce San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 226-2487 www.pennersinc.com

FIVE & DIME GENERAL STORE 101 Alamo Plaza San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 233-0166 fiveanddimegs.com

RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT 301 Alamo Plaza ripleys.com/sanantonio

GALLERY VETRO CREATIVE ARTGLASS 250 E. Houston San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 354-0001 GARCIA ART GLASS 715 South Alamo San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 223-1400 www.garciaartglass COWBOY’S ALAMO CITY HARLEYDAVIDSON RIVERWALK BOUTIQUE RIVERWALK BOUTIQUE 111 West Crockett St. Suite 209 cowboysalamocityharley.com HUEBNER OAKS 11745 IH 10 West San Antonio, TX 78230 shophuebneroaks.com

BUCKHORN MUSEUM 318 E Houston St. buckhornmuseum.com

KENDRA SCOTT 310 East Basse Rd. #101 San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 591-7180 www.kendrascott.com

CASA SALAZAR 216 E. Houston San Antonio, 78205 (210) 472-2272 themajestic.com/casa

LOS PATIOS 2015 NE Loop 410 San Antonio, TX 78217 (210) 655-6171 www.lospatios.com

THE COLLECTION 7959 Broadway San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 826-3130 thecollectionsanantonio.com

LUCCHESE BOOT COMPANY 255 East Basse Rd #800 San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 828-9419 www.lucchese.com

DEL SOL OF SAN ANTONIO 321 Alamo Plaza San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 231-0900 www.delsol.com

MERCADORITA’S 245 E. Commerce & Bonita San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 286-7432

DOSEUM 2800 Broadway St. thedoseum.org EL MERCADO 514 W. Commerce San Antonio, TX 78207 (210) 207-8600 www.sanantonio.gov/ marketsquare FIESTA ON MAIN 2025 North Main Avenue San Antonio, TX 78212 (210) 738-1188 www.alamofiesta.com

40 RIO Magazine

NATURAL BRIDGE CAVERNS 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Road naturalbridgecaverns.com NORTH STAR MALL 7400 San Pedro San Antonio, TX 78217 (210) 340-6627 www.northstarmall.com PARIS HATTERS 119 Broadway San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 223-3453 www.parishatters.com

SAN ANGEL FOLK ART 110 Blue Star San Antonio, TX 78204 (210) 226-6688 www.sanangelfolkart.com SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART 200 West Jones Avenue samuseum.org SAN ANTONIO VISITORS CENTER 317 Alamo Plaza San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 207-6871 www.visitsan antonio.com SHOPS OF LA CANTERA 15900 La Cantera Pkwy San Antonio, TX 78256 (210) 582-6255 theshopsatlacantera.com SHOPS AT RIVER CENTER 849 E. Commerce shoprivercenter.com

TIENDA LA GARZA 110 Broadway, Suite 100 San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 222-2133 THE TWIG BOOK SHOP 306 Pearl Parkway #106 San Antonio, TX 78215 (210) 826-6411 thetwig.indiebound.com THE UNOFFICIAL BEST OF TEXAS 101 Alamo Plaza, #3 San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 227-0242 THE VINEYARD 1207 North Loop 1604 W San Antonio, TX 78258 thevineyardshoppingcenter.com WYNDHAM SAN ANTONIO RIVERWALK 111 E. Pecan Street San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 489-9768 www.sawyn.com THE WESTIN RIVERWALK 420 W. Market Street San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 413-9731 www.westin.com

77T’S SOUVENIRS & T-SHIRTS 207 Alamo Plaza San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 549-1279 www.77tshirts.com

LA VILLITA HISTORIC ARTS VILLAGE 418 Villita Street, San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 207-8614 • www.lavillita.com ANGELITA La Villita - Bldg. 2 San Antonio, TX 78205 210- 224-8362 www.lavillita.com CASA MANOS ALEGRES La Villita - Bldg. 6 San Antonio, TX 78205 210-313-7293 www.lavillita.com COPPER GALLERY La Villita - Bldg. 11 San Antonio, TX 78205 210.271.3856 www.thecoppergallery.com

PLAZA TAXCO La Villita, Bldg.16B San Antonio, TX 78205 210-994-5259 www.plazataxco.com RIVER ART GROUP La Villita - Bldg. 14 San Antonio, TX 78205 210-226-8752 www.rivergroup.com STARVING ARTIST GALLERY La Villita - Bldg. 12 San Antonio, TX 78205 210.226.3593 www.lavillita.com

LITTLE STUDIO GALLERY La Villita - Bldg. 23 San Antonio, TX 78205 210-227-8893 www.lavillita.com

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

Shop Small. Shop Local. The perfect holiday gift awaits at Historic Market Square. With over 100 locally owned shops, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find authentic Mexican curios and artifacts, hand-crafted leather goods, and a diverse collection of cultural apparel.

@marketsquaresa thesanantonioriverwalk.com

514 W. Commerce St.

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opposite page >

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RYS ST.MA 57 Briscoe Western Art Museum

84 Tobin Center

ST.

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17 Blue Star Contemporary Art Museum

20 Garcia Art Glass

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18 Taco Haven

17 Madhatters Tea House & Café

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13 El Luchador Bar 16 Tito’s Mexican Restaurant

10 11 12

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12 B & D Icehouse

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21 Rudy Choperena 23 Flight Gallery

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22 Artist Sweets Becker

1 17

11 Brackenridge House Bed & Breakfast

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10 Rosarios

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9 Liberty Bar

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8 La Tuna Grille

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19 Yanaguana Garden

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5 Friendly Spot 6 Guenther House

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16 Edward Steves E MARTIN ST Homestead Museum 18 Villa Finale

3 Blue Star

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South Town

King William &

19 La Focaccia

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51 Mokara Hotel & Spa 52 Hyatt Regency 54 Homewood Suites & Hotel N. MAIN AVE

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13 Wyndham Garden

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ATTRACTIONS & SHOPPING 11 San Antonio Museum of Art

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12 Jazz, TX

11 Sams Burger Joint Music Hall

10 Minnie’s Tavern Rye House

9 La Gloria

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8 Josephine Street

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3 Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen

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2 Boiler House

1 Arcade

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RESTAURANTS

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96 On the Bend Oyster Bar & Lounge

94 Dave & Busters

91 Guadalajara Grill

80 Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub

41 Embassy Suites 42 Sheraton Gunter Hotel 43 The St. Anthony Hotel 44 Marriott Townplace 45 Hotel Valencia 46 Holiday Inn 47 Marriott Courtyard 48 Drury NA Inn VAR RO Hotel 49 Drury Plaza ST. 50 Omni La Mansion RIC

77 Ruth’s Chris Steak House

281 JO

ST.MARYS

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75 Fig Tree Restaurant

S SA

57 Dorrego’s

HOTELS

56 Pizzarita’s

. ST

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55 The Republic of Texas

71 Zocca Cuisine d' Italia

IN QU

99 RJA Ghost Tours

54 Paesanos Riverwalk

67 Biga on the Banksn

98 LEGOLAND Discovery Center and Sealife San Antonio

53 Saltgrass

MD CA

90 Villa Tesoros

36 Bier Garten

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88 Spanish Governor’s Palace

28 Little Rhein Steak House

61 Casa Rioa

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ST BOWIE

27 Tex’s River Walk Sports Bar

58 Range

79 Cowboy’s Alamo Harley Davidson 81 Turquoise River Trading Company

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BBOO Star Cafe 20 Lone

95 Mokara Spa

78 Freedom Torch

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18 Dick’s NNHHLast Resort

74 Mercadorita’s

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17 Rainforest Cafe

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53 Tower Life Building

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16 Boudro’s

N. MAIN AVE

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73 Tower of the Americas

13 Rio Rio Cantina 15 Coyote Ugly

37 Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center

72 San Fernando Cathedral

12 Rita’s on the Riverta’s

LL AVE NEWE

11 Mad Dogs British Pub

14 Original Mexican Restaurant

MISCELLANEOUS 34 CitySightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Double Deckers

40 The Magik Theatre

AMO

39 Sisters Grimm Tours

IN AV

9 Howl At The Moon 10 Landry’s Seafood

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38 Angelita

8 Hard Rock Cafe

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38 Plaza Taxco

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7 The County Line

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6 Bubba Gump Shrimp

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36 The Improv at Rivercenter 38 La Villita Historic Arts Village

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35 The Shops at Rivercenter

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33 The Alamo

4 Iron Cactus Mexican Grill & Margarita Bar

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25 Riverwalk Wine & Spirits

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55 Westin Riverwalk 58 Hilton Palacio Del Rio 60 Wyndham River Walk 64 Menger Hotel 82 Grand Hyatt 86 Hotel Contessa 87 Hotel Havana

ATTRACTIONS & SHOPPING

3 Bella On The River

BOWIE ST.

RESTAURANTS

2 Acénar

TT SST.T.

San Antonio River

LOCATIONS LISTING

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

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Share your pics and join the conversation use #DowntownSATX. Brought to you by Centro San Antonio thesanantonioriverwalk.com

LOCATIONS LISTING RESTAURANTS

4 La Margarita Mexican

Restaurant & Oyster Bar

Chart House Restaurant

41 Market Square

11 Art Pace

3 Mi Tierra Cafe Y Panaderia

42 Spanish Governor’s Palace

13 San Antonio Museum

48 Alta Vista Skate Shop

of Art

5 Denny’s

14 Institute of Texan Culture

52 Tresor

18 Francesco’s Gelato

18 Yasmin’s Boutique

56 Maverick Carter House

20 Pat O’Brien’s

19 Out West

36 Augies Alamo City

21 Tienda La Garza

BBQ Steakhouse

22 The Amazing Mirror Maze

44 Bourbon Street Seafood

23 San Antonio General Store

Kitchen River Walk Downtown

25 Majestic Theatre

51 Biga on the Banks

29 Aztec Theatre

53 Guillermo’s 54 Jazz, TX 55 IHOP

30 Ripley’s Haunted

Adventure/Tomb Rider 3D

31 Guiness World Records

6 Paris Hatters 7 Buckhorn Saloon &

33 The Alamo

Museum

8 The Pearl 9 Shops at RiverCenter 10 Tower of the Americas/

HOTELS 12 Wyndham Garden

35 Tobin Center 38 Angelita’s

River Walk

15 Crockett Hotel 16 Sheraton Gunter Hotel 17 Menger Hotel 24 El Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel 43 Marriott Plaza San Antonio

Museum

32 Ripley’s Believe it or Not/ Louis Tussaud’s Wax Works

ATTRACTIONS & SHOPPING

LIKE US!

MISCELLANEOUS 34 CitySightseeing Double

Decker Tour

37 Tom’s Wheelchair &

ScooterRentals

38 USO 69 San Antonio Public Library

thesanantonioriverwalk.com @TheSanAntonio RiverWalkOfficial @theSAriverwalk thesanantonioriverwalk The San Antonio River Walk Hugman @TheSAriverwalk

39 Plaza Taxco 40 VFW Post 76

SAN ANTONIO What’s OPEN, What’s NOT For up-to-date information please visit

TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

RIO Magazine

COUPONS

12/31/20

Tower of the Americas

210 W Market St. San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 299-4499 BriscoeMuseum.org

$2 OFF

General Adult Admission SAVE UP TO $8 Open Tue–Sun 10AM with seasonal closing hours | Closed Mondays Expires 12/31/2020

OFF TOWER TICKET

701 Bowie, San Antonio, TX 78205

210.223.3101

TowerOfTheAmericas.com Ticket includes unlimited access to Observation Deck, Flags over Texas & 4-D Theater Ride. Not valid with any other oﬀer or discount. Limit one $2.00 oﬀ coupon per person. No cash value.

Expires 12/31/2020

110 E. Crockett on the Riverwalk 210-277-6300

FREE CHEF’S APPETIZER OF THE DAY

With the purchase of an adult entrée.

One coupon per table per visit. Oﬀer at Riverwalk location only. Must present coupon. Expires 12/31/2020

FREE FLAUTA APPETIZER (seasoned chicken rolled up in a tortilla)

with the purchase of 1 entrée Coupon not valid with other oﬀers or coupons. Please present coupon to server at time of ordering.

FREE CHILE CON QUESO!

with purchase of an Entrée Redeem this coupon for a f ree order of Chile con Queso. Not valid with any other offer. One coupon per 4 entrées. Dine-in only. Expires 12/31/20.

46 46 46 RIO RIO RIOMagazine Magazine Magazine

20% OFF

ENTIRE GUEST CHECK

One coupon, per check, per visit. Not valid with any other coupons or promotional oﬀers. Coupon has no cash value. No change returned. Taxes and gratuity not included. Alcoholic beverages not included. Valid only 903 E. Commerce St. San Antonio, TX location. Selection and prices may vary. Only original coupon accepted. Photocopied and Internet printed or purchased coupons are not valid. No substitutions. © 2014 DFO, LLC. Printed in the U.S.A. Oﬀer ends 12/31/20

Complimentary House Dessert with order of an entrée. 111 W. Crockett Street, Suite 101 (210) 227-2782 paesanosriverwalk.com

Expires 12/31/20

Not valid with any other offer or discount. Offer only valid at Paesanos Riverwalk location.

OFF

ADULT OR CHILD TICKET

301 Alamo Plaza •210-224-9299

RIPLEYS.COM/SANANTONIO

2 0 0 R I V E R WA L K , S TE . 1 0 0 S A N A NTO NI O , TX 7 8 2 0 5 (2 1 0 ) 2 2 4 -9 8 3 5

I RONCACTUS . COM

RIO

10% OFF this La Villita location

Plaza Taxco (Excluding Sales Items)

See our ad on page 19 thesanantonioriverwalk.com thesanantonioriverwalk.com thesanantonioriverwalk.com

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS DINING/RESTAURANTS Boudro’s A Texas Bistro on the River Walk www.boudros.com 210-224-8484 Bubba Gump Shrimp Company www.bubbagump.com 210-224-4867 Chart House www.TowerOfTheAmericas.com 210-223-3101 The County Line www.countyline.com 210-229-1941 Dave & Buster’s www.daveandbusters.com 210-951-3600 Denny’s Riverwalk www.dennys.com 210-223-4321

The Original Mexican Restaurant & Bar www.theoriginalmexican.com 210-224-9951

MUSEUM Briscoe Western Art Museum www.briscoemuseum.org 210-299-4499

Paesanos RiverWalk www.paesanosriverwalk.com 210-227-2782

Buckhorn Saloon & Museum www.buckhornmuseum.com 210-247-4000

Rainforest Café www.rainforestcafe.com 210-277-6300

San Antonio Conservation Society www.saconservation.org/homestead 210-225-5924

Restaurante Pico de Gallo www.picodegallo.com 210-225-6060

ATTRACTIONS Cascade Caverns www.cascadecaverns.com 830-755-8080

Rio Rio Cantina www.riorioriverwalk.com 210-226-8462 DISTILLERY Tito’s Handmade Vodka www.titosvodka.com

Dick’s Last Resort www.dickslastresort.com 210-224-0026

SHOPPING Angelita’s www.angelitasa.com 210-224-8362

Guadalajara Grill www.guadalajaragrill.us 210-222-1992

Market Square www.marketsquaresa.com 210-207-8600

Iron Cactus www.ironcactus.com 210-224-9835

Cowboys Alamo City Harley Davidson on the RiverWalk www.cowboysalamocityharley.com 210-212-4461

Landry’s Saltgrass Steakhouse www.saltgrass.com 210-222-9092

La Villita Historic Village www.lavillitasanantonio.com 210-207-8614

Landry’s Seafood www.landrysseafood.com 210-229-1010

Paris Hatters www.parishatters.com 210-223-3453

Mi Tierra Café www.mitierracafe.com 210-225-1262

Plaza Taxco www.plazataxco.com 210-212-6733

La Margarita Mexican Restaurant www.lamargarita.com 210-227-7140

Shops at Rivercenter www.shoprivercenter.com 210-225-0000

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

Dave & Buster’s www.daveandbusters.com 210-951-3600 GO RIO River Cruises www.goriocruises.com 210-227-4746 Mirror Maze 210-224-2288 Ripley’s/Waxworks www.ripleys.com 210-224-9299 Sealife San Antonio www.SEALIFE.com/San-Antonio NIGHTLIFE Hilton Palacio Del Rio/Durty Nelly’s/ Tex’s Riverwalk Sports Bar www.PalacioDelRio.Hilton.com 210-224-3368

RIO Magazine

Sunday – Thursday 10am – 10pm Friday – Saturday 10am – 11pm

48 RIO Magazine

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

RIO Magazine DECEMBER 2020

Articles inside

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