RIO MAGAZINE February 2022 by Traveling Blender

FEBRUARY 2022 COMPLIMENTARY

San Antonio is a Cultural Cornucopia

Rodeo Round-Up Celebrating Western Art Our Beloved Spurs Coyote Valentine’s Day Treats for Everyone

VISIT US: THESANANTONIORIVERWALK.COM • COUPONS & MAPS INSIDE

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ENJOY PATIO DINING OVERLOOKING THE SAN ANTONIO RIVER WALK

Our Tex-Mex cuisine is always fresh and flavorful. Visit Our Website For Restaurant Hours Private Dining and Catering Available (210) 226-8490 421 E. Commerce St. | (210) 226-8462

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418 Villita Street | lavillitasanantonio.com

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IN THIS ISSUE Ruth's Chris Steak House

SIP & SAVOR UPSCALE STEAK HOUSES THAT REMIND US WHY WE LOVE FINE DINING By Kimberly A. Suta

16 Confluence Park

FAMILY FUN LET'S RODEO, SAN ANTONIO By Janis Turk

Kilwins

GREAT FINDS MIX IT WITH LOVE AND MAKE THE WORLD TASTE GOOD By Dawn Robinette

28 CULTURE & COMMUNITY CRAZY FOR THE COYOTE By Susan Yerkes

FEATURES 12 16 20 24

Sip & Savor Family Fun Be Entertained Great Finds

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

RECREATION JUMP INTO CULTURE By Drew Henry

SPOTLIGHT 23 Mardi Gras River Walk Festival and Parade 31

San Antonio Japanese Tea Garden

35 Natural Bridge Caverns

GUIDES 39 Food & Drink 40 Shopping COUPONS

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

46 Ways to save

ON THE COVER

Bring out your most fabulous feathered and sequined masquerade masks and Laissez les bons temps rouler along the San Antonio River Walk. Since 2009, the River Walk’s Mardi Gras Parade has entertained krewes of costumed revelers, bringing the sights and sounds of New Orleans to San Antonio. There is a weekendlong explosion of gold, purple and green decorating the River Walk with live entertainment at the Arneson River Theatre, February 26-27. The 2022 Mardi Gras River Parade takes place on February 26 from 4:00 to 6:00pm, and an Artisan Show on February 25-28 highlights local artists.

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RIO Magazine is the official publication of the San Antonio River Walk. 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, Visit San Antonio or its Publisher. Advertisements do not imply sponsorship or endorsement by the San Antonio River Walk or its Publisher.

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RIO Magazine

The San Antonio River Walk’s mission is to promote, protect and preserve the River Walk. This is done through special events, public education, social media and RIO Magazine. For more information, visit www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com.

The Official Magazine of the River Walk

PUBLISHER

Louis Doucette louis@travelingblender.com EDITOR

Trisha Hutzler trisha@travelingblender.com BUSINESS MANAGER

Vicki Schroder vicki@travelingblender.com ADVERTISING SALES

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

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C a s u a l , u p s C a l e i ta l i a n , s i n C e 1 9 6 9 . 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 won’t soon forget.

p r i V at e

O p e n D a i ly Visit Our Website FOr HOurs D i n i n g a n D C at e r i n g a V a i l a b l e ( 2 1 0 ) 2 2 6 - 8 4 9 0 paesanosriverwalk.com 111 West Crockett Street

(210) 227-2782 thesanantonioriverwalk.com

RIO Magazine

EDITOR’S LETTER

Arneson River Theatre

A MONTH OF CULTURAL PURSUITS San Antonio is without a doubt a cornucopia of cultures, and the City proudly honors its dynamic population. Year-round activities celebrate San Antonio’s diverse communities and in February the calendar is particularly full. Since Valentine’s Day falls right in the middle, grab your sweetheart for a month of cultural pursuits, some that were even born right here in The Alamo City. February begins with Chinese New Year, and San Antonio welcomes Shen Yun Performing Arts for its annual performance. For more visual stimulation, at San Antonio Museum of Art, the Asian art wing houses a permanent collection of works from Korea, India, Japan and China. While you are there, the Nature, Power and Maya Royals exhibit closes at the end of February but the Nelson A. Rockefeller Latin American art wing includes ancient to popular art on permanent display. San Antonio also embraces cowboy culture, especially during its Rodeo—one of the largest and most popular in the country. This 18-day event includes a carnival, animal shows, exhibits and concerts in addition to competitive rodeo. If you are wanting more lessons in Texas heritage, western art and historical artifacts can be viewed every day at local downtown museums like Briscoe Western Art Museum and The Witte. Whether it is basketball season or not, we wear silver and black for our Spurs and our beloved Coyote who has garnered national attention for his hilarious hi-jinks (yes, Spurs fandom is its own culture!). And finally, we cannot forget San Antonio’s food-centric culture—it is a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy after all. This month we are highlighting steakhouses for a hearty Texan meal or a romantic dinner for two, chocolates in all sizes, shapes and flavors and the margarita, San Antonio’s most ubiquitous cocktail. You can eat and drink to your heart’s content during the River Walk’s Mardi Gras Festival and Parade. Welcome to San Antonio!

Trisha Hutzler Editor, Rio Magazine trisha@travelingblender.com TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com

Rio Magazine is published by Traveling Blender, LLC. (Publisher) on behalf of the San Antonio River Walk. Reproduction in any manner in whole or in part is prohibited without the express written consent of the San Antonio River Walk. Material contained herein does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the San Antonio River Walk or its staff. Rio Magazine, the Publisher and the San Antonio River Walk 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 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. All submissions become the property of the San Antonio River Walk. 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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LOCATED AT RIVERCENTER MALL 849 EAST COMMERECE STREET • SAN ANTONIO, TX 78205

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*Excludes alcohol and may not be combined with any other coupon or discount. Spend $25 in restaurant or retail and receive $5 off at Margaritaville San Antonio. One per table per visit per transaction. Excludes sale items in retail. Maximum 6 people per party. Offer expires 02/28/2022. TBLEND5OFF

ANY $25 RESTAURANT OR RETAIL PURCHASE *Excludes alcohol and may not be combined with any other coupon or discount. Spend $25 in restaurant or retail and receive $5 off 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 02/28/2022. TBLEND5OFF

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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. Selection and prices may vary. Photocopied and Internet printed or purchased coupons are not valid. No substitutions. Restrictions apply. © 2022 DFO, LLC. Offer ends 3.15.2022.

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ANY CHECK OF $20 OR MORE 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. Selection and prices may vary. Photocopied and Internet printed or purchased coupons are not valid. No substitutions. Restrictions apply. © 2022 DFO, LLC. Offer ends 3.15.2022.

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SIP & SAVOR

Upscale Steakhouses

T H AT R E M I N D U S W H Y W E L O V E F I N E D I N I N G By Kimberly A. Suta

With the major pivot over the past few years towards delivery and to-go, some might say fine dining has taken its last shuddering breath. Thankfully, these upscale steakhouses are keeping the flame alive, offering a night of luxury, excellent service and succulent steaks cooked to perfection. 12 RIO Magazine

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

It is time to dive into those hearty steaks, such as the dry aged Kansas City strip, dry aged porter house, prime tomahawk ribeye or a variety of other fantastic options. The Palm Restaurant

Keep reading to find out where to make your resies this month!

miss out on the show-stopping desserts. The Bananas Foster, prepared tableside, is not to be missed!

BOHANAN’S PRIME STEAKS & SEAFOOD Bohanan’s Prime Steaks & Seafood, located along Houston Street downtown, has been impressing guests with its elegance and superior steaks for over a decade now. Located on the second floor of a historic building built in the 1800s is the classic steakhouse in a refined atmosphere that features hand-blown period glassware, fine bone china and crisp white table linens.

THE PALM RESTAURANT Just a hop, skip and jump away is The Palm Restaurant. This nationally-renowned restaurant is a popular stop before or after a show at the Majestic Theatre. It features an enhanced bar, dining room and private spaces for special events in a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere.

The extraordinary steaks are sourced from Allen Brothers, a purveyor of fine meats since 1893. These steaks are considered “the ultimate in tenderness, juiciness and flavor” while the line caught seafood is flown in fresh three times each week. Start the evening out with a few craft cocktails in the downstairs bar, either nestled in one of the leather club chairs or with a front row seat at their beautiful 70-foot-long cherry wood bar. You can enjoy live music on the weekends.

Bohanan's Prime Steaks & Seafood

5 Points Local

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It is a good choice for a prix fixe three-course lunch that includes the soup of the day or a salad, 6 oz. center cut filet with a brandy peppercorn sauce (or several other choices) and dessert. There is also a Happy Hour at the bar that includes favorites like the Jumbo Shrimp Bruno and Crab Cake Sliders, along with scintillating cocktails like the Garden Fresh Lemon Drop and Italian ’75.

For dinner, it is time to dive into those hearty steaks, such as the dry aged Range Kansas City strip, dry aged porter house, prime tomahawk ribeye or a variety of other fantastic Adjourn to the upstairs dining room for a round of options, such as a veal chop or double-cut French-grilled oysters or Chef Mark’s “Famous Tortilla lamb rib chops. I promise you will not go hungry! Soup,” a San Antonio staple, before biting into one of those superb Allen Brothers steaks, mesquite grilled, RANGE whether it is a filet, ribeye, NY strip or porterhouse. If you keep heading down Houston Street (maybe we Make it extra special by adding some foie gras, lobster should rename it Steakhouse Street), you will run into tail, lump crab Oscar or bearnaise sauce, for starters. another favorite steakhouse, Range, from San Antonio celebrity chef, Jason Dady. Other options include New Zealand Tazman King Salmon or a Macadamia Encrusted Gulf Red Snapper Range is just one of many Dady concepts and there is with a delectable Candied Orange Butter Sauce. Do not a reason why this Top Chef has been so successful.

RIO Magazine

SIP & SAVOR

Ruth's Chris

Silo Prime

Range

“The most important things I have learned are to be genuine, to live with passion, to cook with finesse and to give my guests the best of everything I am every single time,” says Chef Dady and that ideal is thoughtfully illustrated at this delightful steakhouse. With dark wood and brooding tones in a spacious dining room, Range is everything you would expect from an upscale steakhouse but with a South Texas twist to the menu that sets it apart. From a South Texas Beef Tartare to a Smoked Brisket Chili, the menu is filled with spicy and enticing dishes, but of course, we are here for the steaks!

click on this: BOHANAN’S www.Bohanans.com THE PALM www.ThePalm.com/location/ the-palm-san-antonio

You cannot go wrong with the mouthwatering Garlic & Thyme Basted Beef Tenderloin Filet or the unique Cast Iron Seared Tuscan Marinated Ribeye. Top it off with some Mississippi Mud Pie for dessert and you have yourself a winner.

RUTH’S CHRIS www.RuthsChris.com

SILO PRIME If you head south from downtown towards the Southtown Arts District, you will find an undeniable gem at the historic Fairmount Hotel along South Alamo Street called Silo Prime.

SILO PRIME www.SiloElevatedCuisine.com/ locations/silo-prime

This elevated cuisine is served in a moodily lit dining room with dark leather chairs and wood floors. You

RANGE www.RangeSA.com

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absolutely must start your dining experience off with their divine Baked French Onion Soup—one of the best in the city, to be sure, with the secret ingredient being the locally-made Black Gold Garlic. The menu boasts a little bit of everything including a grilled filet, center cut strip, center cut ribeye and an Australian lamb rack. Other entrees range from sea scallops and king crab to the exclusive Tristan Island lobster, which is a rare find in San Antonio and makes a visit to Silo Prime unforgettable. My hot tip here is to take in the downtown cityscape from their rooftop bar. It is a lovely view that reminds me why I so love the Alamo City. RUTH’S CHRIS Finally, if you are craving a steak sizzled in butter and herbs, head immediately to Ruth’s Chris, located in the Grand Hyatt Hotel along the picturesque River Walk. Known for custom-aged USDA Prime Midwestern steaks served sizzling hot on a 500-degree plate, these steaks truly melt in your mouth. There is a reason why Ruth’s Chris has been around for decades. Not only is the staff well-trained, enabling the restaurant to run like a well-oiled machine, but the story behind the restaurant is as good as

its steaks. In 1965, founder Ruth Fertel mortgaged her home to buy a small steakhouse in New Orleans. They even survived a fire in 1976, but eventually grew to become one of the most “legendary” steakhouses in America. One of my favorite dishes is the Petite Filet & Shrimp, but you are in for massive flavor with their T-bone, bone-in filet or bone-in NY strip. Seafood lovers might prefer the Garlic Crusted Sea Bass or Sizzling Crab Cakes, but whatever you choose will undoubtedly put a great big smile on your face.

Bon Appetit! 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 is the co-creator of Homegrown Chef, a culinary series and catering and events company, featuring our city’s best chefs and delicious eats. Kimberly also hosts River Walk Culinary Adventure Tours, walking food tours that highlight the fantastic offerings along the River Walk for both ticketed events and private groups. Go to HomegrownChefTV.com/culinarytours for details.

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02/28/22

Air Tours Enjoy beautiful San Antonio from above.

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RIO Magazine

FAMILY FUN

Let's Rodeo SAN ANTONIO Round up the kids for the

73rd Annual San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo

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In most states, February means Valentine’s Day for loving families, but in here Texas, especially in San Antonio, it is all about rodeo! Yes, San Antonio cowboys and cowgirls here are all sweethearts of the rodeo, and this February when the Alamo Trail Riders, the South Texas Trail Riders and other trail rider groups make their grand entrance into town as the city gears up for the 73rd Annual Stock Show & Rodeo, kids cannot help but holler “Yippee Ki-yay!” RODEO FEVER The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo will be held this month over 18 fun-filled days and nights, February 10-27, 2022, at the AT&T Center/ Freeman Coliseum and fairgrounds. Hosted by 6,000 volunteers, corporate partners and sponsors, the Rodeo is a non-profit organization emphasizing agriculture and education for the youth of Texas. More than $232 million has been generated since the Rodeo’s inception, with funds awarded through scholarships, grants, endowments, auctions, a calf scramble program and show premiums. In 2020 alone, more than 21,275 students were helped to further educational and agricultural goals, and more than 10,000 Texas college students benefited from a Rodeo scholarship. But more than being a way to help youth, the Rodeo offers active hands-on fun for families, with everything from “Mutton Bustin’” and a petting zoo, to bull riders and famous balladeers to a big carnival, too. It is all about Texas-sized, cowboy-styled family fun, so come catch “Rodeo fever.” HAPPY TRAILS To kick off the Rodeo, an estimated 5,000 cowboys and cowgirls begin making their way on horseback or in covered wagons to San Antonio with groups like the South Texas Trail Riders and the Official Alamo Trail Riders (These are but two trail riding organizations that ride to the Rodeo). The long-loved tradition of trail riders parading to town ends in a grand entry into the Rodeo arena (happening at 7:15pm on Feb. 12). Want to see real-life cowboys? Head downtown to Houston Street to see the Western Heritage thesanantonioriverwalk.com

Parade & Cattle Drive on Feb. 5. This free event takes us a step back in time to celebrate our historic Texas roots and kick-off the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. The parade route runs through downtown San Antonio and features participants who represent our heritage and the Old West.

STARS AT NIGHT SHINE BIG AND BRIGHT… Besides being a place to see and show animals, the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo offers concerts from some of music’s hottest entertainers who perform each night following the rodeos. Famous stars of country, Americana, rock and pop give enormous crowdpleasing performances. Stars this year include Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Tanya Tucker, Sam Hunt, Brett Young, Toby Keith, Ramon Ayala y sus Bravos del Norte and many more. Concert performances can sell out quickly, so it is a good idea to get tickets now. Want to get close to these big stars? Purchase the Rodeo Star Experience Package, which includes a first-class private dinner, two drink tickets and performance seats in the “Fan Zone” in the first two rows on the dirt around the stage. Regular Rodeo tickets are just as good

for families, though, as they include access to a big carnival area, an action-packed Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) rodeo and all the headliner entertainment. COWBOY CULTURE San Antonio is one of the largest indoor PRCA rodeos in the United States, with 18 days of a carnival, competitive events, a youth rodeo, concerts, competitions, animal shows and more: that is why Rodeo in San Antonio is called “more than just an 8-second ride.” Favorite local Rodeo traditions are the focus of events held: Mutton Bustin’, Ranch Rodeo, Youth Rodeo and the Rodeo Star Experience. This year, a free event celebrating a colorful and exciting Mexican tradition of horsemanship and pageantry will take place at the Charreada, sponsored by the Rodeo’s Horse Show Committee, at the Freeman Coliseum on Feb. 27. Charreada is a mix of rodeo skills and dressage, with riders showing traditional competitive roping and ranch skills, while donning exquisite costumes. LIL’ BUCKAROOS CAN RIDE, TOO Young ones can even get in on the fun during Bustin’ in the Barn, a fairgrounds Mutton Bustin’ experience for kids from 4-7 years old. Young Buckaroos “cowboy up” and hold on to a wild wooly sheep for six exciting seconds. Mutton Bustin’ happens during every rodeo performance, excluding the Finals. RANCH RODEO Ranch Rodeos offers real working cowboys the chance to compete in events such as steer loading, calf branding, roping and tying as they strive to make the cut for the San Antonio Ranch Rodeo Finals and compete for over $40,000 in cash and prizes. YOUTH RODEO Since its debut in 2014, the Youth Rodeo has become enormously popular. With more than 1,000 entries annually, the competition features Pole Bending, Goat Tying, Barrel Racing, TieDown Roping, Breakaway Roping, Ribbon Roping, Team Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, RIO Magazine

FAMILY FUN Bareback Riding, Bull Riding and Steer Wrestling. Also, the Rodeo’s Junior Livestock Show, which happens to be the largest in the nation, has record participation with strong growth in the Junior Agricultural Mechanics Show, Junior Shoot-Out and many knowledge-based competitions including Agricultural Public Speaking, judging competitions and a Skillathon. Other competitive rodeo events include a Western Art Competition and the Calf Scramble. GIDDY UP! In 2020 as many as 1.5 million people attended the Stock Show & Rodeo events, so do not miss out this year. Round up your youngin’s and mosey on down to the Rodeo for some fabulous February fun. WRITER’S BIO Janis Turk is a Seguin-based award-winning travel and food writer and the author of several books on Texas. STARS OF THE RODEO CONCERT SCHEDULE 2022:

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Thursday, February 10, 7:00pm - Toby Keith

• • • • • • •

Monday, February 21, 7:00pm - Little Big Town

Friday, February 11, 7:00pm - Midland Saturday, February 12, 1:00pm - Riley Green Saturday, February 12, 7:00pm - Little Texas Sunday, February 13, 1:00pm - Wade Bowen Sunday, February 13, 7:00pm - Tanya Tucker Monday, February 14, 7:00pm - Lady A Tuesday, February 15, 7:00pm - Brad Paisley Wednesday, February 16, 7:00pm - Sam Hunt Thursday, February 17, 7:00pm - Ludacris Friday, February 18, 7:00pm - Night Ranger Saturday, February 19, 1:00pm & 7:00pm - Tim McGraw Sunday, February 20, 1:00pm - Mickey Guyton Sunday, February 20, 7:00pm - Ramon Ayala y sus Bravos del Norte Tuesday, February 22, 7:00pm - 3 Doors Down Wednesday, February 23, 7:00pm - Texas Storytellers Thursday, February 24, 7:00pm - Brett Young Friday, February 25, 7:00pm - STYX Saturday, February 26, 1:00pm - Jimmie Allen Saturday, February 26, 7:00pm - Ryan Bingham (Rodeo Finals)

click on this: SAN ANTONIO STOCK SHOW & RODEO www.SARodeo.com

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OFFICIAL ALAMO TRAIL RIDE www.Facebook.com/ theofficialalamotrailride

02/28/22

SOUTH TEXAS TRAIL RIDERS, INC. www.STTR.net thesanantonioriverwalk.com

Rich History.

New Experiences.

San Antonio is a warm, welcoming place that draws you in, inviting you to explore and discover something new and different around every corner. Come explore and experience the city filled with everything you have been dreaming of. From our world-renowned Spanish Missions, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to larger-than-life attractions, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Plan your one-of-a-kind San Antonio experience now at visitsanantonio.com

BE ENTERTAINED

By Lakendra Lewis

WEE DOGGIE! WESTERN HERITAGE WEEKEND IS NEARLY HERE AND TH AT MEANS THERE IS LOTS TO EXPLORE IN AND AROUND DOWNTOWN SAN ANTONE A S FOLKS GEAR UP FOR THIS TREA SURED ANNUAL EVENT PUT ON BY THE SAN ANTONIO STOCK SHOW AND RODEO.

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Briscoe Western Art Museum thesanantonioriverwalk.com

InSight Gallery, A Tribute to Richard by Daniel F. Gerhartz

WITH WESTERN HERITAGE COMES WESTERN ART, AND THE ALAMO CITY IS FULL OF MUSEUMS LOCALLY AND JUST A TAD ABROAD THAT OFFER FINE ART AND ARTIFACTS GALORE FOR THE WESTERN LOVER. BELOW ARE JUST A FEW: InSight Gallery, A Tribute to Richard by Daniel F. Gerhartz

BRISCOE WESTERN ART MUSEUM

The first stop on your Western art journey should be the Briscoe Western Art Museum. Nestled on the banks of the San Antonio River Walk, the Briscoe is dedicated to preserving the art, history and culture of the American West by inspiring and educating the public with engaging exhibitions, educational programs and public events that reflect the traditions and heritage that have helped to shape Western Americana. “Western art shares the stories of the cowboy, the vaquero, Native Americans, and the vast beauty of the Western landscape through drawings, sketches, paintings, and sculptures,” as explained on the museum’s website. “As the culture shifts, so does our interpretation of Western art, but the stories remain the same.” Before it was a museum, the Briscoe’s main building served as San Antonio’s original public library in the 1930s before becoming the Hertzberg Circus Collection and Museum in the 80s. The Briscoe Western Art Museum, named in honor of former Texas Governor Dolph Briscoe Jr., opened in 2013 following an extensive renovation. The stories the museum shares are ones of Western heritage and the people behind those stories, which are depicted through various mediums each month. During the month of February, the museum is offering a few events that are well worth ponying up the price of admission:

appreciation of western heritage as interpreted by young aspiring artists from 159 South Texas school districts across 48 counties. LOCALS DAY Residents of Bexar County are invited to experience the art and culture of the West free of charge on the first Sunday of every month during Locals Day. Free admission for this month is Feb. 6. Just present your ID or a utility bill with an address within Bexar County as proof of residency. GARDEN PARTY Enjoy a date night in the McNutt Sculpture Garden for Sips and Sounds of the West on Valentine’s Day weekend (Feb. 11), where guests can take in an evening under the stars with live music from singer-songwriter Clint Tomerlin and his band. The $5 member-only price includes tickets for two free beers, water or soda, and complimentary chocolate strawberries. Food truck fare from Benjie’s Munch will also be available for purchase. In addition to the lush outdoor courtyard, stunning view and beautiful bronze artworks of the McNutt Sculpture Garden, the Briscoe offers adult and student tours, virtual, permanent and rotating exhibitions, educational programs, live presentations, a book club and trinkets for every member of the family in the museum gift shop—a great spot to pick up some souvenirs if you are in the downtown area for the San Antonio Rodeo.

INSIGHT GALLERY

If you are in the Texas Hill Country area of Fredericksburg and seeking to feast your eyes on some fine art, you will definitely want to stop into the InSight Gallery on West Main Street for a selection of works from 60 of the finest painters and sculptors living and working today in landscape, figurative, impressionistic, still life, wildlife and Western art. Founded in 2009 with both the artist and art collector in mind, the gallery is dedicated to bringing only the highest quality of fine art to the Texas Hill Country and the national art market. This month’s exhibit will feature works from Impressionist painter Daniel F. Gerhartz. Titled “Restoring One’s Soul,” the exhibit showcases 12 of the Wisconsin native’s figurative, landscape and still life paintings. The exhibit will run Feb. 4-25, with an opening reception on Friday, Feb. 4 from 5:30 to 7:30pm during First Friday Art Walk in Fredericksburg. Known for painting subjects that evoke timelessness and idealism, Gerhartz’s intimate honesty with regard to his subjects are a direct result of his closeness to his family and community, on which he often draws inspiration. STUDENT ART COMPETITION The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo’s Student Western Art Competition Exhibit is on display in the Clingman Education Gallery now through Feb. 5. The pop-up exhibit, which is included with general admission, features the 10 winning entries in the 2022 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo’s Western Art Competition, an annual contest that this year showcases an

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BUCKHORN SALOON & MUSEUM

Have a mind to kick off your boots and stay awhile? Then you best mosey on over to the Buckhorn Saloon & Museum where big and little buckaroos can get the full Texas experience.

RIO Magazine

BE ENTERTAINED

From its exotic animal collection and the Texas Ranger Museum to the saloon, cafe and gift shop, it is no wonder the Buckhorn has become one of the biggest attractions in San Antonio. Anchored in Texas history and open 365 days a year, the Buckhorn Saloon & Museum was originally opened as a saloon by a teenaged hotel bartender and bellhop, Albert Friedrich, whose initial ownership more than a century on has become a preserved tourist attraction that houses an additional museum and several eye-catching exhibits: THE TEXAS RANGER MUSEUM Originally opened in 1973 by the Former Texas Rangers Association, this historic collection offers the public a chance to see priceless historical artifacts that span more than a 100 years of Ranger history, including hundreds of authentic artifacts such as automatic handguns, shotguns, badges and more. CARNIVAL OF CURIOSITIES You will not believe your eyes on this madcap journey with Dr. Phineas Phiasco through a menagerie of mysterious and mind-boggling phenomena as you explore the topsy-turvy town of Turmoil Texas. Delve into the depths of the mystery mine and watch water flow uphill! Baffle your senses as you change size before your very own eyes! See an elephant the size of a tiny peanut! Witness fish swim without water—in mid-air! This humorous, fun-spirited adventure will entertain you and your family and rattle reality, as you know it! Bursting with optical illusions that defy the laws of gravity and challenge modern science, visitors can participate in a hands-on, interactive array of curious spectacles that will challenge your senses and introduce you to a world of amazement.

click on this: BRISCOE WESTERN ART MUSEUM www.BriscoeMuseum.org INSIGHT GALLERY www.InSightGallery.com

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BUCKHORN SALOON & MUSEUM www.BuckhornMuseum.com

THE AMERICAN SIDESHOW Step right up—hurry, hurry! Through astonishing video technology audiences will experience an amazing visual extravaganza known as the American Sideshow. Guests will gaze at a kooky kaleidoscope of concoctions and oddities, including PT Barnum’s smallest man on Earth and feats of dare devils and freaks. This sideshow guarantees to shock and amaze children and adults of all ages! WRITER’S BIO Lakendra Lewis is an arts and entertainment journalist, editor and author whose articles have appeared in Edible San Antonio Magazine, The Texas Observer and San Antonio Christian Woman Magazine. She enjoys movies, music, cooking, singing and telling other people’s stories. You can contact her/read more of her stories at www.LakendraLewis.JournoPortfolio.com. thesanantonioriverwalk.com

Laissez les bons temps rouler! LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL ALONG THE RIVER WALK WITH A WEEKEND FULL OF MARDI GRAS MERRINESS!

MARDI GRAS ARTISAN SHOW

THE BATTLE OF THE PADDLE

February 25-27, Friday & Saturday, 11:00am to 11:00pm, Sunday, 11:00am to 8:00pm

February 26, Saturday, 10:00am to 12:00pm

Over 40 artists display and sell their beautiful handmade merchandise along the San Antonio River Walk. Artwork includes pottery, textiles, jewelry, woodwork, paintings, beadwork and more. This annual event in free to the public and takes place along the River Walk Extension, on the Chamber of Commerce sidewalk and near Shops at Rivercenter. www.TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com

Everyone remembers the Battle of the Alamo— now get ready for the Battle of the Paddle! As part of the 2022 San Antonio River Basin Race Series—one of four races in the series— experienced paddlers compete in a nearly fivemile all-out sprint that includes two laps within the historic downtown river loop as spectators line the River Walk to cheer on racers as they speed by. The start/finish line is next to the Tobin Center, where the top three finishers will be awarded following the race. $25 registration fee. www.SARiverAuthority.org/whats-new/ san-antonio-river-basin-paddling-race-series

MARDI GRAS RIVER WALK FESTIVAL & PARADE Festival: February 26-27, Saturday & Sunday, 1:00 to 8:00pm Parade: February 26, Saturday, 4:00 to 6:00pm Don your Mardi Gras masks, costumes and beads for two days of live music and entertainment at the Arneson River Theatre along San Antonio’s beautiful River Walk. On Saturday, from 4:00 to 6:00pm, a procession of decorated river floats transforms the River Walk into a floating Mardi Gras celebration, and there will be five staged floats along the parade route for celebratory selfies. Join krewes of costumed revelers for a weekend of frivolous fun, entertainment and food trucks. Admission is free and Mardi Gras costumes are encouraged! www.TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com

GREAT FINDS

i w t h t i L ove x i Kilwins

Whether you are looking to satisfy your own sweet tooth or to surprise your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day (or just because), there is no end to the melt-in-yourmouth chocolate options, so let your taste buds do the walking.

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thesanantonioriverwalk.com

Based on the number of sweet options available in San Antonio, it would be understandable if you confused the San Antonio River for a river of chocolate. But you will not find Willie Wonka and Oompa Loompas along the River Walk—nor do you need a golden ticket to dive in and enjoy the bevy of flavor-filled, delectable

and ma

chocolate options just waiting to be discovered (and devoured!).

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River Street Sweets Savannah's Candy Kitchen

KILWINS As you stroll Alamo Plaza, it is impossible to resist the warm glow of the gleaming copper kettles peeking through the window at Kilwins. Then you are carried through the door on the sweet scent of melting chocolate. Or perhaps it is the bubbling, creamy caramel, which they make fresh in-house in 25-pound batches. That sounds like a lot until you see the rows and rows of eye-popping chocolate and caramel dipped apples, marshmallows and rice krispy treats. Or perhaps the caramel covered pecans, cashews and more, nestled gently with a lovely chocolate topping. And that is before you get to the marble slab featuring an array of fudge flavors each more tempting than the next. Or perhaps you skip all of that and head It’Sugar for the ice cream? And of course, the talented team at Kilwins offers samples to lure you in and seal the deal. Yes, you have

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found heaven—and the perfect place to make sure that your Valentine gift is devoured as soon as it is opened.

OREO® cookies, salty Bavarian pretzel twists and honey graham crackers covered in milk chocolate, washed down with a side of English toffee. Dive into a huge milk chocolate Peanut Butter Bucket filled with creamy, whipped peanut butter that is great for cutting and sharing (or keeping all to yourself. We promise not to tell.)

IT’SUGAR Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory To recover from that sugar high, clear your head with a walk to the Shops at Rivercenter, then dive into the cornucopia of candy at IT’Sugar. You are greeted by a rainbow cacophony of candy in every shape, size and sweetness—or sour if that is your preference. You can choose a custom mix by weight, creating a flavor profile SAVANNAH’S CANDY KITCHEN that matches your sweetie. Another option is Before you leave the Shops at Rivercenter, pop to go big: buy your true love’s favorite candy into River Street Sweets ▪ Savannah’s Candy bar in a five-pound size. IT’Sugar also features Kitchen flowing with flavor here in San Antonio. fun novelty candy, including gummies in every Chocolate, fudge and pralines, oh my! Chocolate shape and size, as well as adult flavors such as Loggerheads, named for the sea turtle they Jim Beam®, Jack Daniel’s® and Bailey’s® Irish resemble, are pecans covered in caramel and Cream chocolates. chocolate, or munch on crunchy glazed pecans and a fluffy nougat log roll before you dive into ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY an array of fudge, sea salt caramels and truffles, If you go with the adult options, you do not each tastier than the last. No matter what you have to worry about driving to your next sweet fall in love with, it is all available for shipping, destination because the Shops at Rivercenter too, so you can enjoy some while you explore is also home to world-famous Rocky Mountain and you can share the flavor with someone who Chocolate Factory. Row upon row of their larger- deserves a chocolate boost. than-life chocolate, caramel and nut covered apples invite you inside. An apple a day keeps SCHAKOLAD CHOCOLATE FACTORY the doctor away, right? Or go for delicious With all of that sugar in your system, exploring

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GREAT FINDS

Schakolad Chocolate Factory Chocollazo

It'Sugar

downtown is a must to avoid a chocolate coma. Walk through Alamo Plaza and roam to Broadway to land at Schakolad Chocolate Factory. Do not worry if you trip over the name—your tongue will feel right at home as soon as it tastes the delectable treats made fresh on premises. “Factory” is part of the name on purpose: the chocolates you will find here are not shipped in from anywhere. They are made using a tried-and-true, three-generation, European-style family recipe. That in-house attention to detail and customization shows in treats like a chocolate bar sporting an outline of the Alamo, or chocolate champagne glasses filled with tantalizing truffles. You can surprise your special someone with chocolate roses, go old-school with chocolate dipped strawberries and cherries or be chocolate eco-friendly: gift a box of chocolates in an edible chocolate heart box! CHOCOLLAZO For chocolate flavor that you might mistake for art, do not miss Chocollazo. Born here in San Antonio, everything is handcrafted and hand-painted. Yes, painted: you will wonder if you can truly bite into truffles that look like shimmering gemstones. The flavors and designs are dizzying, but do not miss the whimsical chocolate creations that may include 26 RIO Magazine

everything from a chocolate watch to chocolate Star Wars® characters. Gift from the heart with a solid multi-faceted Belgian chocolate heart with gold luster or snag a gummy bear chocolate bar. The selection constantly changes, so stop in often to see—and taste!—the latest creation from this San Antonio born and bred chocolate shop. From limited edition super dark 83% Black Zabuye chocolate to ruby chocolate and everything in between, if it is the coolest chocolate, you will find it here. Insider tip: stop in on Friday or Saturday to enjoy fresh chocolate fondue. Enjoy it onsite because when it comes to really good chocolate, patience is not a virtue. WRITER’S BIO An award-winning writer, communications expert and military spouse who enjoys unearthing 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 Blog.

click on this: CHOCOLLAZO www.Chocollazo.com IT’SUGAR www.Itsugar.com KILWINS www.Kilwins.com/stores/ kilwins-sanantonio RIVER STREET SWEETS ▪ SAVANNAH’S CANDY KITCHEN www.ILovePralines.com ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY www.RMCF.com/locations SCHAKOLAD www.SchakoladSanAntonio.com thesanantonioriverwalk.com

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CULTURE & COMMUNITY

r o f y Craz e t o y o C the es By Susan Yerk

click on this: SAN ANTONIO SPURS www.NBA.com/spurs/coyote/ SPURS COYOTE ON INSTAGRAM www.Instagram.com/spurscoyote SPURS COYOTE ON TWITTER www.Twitter.com/spurscoyote “THE COYOTE FAMILY STAYS HOME” EBOOK www.SanAntonio.overdrive.com/media/5521140

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thesanantonioriverwalk.com

What San Antonio celebrity is brown, has big ears, never speaks and has nearly 90,000 Instagram followers? (Hint: his motto is “Pants Optional.”) It is the Spurs Coyote!

When the San Antonio Spurs jog on to the basketball court in the AT&T Center, the Coyote is on the job, too. But his job is not winning games—it is winning hearts and bringing smiles to fans’ faces. During lulls in the game he races up and down the sidelines, crowd-surfs, fires a T-shirt cannon into the stands, jumps and flops and cuts comic capers. And while even the longest-serving Spurs eventually retire, the Coyote has been in the game for 38 years now. There are Coyote plush dolls, logo sandals, lapel pins, Coyote Brixel sets, Coyote T-shirts, Coyote jerseys (his number is 2!) bobbleheads—even framed Coyote “fine art prints.” The Coyote has won numerous NBA Mascot of the Year awards and other honors, and he holds the record for the NBA’s MVV—Most Valuable Varmint. In 2005, the Coyote had the dubious distinction of being the first NBA mascot to be ejected from a game for his antics by a referee, then subsequently officially “pardoned” at another game by thenTexas governor Rick Perry. He is an athlete and a comedian, and an incredibly lovable ambassador for

the city’s beloved Spurs. He is not just at every Spurs home game—he also makes hundreds of appearances in the community every year. When the pandemic hit, the Spurs released a downloadable children’s ebook in English and Spanish titled “The Coyote Family Stays Home,” to help kids and their families cope with isolation. “We do not call him a mascot. He is a character in his own right, and that makes him a unique personality in pro sports,” said Daniel Radwanski, Manager of Game Operations for Spurs Sports & Entertainment. “He has become an influencer on social media. And he is really funny. He can do the

same bit I have seen 20 times and it still makes me laugh.” While the Coyote’s madcap antics always seem spontaneous, there is meticulous preparation involved. “We have two large cages full of costumes and props and we are constantly renting more for all his alter egos—ThorYote, ObiwanCoyote, BatYote… the list goes on,” Radwanski said. The “Bat Catch” exemplifies the combination of preparation and serendipity. “For 20-plus years the Batman costume has been ready every game for that moment when a bat flies low enough that the Coyote can net it,” Radwanski said. “The minute somebody says ‘Bat!’ the costume comes out and he runs out and goes after it. In 2019 we were playing the New Orleans Pelicans and a bat flew in. There was a little panic that the game might be delayed, and then magically, BatYote runs out and snags the bat.” The moment went viral, making sports headlines. RIO Magazine

CULTURE & COMMUNITY

The Coyote almost wasn’t the Coyote. Back in 1983, when attendance was low, the Spurs decided to introduce a mascot. They envisioned a cowboy or an armadillo. Fortunately, the guy who got the job had more imagination. You might call Tim Derk the Coyote Father. A tennis pro and accomplished actor, Derk basically created the Coyote from scratch. He designed the costume and shaped the character.

meniscus, two bruised kidneys, broken ribs, a jaw wired shut—and like the cartoon Coyote, he never gave up.

“The Coyote was spry and wily, but always got the short end of the stick,” Derk said.

Another night he asked legendary NBA referee Dick Bavetta to do a bit with him, where he pretended to challenge him to box during a time out in the game.

His athletic ability, energy, comic timing and zany inspiration made it work. “At first people were like ‘Is that a bunny? Or a squirrel?’ I joked that my name was ‘Down in Front.’ But eventually my acting or athletic skills started to earn respect,” he said. Being the Coyote is not easy. “I weighed maybe 150 pounds, and I lost about six pounds of liquid every game,” he said. “Some days I had six appearances in the community on a game day, and I was in the suit four hours before game time.” His spectacular stunts took a toll—a torn Achilles tendon, several rotator cuff tears, a torn

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“One night Charles Barclay took me aside and said ‘Any time you get near me may I hit you?’ So once or twice a year he would clock me with a backhand. People thought we hated each other, but we were the best of friends.”

“I told him to rear back and hit me as hard as he could. I figured he would hit me in my big foam nose. But he gave me a straight right jab into the Coyote’s mouth – which is where my eyes and nose are unguarded. My head snapped back, my nose broke and I managed to stagger off the court with blood dripping all the way to the locker room. I stuffed my nose with toilet paper and secured it with athletic tape and went right back out.” For 21 years Derk was the Coyote, doing about 300 community appearances a year in addition

to the games, until a stroke sidelined him in 2004. But the Coyote went on. Rob Wicall, Derk’s backup—an athlete and actor in his own right— stepped into the suit for another 12 years. The person who took over the job from Wicall—only the third official Coyote in nearly 40 years— remains anonymous, as Derk and Wicall did until they took off the fur. Anonymity is important. “The Coyote is cool,” Wicall said. “But if you know it is a 40-year-old white man, it is not cool anymore. People revere the Coyote. He is an icon, and I was just a dude. It is humbling to experience the love fans had for that character. The people of San Antonio are nice, good people, and I feel like the Coyote and the Spurs are an embodiment of that—just being good, doing things the right way. This city has taken the character into its heart, and the relationship is just amazing.”

WRITER’S BIO Susan Yerkes is an award-winning journalist and travel writer based in San Antonio. Like most San Antonians, she is a passionate Spurs fan and a long-time admirer of the amazing Spurs Coyote. Go, Coyote, Go!

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The Japanese Tea Garden The newest interactive augmented reality experience is here

you swipe up, it releases it into the pond,” Day said. Designed for users of all ages, there are six different augmented reality focus points located around the garden: the Torii Gate, Pavilion, Lower Garden, Dragon Bridge, Observation Tower, and of course the Jingu House. The historic Jingu House sits atop the upper garden near the pavilion and observation tower. The name pays homage to Kimi Eizo Jingu and his family who resided on the garden grounds and operated a restaurant known as the Bamboo Room from 1926 to 1942.

Located in the heart of San Antonio just north of Mulberry off Highway 281, the San Antonio Japanese Tea Garden has marveled locals and visitors alike since the early 20th century. Often referred to as San Antonio’s best kept secret, the attributes of the garden are now being highlighted in a new high-tech augmented reality app available for free in the Apple and Google Play Stores. The Japanese Tea Garden AR App was developed by GeoMedia, Inc. in partnership with the San Antonio Parks Foundation, the nonprofit responsible for preserving and operating the historic garden. Launched in October 2021, the AR app, “is lovingly referred to as our COVID project, something our team worked on for 18 months, and it is one of the first in the nation to have an interactive augmented reality component,” The San Antonio Parks Foundation’s Libby Day said. The Japanese Tea Garden’s incredible 11 acres are filled with arcing stone bridges, Japanese koi ponds and even a waterfall. “There is a koi fish augmented reality component where you can actually color your own koi fish in. And then when

“The daughter of one of the family members who lived at the garden and helped operate the restaurant there in the 1920s and ‘30s was able to be a part of the app development process and help go over the history and make sure the history was represented accurately and with integrity,” she said. Today, the Jingu House is closed for renovations and will reopen in the spring of 2022 with a new restaurant and café for guests to enjoy during their visits to the garden. Open 365 days a year, the Japanese Tea Garden is free to experience, just like the app. Take in the tranquil view from the open-air pavilion at the top

and then follow the nearby winding path down a set of stone stairs, up and along arched bridges, and around the base of a sixty-foot waterfall. Sun streams in overhead, warming this sunken oasis in the cooler months. This park comes with a Texas twist: in lieu of classic Japanese maple or cherry trees, native and adaptive species abound, including leafy green Mexican sycamore trees and flower-studded desert willows. The Japanese Tea Garden is open to the public daily from dawn to dusk and is wheelchair accessible.

www.SAParksFoundation.org

RECREATION The Big Easy

By Drew Henry

While San Antonio is known for cowboys, Tex-Mex and the best margaritas this side of the Rio Grande, there are many more cultures to explore in our diverse city. So, get ready to jump into San Antonio’s cultural cornucopia. We will start this month’s festivities by ringing in the Chinese New Year. Next, we will catch a Mardi Gras parade on the River Walk instead of the bayou. Then we will uncover Mayan history and musical folklore. Finally, we will explore a park that speaks to San Antonio’s rich past and bright future. We have many cultures to jump into, so get started!

Celebrate Chinese New Year in the Alamo City! TOUR THE SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART’S ASIAN GALLERY February marks the start of the Chinese New Year. To celebrate, we will first dive into the history of China. Get ready to embark on an Asian expedition to explore relics from the Great Wall of China without even crossing the Texas border. The first stop on our tour is the San Antonio Museum of Art. SAMA is located on the river between downtown and Pearl in the former Lone Star Brewery. This museum spans over 5,000 years of global culture and has one of the most impressive Asian art collections in the United States, including more than 1,500 works from China and other Asian countries. What started as a Chinese ceramics collection by museum donors Lenora and Walter F. Brown has grown into over 15,000 square feet of galleries filled with history. GET DINNER AT BEST QUALITY DAUGHTER After exploring Chinese history, why not indulge in some delicious Chinese cuisine? Located a few steps north of SAMA, you will find the 32 RIO Magazine

Best Quality Daughter restaurant inside the historic Mueller House at Pearl. The Best Quality Daughter concept began as a series of pop-up dinners in 2018 by Chef Jennifer Dobbertin. She wanted to address the sparsity of Asian-American female chefs in South Texas. By 2020, she opened her lively and fun restaurant concept with Chef Quealy Watson, serving dishes inspired by her travels and the comfort food of her youth. Explore a family-style menu featuring savory favorites like Impossible Potstickers, Salt-n-Pepper Shrimp, Char Siu Roast Pork Shoulder and Miso Ginger Noodles. CATCH SHEN YUN AT THE TOBIN CENTER Shen Yun translates to “the beauty of divine beings dancing,” and the name says it all! This dance company was established in New York in 2006 and has been wowing audiences worldwide ever since. Through music, dance and stunning costumes, Shen Yun takes us on a journey through over 5,000 years of Chinese arts and culture. You will be on the edge of your seat as the show explores heavenly realms, ancient legends and modern heroic tales alongside vibrant dancers, a driving orchestra and incredible animated backdrops that become part of the action. Shen thesanantonioriverwalk.com

Confluence Park

click on this: SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART www.SAMuseum.org BEST QUALITY DAUGHTER www.BestQualityDaughter.com THE SAN ANTONIO RIVER WALK www.TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com TOBIN CENTER www.TobinCenter.org CONFLUENCE PARK www.SARiverFound.org/ confluence-park

Best Quality Daughter

San Antonio Museum of Art

Yun will be performing at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts on Feb. 19 at 2:00 and 7:00pm and Feb. 20 at 1:00pm. SECOND LINE DURING MARDI GRAS ON THE RIVER WALK If you want to jump in a second line and do the Mardi Gras Mambo, there is no need to travel down to the bayou. The Big Easy is coming to Alamo City and bringing the Mardi Gras fun to the San Antonio River Walk! Indulge in New Orleanian culture from Feb. 25-27 and celebrate a Texas-style Mardi Gras. There will be festivities all along the River Walk, including an entire Mardi Gras River Parade on Feb. 26, starting at 4:00pm. If you are looking to get a taste of Louisiana cuisine, stop by Boudro’s Texas Bistro. This unique restaurant blends Texas flavors with creole finesse. Laissez les bon temps rouler! EXPLORE THE NATURE, POWER, AND MAYA ROYALS EXHIBITION AT SAMA If you enjoyed SAMA’s Asian art gallery, then you want to make sure you catch the Nature, Power, and Maya Royals exhibit on display through Feb. 27. This collaboration between the San Antonio Museum of Art, the Belize Institute of Archeology and the University of Texas at San Antonio includes recent discoveries from Buenavista del Cayo. By the Early Classic period, the Maya had developed a strong social hierarchy ruled by kings Confluence Park

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RIO Magazine

RECREATION

San Antonio Museum of Art

Tobin Center

and queens. The royal class needed to continually negotiate and reaffirm their position in society, and art was one important medium for doing so. This exhibition highlights how two Maya rulers commissioned artwork that featured commanding iconography to express their power. Uncover neverbefore-seen relics rediscovered from royal tomb excavations dating back to 250 A.D. Now, that is some ancient culture! BE OUR GUEST AT DISNEY PRINCESS - THE CONCERT AT THE TOBIN CENTER Experience your favorite Disney princess songs and folklore from around the world performed live by Broadway stars in the cultural showpiece Disney Princess - The Concert at the Tobin Center. For generations, Disney’s princesses have enchanted us with their stories, and now you can experience your favorite songs like never before. Tony Award-nominee Susan Egan, Broadway favorite Arielle Jacobs, Disney Channel star Anneliese van der Pol, and BroadwayWorld Award-winner Syndee Winters join forces in this concert of a lifetime. Catch the performance on Feb. 8 at 7:00pm, and make sure to dress up in your royal attire for a magical evening. 34 RIO Magazine

FIND WHERE SAN ANTONIO’S DIVERSE CULTURES AND RIVERS MEET AT CONFLUENCE PARK San Antonio’s rich history flows through the San Pedro Creek and San Antonio River, which meet at Confluence Park. This park was designed to provide opportunities to honor the past while celebrating the future. Located half a mile from Mission Concepcion, Confluence Park offers easy access to trails connecting the San Antonio Missions UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These trails are great for hiking and provide thoughtprovoking pathways to the past. The modern pavilion grounding the park serves as a gathering space for all of the city’s diverse residents. The design includes a water catchment system, which uses the pavilions’ geometric framework to collect rainwater to water the park’s foliage. In addition to being beautiful, the modern structure offers sustainable innovations that serve as an example for the city’s future development. Connect with nature and culture as you hike, bike or even paddle the trails, and connect with people as you gather with family and friends.

WRITER’S BIO Drew Henry is a writer, content creator and founder of the Design Dude’s Life blog. When he is not writing, he is 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: @designdudeslife & @ drewhenrywrites . thesanantonioriverwalk.com

Make Time for Underground (and Above Ground) Adventure! There are few places in the world where you can walk underground through the splendor of a million years and then turn around to soar across the sky. Fortunately, the best place for both adventures is right here in San Antonio at Natural Bridge Caverns.

Consistently rated on Trip Advisor as one of the top five attractions in San Antonio, Natural Bridge Caverns is the largest cavern in Texas and, in our opinion, one of the most spectacular show caves in the country. Family owned and operated since its discovery in 1960, you have access to daily guided tours and wild cave tours (complete with spelunking gear with advanced registration required) through ancient formations that are still growing to this day. The recent addition in 2019 of the million-dollar state-of-the-art lighting in the Discovery Passages section of the cavern means even the most dramatic and delicate formations are visible like never before. While there is no question that the cave is the star of the show, there is much more fun to be had at Natural Bridge Caverns. As the premier natural adventure park in the area, there is fun at every turn—both below ground and above. Natural Bridge Caverns is home to the country’s largest combined ropes and zip rail course, Twisted Trails, located in the heart of the

park’s Discovery Village. Complete with threestory-tall climbing structures, exciting zip rails that cut across the Texas sky and challenges perfect for both little and big thrill seekers alike, it is the perfect way to add some adventure to your visit. Discovery Village at the center of the park at Natural Bridge Caverns is also home to Texas’ largest sluice, the Mining Company, built to pan for treasure. One of the most popular activities at the Caverns, you can purchase a bag of mining rough (basically bags mixed with gems, fossils, arrowheads and sand) and sift through it to discover the treasure within. Best of all, you can keep everything you find! Since Natural Bridge Caverns is located on a working cattle ranch, it makes sense that every now and then you will need to keep an eye out for a calf. That is exactly what you will do at the AMAZen’ Ranch Roundup, a 5,000-squarefoot outdoor maze. Filled with twists and turns

and checkpoints that spell out C-A-L-F, guests challenge each other to get through the maze as fast as possible. After this much fun, it is a great idea to settle down for a meal (or maybe just homemade fudge) at Big Daddy’s Sweets, Treats and Brew. Or if shopping is more your thing, stop by the Trading Post for a look at the incredible collection of gems, jewelry and more. Discovery Village is also filled with picnic tables, family games like corn hole and giant Jenga, and on many weekends, live musical entertainment.

Plan on spending hours in the beautiful Texas Hill Country seeing this National Natural Landmark and adding to your San Antonio adventure. Save money by buying tickets in advance and learn more on the park website at www.NaturalBridgeCaverns.com.

24 48 72 HOURS By Crystal Henry

on Day one. . .

in town

Mural Ride

MURAL RIDE San Antonio is home to a growing street art collection, and the best way to behold the beauty is by bike. Mural Ride is a San Antonio bike tour company that takes you on a cycling tour of more than 20 murals around the city. Your guide will explain a bit about the history behind the art, and in February they are gearing up for a community ride. These free community events typically raise donations for a nonprofit. And as long as COVID numbers cooperate, the ride is on.

DAY ONE - LOVE AND MARGS

Cappy's Restaurant

LOVE BOATS GO RIO Cruises is writing its own love story this month with Valentine-themed river cruises. The famous boats that coast along the river are taking us on a few new adventures. The Love Stories pop-up cruise is a limited-edition tour where you will learn new tales about familiar spots along the river like Love Lock Bridge and the courthouse with its annual free Valentine’s Day wedding ceremony. Your ticket includes a drink, dessert and a rose. Then the GO RIO Ghost Tours take on a new tone in February, as riders experience the paranormal side of the River Walk’s love stories. Float along as you absorb these haunted tales of forbidden love.

Go RIO Cruises

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Cappy's Restaurant

NIGHT CAP Top off a romantic evening with dinner and margaritas at Cappy’s Restaurant, right outside of downtown on Broadway. Start with some oak-grilled oysters and move on to the crab cakes made with chipotle aioli and lime cream. Finish up with a key lime pie and a Santa Margarita—complete with LALO blanco, St-Germain, Aperol, lemon, lime and agave. thesanantonioriverwalk.com

Love is in the air, and this month we are absolutely in love with the city’s most beautiful beverage—the margarita. We are searching high and low for some of the most creative takes on this tantalizing treat, and we will explore San Antonio’s cocktail of cultural beauty along the way. Grab your Valentine for a bit of biking, hiking and boating through some tequila-fueled fun.

The Fruteria in Southtown

Chart House

DAY TWO - TWIST OF LIME BRILLIANT LUNCH Today we are dishing on the vibrant lunch at The Fruteria in Southtown. Chef Johnny Hernandez is swirling colors and flavors with brilliant beet and goat cheese salads and savory pork belly pellizcada. But we are here for the margs. With an infusion of fresh lime, pineapple, orange juice and Patrón Citrónage, you can customize your selection with different tequilas, berries, cucumbers or even spicy peppers. Sit back with a Piña Mezcal and an order of ceviche for a breezy afternoon indulgence. MIDDAY SKYWAY The Tower of the Americas is one of the most iconic silhouettes in the San Antonio skyline. Grab your ticket and take a trip to the top of the tallest observation tower in Texas with the chance to thesanantonioriverwalk.com

on Day two. . .

The Tower of the Americas

look out across the city from 750 feet above the ground. Take turns pointing out some of the other landmarks that make up River City. Admission also includes access to the 4D movie theater where you can check out “Skies Over Texas.” TOP DINING SPOT Come for the views and stay for the service because dinner at Chart House at the top of the Tower is a whole experience. As you dine on crunchy coconut shrimp and maple-glazed quail, your table slowly rotates giving you a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. Sip on the Ultimate Margarita as you watch the sparkling lights of San Antonio appear.

RIO Magazine

Rosario's

Selfie Museum

on day three. . .

Rosario's

City Sightseeing

DAY THREE - SALT OR SUGAR? SALT RIM What would a margarita adventure be without a little salt? Start the day inside the eforea Spa at the Embassy Suites with a session in the Himalayan salt cave. During happy hour, eforea offers specials on spa treatments, and you can add this glowing salty purification experience on to your massage or facial for a reduced rate.

The Original Mexican Restaurant

THE CHAMP Once we are properly salted, it is time to kick off a grand margarita tour around town starting with lunch at Rosario’s. This Southtown staple was named the best place for a margarita and salsa last year. So as reigning champ, we have to stop by for the fire roasted salsa and an order of fish tacos. The house margarita is great, but kick it up a notch with Rosario’s Handshaken made with Patrón Barrel Select Reposado.

THE ORIGINAL We will continue our tour with a people-watching marg on the River Walk at The Original Mexican Restaurant. Sit with an order of sopapillas and a beer-rita while you watch the crowds go by along the river. Toast to the queen of Cumbia with the Selenarita—featuring a Corona tucked into a frozen sangria margarita.

siren that is known as La Gloria’s Prickly Pear Margarita, but sip her slowly because this one goes down way too easy. SAY CHEESE Once you have completed your tour, you should be all smiles. So, book a session at the Texas Selfie Museum and capture your joy at the most Instagrammable spot in town. This whimsical creative space is half art gallery and half FOMO factory. Tag #thesanantonioriverwalk so we can see those smiles.

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 she showcases those bilingual skills on FB + IG @crystalhenrywrites and on Twitter @chenrywrites.

click on this: CAPPY’S www.CappysRestaurant.com

TEXAS SELFIE MUSEUM www.OriginalSelfieMuseum.com

EFOREA SPA www.EforeaSpaSA.com

THE FRUTERIA www.ChefJohnnyHernandez.com/ restaurants/the-fruteria

GO RIO CRUISES www.GoRioCruises.com

THE GLORY Venture to the Museum Reach of the River Walk to visit La Gloria at Pearl for your final drink of the day. The margaritas here are notorious for packing a punch, so you will definitely be one and done. Go for the dazzling

MURAL RIDES www.SanAntonioMuralRide.com ROSARIO’S www.RosariosSA.com

THE ORIGINAL MEXICAN RESTAURANT www.OriginalMexican.com TOWER OF THE AMERICAS www.TowerOfTheAmericas.com

La Gloria

38 RIO Magazine

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

SAN ANTONIO FOOD & DRINK AMERICAN BOUDRO’S TEXAS BISTRO 421 East Commerce St. www.boudros.com BIGA ON THE BANKS 203 S. St. Mary’s Street www.biga.com BUBBA GUMP SHRIMP CO. 406 Navarro www.bubbagump.com DAVE & BUSTER’S 849 E. Commerce St. www.daveandbusters.com DICK’S LAST RESORT 223 Losoya St. www.dickslastresort.com EL TROPICANO HOTEL 110 Lexington Avenue. www.eltropicanohotel.com HARD ROCK CAFÉ 111 W Crockett St #210 www.hardrockcafe.com HOWL AT THE MOON 111 West Crockett St. #201 www.howlatthemoon.com IHOP 849 E. Commerce (210) 444-1201 JAZZ, TX 312 Pearl Parkway #6001 www.jazztx.com LAS CANARIAS 112 College Street www.omnihotels.com LONESTAR CAFE 237 Losoya www.lonestarcafe.us MARGARITAVILLE 849 E. Commerce St. www.margaritavillesanantonio.com RAINFOREST CAFÉ 110 E. Crockett www.rainforestcafe.com

BBQ COUNTY LINE BARBEQUE SPORTS BAR 111 W. Crockett St. www.countyline.com

ITALIAN GUILLERMO’S 618 McCullough St. www.guillermosdowntown.com

BRAZILIAN FOGO DE CHAO 849 E. Commerce St. www.fogodechao.com

MICHELINO’S 521 Riverwalk michelinos.us. www PAESANOS 111 W. Crockett #100 www.paesanosriverwalk.com

TEXAS DE BRAZIL 313 E. Houston St. www.texasdebrazil.com BRITISH MAD DOGS 123 Losoya St. www.maddogs.net DELI SCHILO’S 424 E. Commerce St. www.schilos.com GERMAN BIER GARTEN 124-150 Losoya St. www.biergartenriverwalk.com LITTLE RHEIN PROST HAUS 231 S. Alamo Street www.littlerheinprosthaus.com ICE CREAM JUSTIN’S ICE CREAM 245 E Commerce St. www.mercadoritas.com KILWINS 109 Alamo Plaza www.kilwins.com IRISH DURTY NELLY’S IRISH PUB 200 S. Alamo St. www.durtynellyspub.com

PIZZARITAS 245 E. Commerce www.pizzaritas.com ZOCCA 420 W. Market www.zoccariverwalk.com MEXICAN ACENAR 146 E. Houston www.acenar.com THE RIVER’S EDGE CAFÉ AND PATIO BAR 200 S. Alamo St. www.riversedgecafesa.com SEAFOOD CHART HOUSE Tower of the Americas, 739 East Cesar E. Chavez www.toweroftheamericas.com

ON THE BEND 123 Losoya St. www.onthebendsa.com TEX-MEX CAFÉ OLE 521 River Walk www.cafeole.us CASA RIO 430 E. Commerce St. www.casa-rio.com DOMINGO RESTAURANTE 123 N. St. Mary’s St. www.domingorestaurant.com IRON CACTUS 200 River Walk www.ironcactus.com THE ORIGINAL MEXICAN RESTAURANT 528 River Walk www.originalmexican.com RIO RIO CANTINA 421 E. Commerce St. www.rioriocantina.com RITA’S ON THE RIVER 245 E. Commerce, Suite 100 www.ritasontheriver.com

JOE’S CRAB SHACK 212 College Street Ste 10 www.joescrabshack.com LANDRY’S SEAFOOD HOUSE 517 N. Presa www.landrysseafood.com

City Sightseeing San Antonio

RUTH CHRIS STEAK HOUSE 600 E. Market St. www.ruthschris.com THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS 526 Riverwalk www.therepublicoftexasrestaurant. com SALTGRASS STEAK HOUSE 502 River Walk www.saltgrass.com TEX’S RIVER WALK AND SPORTS BAR 200 S. Alamo www.texssportsbar.com

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

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. www.angelitaboutique.webs.com

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

ART PACE 445 N Main Ave www.artpace.org

COWBOY’S ALAMO CITY HARLEYDAVIDSON RIVERWALK BOUTIQUE RIVERWALK BOUTIQUE 111 West Crockett St. Suite 209 www.cowboysalamocityharley.com

BONITA RITA’S 245 E. Commerce, #100 San Antonio, TX 78205 www.mercadoritas.com

HUEBNER OAKS 11745 IH 10 West San Antonio, TX 78230 www.shophuebneroaks.com

BRISCOE WESTERN ART MUSEUM 210 W. Market Street www.briscoemuseum.org

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

BUCKHORN MUSEUM 318 E Houston St. www.buckhornmuseum.com CASA SALAZAR 216 E. Houston San Antonio, 78205 (210) 472-2272 www.themajestic.com/casa THE COLLECTION 7959 Broadway San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 826-3130 www.thecollectionsanantonio.com DEL SOL OF SAN ANTONIO 321 Alamo Plaza San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 231-0900 www.delsol.com DOSEUM 2800 Broadway St. www.thedoseum.org EL MERCADO 514 W. Commerce San Antonio, TX 78207 (210) 207-8600 www.sanantonio.gov/ marketsquare FIESTA AT NORTH STAR 102 W. Rector Street San Antonio, TX 78216 (210) 801-9900 www.alamofiesta.com THE FIESTA STORE 2611 Broadway San Antonio, TX 78215 (210) 227-5191 www.fiesta-sa.org 40 RIO Magazine

LOS PATIOS 2015 NE Loop 410 San Antonio, TX 78217 (210) 655-6171 www.lospatios.com LUCCHESE BOOT COMPANY 255 East Basse Rd #800 San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 828-9419 www.lucchese.com MERCADORITA’S 245 E. Commerce & Bonita San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 286-7432 NATURAL BRIDGE CAVERNS 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Road www.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 PENNERS DOWNTOWN 311 W. Commerce San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 226-2487 www.pennersinc.com

SAN ANGEL FOLK ART 110 Blue Star San Antonio, TX 78204 (210) 226-6688 www.sanangelfolkart.com

THE TWIG BOOK SHOP 306 Pearl Parkway #106 San Antonio, TX 78215 (210) 826-6411 www.thetwig.indiebound.com

SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART 200 West Jones Avenue www.samuseum.org

THE UNOFFICIAL BEST OF TEXAS 101 Alamo Plaza, #3 San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 227-0242

SAN ANTONIO VISITORS CENTER 317 Alamo Plaza San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 207-6871 www.visitsanantonio.com

THE VINEYARD 1207 North Loop 1604 W San Antonio, TX 78258 www.thevineyardshoppingcenter.com

SHOPS OF LA CANTERA 15900 La Cantera Pkwy San Antonio, TX 78256 (210) 582-6255 www.theshopsatlacantera.com

WYNDHAM SAN ANTONIO RIVERWALK 111 E. Pecan Street San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 489-9768 www.sawyn.com

SHOPS AT RIVERCENTER 849 E. Commerce www.shoprivercenter.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 TIENDA LA GARZA 110 Broadway, Suite 100 San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 222-2133

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

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

See Co in the Buapon ck!

TEXAS’ LARGEST CAVERNS NaturalBridgeCaverns.com

1 Sa 0am tu rd 5p ay m s 10 am -6 pm

With over 100 locally owned shops, you’ll find cultural curios and artifacts, hand-crafted leather goods, and a diverse collection of traditional apparel.

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Shops. Food. Fun.

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¡NEW MENU! TRADITIONAL MEXICAN CUISINE MODERN FLARE

200 South Alamo Street RIVER LEVEL HILTON PALACIO DEL RIO www.riversedgecafesa.com

514 W. Commerce St. MarketSquareSA.com thesanantonioriverwalk.com

RIO Magazine

See map of San Antonio River

Museum Reach

opposite page >

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thesanantonioriverwalk.com

RYS ST.MA 35 The Shops at Rivercenter

MISCELLANEOUS 34 CitySightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Double Deckers

84 Tobin Center

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13 Wyndham Garden

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18 Taco Haven

13 El Luchador Bar

12 B & D Icehouse

LABOR ST

23 Flight Gallery

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22 Artist Sweets Becker

19 La Focaccia

1 17

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21 Rudy Choperena

17 Madhatters Tea House & Café

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20 Garcia Art Glass

16 Tito’s Mexican Restaurant

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11 Brackenridge House Bed & Breakfast

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10 Rosarios

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19 Yanaguana Garden

3 Blue Star 5 Friendly Spot

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12 The Pearl

South Town

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11 San Antonio Museum of Art

18 Villa Finale

2 Bliss

8 La Tuna Grille

. ST

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ATTRACTIONS & SHOPPING

1 Azuca

7 La Fritte

King William & E. AV

12 Jazz, TX

ATTRACTIONS & SHOPPING 16 Edward Steves Homestead Museum

RESTAURANTS

6 Guenther House

YN KL

11 Sams Burger Joint Music Hall

35 YS AR .M ST

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10 Minnie’s Tavern Rye House

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9 La Gloria

8 Josephine Street

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7 Green

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3 Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen

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W NU

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2 Boiler House

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1 Arcade

King William &

Museum Reach RESTAURANTS

95 Mokara Spa

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San Antonio River

NA VAR R

91 Guadalajara Grill

53 Tower Life Building

XIN

99 RJA Ghost Tours

80 Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub

98 LEGOLAND Discovery Center and Sealife San Antonio

RIC

77 Ruth’s Chris Steak House

90 Villa Tesoros

71 Zocca Cuisine d' Italia

88 Spanish Governor’s Palace

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67 Biga on the Banksn

37 Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center

61 Casa Rioa

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81 Turquoise River Trading Company

58 Range

E. AV YN KL

57 Dorrego’s

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56 Pizzarita’s

5 Cured

88 Canopy by Hilton

79 Cowboy’s Alamo Harley Davidson

55 The Republic of Texas

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54 Paesanos Riverwalk

281 JO

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53 Saltgrass

NTA

74 Mercadorita’s 78 Freedom Torch

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ST BOWIE

73 Tower of the Americas

36 Bier Garten

4 CIA

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72 San Fernando Cathedral

57 Briscoe Western Art Museum

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27 Tex’s River Walk Sports Bar

BBOO Star Cafe 20 Lone

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40 The Magik Theatre

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39 Sisters Grimm Tours

18 Dick’s NNHHLast Resort

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38 Angelita

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17 Rainforest Cafe

38 Plaza Taxco

NEWELL

51 Mokara Hotel & Spa 52 Hyatt Regency 54 Homewood Suites & Hotel 55 Westin Riverwalk 58 Hilton Palacio Del Rio 60 Wyndham River Walk 64 Menger Hotel 82 Grand Hyatt . ST YContessa 86 Hotel INC U 87 E QHotel Havana

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16 Boudro’s

del Rio Hotel

36 The Improv at Rivercenter 38 La Villita Historic Arts Village

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15 Coyote Ugly

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14 Original Mexican Restaurant

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13 Rio Rio Cantina

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12 Rita’s on the Riverta’s

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25 Riverwalk Wine & Spirits

33 The Alamo

11 Mad Dogs British Pub

ST .

ATTRACTIONS & SHOPPING

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9 Howl At The Moon 10 Landry’s Seafood

100 Domingo Restaurante

8 Hard Rock Cafe

10 T.

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99 Schilo’s

7 The County Line

ST.

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9 ST.MARYS

98 Café Ole

6 Bubba Gump Shrimp

BOWIE ST.

97 Michelino’s

4 Iron Cactus Mexican Grill & Margarita Bar

PHINE

HOTELS

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 Inn 49 Drury Plaza Hotel 50 Omni La Mansion

96 On the Bend Oyster Bar & Lounge

3 Bella On The River

E. JOS E

Museum Reach

94 Dave & Busters

RESTAURANTS

2 Acénar

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San Antonio River

LOCATIONS LISTING

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

RIO Magazine

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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 3 Mi Tierra Cafe Y Panaderia 4 La Margarita Mexican

Restaurant & Oyster Bar

5 Denny’s 18 Francesco’s Gelato

10 Tower of the Americas/

Chart House Restaurant

11 Art Pace 13 San Antonio Museum of Art

14 Institute of Texan Culture

20 Pat O’Brien’s

18 Yasmin’s Boutique

36 Augies Alamo City

19 Out West

BBQ Steakhouse

44 Bourbon Street Seafood

21 Tienda La Garza

41 Market Square 42 Spanish Governor’s Palace 48 Alta Vista Skate Shop 52 Tresor 56 Maverick Carter House HOTELS 12 Wyndham Garden River Walk

22 The Amazing Mirror Maze

15 Crockett Hotel

25 Majestic Theatre

16 Sheraton Gunter Hotel

51 Biga on the Banks

29 Aztec Theatre

17 Menger Hotel

53 Guillermo’s

30 Ripley’s Haunted

24 El Tropicano Riverwalk

31 Guiness World Records

43 Marriott Plaza San Antonio

Kitchen River Walk Downtown

54 Jazz, TX 55 IHOP 56 Little Rhein Prost Haus ATTRACTIONS & SHOPPING 6 Paris Hatters 7 Buckhorn Saloon & Museum

Adventure/Tomb Rider 3D

Louis Tussaud’s Wax Works

33 The Alamo 35 Tobin Center 38 Angelita’s

8 The Pearl

39 Plaza Taxco

9 Shops at Rivercenter

40 VFW Post 76

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

Hotel

Museum

32 Ripley’s Believe it or Not/

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 Tour @TheSAriverwalk

RIO Magazine

COUPONS FREE OYSTER SAMPLER

w/ purchase of 2 premium beverages one coupon per table

02/28/22

123 Losoya #7, San Antonio, TX 78205 Phone (210) 354-3002

Free Chef’s Chips of the Day with purchase of adult entrée One Coupon per table per visit.

Riverwalk level of the Hyatt Regency Maddogs.net • (210) 222-0220

126 Losoya St, San Antonio, TX, 78205

(210) 212-7299

www.biergartenriverwalk.com

FREE KRAUTWURST BALLS with Any Food Purchase

RIO

One coupon per table.

For dine in guests only. Expires 02/28/2022

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 02/28/22

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.

Complimentary House Dessert with order of an entrée. 111 W. Crockett Street, Suite 101 (210) 227-2782 paesanosriverwalk.com Not valid with any other offer or discount. Offer only valid at Paesanos Riverwalk location.

46 46 46 RIO RIO RIOMagazine Magazine Magazine

FREE CHILE CON QUESO!

with purchase of an Entree Redeem this coupon for a free order of Chile con Queso. Not valid with any other offer and cannot be substituted nor value applied towards other purchase. One coupon per 4 entrees. Dine-in only. Expires 12/31/22.

1 l1J IRON CACTUj

HIXICIN 6RILL & HARGARIIA BAR

200 RIVER WALK. STE. 100 SANANTONIO,TX71205 (2101224-9835

IRONCACTUS.COM

10% OFF this La Villita location

Plaza Taxco (Excluding Sales Items)

See our ad on page 27 thesanantonioriverwalk.com thesanantonioriverwalk.com thesanantonioriverwalk.com

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS RESTAURANTS Bier Garten River Walk www.biergartensa.com 210-212-7299 The County Line www.countyline.com 210-229-1941 Dave & Busters www.daveandbusters.com 210-951-3600 Denny’s Riverwalk www.dennys.com 210-223-4321 The Frosty Dog Frozen Drinks www.frostydogsa.com 210-354-3002 Iron Cactus www.ironcactus.com 210-224-9835 La Margarita Mexican Restaurant www.lamargarita.com 210-227-7140 LandShark Bar & Grill www.sanantonio.landsharkbarandgrill.com 210-556-1790 Little Rhein Prost Haus www.prosthaussa.com 210-890-2225

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

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

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

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

Restaurante Pico de Gallo www.picodegallo.com 210-225-6060 Rio Rio Cantina www.riorioriverwalk.com 210-226-8462 The River’s Edge Café + Patio Bar www.riversedgecafesa.com 210-270-0786 SHOPPING La Villita Historic Village www.lavillitasanantonio.com 210-207-8614 Market Square www.marketsquaresa.com 210-207-8600

ATTRACTIONS Bario Aviation, Inc. Air Tours www.barioaviationservices.com 830-460-9028 Buckhorn Saloon & Museum www.buckhornmuseum.com 210-247-4000 Cascade Caverns www.cascadecaverns.com 830-755-8080 City Sightseeing San Antonio www.citysightseeingsanantonio.com 210-224-8687 Natural Bridge Caverns www.naturalbridgecaverns.com 210-651-6101

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

Mad Dogs British Pub www.maddogs.net 210-222-0220 Maddy McMurphy’s Irish Sports Bar www.maddymcmurphys.com 210-222-9722 Margaritaville San Antonio www.margaritavillesanantonio.com 210-973-5911 Mi Tierra Café www.mitierracafe.com 210-225-1262 On the Bend Oyster Bar & Cigar Lounge www.onthebendsa.com 210-354-3002 Rio Rio Cantina

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

RIO Magazine

48 RIO Magazine

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

RIO MAGAZINE February 2022

Articles inside

Be Entertained

Sip & Savor

San Antonio Japanese Tea Garden

Natural Bridge Caverns

Family Fun