Great Finds

from RIO Magazine July 2021

by Traveling Blender

Recreation

Five and Dime General Store Grunt Style Cowboy’s Alamo City Harley-Davidson River Walk

By Dawn Robinette

Have you ever noticed how summer, sun and fun go together with red, white and blue? There’s no denying that summer takes on a distinctly American feel, especially in Military City, U.S.A. where we kick off with Memorial Day remembrances of those who gave their lives serving our country, and end things celebrating all workers with Labor Day. The Fourth of July is the pinnacle of summer celebrations. It’s not unusual to see military trainees enjoying the River Walk with their families or see red, white and blue ribbons adorning the trees because everyone knows summer is the perfect time to make a patriotic splash.

It’s the time of year to fly Ol’ Glory high and proud and there’s nowhere better to get your flag fix than Dixie Flag and Banner Company. A short drive north of downtown, you can’t miss the huge American flag proudly waving atop one of the most respected and trusted flag companies in the country. Since 1958, this San Antonio institution has grown from a small home-based business to an industry leader. You’ve probably seen their handiwork on display in presidential inaugurations, football games and festivals. Everything is handmade in San Antonio and you can watch their talented seamstresses at work through a window in their showroom. If you don’t have space for a 60-by-90-foot flag, the largest free-flying United States flag in the world and made by Dixie Flag, don’t worry—it has every size you can imagine and takes custom orders. Roll out a patriotic welcome with a range of red, white and blue designs and fill your yard with garden flags, yard art and windsocks. Car flags and patriotic car magnets let you sport your love of country on the go or expand your flag knowledge with a history book about the U.S. flag.

Amols’

Dixie Flag and Banner Company

Amols’ AMERICAN FLAG TRIVIA

• White stands for purity and innocence, red for hardiness and valor, and blue for perseverance and justice.

•T he last two stars added to the American flag were for Alaska in 1959 and Hawaii in 1960.

• American flags from the Civil War era have sold for as much as $12 million.

• The thirteen stripes start and end with red.

With all of that great décor, you’re ready to throw Uncle Sam a bash. When it’s time to celebrate, locals know you head to Amols’ Party and Fiesta Supplies. Another family-owned business that’s been part of San Antonio’s celebration scene since 1949, Amols’® is the go-to for fantastic door wreaths including a whimsical one that mixes the fun of summer flip flops with patriotism. Now, that’s how to welcome family and friends! Deck out your ceiling with stars and stripes banners.Create a selfie spot at your BBQ with a 5-foot Statue of Liberty cutout, 3-D starbursts and fireworks chandeliers. Throw in sparkly Americana top hats, Lady Liberty tiaras and star-bopper headbands for the kids, along with the cutest red, white and blue cupcake stand and flag napkins. There’s no doubt that your party will be certified as patriotically fun.

If you’re ready to wear your love of country on your sleeve, look no further than Grunt Style. With their headquarters and store nestled downtown, it’s an easy stop to grab the gear that you’ll be proud to wear on holidays and year-round. The popular line of everything from t-shirts to gear touts pride in self, in the military and the country. You’ll find an array of wearables designed for every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the new U.S. Space Force, so if you’d like to show your Air Force pride or put your love of the Navy on display, you can’t miss with Grunt Style. Graphic t-shirts with artistic images of the flag, such as the American flag superimposed on the unmistakable “Superman” logo, are a great way to sport the red, white and blue, or top it off with denim ballcaps featuring the flag. They also offer custom-made merchandise to personalize your clothing and accessories, so if you want to sport a personalized version of Grunt Style, they can make it happen.

Another all-American option for fashion is Cowboy’s Alamo City HarleyDavidson®. The boutique overlooking the River Walk offers an array of options celebrating the American original that has inspired motorcycle riders since 1903. T-shirts combining a love of America with a love of riding make it easy to show your pride in both, while a line of shirts with rock band Aerosmith allows you to “Dream On” with patriotic flair. If Willie Nelson is more your style, don’t miss the motorcycle socks featuring his likeness in red, white and blue. Flag bandanas with rhinestone sparkles will keep your hair in tip-top shape on any ride, and don’t miss the baby onesies to start little ones off with a love of country.

Are you longing for summers and celebrations of the past? Stoke that nostalgic feeling by shopping at the Five and Dime General Store. There’s nothing more American than roaming the aisles of a general store with old-school toys guaranteed to keep kids entertained for hours or a sweet treat to enjoy as you roam the River Walk. The Five and Dime is a mustshop for novelty items like hot dog socks that scream summer fun, paired with a straw hat and San Antonio t-shirt—all perfect for holiday fun. And don’t miss the collection of pins for every branch of the Armed Forces, as well as, you guessed it, American flag pins.

click on this:

AMOLS’

Amols.com

COWBOY’S ALAMO CITY HARLEY-DAVIDSON

Cowboysalamocityharley. com/riverwalk-boutique

DIXIE FLAG AND BANNER COMPANY

Dixieflag.com

FIVE AND DIME GENERAL STORE

Fiveanddimegs.com

GRUNT STYLE Gruntstyle.com

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, Texas Lifestyle Magazine and The Texas Wildflower.