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FIRST LOOK Delve into some of the Alamo City’s most iconic destinations and historic sites.
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A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT A closer look at the San Antonio River Walk as you’ve never seen it before PHOTOGRAPHY BY ISAAC ARJONILLA
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MISSION TO CELEBRATE San Antonio celebrates 300 years of history and culture through art exhibits, concerts, special events and public performances at various locations throughout the city. BY JAY BEMIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY ISAAC ARJONILLA
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ART & SOUL Two gallery owners in the booming Blue Star Arts Complex shed light on Southtown’s eclectic arts scene and the close-knit community that defines it. BY JAIMIE SIEGLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY ISAAC ARJONILLA
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ALL ABOUT TOWN Explore the city’s most exuberant areas, including the King William Historic District, Alamo Heights and the sprawling Texas Hill Country.
THE GUIDE An index of the region’s most beloved shops, restaurants, attractions and locally famous landmarks
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PARTING SHOT “Open Hand, Open Mind, Open Heart” by Douglas Kornfeld
ON THE COVER: DETAIL OF EMBROIDERY ON A MEXICAN FOLK DRESS ©ISAAC ARJONILLA INSIDE COVER: MISSION SAN JOSÉ ©TRAVELER1116 / ISTOCK 8
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d 50 y n e ea g e rs l in the a
Making.
SHRIMP PAESANO
Some things are not to be missed. The River Walk. The Alamo. And the Shrimp Paesano at Ristorante Paesanos. For almost 50 years, locals and visitors alike have enjoyed the contemporary setting, Italian/Mediterranean cuisine and Old World service of these culinary landmarks. Join us on the River Walk, near the Quarry Market in Lincoln Heights or at Loop 1604 Northwest.You won’t soon forget it.
LUNCH
DINNER
7 D AY S
North Central
North West
Downtown
555 East Basse Road (210) 828-5191 paesanos.com
3622 Paesanos Parkway (210) 493-1604 paesanos1604.com
111 West Crockett Street (210) 227-2782 paesanosriverwalk.com
SAN ANTONIO EDITORIAL EDITOR IN CHIEF Jaimie Siegle ASSISTANT EDITORS Taylor Clayton, Gillian Glover, Jasmine Hu ART DIRECTORS Chris Cardelli, Jennifer Keller Vaz CONTRIBUTING WRITER Jay Bemis
A River Walk Escape Unlike Any Other After just one visit, you’ll understand why the Mokara Spa has received so many accolades. Our spa experts offer
MORRIS VISITOR PUBLICATIONS MVP I CREATIVE CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER Haines Wilkerson SENIOR REGIONAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Margaret Martin
DESIGN DIRECTOR Jane Frey
a complete menu of treatments and services guaranteed
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Isaac Arjonilla
to restore the body and mind.
CREATIVE COORDINATOR Beverly Mandelblatt
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210-396-5840 • 800-830-1500 • mokaraspas.com
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An exquisite ladies apparel boutique 210 Alamo Plaza | 210.472.2210
Located inside the Historic Menger Hotel, next to the Alamo
www.silverspurboutique.com
14800 Quorum Drive, Ste. 140 Dallas, TX 75254 Phone: 214.522.0050 www.wheretraveler.com
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SAN ANTONIO ADVERTISING & CIRCULATION TEXAS GROUP PUBLISHER Elizabeth Humphreys, elizabeth.humphreys@morris.com PUBLISHER Nicole Juel Sánchez, nicole@ajrmediagroup.com MARKETING, CIRCULATION & EVENTS MANAGER Paige Davenport BUSINESS MANAGER - WEST Justin Birnstihl
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Where GuestBook® is produced by Morris Visitor Publications (MVP), a division of Morris Communications, Co., LLC. 725 Broad St., Augusta, GA 30901, morrismedianetwork.com. Where® magazine and the where® logo are registered trademarks of Morris Visitor Publications. MVP publishes Where magazine, Where® QuickGuide, IN New York, and IN London magazines, and a host of other maps, guides, and directories for business and leisure travelers, and is the publisher for the Hospitality Industry Association. In San Antonio, Where GuestBook is pleased to be a member of list associations here. MVP IS A PROUD SPONSOR OF LES CLEFS D’OR USA
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You� Gatewa� t� Downtow� Sa� Antoni�
CONTRIBUTORS
Convenient to the Convention Center, The Alamo and The River Walk
Isaac Arjonilla
Jay Bemis
Isaac Arjonilla is a native of Tijuana, Mexico and resides in Los Angeles, where he is the director of photography for Morris Visitor Publications and also a freelance photographer. When he’s not at his desk, he can be found on assignment for Where. Most recently, he spent time in downtown San Antonio, exploring the River Walk for this year’s photo essay. “As I walked through the long and winding path, I felt surrounded by hundreds of years of history,” he says. “Each stretch of the River Walk represents a different era in San Antonio’s long history.”
Jay Bemis is a journalist and freelance writer. A former editor of San Antonio’s Where QuickGuide and its predecessor, Best Read Guide, Jay long has been acquainted with the sights, sounds and smells of San Antonio. As the city marks the 300th anniversary of its founding in 2018, he’ll be offering a year-long tip of an appreciative sombrero— and a long, respectful bow to the Alamo City and its diversity. “The tricentennial shapes up to be one huge fiesta, but it will be more than a large, one-time party that’s filled with parades, costumes and sounds,” he says. “It will be a year-long tribute to San Antonio’s vast arts and culture, education and history.”
A River Runs Through It, page 28
849 East Commerce Street 210.225.0000 shoprivercenter.com
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Mission to Celebrate, page 34
FIRST LOOK
ŠISAAC ARJONILLA
From iconic attractions to classic landmarks and historical sites, get to know the Alamo City through these essential destinations.
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Historic Market Square
Lively and colorful, this downtown attraction features an authentic Mexican market filled with handmade accessories, gifts, Talavera tiles, pottery and more. Look out for traditional dance performances and festivals in the square throughout the year, and get your fill of Tex-Mex 24 hours a day at the legendary Mi Tierra. 514 W. Commerce St., 210.207.860, www.getcreativesanantonio.com WHERE GUEST B OOK
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Tobin Center for the Performing Arts
Accessible via the San Antonio River Walk (or by water taxi), the Tobin Center is a premier entertainment venue nestled along Museum Reach. From symphony concerts and traveling Broadway productions to local festivals and comedy shows, the architecturally stunning arts haven houses various performance halls to accommodate a variety of events. 100 Auditorium Circle, 210.223.8624, www.tobincenter.org 18
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ŠISAAC ARJONILLA
FIRST LOOK
Hop-On Hop-Off
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Bus Stops
Departures Every 20 Minutes
Live & Recorded Commentary
CitySightseeingSanAntonio.com (Discount Code: WHERE) 216 East Crockett Street | San Antonio, TX 78205 | Next to The Alamo in The Menger Hotel 210.224.8687
FIRST LOOK
San Fernando Cathedral
La Villita Historic Arts Village
Get a glimpse of San Antonio’s arts and culture scene while perusing the diverse shops and artisans in La Villita. Today this “little village” has blossomed into a charming shopping destination filled with art galleries, indie boutiques, street vendors and more. It’s also home to the Arneson River Theatre (located right on the River Walk), which plays host to cultural performances as well as concerts and stage productions. 418 Villita St., www.getcreativesanantonio.com/ explore-san-antonio 20
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(FROM TOP) ©XAVIER DE RICHEMONT; ©ISAAC ARJONILLA
A stunning display of architecture in the heart of downtown at Main Plaza, the San Fernando Cathedral is one of the earliest relics in the city’s history. Founded in 1731, it remains an active parish and is the mother church of the Archdiocese of San Antonio. Four nights a week, the cathedral becomes a projection screen for “San Antonio | The Saga,” a 24-minute video installation that illuminates the story of the Alamo City. 115 Main Plaza, www.sfcathedral.org, www.mainplaza.org/san-antoniothe-saga
FIRST LOOK
One of the most important sites in Texas history, the Alamo was the battleground for 150 Texian and Tejano soldiers (including well-known characters like Sam Houston and Davy Crockett), who defended the fort from General Santa Anna and his Mexican army in 1836. Now a museum with a picturesque outdoor garden, this globally recognized landmark remains a symbol of unity, independence, bravery, and of course, the spirit of Texas. 300 Alamo Plaza, 210.225.1391, www.thealamo.org 22
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ŠISAAC ARJONILLA
The Alamo
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A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT Texas’ most-visited tourist attraction is all grown up—and nothing like you remember. PHOTOS BY ISAAC ARJONILLA
PHOTO CREDIT GOTHAM BOOK 5.5/9PT
If you haven’t been to the San Antonio River Walk in the last few years, it’s safe to say you’re overdue for a visit. While it remains a bustling area for tourism and entertainment, the River Walk feels as though it’s come in to its own. Tour boats now double as water taxis, shuttling passengers to areas like the Museum Reach (the northern expansion), where sites like the Pearl, the DoSeum and the Witte Museum reflect the more modern aspects of San Antonio’s evolution. To the south, the River Walk leads to the King William Historic District, Southtown, the Mission Trail and World Heritage Site, connecting the city’s past with its present. While the city’s Latin American influences remain prevalent, the city’s cultural canvas encompasses German, French, Spanish, Native American and Mexican roots as well. The result is a colorful combination that mirrors the intricate murals of downtown: each tiny fragment, although unique and brilliant on its own, becomes part of one vibrant masterpiece, made to stand the test of time. WHERE GUEST B OOK
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TOP LEFT: WILDLIFE ABOUNDS ALONG THE SAN ANTONIO RIVER. TOP RIGHT: A RETAIL VENDOR STANDS BESIDE HER COLORFUL PRINTS, COASTERS AND GIFTS. HOWEVER, SOME ASPECTS OF THIS DESTINATION, LIKE ITS ICONIC FOOTBRIDGES AND RIVER BOAT CRUISES, REMAIN THE SAME. FACING PAGE: FROM THE RIVER WALK, A TILED STAIRCASE BECKONS VISITORS TO LA VILLITA.
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VENTURING TOWARD THE MUSEUM REACH OR MISSION REACH AFFORDS ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPLORE, FROM LEISURE ACTIVITIES TO LOCAL EVENTS SUCH AS FIRST FRIDAYS (LOWER LEFT) AND FARMERS MARKETS AT THE PEARL (TOP RIGHT). FACING PAGE: DONALD LIPSKI’S “F.I.S.H.” BRIGHTENS UP THE RIVER WALK WITH 25 LONG-EARED SUNFISH, WHICH ARE NATIVE TO THE RIVER.
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PHOTO CREDIT GOTHAM BOOK 5.5/9PT
MISSION TO CELEBRATE A year-long fiesta commemorates 300 years of history and a vibrant, promising future. BY JAY BEMIS
The sun sets behind Mission Espada, one of San Antonio’s five missions comprising the city’s 2015 designation as a World Heritage Site.
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PHOTOS BY ISAAC ARJONILLA
©ISAAC ARJONILLA
There was something in these waters when the first governor of the new Spanish province of Tejas, Domingo Terán de los Ríos, led an expedition through an encampment area along the San Antonio River on June 13, 1691. Yanaguana, or “clear water,” is what the Payaya Indians called the calming river area back then. The Spanish expedition happened to arrive on the feast day of St. Anthony of Padua, so its leaders decided to call the encampment area “San Antonio de Padua” instead. Twenty-seven years later, on May 1, 1718, Spanish royalty would establish near this river site the Mission San Antonio de Valero, to become famously known as the Alamo. The mission was designed to serve as a halfway point between northern Mexico and Spanish settlement areas in eastern Texas. Four days later, the Spaniards would establish the Presidio San Antonio de Béjar—where the Spanish Governor’s Palace, circa 1749, still stands today—as a garrison to protect the new mission. Thus, San Antonio was born. In 2018, beginning just past the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Day as fireworks light up the city skies, San Antonio will celebrate its tricentennial with a year-long flurry of events and exhibitions, all designed to highlight the diversity of San Antonio’s population and its cultural arts. At the center of the celebration will be the Alamo and the four missions that were established after its birth, all southward along the river, over the next few decades: Mission Concepción, Mission San José, Mission San Juan Capistrano and Mission San Francisco de la Espada. Each of the missions—except for the Alamo, which is yet the most heavily visited because of its status as a major tourist attraction—remains an active parish today. In 2015, after several years of diligent work by city leaders, the five San Antonio missions were declared a World Heritage Site, a status that only 23 other landmarks and natural areas in the United States have achieved. The designation by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) puts the missions—described as the largest collection of Spanish colonial architecture north of the Rio Grande—on par with the Statue of Liberty, Independence Hall and Grand Canyon National Park nationally. On a global scale, its signficance is up there with the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Wall of China. WHERE GUEST B OOK
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Martyrdom of Franciscans at Mission San Sabá,” which depicts the mission’s bloody rout by Comanches just north of San Antonio. “This important exhibition celebrates the city’s deep Hispanic roots and strong ties with Mexico,” says museum curator Marion Oettinger Jr., who worked with historians from Mexico and the United States to bring “San Antonio 1718” to fruition. “It reveals the sweep of Spain’s religious, political and economic ambitions and the everyday details of individual lives,” Oettinger Jr. says. During summer 2018, SAMA presents another exhibition, “Spanish Masterpieces From the Prado and Other Museums of Madrid.” The Witte Museum, meanwhile, will open an appropriately named, year-long exhibition, “Gathering at the Waters: 10,000 Years of People,” in mid-January, and then, in early March, through the rest of the year, “300 Years of San Antonio History: Confluence and Culture.” The tricentennial celebrations continue beyond museums: a five-day Alamo Baroque Festival in January hosted by St. Mark’s Episcopal Church promises to bring a “distinctive musical experience” through “historically informed performances” featuring internationally recognized artists. The San Antonio Symphony will perform a
Mission San Juan Capistrano (left) and Mission San José, along with the other World Heritage Site missions, play host to entertainment on May 5, 2018.
©ISAAC ARJONILLA
LET THIS PARTY BEGIN The tricentennial will be a yearlong affair with many events, including special museum exhibitions and a Commemorative Week that’s scheduled for May 1-6. Events will center on the themes of arts and culture, education and history, and community service. This first week in May is meant to coincide with the establishment of the Alamo and then the presidio, but it coincidentally falls during the week of Cinco de Mayo as well. This holiday is the celebration of the Battle of Puebla when the Mexican army ran off occupying French forces on May 5, 1862. Museum exhibitions include “San Antonio 1718: A Tricentennial Exhibition of Art from Viceregal Mexico,” at the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA), on view Feb. 16-May 13. Four-plus years in the planning stages, “San Antonio 1718” will feature 100 paintings, sculptures, works on paper and decorative objects on loan from 30 institutional and private collections. SAMA’s exhibition will highlight works by some of Mexico’s most talented 18th-century artists, including Cristóbal de Villalpando, Miguel Cabrera and José de Páez, plus works from unknown artists and craftsmen. One gem will be José de Páez’s monumental “The
©ISAAC ARJONILLA
three-night tricentennial concert Jan. 12-14, 2018, and has planned its season with a historical theme in mind.
ABOVE: Not far from downtown is the Headwaters Sanctuary that houses the “Blue Hole” (right), the origin and source spring of the San Antonio River.
COMMEMORATIVE WEEK AND THE CITY’S FUTURE Commemorative Week events will center on a theme each day of the six-day affair, beginning May 1, Reflection Day, when Main Plaza downtown will feature interfaith sunset services and an eternal flame is lit to symbolize the city’s bright future. May 2 of Commemorative Week will be History and Education Day. During the summer of 2017, more than 300 San Antonio educators attended a summer camp sponsored by the University of Texas-San Antonio’s Institute of Texan Cultures to assist the teachers in planning a 2017-2018 history curriculum for the city’s tens of thousands of students. May 3 will be Founders Day, when citywide events will feature performance arts such as dancing and theater and the city’s diversity of food. Museums, other art venues and theaters will offer free admission on May 4, Arts for All Day, when the city’s museums and their vast collections will be in the spotlight—as will the unveiling of a tricentennial public art piece. Saturday, May 5 is Legacy Day, during which all five
miles of the World Heritage mission site will be filled with musical entertainment, tours, and health and fitness activities, capped by nightly fireworks over each mission. May 6 is Military Appreciation Day, focusing on the city’s rich military history. (Home to some 55,000-plus service members and the U.S. military’s largest medical center, San Antonio has earned the nickname “Military City.”) Flyovers, skydiving, band performances and drill corps demonstrations will be the order of this commemorative day. And just what lies in store for the city’s future? Former San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor summed it up thusly as tricentennial planning began to gel in mid-2017: “With a new northern reach from downtown through the San Antonio Museum of Art, the Pearl and Brackenridge Park, and a southern reach running to the San Antonio missions, we have allowed the San Antonio River to blossom into an urban asset that now pumps $3 billion into the economy every year,” she said. “A reimagined Alamo Plaza and Hemisfair Park multiply the possibilities.” It was the Spanish expedition led by Domingo Terán de los Ríos that also realized such promise when it came upon those Yanaguana waters, 300 years ago. WHERE GUEST B OOK
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ART & SOUL Southtown’s close-knit community and eclectic cultural scene feels at once worlds away and right at home. TEXT BY JAIMIE SIEGLE
As the sun sets in the Blue Star Arts Complex, artists and vendors line the walkways while some galleries keep the doors open late.
PHOTOS BY ISAAC ARJONILLA
It was different back then. The neighborhood was smaller and more compact, and it felt more isolated from downtown than it does now, thirty years later. The new Blue Star Arts Complex was brand new. San Antonio’s monthly First Friday art walk event, long a staple of local culture, was on the verge of existence. Robert Tatum, a San Antonio artist and graphic designer, remembers those years fondly. It was there, in 1992, that Tatum—who owns Choice Goods Gallery in Blue Star and counts many of the city’s top restaurants as graphic design clients—says he was reborn. “I lived simply: I wore thrift store clothes, traded paintings for an old truck, and the rest is history,” Tatum said, who’s called San Antonio home ever since. For one, it’s still an affordable place to live, especially for an artist. It’s slower and more relaxed than other cities. Tatum likes that. “If I had to describe it in a color,” he said, “it’d be one that’s warm; not too bright, not too dull, just warm—like the color
of an enchilada,” he said. “The color of comfort food.” Of course, being a starving artist in a city of comfort food can only last so long. Tatum could draw and had graphic design experience, began selling t-shirts and prints at local art shows. An established local artist saw potential in Tatum, and gave him the tools to learn how to paint. “That’s when I was finally able to pursue my dream of being a painter,” Tatum said. “With all that love and teaching … how could I ever leave this city?” Just three years prior to Tatum’s arrival from Los Angeles, a man named Hank Lee had also moved from Los Angeles. Rent wasn’t cheap on the West Coast, even back then. “I was always working,” Lee recalled, so decided to return to Texas and put down roots in San Antonio. Lee’s father suggested he turn his passion for traveling and art collecting into a business. At the time, no other galleries were doing it, as the treasures Lee collected weren’t the easiest to acquire. “We’d drive across Mexico WHERE GUEST B OOK
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in an old Fleetwood van, all the way down to Guatemala,” Lee said. Some destinations—remote Mexican villages— were at least a three-day drive from Mexico City. Thus, in 1989, San Angel Folk Art Gallery was born, occupying a small space in Blue Star. It was a natural fit, considering Lee’s insatiable curiosity and sense of wanderlust had been instilled at an early age. Lee began collecting mementos from his travels as a boy, always fascinated by the stories behind them. The second youngest of four, Lee and his three brothers grew up traveling abroad and throughout Mexico. One summer, his mother gave Lee and his siblings $500 and a EuroRail pass; they decided to have a contest to see who could be gone the longest. “Folk art speaks about a place, the people, different cultures,” he said. To this day, he’ll tell shoppers about who made the treasures on display in his gallery, where they’re from and how they make it. The gallery’s eclectic blend of folk art spans from regions all over Mexico, as well as from exotic places and countries around the world. There are Day of the Dead figurines, beaded knick-knacks, folk paintings and 40
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jewelry. It also stocks a custom line of guayaberas (men’s shirts), handmade with vintage fabrics that Lee has sourced himself. It’s no surprise that both Tatum and Lee were part of the core group of creatives that founded San Antonio’s monthly First Friday event, which was a way to showcase emerging artists and local talent. It was small at first, but eventually more and more vendors came to participate. Today, thousands of residents and tourists attend First Friday, which stretches down South Alamo Street, its path lit up by strings of white lights along the sidewalk. The first few (loosely) organized art walks on South Alamo Street had little structure, if any at all, Tatum said of the early local art events on South Alamo Street. “It really did take on a life of its own.” Although San Angel Folk Art Gallery and Choice Goods Gallery couldn’t be more different, Tatum and Lee both convey a similar spirit: equally genuine, laid-back and a bit bohemian. And like the artists who supported Tatum along the way, the gallery owner is happy to pay it forward by motivating young street artists and nurturing the talent within the community.
LEFT: Artist and graphic designer Robert Tatum in his retail shop, Choice Goods Gallery. RIGHT: A performance for passersby on First Friday.
The first (loosely) organized art walks had little structure, if any, Tatum said. “It really did take on a life of its own.’”
Nestled right along the river, Blue Star Arts Complex sits less than two miles from the Alamo.
“The kids call me ‘Grandpa’ now,” said Tatum. Nevertheless, his gallery is anything but old-fashioned: skate decks, apparel, graphic artwork and paintings adorn the walls. A DJ spins on First Fridays, and the space itself feels contemporary and authentic. Lee wouldn’t describe himself as a mentor, either. He’d simply calls himself “a patron of the arts.” Through San Angel’s three-, five- and seven-year grant programs, local artists receive the opportunity to create a cohesive body of work for a potential gallery show or exhibition, creating more exposure and awareness for local artists whose talent might have otherwise gone unnoticed. Now, tucked in to a corner of the Blue Star Arts Complex, San Angel Folk Art Gallery remains a cabinet of hidden gems, native treasures and one-of-a-kind pieces waiting to be discovered.
“You have the real stuff,” guests will tell Lee as they browse the inventory at San Angel. It’s an accurate observation: Lee has always taken pride in hunting down the most authentic and unique; after all, that’s part of the fun. While his trips have become less frequent over the years due to multiple circumstances, Lee travels roughly every other month, and remains fond of Mexican states like Oaxaca. At first glance, Tatum’s surrealist-inspired figures and Lee’s custom-made guayaberas may not seem, like they have a lot in common. But both, in their own way, remind us to not take life, or work, too seriously. Tatum said San Antonio’s always been more of a “Sleepytown” compared to other comparable cities, but many professional artists, himself included, prefer to stay under the radar. He calls it “a city of soul.” “Gallery owners and visiting artists are always very impressed by the talent here,” Tatum said, including those from nearby cities like Austin. “They’ll tell us, ‘we have music but you guys have the art.’ And we’re OK with that.” WHERE GUEST B OOK
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Gallery Open Thursday - Sunday or by Appointment Text Or Call 210.326.8456 • 108 B Blue Star Arts Complex
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www.kgsstudios.com KGS Studios 107 Blue Star San Antonio TX 78204 210-853-5993
PROMOTION
THE FACES OF SAN ANTONIO
Where GuestBook is pleased to shine a spotlight on the movers-and-shakers shaping our city through their service, leadership, elite expertise and dedication to their industries. These are the FACES and influencers of San Antonio that continue to elevate the Alamo City experience for travelers and Texans alike.
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FACE OF FINE JEWELRY
LEE MICHAELS FINE JEWELRY Family-owned for over 35 years, Lee Michaels started with one store in Baton Rouge in 1978, and now they are one of the largest independent jewelry stores in the U.S. Carrying such prestigious brands as Rolex, Cartier, David Yurman, Mikimoto and many more, Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry has made exceeding customers’ expectations a tradition.“We consider our customers our friends,” says Ryan Berg, Owner and President, who resides in San Antonio. “We provide them the personal attention and professional expertise that have become our hallmarks.” Located at The Shops at La Cantera, 210.699.9494, and North Star Mall, 210.541.9575. www.LMFJ.com 214.954.1050, wildbillswestern.com
Lee Michael and Brenda Berg with sons, Ryan, Scott and Chad
ALL ABOUT TOWN Explore the city’s diverse districts and entertainment hubs, from Alamo Heights to the Hill Country.
RIVER WALK/DOWNTOWN Deep in the heart of downtown San Antonio, a plethora of unique shops, bars, restaurants and hotels line the walkways. A stroll by the water at dusk feels reminiscent of streets in the French Quarter: hotels and restaurants packed tightly next to one another seem to whisper an old, romantic story. Aside from the Alamo, downtown claims a sizeable majority of the city’s historic landmarks, attractions and luxury and boutique hotels. Destinations including the Hemisfair Plaza and performing arts venues like the Majestic and Aztec theaters offer entertainment from day to night. Additionally, one mustn’t forget the San Fernando Cathedral in Main Plaza and museums like the Spanish Governor’s Palace, the Buckhorn Saloon & Museum and the Briscoe Western Art Museum. On a slower day, the famous San Antonio River Walk can feel as though it is miles away from the noise and distractions of the busy streets above. The foliage is bright and green; the faint sound of the water adds to the peaceful ambience. View public art installations and sculptures along the Museum Reach’s portion of the river banks, 46
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KING WILLIAM/SOUTHTOWN Just south of downtown in a close-knit alcove, the King William Historic District preserves one of the city’s most historic neighborhoods and is home to a trendy smattering of young locals and up-and-coming and established artist communities, including the behemoth Blue Star Arts Complex. The King William District was one of the wealthiest residential districts in the late 1800s, and now it’s a family-friendly neighborhood that’s still known for its Victorian-style architecture and charming homes. Here, beautifully restored mansions, tried-and-true restaurants like the Guenther House and outdoor activities along, and near, the river
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San Antonio
or hop aboard a river cruise boat and embark on a trip through San Antonio’s fascinating past. Accessible from street level or the San Antonio River, La Villita Historic Arts Village plays host to eclectic local boutiques and galleries, and is home to the Arneson River Theatre, nestled right on the bank of the river. Historic Market Square, the origins of which date back to the 1820s, is also a must-visit. Shop at El Mercado, the largest Mexican marketplace this side of Mexico, then head to the nearest patio for a margarita. At night, locals flock to Paramour, Esquire Tavern, The Brooklynite or The Luxury for cocktails, craft beer and a good time.
make it a quieter locale that’s different from the sights and sounds just north in downtown. An edgier, artsier enclave that consists of galleries, independent boutiques, artists, trendy restaurants and a hip nightlife scene, Southtown is a place for those looking for the local experience. Anchored by the Blue Star Arts Complex, Southtown is the birthplace of San Antonio’s monthly First Friday art walk, which extends along South Alamo Street.
FROM LEFT: JANUARY SMITH/UNSPLASH; LINDA ROMERO
ALAMO HEIGHTS/MUSEUM REACH Just 4.5 miles north
FROM LEFT: A tranquil walking path at the Japanese Tea Gardens; Artpace’s “artsy” exterior; the lively bar scene at Paramour.
STONE OAK Venturing outside the comfort zone of downtown may seem daunting, but trust us when we say the outer city limits of the Alamo City are worth a quick road trip. This upscale area lined with beautiful oak trees is recognizable by its pueblo-style architecture. Opt for a patio seat for brunch or dinner at Aldaco’s to indulge in one of the best views of the city, or visit La Hacienda de los Barrios for local, legendary cuisine. While heavily residential, the area is also home to the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort, which hosts the PGA Valero Texas Open every spring.
of downtown San Antonio lies Alamo Heights, an affluent neighborhood with history and modern flair to boot. Here, visitors can taste a little bit of everything: Find culture at the McNay Art Museum or the Witte Museum; or get a taste An edgier, artsier of the great outdoors at the San Antonio Zoo, Brackenridge Park, Japanese Tea Gardens or the enclave, Southtown is San Antonio Botanical Garden. A mix of old and a place for those new, Broadway is an eclectic blend of vintage looking for the local bookstores, luxe boutiques and chic retail shops. experience. For a sophisticated dining experience, try established eateries such as Cappy’s, J. Alexander’s, Tre Trattoria or Paloma Blanca Mexican Cuisine.
NORTHWEST SAN ANTONIO Aside from having both the perks of being within the city limits and the benefits of Hill Country living, this region is also close to some of the city’s best shopping and entertainment, from the Shops at La Cantera and The Rim to Six Flags Fiesta Texas, iFly Indoor Skydiving, La Cantera Golf Club & Resort and more.
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Festival, which takes place over several weeks and draws thousands of patrons each year, both from Texas and around the U.S.
NEW BRAUNFELS/GRUENE Heavily influenced by its German heritage, the historic town of New Braunfels is nestled on the Comal and Guadalupe rivers. This is where locals “float” the river in the summer months. Next door is Gruene (pronounced “green”), a quiet, riverside town where visitors can enjoy regional Texas cuisine at the Gristmill or see a show at the renowned Gruene Hall—the oldest dance hall in Texas.
KERRVILLE A quaint community representative of the quintessential Texas town, Kerrville is a refuge for outdoor enthusiasts located about 60 to 90 minutes from San Antonio. The annual Kerrville Folk 48
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country, Fredericksburg lays claim to dozens of vineyards and wineries (Four Point Cellars, Becker Vineyards and Grape Creek Vineyards will not disappoint). In downtown, peruse handmade jewelry and antiques, or visit the National Museum of the Pacific War.
LEON SPRINGS/BOERNE In the mid- to late-19th century, Leon Springs was a stagecoach route between San Antonio and San Diego. Located northwest of downtown off I-10, the area is now thriving with vintage shops, stunning landscapes and comfortable, suburban living. Enjoy succulent Texas barbecue at establishments like Rudy’s Country Store & Bar-B-Q (the chain was founded here), or get your Tex-Mex fix at La Fogata, a San Antonio institution. About 15 miles farther is Boerne, a friendly Hill Country city filled with various recreational areas and a small but lively downtown. FROM LEFT: Ranches, winding roads, state parks, hiking trails, wineries and vineyards populate the Texas Hill Country.
(FROM LEFT) ©BOB HOWEN/VISIT SAN ANTONIO; MAX BAUMANN/ISTOCK PHOTO
FREDERICKSBURG An ideal place to begin a tour of Texas’ wine San Antonio’s sprawling city limits can seem to go on indefinitely, but you’ll know when you’ve arrived in the Texas Hill Country, one of the Lone Star State’s best kept secrets (for now, at least). Follow your bliss to the region’s multitude of nature trails, campgrounds, museums, vineyards, dance halls and small-town charm.
SAN ANTONIO
THE GUIDE
PHOTO CREDIT GOTHAM BOOK 5.5/9PT
SHOPPING & GALLERIES • DINING & NIGHTLIFE MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS
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THE GUIDE SHOPPING & GALLERIES ADELANTE BOUTIQUECL0073182 This colorful, bohemian-inspired boutique offers the latest trends and wardrobe essentials with a touch of Southwestern flair. Inventory changes almost daily, and there's a unique collection of jewelry and gifts. 303 Pearl Parkway, Suite 107, 210.826.6770. www.adelanteboutique.com. H ALAMO QUARRY MARKETCL0073184 Located on the site of the former Alamo Cement Plant, "the Quarry," as its commonly known, is easily identified by the giant smokestacks remaining from the original factory. The modern shopping center houses Lucchese Boot Co., Ann Taylor and Woodhouse Day Spa, and dozens of restaurants to suit any occasion. 255 E. Basse Road, 210.824.8885. www.quarrymarket.com.
©ISAAC ARJONILLA
ANARTE GALLERYCL0074198 Located on Broadway, just north of downtown, AnArte Gallery specializes in 21st century works by various established and emerging artists. 7959 Broadway St., Suite 404, 210.826.5674. www.anartegallery09.com. H ANGELITACL0073185 This legendary upscale boutique is dedicated to the modern, intelligent woman. Look for organically sourced items including beautiful, washable linens, sterling silver jewelry, designer apparel, Texas leather bags and hand-milled soaps and candles. 418 Villita St., Building 2, 210.224.8362. www.angelitaboutique.webs.com.
ARTISTIC ENDEAVORS GALLERYCL004520 With a focus on Southwestern artists and a variety of media, visitors will find everything from prints and sculptures to gifts and décor. The gallery is located within a historic house downtown in La Villita. 418 Villita St., Building 25, 210.222.2497. www.artend.com. H B&C LEATHER DESIGNS & UNIQUE FINDS Visit this La Villita store and studio for unique leather accessories. Bobby and Claudia Brown, two of the most recognized leather designers in San Antonio, will personally share their handmade creations with you. You’ll also find designs from other guest artists featured at B&C, where everything is a one-of-a-kind piece of wearable art. 514 W. Commerce St., 210.464.1126. H CHOICE GOODS GALLERY This Southtown retail gallery in the Blue Star Arts Complex houses the playful artwork of Los Angelesborn San Antonio transplant Robert Tatum, as well as work by guest local artists. Pick up an original piece of art or a postcard, print or T-shirt emblazoned with one of Tatum’s eye-catching riffs on pop culture. 1420 S. Alamo St., Space 103, 210.858.2361. www.tatumoriginals.com.
OPEN S Y SUNDA
World Famous
#1 Stetson Retailer in the U.S. - Awarded by Stetson Family owned and operated since 1917
STETSON OPEN ROAD FELT & STRAW/ 3 COLORS
GEORGE STRAIT FELT & STRAW/ 4 COLORS
STETSON ANGUS FELT & STRAW/ 4 COLORS
STETSON LONESOME DOVE FELT & STRAW
STETSON TYCOON FELT & STRAW
TOM LANDRY FELTS & STRAW/ 5 COLORS
GODFATHER
INDIANA JONES
STETSON AIRWAY
PORK PIE FELT & STRAW
STETSON HOLLYWOOD DRIVE LEATHER / 2 COLORS
STETSON STRATOLINER 5 COLORS
STETSON WEEKENDER 2 COLORS
STETSON SANTANA FELT & STRAW/ 4 COLORS
STETSON JUSTIFIED 3 COLORS
STETSON GAMBLER FELT & STRAW/2 COLORS
TOP HAT
DERBY
CHILDREN’S HAT
STETSON STEVIE RAY FELT & STRAW
GOLF CAP LEATHER / 3 COLORS
KANGOL CAPS 14 COLORS
PREMIUM WESTERNS IN STOCK
STETSON FELT 6X-10X-20X-30X 8 COLORS
MEN’S ALLIGATOR
H COPPER GALLERYCL0073189 Hand-hammered, fourth-generational copper art is finished in natural patina on such art pieces as bowls, vases and mirror frames. Perfect for the home and its decor, other works of copper include not just the kitchen
STETSON AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK FELT & STRAW
STETSON PANAMA FEDORA
MENS CROCODILE
STETSON STRAW 100X-500X-1000X-5000X
STETSON ELITES 100X-200X-500X
MENS OSTRICH
LADIES FINE LEATHER BOOTS
LADIES BOOTS
CHILDREN’S BOOTS
KIDS BOOTS
DAN POST • LUCCHESE • LAREDO Expert Hatter On Duty For Custom Shaping While You Wait
Hat sizes 6 ½ to 8 in stock Se Habla Español
Downtown San Antonio, minutes from your hotel 210-223-3453 • 119 Broadway • www.parishatters.com
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LEATHER BAGS • BELTS • CUFFS & MORE
Handmade Leather accessories by local artists Bobby & Claudia Brown. Visit their charming studio/gallery where you can witness the making and purchase their one of a kind beautiful designs. B & C Leather Designs & Unique Finds at La Villita
While strolling La Villita also visit Villa Tesoros the most exclusive and exquisite boutique in all San Antonio.
Shopping at Villa Tesoros is an Unforgettable Experience
Women & Girls’ Apparel Unique Accessories The Perfect Gift and Much More
La Villita Art Village, Buildings 8 & 24 Bobby 210.724.8521 Claudia 210.464.1126
Innovative • Affable • Affordable
angelita
• Jewelry • Clothing • Footwear • Children’s Boots • Accessories
Photo courtesy of Corral Boot Co.
Tasha Polizzi • Diana Malouf • Ivy Jane • Dedstu • Corral
In Historic La Villita just steps from the River Walk 418 Villita Street | AngelitaSA.com | 210. 224. 8362
Copper Gallery
Bldg. #11 in Historic La Villita • 210.271.3856
Alejandro Sifuentes METALSMITH GALLERY
Authentic handcrafted Sterling silver jewelry from Taxco México The silver capital of the world
Unique Jewelry, Gifts and More 418 La Villita Bldg. 4 • San Antonio Tx, 78205 • 210.281.0706 alejandrosifuentes.com • facebook.com/equinoxgallery
418 Villita Street • in La Villita • 210.994.5259 109 Concho Street • in Market Square • 210.389.9487 www.plazataxco.com
THE GUIDE sink, but bathroom, bar and farm sinks, too. 418 Villita St., Building 11, 210.271.3856.
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YOU CAN #SMTXperience
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San Marcos is a groove. A way of living. Where you can shop all weekend and still not visit every outlet store. Located just 45 minutes north of San Antonio, the San Marcos Outlets is not only the largest outlet mall in the United States, but you won’t find many of these luxury designer or brand outlets anywhere else in Texas.
/TourSanMarcos
www.TourSanMarcos.com
H EQUINOX GALLERY Skilled metalsmith, gallery owner and native San Antonian Alejandro Sifuentes creates artisanal jewelry using fine gemstones and precious metals (think hand-set opals, diamonds and pearls) that reflect the artist’s earthy perspective and simple, timeless beauty. The gallery also hosts invitational exhibitions throughout the year. 418 Villita St., Building 4, 210.281.0706. www.equinoxjewelrygallery.com. H GALLERY VETRO CREATIVE ARTGLASSCL0073195 This gallery offers a collection of fine studio glass from around the world. Find art-glass vessels and sculpture, handmade art-to-wear jewelry, American and Murano glass lighting, holiday and cultural blown ornaments, gifts and contemporary fine art. 250 E. Houston St., 210.354.0001. www.artistryofpoland.com. H GARCIA ART GLASSCL007351 This prominent store features unique and colorful blown-glass creations with a focus on lighting and sculpture. Local artist Gini Garcia’s unique designs can also be found in several restaurants and businesses throughout San Antonio. 715 S. Alamo St., 210.354.4681 www.garciaartglass.com.
| 512.393.5930
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H HAR.COM HAR.com is an award-winning residential real estate website that serves as the premier source of comprehensive and up-to-date information regarding homes for sale or lease in Texas. www.har.com. H J. ADELMAN ANTIQUES, ART & ESTATE JEWELRYCL00741 Located in the Victorian lobby of the historic Menger Hotel, J. Adelman sells estate jewelry, silver, collectibles, antiques, fine art and unique gift items. The collection showcases one-of-a-kind creations alongside well-known designer names like Audemars Piguet and Tiffany & Co. 202 Alamo Plaza, 210.225.5914. www.adelmanantiques.com. H KGS STUDIOS This Southtown portrait studio produces fine art portraits and contemporary art based on photographs, specializing in signature portraits, family portraits and grand-scale contemporary art. 107 Blue Star, 210.853.5993. www.kgsstudios.com. H LEE MICHAELS FINE JEWELRY Each year, the team behind this family-owned company travels the world to find the finest gems, loose diamonds, timepieces and giftware from some of the world’s most distinguished designers and craftspeople to sell in its stores. The staff of highly trained jewelry professionals provides shoppers with expert advice on purchasing jewelry. 7400 San Pedro Ave., Suite 422, 210.541.9575. 15900 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 3370, 210.699.9494. www.lmfj.com.
THE GUIDE H MOCKINGBIRD HANDPRINTS Located in artsy Southtown within the Blue Star Art Complex, Mockingbird Handprints is an eclectic studio and gallery filled to the brim with colorful gifts and greeting cards, home accents, local art, upcycled furniture, one-of-a-kind décor and more. Find fabrics, prints and designs from printmaker and studio owner Jane Bishop. 1420 S. Alamo St., Building B, Suite 108, 210.878.5711. www.mockingbirdhandprints.com. H MOKARA SPA Nestled inside the ultra-chic Mokara San Antonio on the River Walk, this full-service luxury spa and salon offers multiple treatment rooms, couples’ treatment packages and an extensive list of services for special occasions as well as hair treatments, manicures and pedicures, foot massages and more. Open daily from 8 am to 8 pm. 212 W. Crockett St., 210.396.5800. www.mokaraspas.com/sanantonio. H PARIS HATTERSCL007419 Since 1917, this family-owned shop has treated patrons to custom-fitted hats, tailored to meet virtually any taste or preference. Hats range from Western and dress to golf caps and accessories. Famous clients run the gamut—allow us to drop the names of Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Kid Rock, B.B. King, Shaquille O’Neal, and presidents Eisenhower and Truman. 119 Broadway St., 210.223.3453. www.parishatters.com. H PLAZA TAXCO This retail gem in Historic Market Square houses an array of fine silver
jewelry and authentic accessories from Taxco, Mexico—also known as “the silver capital of the world.” Find unique handcrafted gifts, necklaces and mementos at this small (but well-stocked!) shop downtown. 109 S. Concho St., 210.212.6733. www.plazataxco.com. H SAN ANGEL FOLK ARTCL007512 Celebrating 30 years, San Ángel Folk Art has emerged as a world-renowned gallery offering the finest folk, visionary, outsider and selftaught art from around the world. San Ángel displays work by artists of the current and bygone eras, plus fine Mexican jewelry and unique guayaberas. 110 Blue Star, 210.226.6688. www.sanangelfolkart.com. H SCENTCHIPS For a house that smells delicious, a trip to ScentChips is the answer. This store carries the latest trend in home fragrance in flavors like Country Spice, Cozy Cabin and Day Dreams. A variety of burners is also available. 503 E. Nueva St., 210.223.2267. www.scentchips.com. H SHOPS AT RIVERCENTERCL00741 The one mall in San Antonio that you can actually reach by barge, this top-of-the-line retail and entertainment complex features hundreds of shops as well as an IMAX theater, a live comedy venue, restaurants and more—all just one block from the Alamo and San Antonio River Walk. 849 E. Commerce St., 210.225.0000. www.shoprivercenter.com.
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THE GUIDE H SILVER SPURCL00741 Called a “must” place to shop by the Travel Channel, Silver Spur is an exquisite ladies apparel and jewelry boutique with a taste of Texas. Visit the San Antonio store for an assortment of dazzling apparel, from belts and boots to handbags and accessories. Located in the Historic Menger Hotel next to the Alamo, Silver Spur offers fabulous finds for every occasion. Menger Hotel, 210 Alamo Plaza, 210.472.2210. or 855.242.7467. www.silverspurboutique.com. SLOAN/HALL This refined Broadway boutique treats visitors to the very best selection in everything from modern trinkets to designer handbags. The shop changes its inventory seasonally and includes a distinctive selection of luxury fragrances. 5424 Broadway St., 210.828.7738. www.sloanhall.com. TORY SPORT Fashion meets function at Tory Sport, the activewear line from designer Tory Burch. Find prepschool-style sweaters, classic stripes, crisp pleats and fresh accessories for a look that’s “country club chic.” The Shops at La Cantera, 15900 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 3430, 210.672.3708. www.torysport.com. H VILLA TESOROS Villa Tesoros is an exclusive and unique boutique in downtown San Antonio. Find beautiful women's apparel and accessories, the cutest outfits for little girls or the perfect gift to take back home. Indulge yourself by visiting this exquisite high-end boutique in the heart of La
Villita. La Villita, 418 Villita St., Building 8, 210.464.1126.
DINING & NIGHTLIFE H ÁCENARCL006182 This contemporary River Walk restaurant offers Latin drinks such as the Tuna Margarita, a concoction of silver tequila, orange liqueur, prickly-pear cactus juice and fresh lime served on the rocks or frozen, along with creative Texas regional specialties like achiote-marinated pork in banana leaves, served with cilantro rice. 146 E. Houston St., 210.222.2362. www.acenar.com. ALAMO BEER COMPANY Located on the east side of San Antonio underneath the historic Hays Street Bridge, this family-friendly microbrewery has quickly become a happening hangout with its expansive dog-friendly patio, outdoor beer garden and indoor beer hall. On the weekends, order a round of the company’s namesake brew, ALAMO Golden Ale, while enjoying live music and food truck fare. Open to the public Thursdays 3-9 pm, Fridays 3pm-midnight, Saturdays noon to midnight and Sundays noon-9 pm. 202 Lamar St., 210.872.5589. www.alamobeer.com. BAKERY LORRAINE Husband and wife team Jeremy Mandrell and Anne Ng met while baking at Thomas Keller’s world-famous Bouchon Bakery in Napa Valley. Now they serve handmade French pastries and macarons using the finest ingredients. From the best flours and seasonal fruits to farm raised
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Serving upscale, contemporary American cuisine with an emphasis on what is seasonal and creative over what is predictable and familiar. Very Close to Downtown. Reservations Recommended. Private Dining Available.
926 S. Presa | San Antonio | 210.225.2547 | www.FoodisBliss.com
THE GUIDE eggs and dairy, Bakery Lorraine elevates San Antonio's croissant game. 511 E. Grayson St., 210.862.5582. www.bakerylorraine.com. H BARRIBA CANTINACL00407 If you’re looking for delicious Mexican street food, look no further than Barriba Cantina, which serves classics like slow-cooked mango-pork carnitas, Baja Pescado and Tacos del Rey. Dine indoors under a border of colorful Mexican lucha-libre wrestling masks, or enjoy the balcony overlooking the River Walk. There’s also live music six nights a week. 111 W. Crockett St., Suite 214, 210.228.9876. www.barribacantina.com. H BIGA ON THE BANKSCL0061840 This upscale restaurant offers dining on the River Walk and an extensive wine list to go along with the contemporary and luxurious dishes such as chicken-fried oysters, seared Hudson Valley foie gras, mustard-crusted Texas lamb rack and sticky toffee pudding. 203 S. St. Mary’s St., 210.225.0722. www.biga.com. H THE BIN TAPAS BAR Jason Dady’s cozy, Barcelonainspired Spanish tapas bar is an ode to his former small plates restaurant at Artisans Alley, Bin 555. The menu brings back favorites from Bin 555’s offerings like the serrano-wrapped blue cheese dates, patatas bravas and pon tomate. Porrones, sangria, Spanish wine, mojitos, classic cocktails and more are also on hand to complement the plates. 511 E. Grayson St., 210.994.8099.
H BLISS This contemporary Southtown restaurant offers fresh, New American fare in a relaxed, neighborhood setting. Its seasonal menu features creative items like hamachi sashimi tostadas and an elevated “pork and beans” entrée, plus a curated wine list perfect for pairing. Bliss was voted one of the "100 Best Restaurants for Foodies in America" on OpenTable in 2016. 926 S. Presa St., 210.225.2547. www.foodisbliss.com. H BUBBA GUMP SHRIMP CO. Inspired by the 1994 film “Forrest Gump,” Bubba Gump’s takes pride in serving fresh seafood with a Southern- and Cajun-inspired twist. Treat the taste buds with popular options such as stuffed shrimp, Louisiana home-style etouffee and Dixie-style baby back ribs. 406 Navarro St., www.bubbagump.com. H CHART HOUSE AT TOWER OF THE AMERICASCL0045263 Not only does Chart House offer unrivaled, stunning views of the city as the crown jewel atop the Tower of the Americas, but the food (Snapper Hemingway, Coconut Crunchy Shrimp) is equally impressive. Also try dishes such as Stuffed Flounder, Cedar Plank Salmon, Mac Nut Mahi and steamed asparagus. 739 E. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd, 210.223.3101. www.chart-house.com. H THE COUNTY LINE BBQ9 A trip to the Lone Star State isn’t complete with out a taste of Texas ‘cue, and this legendary Austinbased joint is one way to get your fix.
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THE GUIDE County Line serves up heaping portions at moderate prices of fall-offthe-bone ribs, brisket and the like, plus a live music calendar featuring local and national performers. 111 W. Crockett St., Suite 104, 210.229.1941 10101 I-10 West, 210.641.1998 www.countyline.com. H COYOTE UGLY SALOONCL003507 Bartenders, dubbed coyotes, serve and entertain at this lively Southernstyle saloon with a slight New York twist. Happy hour is 4-8 pm daily, with $2-$3 drink specials each night. 409 E. Commerce St., 210.465.8459. www.coyoteuglysaloon.com. DORCOL DISTILLING COMPANY Texas’ first urban craft distillery has become a nightlife destination, as well. It makes its cocktails with in-house-distilled rakia, an apricot brandy, and also offers its own line of craft beer called HighWheel. 1902 S. Flores St., 210.229.0607. www.dorcolspirits.com. GUENTHER HOUSECL0061853 A fixture of the King William neighborhood, Guenther House is a warm and inviting restaurant that is located in the elegant former home of Pioneer Flour Mills’ founding family, the Guenthers. Built in 1860 and sitting in San Antonio’s oldest historic district, the Guenther House offers visitors a museum, dining and retail experience. While lunch has its own merits, this San Antonio staple is perfect for breakfast with its creative twists on pancakes and biscuits. 205 E. Guenther St.,
210.227.1061. www.guentherhouse.com. HOWL AT THE MOONCL0074190 Part bar and part concert venue, Howl features live music in a high-energy setting. Join talented musicians in rocking out to your favorite songs while sipping the locale's signature 86-ounce buckets of booze. Stop in for an eclectic crowd and a casual yet action-packed experience any time of year. 111 W. Crockett, Suite 201, 210.212.4770. www.howlatthemoon.com. J. ALEXANDER’SCL006185 This tempting contemporary spot serves up everything from steak and salmon to hamburgers, as well as homemade desserts. The clean lines and inviting ambience make it the perfect place for a weekday business lunch or dinner or a casual but upscale night on the town. 255 E. Basse Road, Suite 1300, 210.824.0275. www.jalexanders.com. H JOE’S CRAB SHACKCL0037245 If you want buttery, mouthwatering seafood options in a laid-back, fun and family-friendly environment, then eat at Joe’s. If you can’t poke fun at dinner, they will for you. Multiple locations. www.joescrabshack.com. IRON CACTUS MEXICAN GRILL & MARGARITA BARCL007829 Unwind on the private patio while sipping margaritas and dining on chile con queso, sizzling fajitas, enchiladas and tres leches. When the sun goes down, visit the Naked Iguana Lounge for one of the largest selections of tequila and mezcal on
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Lively, colorful and filled with excitement, Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery and La Margarita Mexican Restaurant & Oyster Bar are two of San Antonio’s most beloved Mexican eateries, known for authentic cuisine and entertaining Mariachi music in the heart of Market Square. The Cortez family invites you to enjoy these restaurants’ time-tested Mexican recipes, freshly baked pastries, nightly live music and a festive atmosphere. Open 24 hours a day and seven days a week, Mi Tierra has been serving some of San Antonio’s best breakfast, lunch and dinner entrees since 1941. The restaurant also offers an expansive menu, from classic items like chile relleno and baked cabrito to a variety of flavorful tacos and enchiladas. Just don’t forget to save room for dessert; Mi Tierra is home to some of the finest Mexican candies and sweet breads, as well as world-famous pecan pralines. Whether it’s an entertaining, music-filled experience, a box of homemade goodies, or a taste of delicious Mexican cuisine and San Antonio hospitality, there’s something for everyone at Mi Tierra. For some of the city’s favorite fajitas, look no further than La Margarita. Housed in a New Orleans-style building, this two-story eatery also boasts two patios that are perfect for people-watching, sipping icy cold beverages, and dining on tasty seafood and classic Mexican fare. Experience the vibrant culture of historic Market Square while enjoying the fully stocked bar and festive, friendly environment. Wash down specialties such as Acapulco style-shrimp, steak tampiqueno and charbroiled chicken with the restaurant’s famed margaritas and top-shelf tequilas. La Margarita also offers a banquet meeting room for large groups or events. Open Sunday through Thursday, 11 am to 10 pm, and Friday and Saturday until 11 pm. Mi Tierra and La Margarita accept all major credit cards.
La Margarita 120 Produce Row 210.227.7140 www.lamargarita.com
Mi Tierra Café & Bakery 218 Produce Row 210.225.1262 www.mitierracafe.com
Mariachi Bar Located inside Mi Tierra 210.225.1262 www.mariachibar.com
Viva Villa Taquería 905 Dolorosa 210.987.8482 www.vivavillatacos.com
Pico de Gallo 111 S. Leona, across UTSA Downtown Campus 210.225.6060 www.picodegallo.com
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PANCAKE HAUS
Everybody Eats When They Come To Our Haus!
the River Walk. 200 River Walk St., Suite 100, 210.224.9835. www.ironcactus.com. H LA VILLITA CAFÉCL0061835 Located in one of San Antonio’s most renowned historic districts, this casual café serves up fresh gourmet sandwiches, salads and snacks. 418 Villita St., Building 900, 210.207.8614. www.lavillita.com. H LANDRY’S SEAFOOD HOUSECL0061859 Although its name synonymous with award-winning seafood, Landry's takes just as much pride in its steak and chicken dishes to please all tastes and palettes. The Gulf Coast atmosphere complements an extensive food and drink menu. 517 N. Presa St, 210.229.1010. www.landrysseafood.com. H LAS CANARIASCL004529 Located in the Omni La Mansion del Rio, this elegant restaurant is known for its farm-to-table fare, River Walk views and champagne brunch. 112 College St., 210.518.1063. www.omnihotels.com.
Two Great Locations to Serve You. 606 Embassy Oaks, Suite 100 10333 Huebner, Road (210) 496-0828 | www.magnoliapancakehaus.com
H LUCIANO'S ON THE RIVER70821 This authentic Italian restaurant on the River Walk offers fresh, delicious antipasti and comforting classics like lasagna, pizza margherita and fettucine alfredo. 849 E. Commerce St., Suite 183, 210.223.0500. www.lucianorestaurants.com. H THE MAGNOLIA PANCAKE HAUSCL004123 They say there’s no real secret to these “World’s Best” buttermilk pancakes,
but it's all about the ingredients—prepared exactly the same every time. The syrups, too, are made in-house. 606 Embassy Oaks, Suite 100, 210.496.0828 10333 Huebner Road, 210.496.0828. www.magnoliapancakehaus.com. H MI TIERRA CAFE Y PANADERIACL00618 Endless strings of festive lights, strolling musicians, legendary TexMex cuisine and a decidedly San Antonian atmosphere make Mi Tierra a staple of downtown San Antonio, specifically in Historic Market Square. Enjoy nightly drinks at the oak-carved bar or grab classic pastries like conchas from the bakery, open 24 hours (just like the restaurant). 218 Produce Row, 210.225.1262. www.mitierracafe.com. H MORTON’S THE STEAKHOUSECL00618 This Chicago-style steakhouse sports locations all over the U.S., with the San Antonio incarnation located a short distance away from the Alamo and the River Walk. The steak and seafood cuisine borders on the upscale with Cajun influences. Lighter appetites might opt for “Bar Bites” or a burger at the bar. 300 E. Crockett St., 210.228.0700. www.mortons.com. H MYRON’S PRIME STEAKHOUSECL0041854 With two locations, Myron’s Steakhouse is the perfect place to bring a date or share a night with friends. It uses only choice, USDA Prime beef (Chicago prime beef in particular) and boasts a full bar
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THE GUIDE and extensive wine list. For a more intimate setting, go for the New Braunfels location, but if a more modern decor and a large bar are what you seek, head to its Wurzbach Parkway location. 10003 N.W. Military Highway, Suite 2101, 210.493.3031 136 N. Castell, New Braunfels, 830.624.1024. www.myronsprime.com. H PAESANOSCL0061870 This impressive restaurant treats patrons to a tantalizing combination of Mediterranean and Italian cuisine as well as one of the largest wine lists available in the area. Enjoy favorites such as Shrimp Paesano, poached salmon with wild mushrooms and rustic osso bucco. Multiple locations. 555 E. Basse, Suite 100, 210.828.5191. www.paesanos.com. H PAT O’BRIEN’SCL003506 Bringing a taste of New Orleans to San Antonio, this unique restaurant entices patrons with an outdoor patio featuring live music and a separate piano bar. The drinks and cuisine are decidedly Cajun, with the Hurricane serving as a cocktail highlight. The daily happy hour and Sunday brunch with live jazz are popular draws. 121 Alamo Plaza, 210.220.1076. www.patobriens.com.
pizzaritas.com 245 E. Commerce (Crockett at Navarro) San Antonio, Texas 78205
H PIZZARITA’SCL004391 At this fast-casual pizza joint downtown, handmade pies are concocted by this sister restaurant of the River Walk-famous Rita’s on the River. Add a salad or bread sticks, or, if you’re not in the mood for a meaty/cheesy pie, try the sandwiches or the hot wings. Pizzarita’s delivers within the immediate area, including to a dozen hotels, too.
245 E. Commerce (back door; front door at Crockett at Navarro), 210.293.7482. www.pizzaritas.com. H RAINFOREST CAFECL0061875 A fun-filled place for the kids and the young at heart. Diners will go wild amidst the swinging monkeys, growling tigers and roaring elephants that populate this simulated rain forest. The food is an American/tropical blend of meats, veggies and fruits. 110 E. Crockett St., 210.277.6300. www.rainforestcafe.com. H RANGE Jason Dady, the chef and restaurateur behind the award-winning Two Bros. BBQ Market, Tre Trattoria and several other concepts, brings his latest culinary endeavor to the River Walk. This modern American steakhouse will serve up lunch and dinner dishes ranging from locally raised cattle to fresh seafood. Embassy Suites, 125 E. Houston St., 210.227.4455. H RITA’S ON THE RIVERCL006187 Rita’s On the River is a Tex-Mex restaurant on the River Walk known for Texas-size margaritas, ice cold beer, beautiful River Walk views and delicious, sizzling fajitas. 245 E. Commerce, Suite 100, 210.227.7482. www.ritasontheriver.com. H ROSARIO’S MEXICAN CAFÉ Y CANTINACL0061879 This local favorite is considered one of the best Mexican restaurants in San Antonio by many. The original location on South Alamo draws a local crowd of loyal diners. The cabbage lime slaw and the roasted
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“Best Place to Take Out of Town Guests” —San Antonio Express-News
ROSARIO’S SOUTH 910 S Alamo St • San Antonio 78205 210.223.1806 ROSARIO’S NORTH 9715 San Pedro • San Antonio 78216 210.481.4100
rosariosSA.com
THE GUIDE tomato salsa are not to be missed. For an exotic dining experience, try the Sweet Breads: fried masa and chile-crusted sweet breads drizzled with a smoky sweet chile sauce. 910 S. Alamo St., 210.223.1806. 9715 San Pedro Ave., 210.481.4100. www.rosariossa.com. H SALTGRASS STEAK HOUSECL006056 Experience what 25 years of perfection tastes like at Saltgrass Steak House! Enjoy Certified Angus Beef® steaks, ribs and seafood, as well as made-from-scratch desserts. Head to happy hour for discounted appetizers, beer, wine and margaritas at its San Antonio River Walk outpost or others throughout the city. Multiple locations. www.saltgrass.com. H SHUCK SHACK Oysters, crabcakes, ‘chowdah’ and more sea delights! This seafood joint is just one of six of San Antonio star chef Jason Dady’s dining concepts, so you know you’ll be in good hands as soon as you sail through the doors. 520 E. Grayson St., 210.236.7422. www.shuckshack.com. SILOCL0074192 An upscale bistro known for a seasonally-inspired of contemporary New American cuisine, SILO is an ideal eatery for business lunches, celebratory dinners or brunch. It also maintains a lively bar and cocktail scene. 1133 Austin Highway, 210.824.8686. 434 N. Loop 1604 W., 210.483.8989. www.siloelevatedcuisine.com.
H SUPPER Housed within the luxurious Hotel Emma at the Pearl, this sophisticated restaurant and bar is known for its well-executed seasonal menu (order the Brussels sprouts) and a rotating selection of draught beers, most of which are from Texas. After Supper, head over to Sternewirth's, also located at the industrial-chic hotel, for classic cocktails and a speakeasy-style vibe. 136 E. Grayson St., 210.448.8351. www.supperatemma.com. H TACO TACO CAFECL004526 A staple of San Antonio, locals and visitors alike line up around the corner for soft, fluffy tortillas and world-famous breakfast tacos— hence, get there early or be prepared to wait (trust us; it's worth it). 145 E. Hildebrand Ave., 210.822.9533. www.tacotacosa.com. H TRE ENOTECA This chic, contemporary Italian restaurant serves up a variety of pastas, wood-fired pizza and rustic Italian sandwiches. 555 W. Bitters Road, 210.496.0555. www.treenoteca.com. H TRE TRATTORIACL00621 The perfect setting for a romantic evening, Tre Trattoria provides a charming bistro ambiance and decadent Italian fare. 4003 Broadway St., 210.805.0333. www.tretrattoria.com. H TWO BROS. BBQ Two Bros. BBQ is loved for its falloff-the-bone ribs and unique bar-
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becue sauces, like one made with molasses and Shiner beer. 12656 West Ave., 210.496.0222. www.twobrosbbqmarket.com.
affords the opportunity to enjoy the tranquil outdoors. 210 W. Market St., 210.299.4499. www.briscoemuseum.org.
H YARD HOUSECL0060468 This casual restaurant is known for its beer: more specifically, more than 600 barrels and 130 tap handles of it. An equally sizeable menu offers something for everyone. 15900 La Cantera Pkwy., 210.691.0033. 849 E. Commerce St., 210.354.3844. www.yardhouse.com.
H CITY OF BOERNECL00404 This German-settled community just minutes north of San Antonio off I-10 is known for its distinctive charm, which includes 140-plus historic structures (many made of stone), a number of specialty shops featuring antiques and gifts, and the nearby Cibolo Nature Center with its hiking trails and boardwalk. Then there are the year-round festivals, parades and other events, which include a Chocolate Walk, Boerne Market Days and the Dickens on Main celebration. 1407 S. Main St., Boerne, 830.249.7277. www.visitboerne.org.
MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS THE ALAMOCL007412 The most popular landmark attraction in San Antonio and a true testament to heroism, the Alamo now serves as a fascinating museum, gallery and historical center with daily tours and even activities for the little ones. 300 Alamo Plaza, 210.225.1391. www.thealamo.org. H BRISCOE WESTERN ART MUSEUM Located in the heart of downtown San Antonio on the iconic River Walk, the Briscoe Western Art Museum preserves and presents the art, history, and culture of the American West through engaging exhibitions, community events and programs reflective of the region’s rich shared heritage. Housed in the City’s first public library, the beautifully restored museum building features nine galleries of art and artifacts. The McNutt Sculpture Garden
H CITY OF SAN MARCOS404 Conveniently located in Central Texas between Austin and San Antonio, San Marcos truly is in the center of everything. Besides miles of hike and bike trails, there are plenty of outdoor activities, heaps of good shopping and tasty fare with San Marcos flair. 617 IH-35 North, San Marcos, 512.393.5930. www.toursanmarcos.com. H HOP-ON HOP-OFF CITY SIGHTSEEING DOUBLEDECKER BUS TOURCL004074 See San Antonio from the top of the world—or, at least, from the top of a big red double-decker bus. Climb aboard to take a guided tour of 18 of the city’s major sights and attractions. Take advantage of the hop-on, hop-off feature to customize your own experience. Additional tour
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BARRIBA CANTINA
SHUCK SHACK
Barriba Cantina serves up fresh, Mexican street food and an endless menu of handmade, seasonal cocktails in the heart of San Antonio. Enjoy margaritas and live music without a cover charge from 7 to 11 pm Sunday through Thursday, and from 9 pm to 1 am on Fridays and Saturdays. Located above the famous County Line BBQ, the two-story restaurant and bar are both accessible from the street level. The top floor features views of the San Antonio skyline and river, as well as a large event space and covered patio. Both levels feature balconies and patios overlooking the historic River Walk. Open seven days a week, Barriba Cantina’s hours are Sunday through Thursday 11 am to Midnight, and Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 2 am. Free music daily starting at 7 pm.
Shuck Shack gives San Antonians a coastal seafood experience in the heart of Texas, bringing guests fresh oysters from both coasts, as well as the Gulf of Mexico. Shuck Shack establishes a connection between regions through food, with a daily selection of market fresh oysters, Tuna Tartar, and other “bites” such as White Cheddar Jalapeño Hush Puppies and Kewpie Deviled Eggs. Beverages include beer and wine by the glass with more selections by the bottle, as well as simple cocktails to accompany the seafood. This eatery also caters to families with children, with a kids menu and a special playground area, a mark of Jason Dady Restaurants.
111 W. Crockett, #214, San Antonio, TX 78205
www.shuckshack.com
210.228.9876
www.barribacantina.com
520 E. Grayson, San Antonio, TX 78215
210.236.7422
TWO BROS. BBQ MARKET The home of low and slow barbeque, Two Bros BBQ Market was created by brothers Jason and Jake Dady. Two Bros. BBQ Market is a classic Texas barbeque joint, notable for its award-winning Texas pit barbequed meats, like Beef Brisket, Cherry Glazed Baby Back Ribs, Pulled Pork, Turkey Breast and Chicken Thighs. Two Bros. BBQ Beans, Potato Salad and Creamy Mac and Cheese are house favorites as well as desserts, like the Deep Fried Strawberry Pies and Classic Banana Pudding. Redefining the family restaurant, Two Bros. features a large playground yard and patio with seating for hundreds. This childfriendly atmosphere comes complete with a sand pit alongside wood-planked tables and benches for the adults. Now offering catering, call aheads and delivery. Open seven-days-a-week. San Antonio, TX 78216
210.496.0222
www.twobrosbbqmarket.com
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TRE TRATTORIA
RANGE
& TRE ENOTECA
MODERN AMERICAN CHOPHOUSE
Chef Jason Dady’s Tre Trattoria and Tre Enoteca play ode to Tuscany with traditions and flavors of housemade pasta and sauces in two convenient locations. Specializing in distinctive Northern Italian pastas, like the giant Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs and Spaghetti, a variety of cast-iron grilled pizzas and fresh antipasti and salumi selections. The ambiance offers a romantically lit, cozy atmosphere bringing the enticing qualities of Italy to San Antonio. The warm, inviting setting is perfect for families and friends to share a meal. Large patios at both locations offer the perfect setting for the lovely South Texas weather.
On the banks of the San Antonio River, off the historic
Tre Trattoria 4003 Broadway St., San Antonio, TX 78209
210.805.0333
Houston Street, Chef Jason Dady’s newest location, Range will be the jewel of San Antonio. With a rich menu featuring Modern American takes on classic steakhouse fare. Highlights include dry-aged black angus steaks that may be “topped” with local hen egg or sea urchin butter, fresh seafood with an oyster bar and Ora King Salmon, as well as, dishes inspired by the “field” including Grilled Texas Bobwhite Quail. With tableside prepared Caesar Salad, a roving Martini Cart and interactive Wagyu Shabu-Shabu hot pot the Range offers a variety of unique dishes that create a lively, yet approachable atmosphere. Offering lunch, dinner and happy hour daily, with Sunday Brunch buffet from 10 – 3.
www.tretrattoria.com
125 E. Houston Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
Tre Enoteca 555 W. Bitters Rd., San Antonio, TX 78216
www.rangesa.com
TACO TACO CAFE At Taco Taco Cafe, “choice” is what really sets us apart from those other Mexican restaurants. All the meals in Taco Taco Cafe are prepared with fresh and special ingredients. Everything is made in house. Fans flock around the corner daily to come in and enjoy the “best tacos in America” donned by Bon Appetit on Food Network. Along with serving breakfast tacos all day long, Taco Taco is famous for its enormous El Norteno taco, stuffed with green peppers, cheese and chicken and beef that is the size of a plate. The Chilaquila breakfast tacos, with chopped homemade chips, pico de gallo, cheese and eggs are always popular. 145 E. Hildebrand at McCullough
210.822.9533
www.tacotacosa.com
210.227.4455
210.496.0555
www.treenoteca.com
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THE GUIDE options include the River Walk Boat Cruise. Tours run every 20 minutes. 216 E. Crockett St., 210.224.8687. www.city-sightseeing.com. H IFLY SAN ANTONIO Take flight at iFly San Antonio, where the ultimate adrenaline rush is closer (to the ground, that is) than you think. No prior experience is necessary—iFly’s instructors provide the training and the gear. Just step inside the vertical glass chamber and prepare for liftoff as the wind tunnel allows you to simulate the real feeling of skydiving. 15915 W. I-10, 210.762.4359. www.iflyworld.com/san-antonio. H NATURAL BRIDGE CAVERNSCL007419 This family-friendly historical adventure invites patrons to experience everything from adventure caving to panning for stones and guided tours. The trip can be tailored to cave divers of all levels (beginners welcome!). The caverns are also available for special events. 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Road, 210.651.6101. www.naturalbridgecaverns.com. H NATURAL BRIDGE WILDLIFE RANCHCL0074180 This African safari tour offers families the experience of a lifetime, right from their own car. More than 50 different species of animals roam among the 200-acre, 3.5-mile expanse of land. 26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Road, 830.438.7400. www.wildliferanchtexas.com. H RIO SAN ANTONIO CRUISESCL00685 No visit to San Antonio is complete without a riverboat cruise. Tours are
35–40 minutes and cover two and a half miles of the River Walk. Tickets are available online or at multiple locations along the River Walk, including under the Market Street Bridge at Alamo Street. 800.417.4139. www.riosanantonio.com. H RIPLEY’S HAUNTED ADVENTURECL00741 Using live actors, animatronics and special effects, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure supplies scares and screams year-round to unsuspecting visitors. With multiple haunted rooms, skeletons, zombies and scream-worthy surprises around every corner, this haunted adventure promises chills, gore and frightful fun to thrill-seeking kids, families and adults. 329 Alamo Plaza, 210.226.2828. ripleys.com/phillips. H SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDENCL003725 Newly renovated and expanded, the San Antonio Botanical Garden is bigger and better than ever. Enjoy concerts, children’s activities, seasonal displays and community events—not to mention a tranquil place to seek quiet from bustling downtown. 555 Funston Place, 210.536.1400. www.sabot.org. H SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ARTCL007513 The Museum’s global collection represents 5,000 years of history and cultures from around the world. It includes Egyptian, Greek and Roman Art, an unparalleled collection of Latin American Art and the most important Chinese art collection in the southern United States. Check the website for
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THE GUIDE special exhibitions, and don't miss "San Antonio 1718" in honor of the city's tricentennial celebration in 2018. 200 W. Jones Ave., 210.978.8100. www.samuseum.org. H SAN ANTONIO TRICENTENNIAL COMMISSION A city organization commemorating San Antonio’s 300 years of history and culture with an annual calendar of art exhibitions, concerts, public performances and special events. Its various partnerships with local museums and destinations such as Hemisfair and the San Antonio Museum of Art will illuminate the region’s rich legacy and designation as a World Heritage Site. Visit the Tricentennial website to view the schedule of events. Various locations, 210.207.2300. www.sanantonio300.org. H SAN ANTONIO ZOOCL0037259 The San Antonio Zoo is home to more than 9,000 animals, representing 750 species. Legions of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians inhabit these grounds in exhibits like Africa Live, Amazonia, Hixon Bird House and more! Ride the San Antonio Zoo Eagle Train and bounce from one attraction to the next, before adventuring about in Brackenridge Park. 3903 N. Saint Mary's St., 210.734.7184. www.sazoo-aq.org. H SAN PEDRO CREEK CULTURE PARK Opening in May 2018 as a direct result of San Antonio’s Tricentennial celebration, this park will showcase a variety of artists work while improving the area from a drainage ditch into a nat-
ural creek habitat, as part of the San Pedro Creek Improvements Project. Check online for more information. www.spcproject.org. H SCHLITTERBAHN WATERPARK AND RESORTCL0074185 This world-famous water park resort—Schlitterbahn means “slippery road” in German—offers 40 unique attractions on the banks of the Comal River. Thrilling coasters, tubing slides, picnic areas and swimup bars make for an exciting experience for children and adults alike. 400 N. Liberty Ave., New Braunfels, 830.625.2351. www.schlitterbahn.com. SEAWORLD SAN ANTONIOCL00710 A must for any family trip to San Antonio, SeaWorld combines all of the pleasures of a marine life exhibit with that of a thrill park to create something that will appeal to families and animal lovers of all kinds. Check out the thrilling new Wave Breaker and the unforgettable Dolphin Cove. 10500 Sea World Drive, 800.700.7786. www.seaworldparks.com. H SIX FLAGS FIESTA TEXASCL0037261 San Antonio’s Six Flags outpost offers a decidedly Texas take on family fun. Stroll the Fiesta Bay Boardwalk, test your limits on the latest virtual reality-equipped ride or the new Wonder Woman roller coaster. 17000 IH-10 West, 210.697.5050. www.sixflags.com/fiestatexas. TOBIN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS The Tobin Center is the city’s crown jewel of state-of-the-art performance venues. From symphony concerts to
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No trip to is complete without a visit to the
on the museum reach of the riverwalk
200 West Jones Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 978-8100
www.samuseum.org
@SAMAart
Art: William Merritt Chase, Mrs. Chase and Child (I’m Going to See Grandma) , ca. 1889, gift of Frederic G. Oppenheimer; Robert Henri, El Tango, 1908, purchase funded by Elizabeth and George Coates; Dale Chihuly, Persian Ceiling, 2004, gift of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kelso; Frank Stella, Double Scramble, 1968, purchase funded by the NEA and The Brown Foundation ©201 7 Frank Stella/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York; MAMA OCLLO, Peru, ca. 1840, purchase funded by Betty and Bob Kelso; Red-figure calyx-krater, signed Asteas, Greek, ca. 340 B.C., gift of Gilbert M. Denman, Jr.; Mask (Máscara) Mixtec Culture, Tilantongo Region, Oaxaca, Mexico, ca. 1500 A.D., Elizabeth Huth Coates bequest; Thomas Sully, Portrait of Sarah Sully and Her Dog, Ponto, 1848, gift of Dr. and Mrs. Frederic G. Oppenheimer, by exchange. Photos: Peggy Tenison, Justin Parr, Ansen Seale.
THE GUIDE traveling Broadway productions, the massive building links the timeless River Walk with the newly extended Museum Reach as a water taxi portal. In addition to the indoor performance hall, there's also a theater and an outdoor performance plaza with a 30-foot video wall. 100 Auditorium Circle, 210.223.8624. www.tobincenter.org. H TOWER OF THE AMERICASCL0060581 The 750-foot-tall Tower of the Americas provides the most spectacular view of the Alamo City. Enjoy the panorama from the revolving Chart House restaurant, take in the scenery from the Observation Deck and experience three thrilling 4-D theater rides. 739 E. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd., 210.223.3101. www.toweroftheamericas.com. H UTSA INSTITUTE OF TEXAN CULTURESCL0075139 Located in the heart of downtown at Hemisfair, this University of Texas San Antonio museum is devoted to the preservation and progression of Texas culture through science, education and history. The exhibit floor covers 65,000 square feet and hosts everything from workshops to programs and special events. 801 E. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd., 210.458.2300. www.texancultures.com. H VIA VIVA Discover San Antonio with VIVA, a new way to get around the Alamo City from VIA Metropolitan Transit. Riders can explore the city’s most historic sites and iconic attractions on three different VIVA routes (“culture,” “missions,” and “centro”),
all of which are easily accessible from the downtown area. Check out museums, neighborhoods, popular dining and shopping destinations, the San Antonio Missions World Heritage Site, the Alamo, the River Walk, Market Square, Brackenridge Park and more. Purchase a single trip for $1.30 or a Day Pass (which includes unlimited rides) for $2.75. Passes are available on the bus. 909 W. Houston St., 210.362.2020 or 210.299.5802. www.viainfo.net. H VISIT BIG BENDCL004041 Deep canyons, the Chihuahuan Desert, the Rio Grande and abundant wildlife—including 451 species of birds— comprise the appeal of this 800,000acre national park in southwest Texas. Hike along the notable Chimneys Trail, kayak down the Rio Grande and discover the charm of its surrounding Texas towns (Alpine, Marathon, Fort Davis and Marfa), all located about 400 miles west of San Antonio. Panther Junction Visitor Center, 70 miles south of Marathon, 432.477.2251. www.visitbigbend.com. H WITTE MUSEUMCL0075140 This museum's focus ranges from Texas history and science to anthropology and technology. In the permanent collection, patrons will find dinosaur exhibits, cave drawings, wildlife displays and more. The museum also displays Texas art and is home to the H.E.B. Body Adventure, an interactive experience devoted to increasing your health I.Q. 3801 Broadway St., 210.357.1900. www.wittemuseum.org.
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Lending a Hand LOCATED AT PITTMAN-SULLIVAN PARK ON THE HISTORIC EAST SIDE, ARTIST DOUGLAS KORNFELD’S INTERACTIVE SCULPTURE “OPEN HAND, OPEN MIND, OPEN HEART” REFLECTS THE VISION OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., CONVEYING A MESSAGE OF NON-VIOLENCE AS IT FACES DOWNTOWN.
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©ISAAC ARJONILLA
PARTING SHOT
THE COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA Rooted in the history of motor sports and watchmaking, the legendary chronograph that was born to race. It doesn’t just tell time. It tells history.
OYSTER PERPETUAL COSMOGR APH DAY TONA
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