MAP KEY
PLACES ARE LiSTED iN ALPHABETiCAL ORDER
Brackenridge Park (3700 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212) - pgs: 6 - 7 The Cathedral of San Fernando (115 Main Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205) 6-7 San Antonio Central Library (600 Soledad St, San Antonio, TX 78205) - pgs: 6 - 7 The DoSeum (2800 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209) - pgs: 6 -7 McNay Art Museum (6000 N New Braunfels Ave, San Antonio, TX 78209) - pgs: 6 - 7 The Rim (17703 La Cantera Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78257) pgs: 6 - 7 San Pedro Creek Culture Park (715 Camaron St, San Antonio, TX 78204) - pgs: 6 - 7 Jasmine’s Eyebrow Threading (8482 Fredericksburg Rd, San Antonio, TX 78229) - pg: 8 Rio’s Golden Cuts Family Salons (John Peace Library, 1 UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249) - pg: 8 Rishi’s Beauty Salon (8338 North Loop 1604 West, W Hausman Rd Ste 103, San Antonio, TX 78249) - pg: 8 Brevity Coffee Co. (8802 Huebner Rd, San Antonio, TX 78240) - pg: 9 The Cracked Mug (14743 Old Bandera Rd #1, Helotes, TX 78023) - pg: 9 Indy Coffee (7114 UTSA Boulevard Suite #103, San Antonio, TX 78249) - pg: 9 Me Latte (7327 N Loop 1604 W, San Antonio, TX 78255) - pg: 9 Texas Grounds (14359 Old Bandera Rd Unit 3, Helotes, TX 78023) - pg: 9 Wonder Chamber (8800 Broadway # 116, San Antonio, TX 78217) - pg: 10 Hopscotch (711 Navarro St Suite 100, San Antonio, TX 78205) -pg: 11 Witte Museum (3801 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209) - pgs: 12 -14 Bella and Co. Boutique (10203 Culebra Rd, San Antonio, TX 78251) - pgs: 15 - 17 Historic Market Square (514 W Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78207) - pg: 18 Boysville Thrift Store (307 W Olmos Dr. 78212, San Antonio TX) - pg:19 Buffalo Exchange Outlet (145 W Olmos Dr. San Antonio, TX 78212) - pg: 19 Goodwill (12332 IH10 W, Ste 12, San Antonio, TX 78230) - pg: 19 Texas Thrift (7500 IH 35 North, #104, San Antonio, TX 78218) - pg: 19 Thrift House (2611 West Ave., San Antonio, TX 78201) - pg: 19 Uptown Cheapstakes (11255 Huebner Rd. Ste 205, San Antonio, 78230) - pg: 19 La Cantera (15900 La Cantera Pkwy Suite 6698, San Antonio, TX 78256) - pg: 20 La Panaderia (17030 Fiesta Texas Dr Suite 105, San Antonio, TX 78256) - pg: 20 Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia (218 Produce Row, San Antonio, TX 78207) - pg: 20 Palladium (17703 W Interstate 10 Frontage Rd, San Antonio, TX 78257) - pg: 20 Pluckers (15651 McDermott Freeway, I-10, San Antonio, TX 78249) - pg: 20 River Walk (849 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205) - pg: 20 The Pearl (The, Pearl Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78215) - pgs: 23-24
ABOUT THE ARTiST
CAMiLA RiVERA MARTiNEZ Camila Rivera Martinez is a 19-year-old freshman Marketing major and assistant photo editor for The Paisano. While she usually makes graphics for the newspaper, Martinez did an amazing job being tasked with this issue’s cover. Her inspiration she drew from was a map of San Antonio and the places featured in this magazine.
“Although I was asked to make a map for the cover, I wanted to add aspects that made it a little more fun and multidimensional,” Martinez said. “My hope is that when opening the magazine the cover can be opened up as if it was a map of San Antonio.” Although she doesn’t have her own drawing style yet, she shared how this experience differed from what she has done so far with The Paisano. “I don’t think I
necessarily have a drawing style yet, I’m still learning what kind of stuff I like to draw and what styles best fit that. It was a little different in the sense that I had specific things I had to add for the cover, unlike the usual graphics I do for the Paisano.” Martinez said. Martinez shared it took her a few days to create the drawing and in total spent about six hours on it.
“I truly enjoyed getting to make this drawing. I am relatively new to [making] graphics so I liked the challenge,” Martinez said. “I really wanted to create something that related to what would be inside the magazine so that people would pick it up and want to find out more.”
Pictured on the left is the original drawing Martinez created for the cover. Photo courtesy of Camila Rivera Martinez/The Paisano. Map key by Zahara Latson. About the artist by Seva Hester.
Graphic by Grace Robinson/The Paisano.
THiNGS TO DO UNDER $30 BEAUTY SALONS FEATURiNG STUDENT DiSCOUNTS
TOP FiVE COFFEE SHOPS FOR UTSA STUDENTS WONDER CHAMBER AND HOPSCOTCH:
IMMERSiVE AND INTERACTiVE ART FOR STUDENTS
THE WiTTE MUSEUM: KEEPER OF TEXAN HiSTORY
BELLA & CO. BOUTiQUE HiSTORiC MARKET SQUARE AN AFTERNOON TRiP TO THE MERCADO
PGS. 6 - 7 PG. 8 PG. 9
PGS. 10 - 11
PGS. 12 - 14 PGS. 15 - 17 PG. 18
THRiFTiNG iN SAN ANTONiO
PG. 19
TOURiST FOR A DAY
PGS. 20 - 21
THiNGS TO DO AT THE PEARL
PGS. 22 - 23
LETTER FROM THE
Dear reader , As the semes ter is ending and summer what’s a bet ter way to h grows near, ave fun than Antonio? Th to spend tim is issue, we e in San wan city has to o ffer, specifica ted to focus on all what lly for colleg this e students. San Antonio is a vibrant city, filled w scenic destin ith so many ations and in shops, stagrammab so hard to n le arrow it all d places that it own. But w was great guide hat we’ve co (with an am mpiled is a azing map as to inspire an the front co yone who w ver), sure ants to explo learning abo re ut thrift sto San Antonio res, to prete . From and explorin nding to be g th a tourist everything in e instagram-worthy ph oto between, we’ ve got you co places and vered. I sincerely h ope you enjo y this guide. make and so It was so fun bittersweet to see anoth to semester be er magazine published in th is su such an ach ch a short am ievement to ount of tim be able to p e. It’s two magazin roduce not es in a short o n e, b ti ut m I graduate th is spring. I co e frame, especially right b u efore who has hel ldn’t be prou ped me crea der of everyo te this magaz n every single e ine. I’m goin one of you. g to miss Cheers, to o ur great place to city of San Antonio. Th anks for bei be, live and ng a explore.
EDITOR
DEDiCATiON This issue is dedicated to my family, friends and the wonderful people on The Paisano staff for helping and supporting me with this next magazine. I don’t know where I’d be without y’alls help and I’m so grateful for each and every one of you. I’d also like to make a special dedication to two of my closest friends, Sytha and Jacob. Thank you both for supporting me endlessly during all of this and for everything in between. I don’t know where I’d be without either of you. I appreciate you both so much. Also, I’d like to give a special shout out to my neighborhood’s cat, who proceeded to walk all over my keyboard and made me almost lose this magazine. Thanks for being cute and for not deleting my spreads, Murph.
{ Paisano Plus }
MEET THE
Magazine Editor: Seva Hester
TOUR GUi DES: Graphics and page design by Sanne Peek. Tour guide hats by Dalton Hartmann.
The Paisano Editor-in-Chief: Sofia Garcia Managing Editor: Bella Nieto Photo Editor: Dalton Hartmann News Editor: Gauri Raje Web Editor: Mason Hickok Business Manager: Luke DeMario Opinion Editor: Laynie Clark
SOFiA GARCiA EDiTOR-IN-CHiEF
BELLA NiETO MANAGiNG EDiTOR
CHLOE WiLLiAMS ASSiSTANT WEB EDiTOR
Distribution Manager: Areebah Bharmal Copyediting Coordinator: Jada Thomas Arts & Life Editor: Saryvette Morales Sports Editor: Ryder Martin
DALTON HARTMANN PHOTO EDiTOR
JULiA MAENiUS ASSiSTANT SPORTS EDiTOR
MARCELA MONTUFAR SORiA ASSiSTANT MULTiMEDiA EDiTOR
{Writers} Sofia Garcia, Seva Hester, Isabella McGovern, Marcela Montufar Soria, Bella Nieto, Angela Santos, Chloe Williams {Graphic/Page Designers/Photographers} Dalton Hartmann, Zahara Latson, Sanne Peek, Grace Robinson, Dustin Vickers {Cover Photos} Camila Martinez Rivera {Advisor} Diane Abdo {Advisory Board} Stefanie Arias, Ryan Garza, Jack Himelblau, Steven Kellman, Sandy Norman
ANGELA SANTOS ASSiSTANT NEWS EDiTOR
ISABELLA MCGOVERN STAFF WRiTER
SANNE PEEK PAGE DESiGN
ZAHARA LATSON PAGE DESiGN
GRACE ROBiNSON GRAPHiC DESiGN
DUSTiN ViCKERS PHOTOGRAPHY
Paisano Plus is published by the Paisano Educational Trust, a non-profit, tax exempt, educational organization. The Paisano is operated by members of the Student Newspaper Association, a registered student organization. The Paisano is NOT sponsored, financed or endorsed by UTSA. All revenues are generated through advertising and donations. Advertising inquiries and donations should be directed toward: 14526 Roadrunner Way Suite 101 San Antonio, TX 78249 (210) 690-9301 magazine@paisano-online.com © 2022, All Rights Reserved, The Paisano
THiNGS TO DO UNDER $30 Bella Nieto Managing Editor
Photos by Dustin Vickers/The Paisano. Page design by Julia Maenius and Seva Hester.
San Antonio is a thriving, vibrant and wonderful city. Given its exponential growth, there are several options for how to spend your weekends, but being a college student, it’s difficult to experience the city in all its luxuriousness. Thankfully, there are a multitude of many affordable options that still give students the full San Antonio experience. BRACKENRiDGE PARK: One of San Antonio’s most scenic atmospheres, Brackenridge Park offers a space for numerous activities including trails and open fields. Located near the San Antonio River, the park houses vibrant greenery and a perfect outdoor getaway that is still close to city life. Not only that, the park has three pavilions for outdoor lunches, the San Antonio Zoo, the Japanese Tea Garden, the Sunken Garden Theater walking paths, running trails and even fishing spots. It is truly an environment for all interests. THE SHOPS AT LA CANTERA AND THE RiM:
Located right across the street from UTSA Main Campus, you can find the hillside shopping center of La Cantera. The shopping center features many big-name stores like Barnes & Noble, H&M, Gap, Dillards, Macy’s, Urban Outfitters and much more. Also located on La Cantera Parkway is the Rim: a shopping center with similar restaurants and big-name stores like Target and Old Navy. The area includes a variety of restaurants — from the Cheesecake Factory, Whiskeycake and Yard House, to La Panaderia, CAVA and P.F Chang’s. Even if you aren’t looking to shop, La Cantera is still a wonderful place to window shop and get a short walk in.
THE CATHEDRAL OF SAN FERNANDO:
For 24 minutes, three times a night on four nights of the week, the Cathedral of San Fernando illuminates with a kaleidoscope of colors and designs. A narration telling the story of San Antonio accompanies the free art installation. It is also a great spot to sip a warm cup of coffee on a cold night or enjoy the warm summer air. Seats are limited, so it’s best to arrive early, but there is also standing room for stragglers. The church lights up every Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 9 p.m., 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.
PEARL BREWERY AND PEARL FARMERS MARKET: The Pearl, located north of Downtown San Antonio, is a former industrial area that has evolved into a thriving shopping and dining experience. The former brewery has numerous shops where visitors can find anything from clothes, gifts, books, coffee and baked goods. If you’re balling on a budget, the shops are also a fun place to window shop. Not only that, its main lawn has plenty of spots to picnic and enjoy the nice weather. However, the crowning jewel of the Pearl, in my opinion, is the Farmers Market, which happens every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is always a bounty of fresh produce, honey, baked items and hand-crafted drinks. 6
THE DOSEUM: Otherwise known as the San Antonio Children’s Museum, the DoSeum is a great place to get back in touch with your inner child. Museum tickets are around $14 and a visit to The Doseum is a unique way to burn off steam after long study and workdays.
SAN ANTONiO CENTRAL LiBRARY: The San Antonio Library is a six-story building located near the Riverwalk in Downtown San Antonio. If you are getting a little tired of the JPL and looking for a change in scenery, you can find everything you need here to get your work done. Even if you aren’t there to study, the large space has an art gallery, featuring local artists, on the first floor. The library is closed on Sunday, but open Monday and Tuesday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
SAN PEDRO CREEK CULTURE PARK: Built along the Riverwalk, the San Pedro Creek features several murals and art installations. The park also has the San Pedro Creek Culture park mobile app if you are looking for a more in-depth tour.
THE HiSTORiC MARKET SQUARE: In the heart of Downtown San Antonio, the Historic Market Square is where the culture and vibrancy of San Antonio is brought to life. It’s the largest Mexican market in the country. Every weekend, the Market Square features live entertainment, street vendors and multicultural shopping centers. The square has iconic restaurants like Mi Tierra Cafe Y Panaderia and La Margarita Mexican Restaurant and Oyster Bar.
MCNAY ART MUSEUM: Located in Alamo Heights, the McNay Art Museum is a modern space that features a wide collection of 19th and 20th-century pieces with works from Pablo Picasso, Georgia O’Keeffe and more. The Spanish Colonial-style mansion is aesthetically pleasing, both inside and out, with colorful vegetation, an adorning fountain and status, a Japanese-inspired garden and a fishpond. It’s the perfect outdoor space for photos. What’s even better is that the museum is free for UTSA students. Expect to spend two to three hours taking in the art and atmosphere. The museum is closed Mondays, but open Tuesday,Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m, Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 1 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
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FEATURiNG STUDENT DiSCOUNTS Angela Santos Assistant News Editor
Money does not in fact grow on trees, and college students know this perhaps more than anyone. As we search for a better deal or discount, it even makes physical upkeep seem like a luxury. Luckily, right around the corner of UTSA, there is Rishi’s Beauty Salon. Only minutes away, there is a salon with a variety of services, and even giving a student discount on Mondays and Tuesdays for $7 eyebrow threading (with student ID). In contrast, most eyebrow services range from $10-$15, making it quite a save. Admittedly, when I first arrived at UTSA, I was hesitant to try a new salon; and in my list of Google searches Rishi’s did not disappoint. Threading aside, there are plenty of other services that are affordably priced for men and women alike. If there are any questions regarding their quality from their prices, they can be put to rest by their hard-working staff. So next time you need a haircut, eyebrows done, or a wax, consider stopping by Rishi’s Beauty Salon. “Our professional staff has years of experience, a true passion for our craft, and a commitment to the happiness of everyone we work with. Whether it’s a long-layered cut, grey coverage, event styling, or flawless brows you desire, we’re here to deliver stunning results” As said in Rishi’s Beauty Salon About Us section. While there may not be many salons that offer discounts, there are certainly affordable options around campus. Rio’s Golden Cuts Family Salons is located on campus, just a walk away, and an easily accessible location for those without transportation options. Rio’s has been a part of San Antonio since the 1980s but opened the salon on campus in 2010. The salon offers a variety of services including haircuts, coloring, perms, highlights with haircuts, and facial waxing. For a more luxurious experience, Jasmine’s Eyebrow Threading is less than 15 minutes away on Fredericksburg Rd! While it might seem a bit far, their 4.3 rating stars make it worth a trip for their affordable prices and eyebrow threading starting at $8. Their services include facial threading, extensions, eyebrow and eyelash tinting, makeup, henna, and eyelash lifting.
Photos byAngie Santos/ The Paisano. Graphics by Camila Martinez Rivera/The Paisano. Page layout by Chloe Williams 8
TOP FiVE COFFEE SHOPS FOR UTSA STUDENTS Graphics by Camila Rivera Martinez/The Paisano. Page design by Julia Maenius and Seva Hester.
Bella Nieto Managing Editor
BREViTY COFFEE CO.: Brevity is a drive-thru coffee hut located at various locations around the city. The closest to UTSA is located at 5985 DeZavala Road, about a 10 minute drive from campus. The company prides itself on high-quality drinks and service, and it truly shows when you visit. The baristas are cordial, friendly and always ready to strike up a conversation. While the building may be small, the menu is wide and diverse, featuring not only coffee, but smoothies, Red Bull combinations, shakes and more. The shop also has a punch card; for every drink the card gets punched and after 10 drinks, the 11th one is free. ME LATTE: Situated off Loop 1604, Me Latte is a teal, unassuming coffee truck known for its smooth roast, diverse syrups and fresh pastries. The baked goods are made by the owner and his wife with some desserts from FLOURPRESS. My favorite has to be the banana bread. Its nutty flavor accents the banana so well and pairs great with their marzipan latte. The truck is a short, ten-minute walk from campus, which makes it the perfect study break visit. THE CRACKED MUG: Located in Old Helotes Town, The Cracked Mug is a hidden gem that every San Antonian should check out. The shop’s lattes are so creative, flavorful and diverse that any type of coffee drinker will be able to find their fix. The small shop exudes originality in every drink they cultivate, taking great care to ensure it’s the highest quality. The Cracked Mug also has a full breakfast menu that is made in store. The atmosphere is great for doing a bit of studying or catching up with a friend over a fresh cup of coffee and a yummy breakfast. The shop also has outdoor seating with tables shaded by the trees. The Cracked Mug is perfect for San Antonio spring weather. TEXAS GROUNDS: Also in Old Helotes Town, and a few feet away from
The Cracked Mug, is the coziest coffee shop you will find in town: Texas Grounds Coffee Company Roasters. The quaint shop roasts all of its coffee in house and has delicious desserts. My personal favorite combo is the latte of the week with their signature cream puff. Both the coffee and the atmosphere can lift your spirits on a bad day and provide a warm comfort within its walls. INDY COFFEE: Situated right across from campus on UTSA Blvd. is Indy Coffee. The small shop provides a modern atmosphere and adds a contemporary spin to classic drinks. The menu is small, but the shop ensures a quality drink that is never lackluster. The huge windows at the front of the storefront HONORABLE MENTiONS: light up the entire shop, making it an uplifting MERiT COFFEE and welcoming space. Indy Coffee also has BAKERY LORRAiNE a small breakfast and pastry menu, but in SWEET PARiS my opinion, an iced vanilla latte is the drink ROSELLA COFFEE to go for. It’s delicious, refreshing and a great HALYCON pick me up. Indy Coffee is a short ten minute GOLD COFFEE walk from campus and parking can be found BiRD BAKERY in the Prado apartment complexes. PACiUGO COFEECiONADO CAFE AZTECA COMMONWEALTH ESTATE COFFEE CO THE ART OF DONUT MiLA COFFEE OLMOS PERK COFFEE BAR
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Isabella McGovern
IMMERSiVE AND INTERACTiVE ART FOR STUDENTS
Have you ever seen that one Instagram post with the picture of a girl taking a mirror selfie in an exhibit that looks like a hall of beautifully lit mirrors? You may have, and like me, you may have also thought it was a hall of mirrors when it actually wasn’t. Until I visited Wonder Chamber for the first time, I found out that it was just a room covered in mirrors from side to side and top to bottom. Wonder Chamber is a place where people can go to take some creative and jaw-dropping photos while interacting with the cool, immersive art on display. They have been open since April 12, 2019, and have been going on for four seasons. There are 12 interactive rooms each decorated with a different theme giving guests plenty of opportunities to take the perfect photo. General admission tickets, for ages 11 and up, are $24, but for students and teachers, the price is $20 with a valid school ID. As you walk through Wonder Chamber and explore each room, you will be surprised by the beauty and creativity. Some rooms even let guests control the light
There is another photo on Instagram you may have seen that has captured your eye. Is it one with a multi-colored ball pit? Or a cave-like area filled with white plastic bags and LED lights? If yes, then you probably have already heard about Hopscotch. If you compare Hopscotch to Wonder Chamber, you will see a difference. Hopscotch does bring the same astonishing feeling you get when you enter each room, but the experience they offer before, during and after is quite different, but worth the expense. Hopscotch is a 20,000 sq. ft gallery that features 14 unique, interactive exhibits from over 40 local, national and international artists. These immersive exhibitions rotate over a period of time so guests can return to see exhibits they haven’t seen before. Hopscotch wants guests to tour their facility with excitement and wonder as they participate in the fun activities each room offers.
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and music to get the perfect vibe for your photo and experience. Wonder Chamber encourages goers to take as many photos as they like and share them on social media. A ticket allows each guest to enjoy the 12 rooms for one hour, and if they do not exist before the time has expired, they will be subject to pay an additional charge of a dollar per minute. Not only does Wonder Chamber provide an “Instagram-worthy” experience, but they also have Wonder Chamber Studio which is a new venue perfect for private events and professional shoots. It is a fully customizable venue that is equipped with state-of-theart technology and includes items for any event and is located in the same building as Wonder Chamber. Guests can control the room’s look with their interactive lighting to create a unique, immersive experience. Wonder Chamber also offers the ability for event-goers to program the lighting, sound system, laser video projection and other creative needs. Private events will include 1,200 square feet of space for any type of gathering, high-quality tables and chairs that seat a hundred people, available refreshments, two restrooms and large
The artwork was encouraged to be inspired by new mediums that were sustainable, creative and empowering. The gallery has been open since February 14, 2019, and was founded in 2018. Not only is Hopscotch a place to experience and immerse in art, but it also is home to a beautiful, aesthetic lounge. Their lounge includes a full bar, food truck, large patio and gift shop to enhance guests’ visit. Their bar features specialty cocktails, beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages that were especially inspired by each exhibit in the gallery. If you purchased a ticket to tour Hopscotch, you are allowed to take your drinks with you when you explore the exhibits, or you can enjoy them in the lounge. The lounge is also open to the public and is 18+ on Saturdays after 7 pm. As for food, Hopscotch invites local food trucks and vendors to park on their patio for visitors to buy delicious food. This gives the opportunity for guests to try new food and taste the culinary talent
trash cans. Wonder Chamber Studio can also be a perfect place for headshots, shooting a music video and other kinds of creative projects. Wonder Chamber has a large overhead garage door that can load large props and equipment and can custom design a set for any project. Their studio also has professional equipment available for rent like backdrops, LED lights, props, strobes and stands. If guests do book an event with Wonder Chamber Studio, they receive the opportunity to get discount tickets to Wonder Chamber. No matter the size of the guest list, Wonder Chamber will be available to explore, whether before or after your event. Located on Broadway in San Antonio, Wonder Chamber is a great place to go with friends, family, or your organization to immerse in amazing interactive artwork and have fun taking awesome photos. For more information on hours, tickets, walk-ins, dress code, parking etc. visit their website: https://www.thewonderchamber. com/, and check out their Instagram and Facebook: @wonderchamber.
of San Antonio. Hopscotch also has a little gift shop where visitors, locals and tourists can purchase unique, custom gifts along with Hopscotch merchandise. They are partnered with local vendors as well as some of their exhibit artists. Finally, Hopscotch also invites guests to rent out the gallery for public and private events. When you want to chill, drink a nice, cold beverage and walk around a uniquely, fantastic curated art gallery with your friends or family, Hopscotch is the place for you. For hours, parking, waiver information and more, check out their website: https://www.letshopscotch.com/, or email: contact@letshopscotch.com. Don’t forget to follow them on social media: Instagram: @letshopscotch and Facebook: @heyhopscotch.
Wonder Chamber and Hopscotch were quite the experiences, and I knew I couldn’t do it alone so I decided to bring along a dear friend of mine, Alondra Cruz. Like myself, Cruz is a student at UTSA and loves going out. When I popped the question of going to Wonder Chamber and Hopscotch she immediately said yes. She was very excited about going to Wonder Chamber. “Wonder Chamber was very clean, super friendly and when we went it wasn’t busy at all,” Cruz said. We went to Wonder Chamber on a late Wednesday afternoon and there weren’t that many other guests, which meant we had all the rooms to ourselves. “You have the opportunity to take tons of pictures to post on your social media,” Cruz said. She said her favorite room from Wonder Chamber was the “Cloud Room,” and was very impressed by the whole experience because it was something she has never seen before. “I do think that it’s affordable for students, and it’s a good way to hang out with your friends or partner,” Cruz said. She rated her experience a nine, and really enjoyed the station called “The Gobbler” where you feed a free coin into this machine to donate money to any charity Wonder Chamber offers. Cruz would absolutely go again with friends. Then on another Wednesday, we took the trip to Hopscotch around the same time we went to Wonder Chamber, and we both could tell Hopscotch was a different vibe, especially Cruz. “I feel like Hopscotch is more for people that like to see art since there’s more artwork in Hopscotch, but if you wanted to take pictures, I would recommend Wonder Chamber,” Cruz said. We felt like Hopscotch was more of a walk-through, interactive art gallery. From our experience, there wasn’t much of a strict time limit so you could take your time to enjoy the art and immerse yourself in the interactive rooms. There were also employees of Hopscotch everywhere, monitoring the rooms and helping visitors who had questions. Compared to Wonder Chamber, Hopscotch had a lot of rules. Of course, they are for guests’ safety. For example, the ball pit requires visitors to wear socks, so if you wear sandals or flats you have to purchase socks. During our trip, Cruz had to buy socks because she wore sandals, and they cost $2.15, so if you want to enjoy the ball pit free of charge definitely wear them or bring socks. “I personally like Wonder Chamber more because you can take pictures, but Hopscotch has more things you can interact with,” Cruz said. If you love getting your picture taken and want an amazing, trendy photo for your Instagram page, go to Wonder Chamber, and if you want to browse around and enjoy some cool, creative interactive exhibits and art, go to Hopscotch. You won’t be disappointed. I would absolutely go back to both places because they are amazing, fun and very studentfriendly.
Photos by Isabella McGovern/The Paisano. Page design by Isabella McGovern and 11 Sanne Peek. 11
THE WiTTE MUSEUM:
Marcela Montufar Soria Assistant Multimedia Editor
I started volunteering at the Witte Museum as a Junior Volunteer when I was a junior in high school. What started as a desperate bid to get some volunteering hours on my resume before starting college applications became something much more valuable. After nearly two years of volunteering, I am a proud and esteemed member of the Witte team and have formed many friendships working there. Surrounded by lush gardens with blooming flowers, giant trees and a number of playful animals such as ducks and foxes, the Witte Museum is located in Brackenridge Park alongside the San Antonio River. Founded in 1926 as a place to house an ever-growing collection of historical artifacts and works of art for public display, the museum has expanded since then to hold a number of entertaining and educational exhibits enjoyable for visitors of all ages. While originally intended to display curiosities from all over the world, its mission was recently redefined to focus on Texas and her treasures only. It truly is a time capsule of this iconic and diverse state.
A PLACE TO ViSiT The first wonder that will catch your eye when you enter the Witte is the life-size mannequin of Quetzy hanging from the ceiling of the entrance hall, welcoming visitors in all their might. Quetzy is the museum’s nickname for their mascot pterosaur, the Quetzalcoatlus Northropi . The welcoming committee at the entrance aside, the Witte boasts two fossil replicas of the ancient flying giants of Texas. The Witte’s Dinosaur Gallery is everyone’s favorite destination. In my time there, I’ve seen countless children and adults alike dressed in dinosaur apparel shaking with excitement, barely resisting the urge to climb onto the T-Rex or re-enact “Night at the Museum” and play fetch with it. While visitors cannot touch the fossils, the museum´s interactive Dinosaur Lab allows them to dig out a fossil of their own and stand on a giant dinosaur footprint. Once visitors have satisfied their love for dinosaurs (for the moment), they can enjoy an educational walk around the Texas Wild Gallery, which features more than 150 wild animals from all corners, landscapes and climates of Texas. Marvel at the birds and the fish, touch a sample of turtle shell, feel the softness of a bison’s pelt, gaze upon the mighty mountain lion feeding on its prey and chuckle at the mouse hidden in between blades of grass. Inside the Live Lab, adjacent to the exhibit, visitors have the opportunity to look at some of the museum’s living animal friends, such as Robert the snake and Cousin It the tortoise. On the second floor lies an especially important exhibit. The People of the Pecos Gallery tells the story of a Pueblo people that populated Texas and New Mexico for over 9,000 years. Visitors will learn about their daily life, spiritual beliefs and customs. Amongst recovered artifacts and replicas, one learns to admire the resilience of those who lived and loved this land so many years ago. The Witte is proud to display their craft and art, honoring a fascinating society that is not often talked about. Beyond its four permanent galleries, the Witte also has the pleasure of hosting a number of traveling exhibitions each year. Most recently, visitors enjoyed ‘The Secret World Inside You,’ presented by University Health, which studies the human body on a microscopic level and presents a number of educational interactive activities
Photos by Marcela Montufar Soria/ The Paisano. Page layout by Chloe Williams.
THE KEEPER OF TEXAN HiSTORY ‘Black Cowboys: An American Story’ tells the story of all the men, women and children that have labored on Texas ranches and left their mark on the land and culture of the state. Last year, the Witte also hosted other interesting exhibits such as ‘The Court of Parisian Splendor,’ which displayed beautiful and ‘Extreme Creatures: Life at the Limits,’ which taught visitors about all the incredible and adaptations of different animals.
Fiesta dresses almost unbelievable
Next to the Witte’s main campus, the Witte’s Research and Collections Center is host to a number of treasures not kept on display in any of the galleries. But the center is open to the public and any volunteer is happy to take visitors there to take a look. From portraits and landscape paintings, to armor, uniforms and beautiful swords, there is something to love for everyone and one can spend hours there, marveling at all there is to see. And we can’t forget to mention the museum’s amazing gift shop, located in the entrance hall, where it is best not to let children lose. They will want to buy everything. Visitors, employees and volunteers all love the gift shop. Every month there are new items offered, from delicate jewelry and books, to all kinds of plushies and toys. I must say, one of the best parts of being a Witte volunteer is the discount at the shop. A REALM OF OPPORTUNiTY The Witte Museum is a perfect place for people of all ages to get involved with their community. It is a welcoming place that is always eager to accept new members into its fold. UTSA students can take advantage of having the Witte here in San Antonio in a number of ways. Most people get involved through volunteering. For those under 18, they can become Junior Volunteers. This is how I started out. People older than 18 are, you guessed it, Adult Volunteers. This is my current position. The volunteer workforce is invaluable to the museum and we always have something to do. Volunteer duties can include, but are not limited to: • • • • • • • • •
Gallery attendant: Supervise guests, protect exhibit materials, engage with visitors, answer questions or concerns, report incidents. Keep surfaces clean: benches, handles, railings, touch screens, etc. (An incredibly important job during the pandemic). Guide guests through the Research and Collections Center. Stationed at the Entrance: welcome visitors, explain the museum’s COVID safety measures (when required), promote the Witte app, promote museum memberships, promote special exhibits and events, hand out pamphlets. Provide low-level maintenance to electronics such as touch screens. Cashiers at museum gift shop and Cafe. Check tickets for special exhibits. Waiter at special events and dinners (Usually reserved for volunteers over 21 years of age). Volunteer at Witte Summer Camp.
Whatever it is a volunteer is scheduled to do, the working environment at the Witte makes sure they have a fun time.
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THE WiTTE MUSEUM: CONTiNUED Another more exclusive way for college students to get involved is through the museum’s numerous internships. Offered to both undergraduate and graduate students, these usually open at the beginning of spring, summer and fall. Since the Witte is a natural history museum, these internships are best suited to related majors. Some examples are the Archaeology, Anthropology and Paleontology internships. Not all internships are offered every semester and there is a great number of applicants every time, so it’s best to apply sooner rather than later. While these internships are not paid, many count for course credit. As an intern, students get first hand experience working with the museum’s historic artifacts, doing research, learning how temporary exhibits are set up and how permanent exhibits are maintained or upgraded, learning the role of politics in museums and how a museum works as both a non-profit organization and an educational institution. Perhaps the biggest, yet least obvious, gain to college students from getting involved with the Witte Museum are all the networking opportunities. I’ve benefited much from this myself. In my time there, I’ve met the President of the Witte, Marise McDermott, and other high-ranking members. I’ve met a number of special guests such as professors, potential employers, experts of various fields, authors and historians. I have a good relationship with all my supervisors and I’m friends with many of my fellow volunteers, some of whom have connections and advice of their own. Networking is an essential skill that all college students are encouraged to foster daily. And there is no place quite like the Witte to do so. The Witte Museum isn’t just some tourist attraction to take relatives to see when they come visit, it is an institution dedicated to the enrichment of Texan education, culture and community. When people walk through its doors, they are transported to a palace filled to the brim with wonders to see, study and learn from. To be a part of the Witte family is not just a great experience, it is also a privilege. I know I’m thankful for every second spent there and I have no doubt that any UTSA student wishing to join us will be too.
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Photos by Marcela Montufar Soria/ The Paisano. Page layout by Chloe Williams.
BELLA & CO. BOUTiQUE
Sofia Garcia Editor-in-Chief
Gabriella Aldaco behind the counter at her beloved business, Bella & Co. Boutique.
At the young age of 14-years-old, Gabriela (Bella) Aldaco began producing custom shirts in order to pay for the cost of club cheerleading. Working diligently from her mother’s house, Aldaco fostered her creativity and started to branch out with a wide range of items, including car decals. With a suggestion from her grandmother to start adding jewelry to her business endeavors, Aldaco did her research and learned about the opportunities that surrounded her. From T-shirts and decals to jewelry and dresses, she began running her small business almost seamlessly from her mother’s home. She started out as a strictly online business and used Facebook Live to market her products. Not only did she offer shipping to her customers, but she also offered “porch pick-up” at her house. Aldaco’s family also attended “pop-ups,” which allowed her to expand her consumer base. “A ‘pop-up’ is where they have different vendors set up. So they would have someone selling cupcakes or someone selling Scentsy, just all different types of vendors, so that people could come out and shop. We would mainly set up in Alamo Ranch,” Aldaco said. Soon, though, Aldaco’s business was booming and she found herself in need of a bigger workspace. With family friends who own a restaurant on Culebra road, Aldaco was informed about a vacant space in the same center.
“It was a very nerve-racking process. We just had to take a ‘leap of faith,’ as my mom always says. It kind of fell into our hands … we saw this place had opened up and we decided to try it out. It ended up working out,” she said. Aldaco knew this would be a significant step in the process of building her business, and while it was a daunting task, she stood tall in the face of adversity. A detailed plan in mind, Aldaco created her own blueprints for the store — from the layout of the furniture and items, to the shelving on the wall and the interior design. Alongside her beautifully supportive family, Aldaco worked tirelessly to prepare for the grand opening of her boutique. “I sketched it up on a piece of software and my grandpa basically followed everything. I had shelves drawn up on the wall, so he did those; he did the dressing room and also built a wall … he repurposed the jewelry case as well. He pretty much did everything,” Aldaco said. In 2021, Aldaco and her family hosted the grand opening of Bella & Co Boutique. Aldaco’s mother, Chastity, joined in on the conversation and shared more about the grand opening process. “Our ‘maintenance guy,’ or CFO, is grandpa. He has done all of the woodwork; he stained and cut all the wood. He did everything Bella wanted. Everything in here, my dad has built,” she said. 15 15
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Bella & Co. Boutique sells women’s clothing — from tops, bottoms, shoes and dresses, to jewelry, hats, home decor and accessories. Armed with a vibrant and unique ambience, the boutique often has deals for customers. Just one year later, her business is extremely successful. One of her biggest accomplishments is the fact that she saved up enough money to open her store with no loans. “I was 19 when we opened, and it was scary to think about owing somebody something like that. So, we were able to open the store without receiving loans or credit cards,” Aldaco said. “We use cash for everything. We owe no debt to anyone,” Aldaco’s mother said. “What twenty-year-old business owner is debt free? That is her biggest accomplishment.” Attracting customers from all over San Antonio, Bella & Co Boutique prides itself in not only having dreamy apparel and accessories, but also in its hospitality. Aldaco’s grandmother, Glenda, retired to help run the business; she is known for her warm personality, enthusiastic support and gentle words of encouragement. Upon entering, one can always expect to be greeted happily by Glenda, who also offers help choosing items and matching apparel. With help from her grandmother and mother, Aldaco’s boutique has continuously impressed its audience and keeps them coming back for more. One of Aldaco’s favorite aspects of owning Bella & Co. Boutique is picking out the items she wishes to sell. “We go to this place called ‘Market,’ where they have any and all vendors. They have racks and racks of clothing, and we get to go through their samples and pick what we want to bring into our store,” she explained. Her fashion inspiration comes from a multitude of places. “ I do like the country feel, but we also like the chic style. We like to bring in something for everyone. So, everything in here, you can either wear with boots or heels. That’s what we kind of go for,” she said. With such a vast amount of vendors, the process of choosing items can be an arduous task. Aldaco enjoys making stylistic choices alongside her grandmother and mother because they all share a sense of style from different generations. “Everybody loves her store … I’m very proud that I get to work with her everyday,” Aldaco’s grandmother said. “I know sometimes we might butt heads and she doesn’t agree with me
on certain things, but then after things sell, she’ll say ‘Oh wait, grandma, that did work.” “Yeah, all of our styles are different, so that comes into play with the three generations. It’s a mix of what all of us like … my likes are not the same as my mom’s and my mom’s likes are not the same as my grandma’s, ” Aldaco added. Although Aldaco exceeds every expectation in the book of young business owners, she finds herself enduring a daily challenge: her shyness. “My biggest challenge is probably that I am really shy. That is the biggest thing I am trying to overcome, is to not be so shy because I have to interact with customers and all of that stuff. I have come out of my shell a lot by owning a store,” she said. Aldaco immerses herself in situations that involve helping multiple customers and talking about her boutique. On top of working on her social skills and maintaining her steady sales, she also runs all of the social media accounts affiliated with her business. Equipped with Instagram, and Facebook accounts, Aldaco has acquired a multitude of customers through the realm of social media. By marketing her products online, she is able to advertise sales, new arrivals and events, which helps to increase her customer population. She also offers special deals for customers. “If you are a UTSA student, professor or you work for UTSA, just show your ID, and I will give you a 10% discount,” Aldaco said. Aldaco serves as a testament to all of the abundant opportunities that result from hard work and dedication. For any college student who is looking for a local business to visit, Bella & Co. Boutique is a delightful choice. With hopes to open another store in the future, Aldaco plans on working with her family for as long as she can, while enjoying what it means to be a wildly successful business owner at the age of 20. Bella & Co. Boutique is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m.to 6:00 p.m., and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. They are closed on Tuesdays. Their Instagram and Facebook handles are @bellacoboutique, with their Facebook Lives happening every Monday from 6:15 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Aldaco and her family also host private parties for birthdays, bridal showers and baby showers. To find out more about booking a private party or ordering online, check out their website: https:// bellacoboutique.commentsold.com/.
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HiSTORiC MARKET SQUARE AN AFTERNOON TRiP TO THE MERCADO Isabella McGovern
San Antonio is home to many historical buildings, parks and landmarks that reflect the city’s past. The Alamo, the River Walk, Tower of the Americas, the Pearl Brewery etcand more. are all examples of San Antonio’s legacy. The city has a rich colonial heritage, but also a very diverse cultural heritage. One of the very vibrant cultures of San Antonio is the Hispanic heritage. Today, citizens of Mexican origin make up 91% of San Antonio’s Hispanic Tejano population, which is more than 54% of the total city population. There is one place in particular that represents, celebrates and carries on the Hispanic culture on a daily basis. The place is called the Historic Market Square, better known as El Mercado. It is a three-block outdoor plaza filled with over 100 locally-owned, beautiful shops, booths and restaurants
in downtown San Antonio that reflect Mexican traditions. The Square is known for being a perfect destination spot for tourists, but it is also a great place for students to go enjoy and explore the bright culture of old Mexico at the Mercado. First, it is important to know a little history about the Historical Market Square. Back in the 1700s, the plaza was known as Plaza de Armas and was a gift to the original settlers by the King of Spain for their own use in 1730. The citizens saw this as an opportunity to use the plaza as a marketplace and a source of entertainment. The Mercado used to be home to the famous “Chili Queens,” who would take over from the vendors at night and sell their popular dish of spicy beef stew they made from scratch. In the 1890s, the market was
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moved to its current location to make room for the new wave of settlers, and by the 1900s, San Antonio became the largest city in the state of Texas. Grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies and clubs started to be built at the Mercado. Throughout the 1900s, the city of San Antonio continued to grow, and in the 1960s, the City Council and Chamber of Commerce created the first market committee to revitalize the entire market and preserve its unique character. The Mercado’s structures are still the same as they were back then, and today artists and vendors sell authentic, handmade Mexican artifacts, clothing and art from stalls, and feature carts and booths for tourists and local San Antonio citizens. The Market Square has so much to offer for tourists and locals. You will notice
immediately that the first stalls and booths you see are full of handcrafted Mexican goods. The Square used to be the place where locals would get their produce, but now those buildings hold beautiful, authentic shops that sell a wide variety of items representing and celebrating Mexican culture. Guests can browse around and find anything from Hispanic apparel to local treats and candies. The diversity of merchandise is beyond compare. Whether inside or outside, artists and vendors will set up and demonstrate or display their craft. Visitors can either watch vendors create or purchase finished items. Products you will find are clothing, pottery, paintings, leather goods, candles,
jewelry, toys, snacks and drinks. Food is also a huge part of the Mercado. San Antonio is known for being worldfamous for its authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, and the Historic Market Square is known for having delicious food and drinks. It is the best spot for tourists and locals to eat Mexican food. They offer restaurants like Viva Villa Taqueria, La Margarita Restaurant & Oyster Bar and Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery. During my visit, my family and I went to Mi Tierra which is a family favorite of ours. We are not from San Antonio, we are from Houston, and any chance we get to visit San Antonio we always go there. Luckily for me, because I go to UTSA, I have more opportunities to eat there. Since my family came to visit me for the weekend, we all decided to go to Mi Tierra to eat lunch, and let me tell you, the food is worth the expense. I had cheese enchiladas with refried beans and rice, and they were delicious. Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery is open 24 hours and is decorated with Christmas lights all year round. If you get to go when their Mariachi band is strolling around and playing music, you are in for a treat. They have a big selection of classic Tex-Mex
dishes, and when you are finished with lunch, dinner or even breakfast, check out their bakery for some sweet pastries. You may have to wait for a bit, this restaurant and bakery are super popular, but I highly recommend it. Going to the Historic Market Square is a wonderful experience. Whether you want to spend your money or not, the Mercado always has something going on that is worth the trip. The Square is known for its family-friendly and cultural events. Starting at noon, they have live music and a nice area for locals and tourists to stop what they are doing and dance. The Mercado is worth it because it becomes an escape from reality and introduces you to a whole new world full of culture, food, drinks and great entertainment. Every weekend you go, no matter what time of the year, the Historic Market Square is full of surprises. It is a great destination for a fun day trip for family and friends, especially students. Next time you are in Downtown San Antonio, check out the Mercado; you won’t be disappointed. You can find more on their website: https://www.marketsquaresa.com, or follow them on Facebook: @ marketsquaresa and Instagram: @marketsquaresa for the latest at the Market Square. 514 W Commerce San Antonio, TX 78207 Hours: Monday - Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
THRiFTiNG THRiFTiNG iN iN SAN SAN ANTONiO ANTONiO
Chloe Williams Assistant Web Editor
San Antonio, like any major city, has a plethora of thrift stores and thrifting options. Ranging from high-end consignments to nonprofits, San Antonio has it all. Since moving here in August 2021, I have made it my mission to discover the best thrift stores, and in turn, the ones that are just not worth your time. As fashion is subjective, all my opinions and recommendations are based on several factors consisting of prices, organization, selection and overall enjoyment to shop at. Happy thrifting. Boysville Thrift store Buffalo Exchange OUTLET 307 W Olmos Dr. San Antonio, TX 145 W Olmos Dr. San Antonio, TX Distance from campus: 13 miles Distance from campus: 13 miles
So far my favorite thrift store I’ve visited in San Antonio has been the Buffalo Exchange Outlet. While I tend to try and stay clear of stores like buffalo exchange that can be on the more expensive side, this particular location’s selection and pricing were outstanding. This is a Buffalo Exchange Outlet and the prices reflect that as most items in the store were $5, and while the store itself was tiny the selection of clothing inside was seemingly curated to specific styles. Unlike other thrift stores, there wasn’t the endless sifting through stained and ripped clothes. The accessories and jewelry were $2.50 each and the most expensive items I found were the dresses (around $8). On top of their already reasonable pricing, there was a section with 50% off items with a colored tag. Overall the organization and pricing of the pieces were well worth the price and trip. Hours and other helpful information is available on their website.
Goodwill 12332 IH10 W, Ste 12, San Antonio, TX Distance from campus: 4 miles
The closest Goodwill to campus is 4 miles away. Located right off the highway next to University Bowl, this Goodwill seems like it would be promising. The organization and furniture selection of this Goodwill is fairly large and they also housed a fair selection of glassware and board games. The men’s section was fairly small compared to the women’s, but that isn’t uncommon at a lot of chain thrift stores. The prices were the only issue I found. Each item was labeled and organized by size, but for the quality and wear of each piece, the price seemed a little much. Shoes averaged $8-9, most pants came in at $5.29, jeans averaged $8.49 and dresses at $8.49. I ended up walking out with 2 items (a skirt and overalls) and the total rang close to $15. Overall I would recommend this store just for its accessibility and organization, but if possible support a local cheaper thrift store instead. Hours and other helpful information is available on their website.
https://www.goodwillsa.org/
Texas Thrift 7500 IH 35 North, #104, San Antonio, TX 78218 Distance from campus: 20 miles
Located right next to Goodwill bins lies a much bigger selection in Texas Thrift. Despite being 20 miles from campus, I believe this trip is worth the drive. Texas Thrift is a massive store with an abundance of inventory, so it would be seemingly impossible to not find something you’d like. The store had a coherent layout and was organized perfectly; each item’s price was listed on the tag and different colored tags run sales throughout the week. There are several locations of Texas Thrift, and although I have not been to each, I am sure they are just as organized. The furniture selection at this specific Texas Thrift was immense, and items were comparable to a lot of chain thrift stores in the area. I did feel most of the items I purchased were worth the price as opposed to other thrift stores. This store also included large shoes, plus size, boutique and glassware sections, areas that can often run small in other stores. Overall I recommend this store— the sheer amount of clothing and products available can be overwhelming upon arrival, but there is definitely something for everyone available at Texas Thrift. Hours and other helpful information is available on their website. https://
buythrift.com/stores/
Photo by Chloe Williams/ The Paisano. Graphic by Chloe Williams/ The Paisano. Page layout by Chloe Williams.
Just down the road from Buffalo Exchange Outlet is Boysville Thrift store. Boysville has proudly been serving San Antonio since 1954. Unlike most thrift stores in the area, it is 100% nonprofit and all proceeds go to Boysville inc. “Boysville Children’s Home and Shelter, the Home with a Heart, was founded in 1943 as a result of Rev. Don Holiman’s observation of orphaned, homeless and abandoned boys sleeping in San Antonio’s Travis Park.” All proceeds from their thrift store go to helping children in need. Purpose aside, this thrift store is a definite recommendation. The staff was friendly, the store was huge and there were tons of furniture and glassware choices. Their entire front area was also filled with Coach designer items. They had a large book section as well. The prices were definitely cheaper than most thrift stores I’ve visited as well, most items were $5 and there is a rotating color of the week for added discounts. The only part I wouldn’t recommend is the shoe section. With a broad price for all shoes of $6.99 each, for some shoes
Uptown Cheapskates 11255 Huebner Rd. Ste 205, San Antonio, TX Distance from campus: 5 miles
Uptown Cheapskates, like Buffalo Exchange, is another store that is debatable on if it should be classified as thrift. The pricing is expensive for the product and each item is certainly priced based on what brand it is. The store is packed with clothes and there were large selections of bathing suits and athletic clothing. Compared to the rest of the store the men’s section is small. The selection consisted of a lot of name-brand items but the price of each is just not worth it. While I do think it’s possible to find something worth the price here, coming from someone whos been buying from thrift stores my whole life, Uptown Cheapskates’ selection seems to be curated to a certain style rather than a broader choice like Buffalo Exchange Outlet or local nonprofit thrift spots. Hours and other helpful information is available on their website. https://www.uptowncheapskate.com/san-antonio-stores/
Goodwill bins 7702 I-35, San Antonio, TX 78218 Distance from campus: 20 miles
A trip I don’t recommend is to the Goodwill bins; at around 20 miles from campus the experience is definitely not worth the time. I have had many experiences with “the bins’’ in other cities and was extremely disappointed with the selection available at the I-35 location. For those who aren’t familiar, the Goodwill clearance center consists of a large room filled with around 30 large blue bins filled with clothes and household items on their last stop before the landfill. Prices are all by the pound (minus big furniture pieces) and the more you buy the cheaper each pound becomes. At this location, gloves are required and are available to buy for $3. A universal experience at the bins is definitely that of aggression. Upon arrival, there will more than likely be a line outside waiting to go in and once the doors are open, people will run. If the purpose of your trip is for household. items, toys or furniture, the bins may be a good option. With only around six bins containing clothes, constantly getting cut off, long lines and the far drive, these finds are not worth it. It is to be noted the store was clean and the staff was friendly. Hours and other helpful information is available on their website.
TOURiST FOR A DAY Bella Nieto Managing Editor
When I write, I usually like to remain somewhat objective and stick to facts, and in that spirit, I have to say San Antonio is one of the best cities in Texas. There is so much to do inside the city and it is still close enough to New Braunfels, San Marcos and Austin for the unlikely scenario of having nothing to do. Because there is so much to do, there are parts of the city that I find myself forgetting, and it’s usually the tourist destinations. Touristy areas sometimes seem so passé, as if they are only reserved for newcomers, but in all reality, these areas attract visitors because they reflect San Antonio’s rich culture. I encourage everyone who has lived in San Antonio for a while to visit touristy areas that you have been avoiding or putting off. I know my day as a tourist helped me gain a greater appreciation for the city I love so much. The day had to start off with breakfast at Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia, located in the Historic Market Square. I want to give a completely honest account of my day, so I have to say the panaderia portion of the iconic restaurant is alright, it’s not great, but there are definitely much better panderia’s in the city. The food, however, was great. The portions are generous, the food is authentic and the coffee is unlimited. Mi Tierra was always a staple in family vacations growing up and I have sweet memories of sipping Mexican hot chocolate on rainy mornings. After breakfast, I walked along the square, picking up an aqua fresca and looking at the trinkets from the small shops. A short distance away from the square is the River Walk which is the ultimate destination for any tourist. The river is lined with tourist traps, so I would always be wary of the restaurants and stores you choose to shop and dine at. However, there is still a large portion of the area that makes for a pleasant walk. If it’s in your budget I would also suggest taking a boat tour. The tours share some really cool facts about the river and it’s best to go when the sun goes down and the river illuminates with lights.
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Next, I went to La Cantera, which is a bit closer to the UTSA campus. I spent some time going from shop to shop and getting a short walk in. The weather wasn’t too bad, but you could definitely feel the summer weather being ushered in. Thankfully, La Cantera’s boba tea shop Kokee Tea, Stir, a unique soda drink stand and Wetzels Pretzels have drinks to help you cool down when the weather begins heating up even more. I grabbed a late lunch at La Panaderia, a bakery and cafe specializing in handmade bread and pan dulce while drawing inspiration from French pastries. The cafe was featured on Guy Fieri’s show, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and continues to be a popular spot for brunch on the weekends. The restaurant is continuously busy, but it’s nice to sit and rest for a bit, drink coffee, finish your lunch and grab a pastry before hitting the town again. Tourist or not, I would always recommend going to catch a movie at the Palladium, located in the Rim. When I lived with my sister during her undergrad, we would always make time at the end of the week to see a movie, taking refuge from the heat in the cold building. This week, I had to see Batman, which took a majority of the day. I have missed going to movie theaters and getting the full experience since the pandemic first began. The times I am able to go to an actual theater have become so few and far between that this visit was a welcome reminder of simpler times. If you aren’t stuffed with popcorn and refreshments from the concession stands, you might be able to catch dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, Pluckers. I know Pluckers isn’t San Antonio-based, but when I came to the city on vacation it was a frequent stop. The waitlist is usually quite long, so always try and join the waitlist early via their website. I recommend the Holy Macaroni, which is fried mac and cheese, served with a sweet sauce and ranch. The appetizer is one of the first things I ate at the restaurant and is my favorite thing on the menu, aside from their waffle fries, but don’t eat too many, or you’ll be full before dinner.
Photos by Bella Nieto/ The Paisano. Graphics by Chloe Williams/ The Paisano. Page layout by Chloe Williams. 21 21
THiNGS TO DO AT THE HiSTORiC PEARL
Seva Hester Magazine Editor
Located near I-35 and 281 is a beautiful San Antonio gem: The Pearl. It’s a place for friends to gather on the lawn, for good food, good coffee and fun shopping sprees. As summer grows closer, here are some fun things to do at The Pearl. SHOPPiNG FUN
THE TWiG BOOK SHOP - A book lover’s paradise, The Twig Book Shop is located near the heart of The Pearl. Offering book titles ranging from Teen Fiction to Texas Guides, The Twig has it all. They also offer trinkets like magnets, keychains and other small things if you want something other than a book. They are also celebrating their 50 year anniversary this year, so stop by if you get the chance and show them some support. RANCHO DiAZ - Offering home/lifestyle decor, accessories and so many other things, Rancho Diaz is the perfect place to look for handmade items from Mexico, Texas and around the world. Located off of Avenue A and Pearl Parkway, Rancho Diaz can be just the place to find perfect decor for your dorm or apartment.
GOOD FOOD/COFFEE/SWEETS SAVOR - Want to support other college students wanting to achieve their dreams? Savor is just the place to do so. Their kitchen staff includes students currently studying at the Culinary Institute of America who use this opportunity to progress their culinary dreams and career. They also have planters set up near the restaurant with herbs and other leafy greens to use in their cooking. LOCAL COFFEE FOUNDERS - Being able to support locally owned coffee shops could keep your summer staying bright! Local Coffee Founders offers anything a coffee-lover (or even those who aren’t!) can enjoy. Their menu ranges from americanos and lattes (hot or iced) to keto options, with teas (also hot or iced) and even a cold brew float. They also offer milk alternatives: almond and oat. Local Coffee Founders also offers some pastries and other goodies if you’re looking for a snack to go with your drink. LiCK - If you want to jazz it up a bit with your ice cream, look no further. Lick offers unique and interesting ice cream combinations, including coffee and cream, Texas sheet cake and goat cheese, honey and thyme. They also offer seasonal flavors throughout the year, so be sure to ask what this summer season will include. Additionally, Lick has a few vegan/dairy-free flavors as well, so be sure to keep an eye out for those.
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Photos and page design by Seva Hester.
OTHER THiNGS The Pearl has so much to offer, from multiple restaurants and bars to local shops and coffee stops. They also have a lawn in the middle of the area, where anyone can sit, relax, have a drink and meet up with their friends. Additionally, on Saturdays and Sundays every week, they host farmer’s markets, featuring local, handmade artisan crafts, food and so much more. If you are looking for a nice, quaint place to spend some time during your summer break, look no further than The Pearl.
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