Category: Blog

April 16^th is known as the Selena Day, not only in Texas but all across the world it is annually commemorated the late, Queen of Tejano for her influence on music industry on the world. It would be her 51^st birthday celebration, but the day became a tribute and honor to Selena Quintanilla-Perez legacy. She remains as a legendary artist, event this year is her 27^th anniversary of her untimely death, she is still one of the most celebrated Mexican-American entertainers of the 20^th century.

The queen of Tejano spent a lot of time in San Antonio before her death in 1995, indeed the Alamo City was as a second home for herm even had a boutique in town. Several key scenes of the biopic Selena in 1997 were shot in San Antonio, you might want to take a look to them by visiting our city. One of them was filmed on an arched stone bridge, located between N. Saint Mary’s and Navarro Street, the Bidi Bidi Bom Bom scene was shot at the Alamo.

A mural was made of her, the Christopher Montoya’s Mural, she adorns a wall of a small shopping center in the city’s Missions/South neighborhood. The other mural is located at the corner of I-10 Hildebrand, made by Alan Calvo featuring Selena with colorful Aztec-printed background. A star honoring her is outside Hard Rock Café, a tribute her at Mi Tierra where her brother loves sitting nearby when he visits.

Who was she? She was born the April 16^th, 1971, in humble beginnings at the Lake Jackson of Texas being the youngest of three children. Selena’s father Abraham Quintanilla took notice on his daughter’s talent, by 10 she was performing lead vocals with her siblings in the family band. Selena’s musical successes continued to blossom, for 1984 she recorded the first LP. She ended up winning 11 times since 1986 the Tejano Music Award for Female Vocalist of the year and 9 consecutive awards during 89-97. A legend who was included on Billboard’s top 100 albums with the song Amor Prohibido.

A treasure for the world, her music meant and continues to bring joy to the world, which is why there is an important day to celebrate her.

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Of course, it will quickly be hot in San Antonio, we need places to go have a little fun with some peaceful and inspirational views to relax. Texas is full of diversity, not only culture but the whole state is a piece of art, in terms of nature and history, San Antonio is the highlight for sure. Outside and nearby the city you’ll find some rivers and beaches that will surely surprise you and I bet you’d like to fish and make many water-sports these places have available for. Check it out some of the most famous ones:

Comal Park Beach and River

Near San Antonio is one of the best places for swimming. About an hour away from the city but the experience is amazing. There are many outdoor activities definitely for the scenarios, hiking camping, picnic, swimming, go boating, play volleyball and more. A consistent temperature of 70 to 72 degrees is the water even in summer. This natural piece of art provides enough entertainment for the whole family.

Canyon Park Beach

One of the closest beaches to San Antonio, perfect for kayaking and canoeing even biking, not just it but tons of water sports to play such as wakeboarding, paddle boarding, tubing and more! You’ll need water shoes since the shoes is made of pebbles. Perfect getaway located northern, and in case you are into adventures that much, 1 mile from the beach camping is available at the Park.

Guadalupe River State Park

A historic park opened since 1983, pretty views of how precious nature is. What I love the most of the Park, the scenario is like a hybrid of beach and river, the water is all decorated of trees and rocks that make the place look so amazing. Four miles of river frontage ideal for swimming, fishing canoeing or just hiking, even horse riding. It has over 80 water and electric campsites so a night under adventures is possible.

Blanco State Park

Quick trip out of San Antonio to the north of the city. It is permitted to swim and fish in the area, there is even a website, so make sure to reserve for you and your family. Curious data is that early 19^th century it was called Spaniards because of the white limestone, since then park has been cherished for generations. Remember cool water are available in this Park.

Hollow Tree Ranch

One of the best places for horseback riding, they can accommodate 12 riders at a time in case you got with your family. Riding lessons, horse riding, horse camping, get prepare for competitions or just have fun with family, all the options are available. They do have rules because of their horses, people over 200 pounds weight are discouraged from procuring their horses.

Westcreek Trails Rides

Horse riding lessons for kids and petting zoo are some of the things Westcreek Trail has. It is a very friendly place for a family to hang out, they started in the business in 2014 but they aren’t starts in the industry. The price is per hour but if you go in groups, you’ll get some discount.

Stricker Trail Rides

Horse riding in a calm and relaxing place is definitely a definition for the Stricker Trail Rides, professional training lessons are the perfect match in here. An hour of riding is long enough for you to get use the horse. It is near from the Tapatio Springs, the places is indeed incredibly beautiful.

Spring Creek Stables

A barn with 18 stalls, grooming area, large tack and an environment full of nature and fresh air is waiting anxiously to meet you. Horseback riding at Spring Creek Stables won’t disappoint you.

Hidden Springs Equestrian Center

54 horses can be accommodated at Springs Equestrian Center, imagine how spacious the place is. You may explore the 20-acre facility as well as the outdoor and indoor riding arenas; amazing place.

Turkey Creek Stables

Established since 1988, their experience in the industry is undoubtable. Safe horseback riding, and Turkish roots are obviously incorporated, so it might be a culturally diverse place. They have one boarding stable, and 2 spaces for practicing.

Everything started as a way of honoring the heroes from the Battle of the Alamo in the 1891, now transformed to a long celebration in which all of have a fun time sharing. It starts March 31 up to April 10^th, but you can’t miss the opening is full of fun and interesting events you’ll surely want to be part of. All of us are getting ready for the big days, streets are being swept, grooming of horses, tuning instruments and getting menus of food ready to pull of the biggest party of times. About 123 years has the city celebrating and honoring the heroes with this big party that runs for days.

Be part of the Fiesta at Hemisfair, the ceremony opens with the exchange of medal. The one and only Texas Cavaliers River Parada, The amazing Battle of the Flowers Parade and the Fiesta Flambeau Parade are part of the tremendous party hosted in San Antonio. Also, you’ll able to see Mexican Rodeos, art exhibits, masquerade parties, carnival rides and military displays.

A Night in the old San Antonio, The Taste of the Republic are some of the options for food and drinks. In A Day in Old Mexico & Charreada and events like Ford Mariachi Festival you will learn our deep roots and history, the culture that describes the many places and buildings of our beautiful San Antonio.

Some tips for the Fiesta at San Antonio. Because of the brightness of this party, your clothing must have colorful details like flower crown, medal collection, but surely comfortable clothing if you are into dancing and because you might walk a lot. The whole story of the medals has a purpose, you need to get your own medals at many of the events or at the Official Fiesta Store, a lot of people get involved in a mission to obtain it and wear it at the Fiesta. Cash is something surely needed to but inside the Fiesta food, drinks and more, some of the hosts are non-profit organizations so credit card might not be useful in all the places.

Two days full of fun, of course it is in San Antonio, having a taste of southside. San Antonio is happy to make it happen, one again. People of all ages get ready for the festival, a way of showing once again the beauty of our city and traditions to everyone and of course for us. And if you are thinking March is the month for a lot of feasts, well you are right! Festivals are all over month, the month of the Independence is for sure the best one for us.

Now, what are we doing this festival? It is a one of the newest spring festivals but definitely a very loved one. Two days of family fun, music, food rides and more, while supporting the Por Vida Academy campus and students.

The admission to it is free and it will be located in the heart of San Antonio, 1135 Mission Road. A KIDZONE is available the two days for kids to have fun in a secure way with rides, face painting, games and activities that surely are fun for ages from 2 to 10.

During the festival another festival will take place inside of this one. The Annual Michelada Match will take place from 4pm to 6pm March 27^th. Bars and restaurants in the southside compete on which of them has the best Michelada mix and of course with the prize!

Remember having fun is the best part of the event and helping Por Vida Academy! Hope you get to enjoy and learn a little more of the southside taste and culture. The event will close with live music performances! Just as we like, the best in every event!

San Antonio always has feast and this month isn’t exception. A free elote festival is returning for March 26 to share culture, delicious food and fun with the community and visitors. Second year this event is happening, it was supposed to start the 2020, but due to covid it was postponed for 2021, though it had to be with ticket going in the venue. This year things changed for good! Entrance to the venue is free for all, starting from 11am to 7pm at 6750 Rigsby Avenue, property near China Grove.

Reyes has planned all the event last year and repeated the celebration for 2022, he is also the organizer behind Enchiladas Fest, Flautas Fest and Tamale Fest of December. And the three of the festivals are also planned for this year as well.

What is all the event about? Well, first of all remember ordering the free tickets Eventbrite to have a chance of winning four free meal vouchers on the event day. Now, the main point and attraction of the whole event is the corn and all the delicious plates done with it. Mexican corn trimmed with hot Cheetos, white corn with queso fresco, roasted corn, Torchy’s Tacos, kettle corn popcorn and more.

A traditional Mexican street food, is typically roasted and then covered with mayonnaise and other toppings like Cotija cheese, lime juice, cilantro and chili powder. We can also create our own elote, with the flavors we want on it with special sauces.

Dozens of sellers will be in the park with this delicious dessert of different sizes and for different tastes, families will love the experience of the Mexican food.

There is also going to be virtual festival but I am pretty sure you would like to have a taste of it just like me. A lot of live music and entertainment will be part of this festival, kids craft area and more. Can’t miss the adventures, you still have time to prepare and plan your trip to San Antonio, be part of our culture and special taste.

Heads up!! Even though the festival is free to go in, you need a ticket which will be found on eventbrite.com do not miss that important part! Hope to see you there!

A very important weapon in the Siege of the Alamo, Travis ordered his men to fire the 18-Pounder Cannon from the southwest corner of the Alamo as a response to the Mexican encampment and General Santa Anna’s offer to surrender. Unfortunately, the 18-pounder was taken off its carriage and disabled by the Mexican Army like it happened with other several cannons, this important one was lost in history.

The replica of this cannon is displayed at the southwest corner of the Alamo, a free exhibit to the public.

The cannon was cast in Sweden and brought to the country, it came to Texas via New Orleans aboard the Columbus and was offloaded at Dimmit’s Landing. It was delivered to San Antonio in December 1835, a carriage was constructed since there was a lack of it, which was then placed in the southwest corner of the Alamo fort.

After the battle the cannon was taken off the carriage, muzzle was spiked, trunnions and cascabel were broken, as a final result it was buried it nearby defensive trench. For 1858 the U.S. Army rediscovered the 18-Pounder which was moved nearby the San Pedro Springs but in 1917 the cannon disappeared from its pedestal, which meant a lost for the history.

For 2020, the idea of reconstructing the 18-Pounder cannon and carriage came up by the Alamo Collections and Research Team. The reconstructed cannon at least gives the people a hint of the lost masterpiece cannon that disappeared.

Texas revolution took long way but brought them to the evolution of today. Every artifact from that period of time is valuable, and tells the story of the revolution. All of them are pieces in the puzzle of history, which is the reason we in San Antonio give valuable time and appreciation to them during this month.

Come to see it! I can guarantee it is going to be fun for all of you. And there is much you can learn from your visit, not only about the cannon but the whole story that made every single artifact so important. The Independence!

Our location is just a couple of hours from Mexico’s border, and many Mexicans live in the city, so no surprise you’ll find the best Mexican cuisine in our city. Trying to find over USA the best Mexican cuisine, that is really easy, San Antonio would be the reference, authentic Mexican food will be found. We’ve enriched with Hispanic culture and history all the city, including the delicious taste of the food.

Paloma Blanca Mexican Cuisine

5800 Broadway Street, Suite 300, San Antonio

It was closed for a long time because of pandemic, but it is open back their spacious and cozy place. The most popular dishes of their cuisine are grilled snapper, ceviche, fajitas and tacos al pastor, for the weekends there is a delicious brunch menu if you are interested id. They also have delivery service or curbside if you are in a hurry but still want a good Mexican dish.

La Fonda on Main

2415 N Main Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212

The building clearly speaks by itself that you are going to a Mexican restaurant, the white walls and terracotta tiled roof, and inside is just precious very cultural place. One of the oldest Mexican restaurants in the city, their famous La Fonda Special is amazing, beef taco, sampling of pork tamale, and cheese enchiladas. You got to try the enchiladas, do not leave the place without having that delicious flavor in you mouth.

Rosario’s

In 2020 it was named the best Mexican Restaurant, the most bustling café and extensive Mexican food options that will sweeten your mouth. This restaurant has its own authentic taste, you’ll have to go and check out the menu, las fajitas are indeed delicious.

Cascabel Mexican Patio

1000 S St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78205

Just sit in the beautiful patio of the restaurant, enjoy the sight and weather while a delicious dish arrives. This homestyle Mexican restaurant has a very special masa to prepare the sopes, the mole and corn tortillas, a clear reminder of Mexico in each flavor. Of course, the menu also includes enchiladas verdes, quesadillas, tortas, tacos and so much more if the Mexican exquisite food.

Ácenar

This Mexican spot is known for the outdoor patio, and how relaxing it can be, the Latin music, as well as its extensive menu. Not necessary to be in the restaurant waiting if you are not into getting out oh home, curbside pickup is available. The Fajita, enchilada and taco dinner are offered anytime of the now because of its deliciousness, salsa, charro beans and Mexican rice are part of the menu.

Pico de Gallo

First named as La Carreta Mexican Steakhouse, and then it changed to Pico de Gallo. Many restaurants in San Antonio are of the Cortez family, starting a day with their tortilla chips, scrambled eggs and refried beans. Their famous parrilladas to share with your couple or friends, consisting of various meats. Walls have the mariachis bands pics and casual eatery.

El Bucanero

It’s worth waiting for it, definitely would have to taste the camarones aguachile, red or green both are great, the fragrance and the flavor are amazing. There is a Sinoloan shrimp specialties, a huge variety of it: mojo de ajo, a la plancha, diabla and more options, you choose.

There are many more Mexican restaurants in the city that are as great as the ones above. Going to San Antonio means for sure you need to go to a Mexican Restaurant, the cuisine is amazing!

The historian and musician Phil Collins gifted a priceless selection of artifacts to the State of Texas. The collection is already open to visitors, it started March 2 and you will have the opportunity to visit up to April 24^th. What is this collection all about? Why is it so important?

More than 400 items are part of the collection, which artifacts focuses on items used during the Texas Revolution. In those important artifacts there is the receipt for a horse from William Travis to John Johnson, a letter from Stephen Austin to Adjunct General Hall requesting reinforcement in November 4, and more historic artifacts that definitely gives a hint on the story of Texas.

The Phil Collins Collection Preview – Supplies for War is hosted in the Alamo Exhibit Hall of the Alamo grounds. The exhibit has been so memorable that Alamo launched two exhibitions for Texas Independence Day, a new preview of Phil Collins collection “Supplies for War” at the Exhibition Hall and opening of the “Alamo Archeology”.

It is amazing how many of the artifacts are found, in 2019 archeologists excavated the foundation of the Alamo church and Long Barrack or convent, which housed Spanish missionaries gaining a better understanding of the building and construction. Preservationists used ground-penetrating radar on the walls of the Long Barrack and drilled into the mortar, giving officials a better idea of what needs to be fixed.

The archeology was done in the building to get a better understanding of how the building were constructed so it becomes easier to repair them in the future. During excavation in 2019, archeologists discovered 22 layers, which revealed history from the Alamo’s mission era, the fortress period from 1803-1830s.

Now, there is a whole event to show the artifacts found and to tell the history of the Alamo with each of them that for sure represent an important part of the War.

Texas is a nice place to play golf, we are surrounded of beautiful attractions to play this sport. If you are fan and love playing this skilled sport here a variety of options for you to choose in San Antonio. For sure each of them has many other amenities you might be interested in when thinking of golf club, I will make my best on giving you details helpful for you to choose.

La Cantera Golf Club

Ranked as the best Golf Club Course of San Antonio for a very long time. Cantera has two golf courses with five sets of tees for each hole to accommodate player skill levels. La Cantera Golf Club established in 1995 has 75 white sand bunkers strategically placed through the golf course. One of the courses is Palmer Course, considered the best golf club course of the city. The creator of the course is Arnold Palmer which will surely challenge you with holes even going over a lake with waterfalls. This specific golf course features plenty elevation changes and abundance of oaks covering the course which means it is needed accuracy off the tees.

TPC San Antonio

Several memberships are offered for non-residents, perfect places with 36 holes and a Valero Open. The Oaks and the Canyons offer very nice tournaments that surely will give you an amazing experience because of the extremely difficult positions of the pins and how greens are really fast. Not only the course but also the views that you’ll be able to enjoy and different amenities offered in the place.

Riverside Golf Course

The Riverside, 18-hole golf course near downtown with 9-hole par 3 course. Perfect for learners and beginners, for a family trip since it’s a little forgiving. Heads up! Your kids we will be able to play on their par 3!

Topgolf San Antonio

Topgolf allows you to practice in groups and has locations in different cities. It is adaptable for professionals and beginners in the sport. The game system works with big holes of different colors in each section. If you are good enough on the game, the balls are a little heavier than others.

Hill Country Golf Club

Hill Country has three courses, situated over 200 acres of scenic Texas Hill Country, with a beautiful landscape of rolling hills. One of the courses, Creek Nine, demands accuracy with water in which comes to play several holes and various strategically placed bunkers; imagine the variety of elevation changes to keep golfers on their toes and wooded ravines.

Canyon Springs Golf Club

7,000-plus-yard course surrounded of incredible limestone waterfall on two holes, 5 sets of tee boxes on each hole.

San Antonio is full of nature and fun, don’t miss it! Let me know if you were able to visit one of the golf clubs! Hope it helps you.

You might be asking yourself why does San Antonio have a celebration starting Feb 23^rd up to March 6, so many days in which different things are done. Well for Texas these days represent and honor their independence, Commemoration to the heroes that died for the cause in 1836. Each day from beginning to start has a series of events that took place and made a difference in San Antonio and Texas’ history. Just like I posted on Tuesday, one of the iconic celebrations, each day it would have a different scenario but the same spirit. Hope you have joined us through it or well, it is still not done, you can still take a ride to our city. Now let me get you in context with a little of what the history of these days is.

Mexico got independence from Spain in 1821, but after that, 11 years of conflict came up; the need of protecting the northern frontiers allowing to establish colonization laws in Texas. A lot of people moved into Texas because many colonists and native population enjoyed the semi-autonomous way of life far from Mexican capital. But this autonomy represented an issue once Antonio López de Santa Anna was elected as president in 1833. Because of his political views to centralism got Mexico in a civil war and Texas seeking independence.

For October 2, 1835, things got a little complicated since the Mexican army was sent to recover a cannon that has been loaned in town of the Gonzales. 18 men refused to hand over the cannon and they stood up fighting for it. Number later changed to 180 men protecting the cannon, the Gonzales crossed the river to find Mexican army. War started, October 2^nd battle took place but Mexican army retreated since they notice they were outnumbered. Mexicans had returned without the cannon to San Antonio.

 For February 23, 1836 the Santa Anna’s Army arrive to San Antonio to enter the Alamo which was fortified. Approximately 150 men and 18 cannons at the beginning of the siege, two commanders in charge of defending the area. The commander Travis answered with a cannon shot, siege begun. From that day up to March 6, different important things happened. February 24^th, a letter was read addressed “To the people of Texas and All Americans in the World” while the siege continued. March 1, men from Gonzales town arrived for the battle. March 2, Texas declared its independence from Mexico. March 3, James Butler arrived to the Alamo to inform that help was in the way. March 5, Santa Anna held a council war. March 6, the Battle of the Alamo commenced, fighting lasted 90 minutes, defends had perished by daybreak.

Our history is in those days, reason for us to continue celebrating and honoring the heroes that lead us to the beautiful San Antonio we have now. You’re invited to celebrate as well, you still have a chance to get involved, tomorrow is our last day!

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March 1, is one of our historic and important events, the immortal 32 Arrive a day to enjoy during Battle of the Alamo Commemoration, best time of the year absolutely, anniversary of the 1836 siege. The celebration and commemoration of the 32 Immortal is a symbol of Texas’ pride and independent spirit, most people would firstly remember the Gonzales “Come and Take it” cannon and the Alamo. A week to remember the final stand at the Alamo, and of course March 1^st, makes us remember the immortals fighting for Texas, the courage and sacrifice done for the protection of the people.

There is a whole preparation and sponsorship to make these series of special events possible. Celebration takes place in the heart of the city, the Alamo, the sacred memorial of all those who lived, fought and died there. The heroes of the 1836 Battle is a story that needs to be spread to all visitors that come because it is part of our 300-year history of Texas Independence.

What is the story behind the 32 Immortals? On Feb 23^rd, Santa Anna’s forces surrounded the Alamo Mission in San Antonio. Travis penned an urgent letter the next day to the people of Texas and all Americans in the world asking for reinforcements to defend the territory at all costs. Letter was read by the Gonzales (they were part of the first battle of Texas Revolution, when Mexican forces attempted to retrieve a cannon granted in 1831). Authorities in Gonzales had previous reports of the need of reinforcement in San Antonio and were moved by Travis’ last letter and the urgency it had. In February 27^th, Gonzales Alamo Relief Force left town, originally consisted of 25 of men but it grew up to 32 by the time they got to San Antonio the 29^th.

The only reinforcement that arrives where these 32 men, the Alamo had been under siege for days when they arrive but March 1^st, they manage to slip through Santa Anna’s lines and make it into the fort to join the Alamo defenders. On March 6, all 213 Alamo defenders were killed including the Immortal 32 when the Santa Anna’s troops gave the final assault.

These men aged between 15 to 44 gave their lives defending a cause of Texas freedom and independence. Today a monument stands in honor of them at the Gonzales Memorial Museum.

Join us this morning to one of our most precious celebrations of freedom!