Category: Blog

One of the oldest cities in Texas for sure and so much culture in it that has made our historic churches amongst the most beautiful and prettiest of it, and the story that each of them has makes it more impressive. Here are some of our most beautiful houses, maybe you want to go visit one of them while you are in the city.

Mission Espada

It is not only part of the World UNESCO heritage but also a historic and important place the history of San Antonio. Located in a semi-rural neighborhood, it is one of the places that represents being very close to Spanish Colonial days, the architecture of the place is awesome, a roman-style aqueduct that once provided water to the mission. A very fun way to visit the place is in bike, a tranquil halfway stop for cyclist is provided.

Mission San Jose

It is one of the oldest churches of San Antonio, almost every wall is intact or has been restored. It is a very popular place for wedding, and other celebrations; the main chapel of the building is focal point of the surrounding neighbor areas which is why the view is really beautiful. Another historic part of San Antonio and WORLD UNESCO heritage.

Mission Concepcion

The most preserved mission of San Antonio is definitely this one, it is the only mission chapel in the area but also the one that no longer is a church. The church’s exterior was painted with bright color which is the reason for the restored colors in the inside as a reminder of that part of the church’s past.

San Fernando Cathedral

It is located in the center of the city, established by canary islander in the past, who were civilians of San Antonio colonists. It stands at the central plaza hosting food trucks at lunch and a very popular view for weekends because of the shows projected on it. The cathedral remains as home of the Alamo defenders like David Crockett and William Travis.

First Presbyterian Church

Oldest Protestant congregation in San Antonio, founded in 1846 by Reverend John McCullough. One of the most reassure artistic features made by Tiffany Studios is at the back of the sanctuary, the stained-glass window that illustrated Christ’s ascension to heaven. It represents a lot of artistic stories like the Gothic Revival sanctuary built in 1910 designed as regional architect site.

The Little Church at La Villita

Villita is a very famous neighborhood and this church is on top of the historical church at San Antonio. It was designed in Gothic Revival style but with a unique simplicity, the main glass in the altar is the most especial art feature in the place. German Methodist built the church in 1879, it has changed hands several times that now it belongs to the city.

St Joseph’s Catholic Church

The church stands as a magnificent historic building of San Antonio, its stone sanctuary built by German speakers, once a minority group in the city. Reason for them to speak the German dialect though it is dying nowadays, it still can be heard by the men’s choir when you visit the church.

St. Mark’s Episcopal

The oldest episcopal congregation in San Antonio is the St. Mark’s Episcopal, designed by Richard Upjohn. Its construction started in the 1859s but stopped because of Civil War and got completed until 1877. By stopping by the church remember to ask about some stories, since there are lots of them associated, such as Lady bird Johnson and Lyndon got marry in it in the 1934.

You are interested in visiting a theatre while your trip to San Antonio. We’ve put together some of the best places and most attended ones of the city. They host important art performances and some of them very loved and waited ones. Of course, you may take a look to the ticket charts so you may choose what you want to enjoy seeing.

Majestic Theatre

Built in 1929, a national landmark in the middle of downtown, a truly treasure for San Antonio. It is the house for Broadway series, touring concerts, kids’ theatre, many live events and comedy features. In the interior in counts 3 balconies that have seat for around 2,311 audience; design is inspired in Spanish Mediterranean architecture. Important facts: first movie presented was Movietone Follies, President George Bush held his Presidential State Dinner in 1992 for International Drug Summit.

The Aztec Theatre

Established in 1926, the top entertainment and event venue, a treasured architectural landmark of the Alamo city. The design firm Meyer & Holler, made a hybrid of Aztec and American styles, dubbed as a Mesoamerican artwork to cultural masterpiece combination.

Tobin Center for the Performing Arts

Municipal Auditorium renovated for live art performances venue with more that 1700 seats for audience. The theatre is located at the edge of River Center, almost every event is hosted by the venue, very loved and endearing to the community because of the precious performances it hosts.

Arneson River Theatre

Constructed between 1938 and 1940 possible with WPA funds, situated within the Riverwalk. Important facts of hosting: Summer Plays like Fiesta Noche del Rio, also the beauty of the venue makes it attractive place to host a wedding.

Woodlawn Theatre

John Eberson designed the place because of his experience with theatre and palace designs, opened since 1945. Unfortunately, because of the many owners it got deteriorated, so in 2006 it was renovated. Broadway shows have been held in this venue, six Mainstage musicals produced, traditional show of Anything Goes and Hello, best part is all performances have a live orchestra.

You love art as much as we do, then you should take a look to these places. Get some tickets and enjoy the treasure of music and art in live performances.

An amazing idea for those explorers that love adventuring in nature. San Antonio is known for many iconic places and its variety in culture. What about exploring underground? Here some options in the city to take a look for.

Natural Bridge Caverns

The Natural Bridge Caverns is synonymous of adventures. Discovered in 2960s by the Mary’s University students. This is definitely the most visited cavern of the city and the largest place one as well. After the 60-foot slab of limestone left because of a sinkhole collapsed, which now stretches above the entrance the name of place was given.

There are different tours for it since it is very famous, Hidden Passages Tour, Lantern Tour and Discovery Tour, it is so extensive that you will be great in either of the three options. Additional activities are part of the adventure before and after visiting the caverns that will make it even better.

Cave without a Name

I know the name doesn’t seem to be real, but there is a reason for everything and if you go to visit the cave will be witness about it. This cave was shared to public until 1939, a contest was made to decide a name for it, a young boy said it was too beautiful to give it a name. He was the owner of the grant prize and it got stuck without a Name. Before people really taking interest to this gem, kids found a sinkhole while exploring the cave’s inner chambers. It hosts musical events through the year in one of the stunning formation rooms called Cave Throne Room.

Longhorn Cavern State Park

It was once used by Comanche Indians, an honored detail in one of the rooms called Indian Council Room. With the help of a lot of bat guano, the Confederates manufactured gunpowder inside it for the Civil War. This place has many stories to be shared since that time, if walls could speak so much more of them will be announced. The Wild Cave tour is available for those interested in off-the-beaten path and getting dirty. Also, a Photography Tour is available for those interested in details of the most scenic spots to shoot out.

Inner Space Cavern

It is located right off the highway, discovered when Texas Highway Department was constructing the I-35, Around 30 minutes from the north of Austin. It was explored by Spelunkers in 1963, and opened to public by 1966. Many animals got trapped in the cavern in the Ice Age, fossils of at least 44 different prehistoric animals were found in it, and from that total 11 of them extinct. Three different tours offered by the Inner Space Cavern: The Adventure Tour which is a standard route. The Hidden Passages Tour which a little rugged undeveloped trail with flashlight. A Wild Cave Tour just in point for thrill-seekers who want a complete off trail through all the place.

Even though most of the people anywhere go for the fast-food pizzas, here in San Antonio we really appreciate the home style pizzerias. We do not have the perfection of the big cities but we do have our own way of doing things. So, when you come to this beautiful city, you may want to check on this pizza’s options:

Dough Pizzeria Napoletana

6989 Blanco Rd, San Antonio, TX 78216

It’s been one of the favorite pizza places of the city, and acclaimed and attracted by the nation as well. Dough pizzeria has been featured many times in shows like Drive-Ins or Triple D Nation. The taste of the homemade burrata appetizer is out of this world, the ricotta, mascarpone, truffle essence and olive oil in it.

Southtown Pizzeria

728 S Presa St, San Antonio, TX 78210

This Italian pizza house is located very near the Convention Center, so if your destiny is around that place, you might wanna go eat the delicious traditional antipasti. The places make for a beautiful picture so take it mind and at night with the lights in the patio it looks even better.

Big Lou’s Pizza

This is definitely another tv show star who’s been featured in The travel Channel Food Paradise or KSAT Elder Eats. Big Lou’s Pizza has their own special giant oven since they have pizzas with 37-42 diameters long. If you are not in the challenge of the pizza, there are wings, pasta and more. Let me know if you took the challenge!

Capos Pizza

8522 Broadway #105, San Antonio, TX 78217

This is an Italian-New York pizza experience you’ll never forget, winners of the San Antonio’s readers’ choice award for pizza, wings, and subs. This hometown style is representing New York’s well-made pizzas, the most notable flavor of their food is the spicy pepperoni, coming straight from their hometown.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria

330 E Basse Rd Ste 101, San Antonio, TX 78209

It was first established in Brooklyn, and you might know this place has a great pizza taste because it is in several other states. Oh, and got to tell you their best Grimaldi’s pizza is the Quattro formaggi, with asiago, pecorino romano, mozzarella and gorgonzola cheese. You have Six Flags near enough to go visit the treasure pizzeria.

Remember having fun in San Antonio is a reality and eating deliciously is part of a great adventure. If you love pizzas, hope this options help you decide and let me know how did your pizza tour went.

The Saga of San Antonio is located in the Main Plaza of San Antonio, the heart of downtown. The Saga shows the story of our city, from the very beginning of its discovery up to now. 24 minutes of lightning, a world-class video art installation done by a very well-known French artist Xavier de Richemont. A visual journey through history and culture is shown in the video called the Saga.

The Saga, this unique international video art which covers 7,000 square feet of color, light and visual narration is projected on the façade of the San Fernando Cathedral. Important fact about the San Fernando Cathedral is that it is the oldest operating sanctuary in North America. A treasure for us, and a destination for many national and international visitors.

Its debut was in June 2014, from that day on, every Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sundays at 9:00 pm, 9:30 pm and 10:00 pm the video is projected, 3 shows by day. The event is free for everyone to see, there are some spots for seating and standing in the Main Plaza where you may watch the magnificent light show. Also, food trucks are over the place, your kids can play around the fountains in the place, free parking areas nearby and the Riverwalk in close enough for you to go before or after the show to continue having fun.

Learn a little about the author, Xavier de Richemont, born in Algeria France, a painter, studied in the National Fine Arts School of Aix-en-Provence. He has created many video installations around the world shown in in kioskos or iconic places as in main Plaza. In 2002, he created the first light festival at Chartres, France. His talent in lyrical graphic design along with narration, music and images vibration is amazingly shown and projected in the videos.

Check the pictures of how amazing it looks, but more than that, join us!!! Come visit San Antonio and get the opportunity to learn our story in a very unique way. This Light Show is waiting for you, do not miss it, you’ll have so much fun and a beautiful atmosphere, one of the best parts, it is for free!

I won’t stop writing that San Antonio has an extended variety of activities to do anytime of the year. There are so many activities that you can get lost, literally get lost in one of them. Family adventures are so needed and enjoyable and they are even better if they include delicious food. Have you ever made puzzles on a piece of paper? Or follow the way beginning to the end of a labyrinth in a paper game? Well, let’s see how expert are you in these games, BUT from a really different perspective.

Drive to San Antonio and get the experience of playing in a maize of 7-acre labyrinth full of twists, turns and ends carved into stalks all over your head. I bet you children are hunger of fun and games, well got to the prefect place to get them thinking. Most of the time it takes about an hour to figure out a way of getting out of the puzzle. There is a place for everyone, children’s play area, 7-acre maze, barrel train hayride and more!

The Graff 7A Ranch hosts the South Texas Maize, with the giant labyrinth of sorghum and seasonally appropriate puns.  It opens in October up to November; it is one of the favorites in San Antonio. This 7-acre place has an amazing corn maze and above that also campfires, jumping pillows, turkey legs, a Dance Barn and so much more fun.

From the other hand, some of the best Corn maze are at San Antonio, and they are just ready to give you the best experience you can get. For example, the Circle N Maze which is an 8-acre corn maze which hosts petting zoo, area for children’s to play and the opportunity to pick your own pumpkin patch. If you want to give a try to different fun activities during these months of October to December.

Like I’ve written in previous posts, San Antonio is so rich in culture, there would always be an event. Of course, the Indian culture needs to be parts of such important cultural city. The mayor event San Antonio co-hosts with the mission of Diwali is the “Festival of Lights”. It started as a single festival night but it has become a popular event that is annually hosted in the city because it is the mayor Indian culture event.

This tradition features traditional Indian dance, food, entertainment and booth selling goods that come from different parts of India. It is an authentic celebration with handmade attire, Indian dishes, most important dancing, and the ceremonial lightning of candles which are later on floated in the water (called diyas) representing the diverse states of India and of course fireworks. This festival of Diwali comes from the New Year’s Eve and it represents the victory of good over the evil, knowledge over ignorance and light over darkness. It is a well-planned celebration; every detail is done to make people really learn about the Indian culture.

Visitors from all over San Antonio come to the event, and even it has been so successful that VIP guests arrive as representatives from the US Department of State and the Indian consular office in Houston. Even in 2019, Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson was invited as guest of honor. Awards have been given to this festival, in 2011, the Sister-Cities International Innovation awarded the Arts and Culture Award for excellence.

2009 was the first time this celebration was hosted in San Antonio as a commemoration of the signing of the Sister-City alliance between the City of San Antonio and Chennai in 2008. The event has been growing and growing in number since it started even last year that was done virtually, many viewers around the world were part of it.

San Antonio is a very hectic city, for some people it might not be the best place to get a ride, and I get it, it is full of people. Though I have to say there is always a way and we work firmly in getting our city to work for cyclists as well. Maybe just interested in having a bike tour without seeing all these cars of downtown city. I have some of the best trails, you might be interested in visiting for a bike tour.

Of course, part of downtown San Antonio River Walk is full of people but there is also a beautiful bike path as well you might have not discovered. The place is so big, that you have around 30 miles to have fun riding bike through a paved trail with your friends and family. During the way you’ll get to see it intersects with the Historical Mission Parks, you can stop by and get a little adventure and learning about the importance of these buildings and the story written back of those walls.

The Brackenridge Park, first of all hosts the Japanese Tea Garden, San Antonio Zoo, and several ball fields. A 1.5-mile trail concrete trail, the perfect spot for beginners’ cyclists or if you’re just wanting a small fun bike journey. This location is so beautiful, the ride might look very small but you can even spend all day in the place because of nature and peace that this place brings.

The Salado Creek Greenway is a 20 miles long trail but the best part of it starts at north from Phil Hardberger Park and 8 miles more of riding a multi recreational trail of concrete surface perfect for cycling. The scenic route is amazing not only because of the trees, birds singing, flowers and fresh air but it is so relaxing, cozy and full of iconic places through the way. Perfect also for a picnic if you’re going with your kids just for a bike ride.

You can also check thesabikrides.com where many other bikes map trails will be given to you depending of what you really want to do or explore during your ride.

If you are looking to get more professional cycling then check out that the San Antonio Wheelmen club. It provides weekly rides, open for all ages and skills, cycling education, and of course get the experience to meet other enthusiastic cyclist around our city.

Also, if you do not have a bike, let me tell you we’ve already thought about that as well, which is why there are different companies that have strategically located bikes around the city that you can rent.

Our city is always open for you, we have so many adventures prepared for you that it is not acceptable missing them! Make your reservation and plan the best San Antonio trip you can, won’t regret such beautiful experience.

I’ve been writing of so many cultures in previous posts, for today, one of my favorites definitely, the Asian Culture. One of the richest cultures I’ve ever known about, and their food isn’t the exception, reason for us, San Antonians to have many restaurants that represent them. Here some of my favorite Asian spots to eat, hope you like them as much as I do.

Tong’s Thai Restaurant

1146 Austin Highway, San Antonio, TX 78209

Tong’s Thai Restaurant is really a fusion between Thai and Chinese cuisine. The Asian dishes served are authentic, they’ve taken the most popular and traditional plates from north of Thailand and make new ones. The most famous ones are the spring rolls and seafood dishes. Also, can’t miss the ¨Bubble Teas¨ which comes from Taiwan and it’s a very famous drink. Check out their page, you’ll find the menus and even make your order online.

Sichuan House

3505 Wurzbach Rd #103, San Antonio, TX 78238

Sichuan House, southwest of China’s food, won’t regret for the homemade dumplings, Kung Pao Shrimps, cucumber salad or the Sichuan Tapas. One of the spiciest Asian restaurants, so be aware of it. You can make your reservation or order online in their official page.

Kimura

152 E Pecan St # 102, San Antonio, TX 78205

The best Japanese Ramen Noodle Shop is in Kimura, there are the experts since is the first noodle house that came by. So, you can already imagine the authentic taste and how delicious it is. Oh, and the raw bar, izakaya and its complete kitchen with dishes you will definitely be happy to taste such as: the homemade gyoza, agedashi tofu, seared duck breast. Have a taste from Japan at Kimura.

Golden Wok

8822 Wurzbach Rd. San Antonio, TX 78240

The Golden Wok known as the Chinese staple with two locations. For weekends you’ll have this dim sum house feel. The dishes have these small amazing dishes, but let me tell you, even though they are like tiny pockets you´ll get so many of them in to your mouth, won’t stop eating them and even more, you’ll take some home. The favorites are hargau, tapioca skin stuffed with shrimps, deliciousness, small amounts, best environment and food.

Sushishima Japanese Restaurant

1205 N Loop 1604 W #230, San Antonio, TX 78258

One of the healthiest Asian restaurants you’ll see in town, every ingredient is picked up with so much care, the freshest and natural ones for your dish, if you are looking for nutritious food, then this is you place. Of course, the sushi is on top of deliciousness and the green tea ice cream!! Definitely will make you melt happiness.

Hope you get to go to one of my fav lists and let me know if you had enjoyed it as much as I did!

San Antonio has the largest cuisine of United States for sure, we have so many events goings on that could not be written. The best part of our festival will always be the food created by San Antonians. As designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, you should know I am not kidding when I say we have the best and most diverse culinary skills you’ll ever get to learn from. Here some culinary schools you might want to take information from.

Cozymeal Cooking Classes, a very interesting school for cooking. The famous tradition of a cooking journey. Their way of teaching is very different, and it means that will work great for you if you’re willing to learn a specific type of food. Division of types of classes will really depend on what exactly you want to learn to cook, if its Mediterranean, German of French food, there Is a coach for every program.

Culinary Institute of America has 3 very important programs in which you choose what exactly are you willing to learn. Latin Cuisine Boot camp, hands-on cooking classes to grow baking skills and wine and beverage classes to get a guided experience tasting. The campus is located near the precious Riverwalk we all know. If you are willing to get a Latin cuisine taste, this is the best selection.

If you are staying for a while at San Antonio, the Culinary Cottage offers seasoned cooking classes. Let me tell you this loved school started with small home classes given by the owner and now it is one of the best culinary schools. The programs are divided on what you want to learn to cook, an extended list of food.

Art Institute of San Antonio is oriented on showing the students that creativity is applied to the food. Equipped place with a very modern kitchen followed by the knowledge of the most exquisite and popular flavors of the world. The importance of developing new skills. And getting some professional techniques to get better and also to look out for your own flavor.

Cooking gets people united, but best cooking maintains us united at a kitchen with a delicious flavors and taste. These programs might help you get a perspective of how much we love San Antonio, and are very proud of since there is always co much to learn.

San Antonio most popular place is the Riverwalk, a very long journey of 15 miles full of nature, even though there is this popular spot fool of may shopping centers and restaurants. There is also a beauty spot along the River that is full of fauna, remember that part when visiting. But let me tell you San Antonio has more places as beautiful as the Riverwalk, yes natural places for you to go and take a walk to relax maybe or for you to go hiking with some friends if you love that sport. I have some of my top places to go either for a walk or hiking or just having fun with family. Take a look, maybe it helps you decide where to go when you come to visit us.

Rio Medina Trail

As its name states, this place is adorned by a beautiful river. You can go hiking, biking or for a run, the center of our city is very hectic and sometimes noisy, but this place will get you to relax and the pleasure of hearing this peaceful sound of nature. A trail of about 12.6 miles out and back, where you even have the opportunity to take a look to a couple of historic sites. It’s a great place for any kind of sport you’d like to practice in it.

Tower Loop Trail

The Tower Loop Trail is located at the Comanche Lookout Park ready and waiting for you to discover it. You have the opportunity to go hiking or biking through the trail that has at the ending a historic abandoned tower built in 1948. it is a 1.8-kilometer trail which so many beautiful flowers and trees all around, perfect spot to take fresh air, recover energies and relax from so stressful days.

Pedernales Falls Loop

A have day or more adventure through the Pedernales Falls Loop, is on of the longest hikes at San Antonio. Many beautiful views, teal blue waters, lots of rocky areas, and colorful wildflowers which is what makes this place so different from the others and special. If you’re willing to get really involved with natures and sports it has a short hike to directly see the falls, climbing all around the rocks. Very impressive and big enough place to make the sport you want to.

Headwaters Sanctuary Trails

Headwaters Sanctuary Trails offers walking trails that connects you to parks that are near the place. It is placed in the heart of San Antonio and if you did know about it, is the only nature sanctuary in the city, the place is a treasure. The place is connected with the Mission San Francisco de la espada, a lot of history to talk about. The place is open for your visit the 365 days of the year so no worries about it. Remember to respect rules and restrictions, for us this place represents 12,000 years of cultural history and the beauty of nature.

Do not stay at home when you have so much to enjoy, work keeps us so busy that we forget the beautiful creation we have out there. So many places full of birds singing, the river’s sound of peace and the fresh air that trees allow us to breathe. It is worth the time you can give to take time for your or with your family. Do no miss up all the precious sceneries that were created for us.

For sure every city has these creepy places no one seems to want to go but if your one of those whose curiosity wins over fear or definitely your fearless, then prove yourself and check out the most haunted places at San Antonio in your visit to our city. Of course, in a city like San Antonio which is so rich in culture, we can’t miss to help you go through a very scary adventure in your visit and I have to say if you want an expert to guide you, we also have agencies compromised to give you a ghost tour. Come on! Let’s start our creepy journey!

Suicide Oak

The Suicide Oak, legend behind this story is the spirit of a boy and a girl that wanders around the area convincing weak minds to… Guess what?! You’ll get to hear the complete story while you go on tour to this place. Let me know how does the story finish when you know it. There is a whole story about the suicide oak in San Antonio, place used as a go-to spot for frontier justice in the 1900s. Check it out and let me know more about the Suicide Oak legend.

The Haunted Alamo

The Alamo is one of the most loved places in the world of course! It is even part por World Heritage but I have to say people say it is the most haunted place at San Antonio. The reason? Well according to history many Texans died defending the Alamo, so this antique historic place was also a grave spot for the ancestors. There are tons of stories behind the landmark, people hearing moans in the building and more. Let me know your experience while visiting the Alamo.

The Haunted Railroad Tracks of San Antonio

Near the San Juan Mission you’ll find the Shane Road intersection, behind that railroad a haunted story came out after a bloody tragic school bus accident where they all finished killed. Legend says their spirit is still in those railroads and they haven’t moved from there. Many, many visitors are looking forward to check on this place and the feeling it gives, are you ready for your visit?

Victoria’s Black Swan Inn

We all know where the names come from, the Grand William Shakespeare publication, though the reputation of the Victoria’s Black Swan Inn is ghostly. One of the ghost hunters’ favorite places to go in the city, it was originally a Native American encampment and where the Battle of Salado Creek took place.

The Ghosts of La Villita

Let’s first talk about the background of La Villita, first let me tell you it is the oldest neighborhood of the city, even older than the Alamo!!! From many neighborhoods, Villita has recently been considered a thriving art community but also a hotbed of paranormal activities going on. Supernatural events, yes if that’s what you are looking for then this is the perfect spot with objects moving, phantom arguments, shadowy figures and more.

Huebner-Onion Homestead

A house with story since de 1800s when Joseph Huebner was the owner. Legend says he drank kerosene instead of liquor one night and neighborhood didn’t know if he was dead or not, but they buried him. It is said that he was buried alive and because of it, noises of machinery turning on and off by themselves and piano keys being played have been heard in the house by the owners Judge John Onion and his family who had purchased the house after his dead.

If you are courageous enough to visit these places then I would suggest you get the experience with a haunted agencies such as Sisters Grimm Ghost Tours or Ghost City Tours and many others in San Antonio that will show you lots of more haunted places at the city. You’ll get yourself not just in adventure but will also learn about these places history.