Category: Blog

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.

San Antonio loves sports, so of course we have the best races you could get involved in or just appreciate to look at. Marathons go from 10K races, 5K races and more, for kids and adults. Get involved in one of the most iconic cities of the country with more than 300 years of history. Some of these races include fiesta and you’ll get to know the beauty of the city.

As diverse as San Antonio is, also the activities are. One of the most loved races is Rock ‘n’ Roll Fiesta, it is the biggest running fiesta in holidays at San Antonio. The races include views of most iconic places such as the Tower of Americas, and of course the River Walk, and so many fresh attractions all over the way. We close many parts of the city so you can be part of this beautiful experience along with the adventure of seeing our best places and food during your way to the goal. This holiday tickets are ready for you in this December.

Some of San Antonian races support organizations like Run The Alamo race in partnership with World Vision. You run to help provide clean water to communities which are in need. The Alamo 26.2 Marathon & 13.1 Half designs a racecourse with iconic cultural landmarks, of course there is a medal and Top Award for the winning finishers. A cannon BLAST will wake you enough to start you running race with some much energy.

The Wounded Warrior Project Mission and the races they plan all over the country in different cities in order to empower wounded warriors. In which your actions have a real meaning for others, you running means the happiness for our warriors. This is not a normal race of running and done, they manage 3 special ways in which to support while running, carrying a flag of patriotism and support, carrying a weight meaning responsibility of veterans in serving the country or carrying other person as a symbol of one warrior carrying another in difficulties.

And so many other races during the year are done at the city to help important causes. You run for fun, learn about the iconic San Antonio places and if you want to, get the privilege to support others in need.

San Antonio has the most enthusiastic and vibrant attractions. So many arts and fun around the city starting from taking a double decker to the World Heritage tour. Many shops, restaurants and iconic attractions around the city are waiting for you and there is a very fun and instructive way of traveling through them. Did you know that we have many tours for different things lead by locals to guide you during your stay at the city?! Check this out!

Ghost Tours

Two fun places offer the service of the most haunted experience of the city’s haunted Past. The RJA Ghost Tours and Ghost City Tours, you will be to learn our culture, legends, folklore and listen to ghost stories spoken by locals. There are public and private tours for you to choose and in both this creepy feeling will make you scream. Bring you camera you won’t believe what you see!

Bike Tours

A very entertaining and exercising way to learn about our historic parks, public art, impact attractions and important neighborhoods. You´ll have the experience to check on the city from a different perspective, tours in tricycles are available any day, you´ll have access to a helmet, recumbent tricycle and radio intercom system for the tour. If you love exercising this would be the perfect way of getting along the city learning.

Alamo Helicopter Tours

The traditional way of visiting and traveling through our city is fantastic, but I have to tell you that seeing our city from a real high position will blow your mind out. For more than 10 years Alamo helicopter Tour has been compromised to show the beauty of our city through the sight of a bird. Air tours, private charters or flight training for pilots are some of the diverse tours that will adjust your trip to any budget. Imagine the view to the UNESCO World Heritage, the San Antonio Zoo or the River Walk! You are welcome to enjoy a sky-high tour.

Food Tours

Like I said before, we have no limits, all kinds of tours at right the way in front of you. Julia Celeste a professional food writer will help you get through the most exquisite food places of San Antonio; her Food Chick Tour is amazing and won’t regret it. There is nothing more enjoyable than having fun exploring and eating! From local dinning to exquisite and sophisticated spots for you to discover.

Mural Tours

The most artistic city is undeniably San Antonio, and locals not just know it but want to show it to you through a 5–8-mile bike tour. In this tour you’ll get to se around 20 murals full of passion and amazement. The mural ride offers you the opportunity to get through the city with local passionate guides that will tour you through graffiti, streets arts, murals food and fun cycling. San Antonio is full of compromised and dedicated artist that love to see our city colorful and full of joy, we want you to also see and appreciate this as much as us.

San Antonians know the importance of the city, and we are more than happy to show the beauty of it through so many different ways, we will always greet you in the best way we can, experiences and happiness are right in front of you with us. Hope to see you soon around San Antonio!

We do not have limits, every month there will be many things to get our hands working on. We are full of so many cultures that Germans aren’t the exception to this. The really famous Oktoberfest is this month and we are ready for it. No need to travel to the Germany, celebration is in town.

The Oktoberfest is a festival celebrated in Germany since 1810, it is held over two-week period, it started with the marriage celebration of the crown prince Bavaria that later became King. The feast evolved through the years and in 1818 booths serving food and drinks were introduced and through years it developed to large beer halls and bandstands. The parade features beer wagons, music, dancing, rides, games and people dressed with folk costumes.

Munich has been hosting the world’s largest annual festival to which around 6 million visitors assist yearly.

As always, we really get into the spirit of the culture we represent. The festivity last for two weekends, and you’ll get to enjoy dancing and hearing German music, let’s not let out the FOOD, a delicious salty pretzel, a goulash, bratwursts and more. Of course, tradition can’t be ignored, the national anthem is being sang, the tapping of the first Oktoberfest keg, Beethoven as one of the most important musicians of German is already a friend of this feast. Many performances by Beethoven Concert Band, Beethoven Dance Band and Big Band are unique part of the festivities.

At the River Walk you’ll find many options of entertainment, food and drinks while you watch the city’s Karbachtoberfest river parade float. One of the famous places at the city is Biergarten they have all types of German flavors that is insane! It is a two-week party, get away and have a little fun. We are expecting to see you this autumn!

A very significant date in Texas and of course for San Antonio is “El Día de Los Muertos”. There might be so many questions of the reasons why we host this event yearly. Join me in this adventure and learn more about it since the day of celebration at the city is coming really soon!

“The Day of the Death” is a tradition in which families remember the departed loved ones and share their memories. A variety of activities are done to celebrate their lives, such as traditional dress and parades, food is made like Pan de Muerto, sugar skulls or tamales. Let’s not forget the Catrines & Catrinas which are elegant skeleton figures dressed men and women as reminder that we are all the same in death. These days are full of live music, art vendors, live poetry and workshops, it is one of the biggest festivals offered at San Antonio.

Live music starts at the Pearl Park, and families are invited to make tribute the beloved departed ones, also at Market Square music will sound and folkloric dante will be delivered. The River Parade, just imagine the river decorated with skulls, marigolds, candles, skeletons and more no just around the river but also the Cruiser that travel through it.

Families are invited to de San Antonio Museum of Art to decorate sugar skulls, create Catrinas and add their own tributes. Find any kind of truck fare, make shopping, painting your face like a skull and games are activities that your kids will be able to discover and enjoy.

We’ve started to enjoy public gatherings after all the pandemic, and this Fest won’t be the exception, last year it was virtual, but now is our time to honor these dates again for our love ones. We’ve been celebrating these traditions for many years and we want America to come and be part of it.

This year we will be celebrating on Saturday, Oct 23 and Sunday, Oct 24 at the Hemisfair. Come and be part of this beautiful Tradition we celebrate at San Antonio; I promise you will enjoy the atmosphere and activities done these days. We will be waiting for you this year.