The San Antonio Edition

“Livin La Vida Lager,”  “Round About Midnight,” “MALTerial Girl,” and “Who’s Got The Juice Now?” are only a few of the unique craft brew selections of one of San Antonio’s newest (two years old this month) and most interesting breweries. If you haven’t been over to the Weathered Souls Brewing Company yet, make this a must-see during your visit. Founders Mike Holt and Marcus Baskerville know a thing or two about beer, and are darned proud of their products, and darned serious about remaining independent.

Their brews, made from area-grown grains, are sold only in Texas, and are distributed by their own trucks around the Hill Country and its surrounding areas. A stopover in their onsite tap room is a delightful experience, along with their outdoor patio, where you can always enjoy a pint and some live music, along with great food, and cool and crowd-pleasing events like crawfish boils and fly-tying workshops. Every Thursday is special release day when the brewery releases a brand new, sui generis, small-batch. Check out their Facebook page for the latest release and to view the venues serving Weathered Souls products.

San Antonio has long enjoyed a reputation for being one of the most haunted cities in America, but some places here are more famous than others when it comes to ghostly goings-on. At the Menger Hotel, many of our guests over the years have personally experienced some form of paranormal activity, and this beautifully-remodeled hotel is renowned for its ghosts. Much of this is due to the fact that the Menger is quite an old hotel, and its proximity to The Alamo only increases the activity.

A sampling of the Menger’s reported 32 ghosts include hotel maid Sally White, who was brutally murdered by her husband. Sallie, still dressed in her Victorian maid uniform is often seen carrying a stack of towels. The “King Ranch Room” is named for Captain Richard King, as it’s this suite where his ghost appears. However, the most famous of these spirits is President Theodore “Teddy" Roosevelt, who allegedly used the bar for Rough Rider recruiting. His ghost is still glimpsed occasionally, sitting at the bar enjoying his favorite libation. Want to see our ghosts for yourself? Call (210) 223-4361 for details and reservations.

Fabulous, family-friendly fun is never seasonal here in San Antonio – we’ve got more terrific attractions and events than you can shake a stick at, and four of them are listed here. First, visit The Grotto, located at the north end of the Riverwalk. An impressive cement sculpture by artist Carlos Cortes, it contains stalagmites, waterfalls, stalactites, and some huge, uber-cool, open-mouthed heads. It’s also beautiful when lit up at night, and there are benches for tired tourists.

When it’s time for lunch or dinner, be sure to check out The Pig Stand, the original of which opened in Dallas in 1921, and was the first drive-in in the country. The San Antonio location is now owned by a former waitress and still serves their wildly popular Pig Sandwich. For something more adventurous, head over to Six Flags Fiesta Texas and dive, swoop and soar through the air on the Wonder Woman Golden Lasso Coaster, the world’s first single-rail coaster. Finally, don’t miss a trip to artist Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum, featuring over 1,000 of his singularly adorned toilet seats. Call (210) 824-7791 for a viewing appointment.

An iconic landmark that played an integral part in the founding of San Antonio, and is still a central element in the City’s identity, The Alamo is currently undergoing preservation/renovation work. According to the Alamo Master Plan, the following changes are forthcoming: Alamo Street will be closed to vehicle traffic and entertainment attractions such as Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and Alamo Plaza will be removed from the 1836 Battlefield, as ownership of the battlefield areas are transferred to the people and state of Texas.

Plans are also in the works for an Alamo Museum with the world’s largest exhibit on the Texas Revolution in the Crockett block buildings that would contain the Phil Collins collection, along with hundreds of additional Alamo artifacts. One of the most important concerns for the Alamo’s revitalization was the restoration, preservation, and relocation of the Alamo Cenotaph. The objective is to restore reverence and historical authenticity to the area, along with aesthetic and pedestrian improvements. Ultimately, The Alamo will remain The Alamo, and will still belong to the citizens of Texas, even as the seven-year plan for renovation goes forward.  

Come to San Antonio for a special tri-centennial celebration of our city’s 300-year history. Since the founding of the Mission San Antonio de Valero (which later became the Alamo), and the San Antonio de Bexar, the city has grown exponentially, and can now claim the title of the seventh-largest city in the U.S. Upholding a proud tradition, San Antonio continues to honor the culture and history of its founders, and today has become a Mecca for cuisine, tourism, arts, and technology.

This rare celebration is being commemorated by many of the city’s organizations, including the family-owned James Avery Artisan Jewelry, which has designed and created a special collection for the occasion. Also, the Witte Museum’s program, “Confluence and Culture: 300 Years of San Antonio History” will be ongoing through the first part of 2019, and the San Antonio Museum of Art is featuring the exhibit, “Spain: 500 Years of Spanish Painting from the Museums of Madrid.” Additionally, “BRAVO! An Evening of Song and Dance” will showcase various performers at the Arneson River Theater at La Villita through July. We hope you’ll visit our historic city and join us in honoring our magnificent past and looking forward to our glorious future.

Beautiful gemstones, silver, and gold, combined with quality craftsmanship and distinctive design. These are the hallmarks of James Avery’s jewelry empire. From a single storefront in Kerrville, Texas in 1954, he soon opened stores in Dallas, Houston, and right here in San Antonio. The house that Avery built thrives yet today, with five manufacturing plants across the state, and 50 company-owned-and-operated stores across the Southeast and Midwest.

Also known for religious themes in his designs, Avery was commissioned in 1987 by the Archdiocese of San Antonio to design and create four vessels that would be used by Pope John Paul II when performing Mass while visiting here. Avery was named San Antonio Entrepreneur of the Year in 1988, and his wife Estela is the executive director of the San Antonio River Foundation. With 1,100 designs and 14,000 unique pieces sold at other retail outlets, such as Dillard’s, in 28 states, the company grosses millions of dollars annually. Sadly, James Avery has since passed on, but his genius and creative spirit will continue to live on.

Originally an abandoned limestone rock quarry, the San Antonio Japanese Tea Garden is a brilliant example of repurposing design. Gorgeous stone columns and walls, brilliantly colored Koi swimming in ponds, waterfalls, beautifully-tended trees, stunning gardens, a pagoda-like pavilion, and much more all await you here. From the moment you step through artist Dionicio Rodriguez’ replication of a Japanese Torii gate, you’ll find yourself in one of the most distinctive places in the city.

The Sunken Garden amphitheater is another feature of the Garden, with a general admittance of 2,700 and standing room of up to 6,000 spectators. The Garden is designated as a Texas Civil Engineering Landmark, a Registered Texas Historic Landmark, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Don’t leave without checking out the menu at the Jingu House Café, which is also open for private dining and events after 5:00 p.m. For more information, click here.

There are breweries and there are distilleries, but seldom are the two combined, at least not until the past few years. San Antonio’s own Ranger Creek is proud of the fact that they are the first combined brewery and distillery in the area. Focusing on the relationship between beer and whiskey, it is Ranger Creek’s contention that “Whiskey is just beer that’s been distilled. That means every craft beer drinker has a craft whiskey drinker inside of them. We view drinking craft whiskey as the natural next step from drinking craft beer.”

To that end, the company distills their beers into whiskey, and uses their own bourbon barrels to age their beer, frequently using the same equipment for the same processes for each homemade batch. They pride themselves on making quality batches by hand, with the result being unique, barrel-aged beers, such as the renowned and limited draft Russian Imperial Stout, in addition to medal-award-winning Texas Whiskey. For tour information and other details, click here.

Glorious paintings, photographs, sculptures, and more await you at San Antonio’s famed McNay Art Museum. From its inception as the first modern art museum in Texas, the McNay continues to set the standard with 45,000 square feet of exhibits, gardens, a sculpture gallery, a lecture hall, and classrooms for educational programs. The museum boasts over 20,000 works of art, including the art of New Mexico and the Southwest, American Art, Modern European art, the Jeanne and Irving Matthews Collection of Art glass, and the thousands of theatre arts objects that make up the Tobin Collection of Theatre Arts.

The McNay’s collection includes such venerable artist names as Picasso, Matisse, Edward Hopper, and Georgia O’Keefe, along with contemporary art in various mediums by Radcliffe Bailey, Kiki Smith, and Whitfield Lovell. The prints and drawing collections include Van Gogh and Andy Warhol, as well as an enviable collection of Latino prints by such artistic luminaries as Richard Montoya, Carlos Francisco Jackson, and Cesar Martinez. And don’t miss the outdoor sculpture collection exhibited throughout the 23-acre estate, featuring work by Joel Shapiro, Alexander Liberman, and others. For more information, call (210) 824-5368 or click here.

Even some cinephiles are unaware that the 1927 Oscar-winning film “Wings” was filmed right here in San Antonio. However, it really shouldn’t come as a surprise, as Texas locations have long been favorites of the film industry. Beginning in 1926, Kelly Field was the location for this romantic/war/action silent movie. Filming lasted for nine months, and hundreds of planes, pilots, and extras were used. After a sneak preview at the Texas Theater (on Houston Street), the film premiered at the Criterion Theater in New York City. But, it wasn’t until the very first Academy Awards ceremony in 1929 that “Wings” won in the categories of “Best Picture” and “Best Engineering Effects.”

Although the film is dated, it remains entertaining watch, and critics continue to praise it for its compelling flying combat scenes. Clara Bow, who starred in the film, accepted the statuette that would later become known as “Oscar.” Many other movies have been filmed here, or partially here. “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure,’ “Miss Congeniality,” “Toy Soldiers,” “All the Pretty Horses,” “Nadine,” “The Great Waldo Pepper,” “Selena,” the 1972 version of “The Getaway”, and “The Sugarland Express” are just a few we can mention.

Did you know that each zebra’s stripes are as unique as fingerprints are to people? Or that rhinos, like pigs, have no sweat glands? Or that ostriches, Damaraland zebras, giraffes, lemurs, Bactrian camels, and two white rhinos named Bertha and Goliath are among many animal species now living only about 30 minutes away from San Antonio at the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch? With its green hills, large oak trees, and creek beds, this 400-acre natural safari park near New Braunfels is as close to the animal’s habitats as the ranch can make it.

The ranch is home to more than 500 animals from 40 different species from all over the planet. Some are endangered, some are exotic and some are native, but all coexist here. Guests can drive around the park grounds and observe the animals without disturbing them. The park is also concerned about shrinking giraffe populations, and tries to raise awareness about this threatened and vulnerable species so they can be preserved for generations to come. For visitor information, call (830) 438-7400, or click here.

An oasis winding peacefully through the center of a modern urban setting, the San Antonio River Walk was once described by columnist Ernie Pyle as “The American Venice.” It attracts millions of visitors annually, and offers lush scenery mixed generously with historic attractions and multi-cultural events, in addition to some of the city’s finest food and drink, art, and entertainment. From its early days as a gathering place for Native Americans and Spanish settlers along the San Antonio River, the area has been, and still is, considered the heart and soul of the city.

Today, there are a myriad of ways to explore the River Walk. River barge cruises and kayaks are available, with pedestrian access to the Pearl Brewery complex and the San Antonio Museum of Art. Or, go via bicycle using B-Cycle, the city’s bike share program, with more than 50 stations in the downtown area. Need a little help? Ask an Ambassador Amigo – you can spot them by their straw hats and brightly-colored shirts, and they are invaluable at providing assistance. Also, there are various historical plaques and markers scattered throughout the River Walk for help you learn more and keep you on the right track.

This year it is bald eagles, not turkeys, which are the focus of the folks at the San Antonio Zoo. After temporary stays at several zoos around the country, a 25-year-old American bald eagle named Haley found a new home here in March of this year. The Zoo staff and guests are pleased to have Haley, who is now recovered from a 1988 gunshot wound. Deemed non-releasable due to injuries from the wound that left her unable to fly, this special girl has been assigned two main caretakers.

She is evidently settled in and has made herself at home near the Hixon and Beastro Birdhouses amongst the East African Crowned Cranes and the European White Storks. Haley is the first resident bald eagle the zoo has had in almost 10 years, and so far she has no problem posing for the many photos snapped by the zoo’s visitors. There are plans for a male bald eagle named Chinook to be brought in as another resident eagle, so perhaps Haley will have a companion soon. For more information about Haley, zoo hours and additional details, click here.

The iconic man of the west who sat tall in the saddle as he roamed the countryside became a folk hero throughout the entire country, but the real American cowboy originated in Texas. Cattle thrived in Texas, and, by the end of the Civil War, the state was home to over five million head. During the mid-to-late 1800s, cowboys were needed for the great cattle drives that took place on the open range. They were the heroes of their time, and have since been immortalized in hundreds of beloved western books and classic movies.  

With its emphasis on the preservation of the art, culture, and history of the American West, the Briscoe Western Art Museum has forged a link between the past and the present. The museum offers exhibits of art and artifacts from over five centuries, beginning with the Spanish Conquest. Additionally, they provide educational programs, including distinguished lecturers, and public events that honor vibrant cultural traditions and to preserve the connections of shared heritage. To learn more about the Briscoe Western Art Museum, call (210) 299-4499, or click here.

The devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey are being felt across the region, the state, the nation, and the world. Right now, we are all one, as we seek to do anything we can to help. Here are options: First, the South Texas Blood and Tissue Bank is experiencing shortages they describe as “critical,” and need donations. As a result, they have extended the hours at all of their San Antonio donor locations. To donate, or for more information, call (210) 731-5590 or click here. Next, the Texas Diaper Bank in San Antonio needs diapers and wipes. You can drop them off, or mail them to:5415 Bandera Road, Suite 504, San Antonio, Tex., 78238.

The San Antonio Food Bank is accepting donations for folks in the city, the region, and for those impacted by Hurricane Harvey. They need food, volunteers, and money. Call the Food Bank helpline at (210) 337-FOOD, or visit. Finally, the San Antonio Humane Society has not forgotten our animal friends who have been displaced, or are still at risk. They have delivered supplies and are making room for evacuated animals in their shelter. Donations are being accepted by the Harvey’s Heroes Emergency Fund. To donate, or for more information, click here.

The McNay Art Museum is proud to present “Groovy: A Psychedelic Summer” through August 27^th. Focusing on color, new technology, and patterns that came into vogue during the late 1960s and early 1970s, the exhibit showcases the early years of the contemporary art movement. Featured artists include Robert Gordy, Edna Andrade, and Joe Tilson in the Frost Octagon, along with Nam June Paik. The exhibit also includes “Global Groove,” John Godfrey’s iconic 1973 video, recognized as one of the first major works of video art. For more information, call (210) 824-5368.

Join us at Bracken Cave on August 13^th and September 3^rd for the Bracken Bat Flight. One of the most magnificent displays of nature, this phenomenon features millions of bats belonging to the world’s largest colony emerging from their cave and swooping and soaring through the skies in their noctural hunt for insects. Packages are available for the Natural Bridge Caverns Tour and the bat flight from Bracken Cave. Hours will vary depending on desired package. For more information, call (210) 651-6101.

This Independence Day, the air will be filled with the smell of hot dogs and hamburgers sizzling on grills, blaring horns and crashing cymbals will accompany bands marching to the sounds of Sousa, and a dazzling array of fireworks will illuminate night skies nationwide as we come together to celebrate our most American holiday. Guests of the Menger Hotel are invited to come early and stay for the holiday to enjoy the fun and family-friendly events and activities below.

San Antonio’s annual 4^th of July celebration will be held from 8:00 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. at Woodlawn Lake Park. This free event includes a parade, a 1K and 5K fun run, and live music before the evening’s star-spangled fireworks spectacular. A must-see event for all visitors to the city is Independence Day at the Alamo. From 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. on July 4^th, the Alamo will present folk music performances, musket demonstrations, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, and other patriotic activities to inspire historical reflection. Finally, don’t leave without a stroll on the city’s famous River Walk, and save the dates of July 28^th – July 30^th for the Summer Artisan River Walk Show.

This year, forget the ties, the after-shave, and the campy boxers, and give Dad something he'll remember for years to come. Indulge his playful side, his love of adventure, and his competitive spirit with the exciting gift of indoor skydiving. Dad can experience the sensation of outdoor skydiving without the risks, as the thrill of free falling becomes a safe reality. A vertical wind tunnel simulates genuine conditions as skydivers “fly” on a smooth column of air; landing securely and easily.

Located less than 30 minutes from the Menger Hotel, iFly San Antonio  is one of many places now offering indoor skydiving. Termed “bodyflight,” it is rapidly gaining momentum with traditional skydivers and other sports enthusiasts around the world. Although it packs a wallop, it’s safe enough for the youngsters, and something the entire family can enjoy together. We suggest booking a family getaway, and visiting additional local attractions. For information on reservations and special getaway packages, call (210) 223-4361, or visit: https://www.mengerhotel.com/san-antonio-hotel-deals.

Every May, the culture and community of craft brews and brewers are celebrated with American Craft Beer Week. Celebrated this year from May 15 through May 21, this has become the largest national effort with a focus American craft beer and its booming market. With the ever-growing popularity of craft beer, it’s no wonder that more indie brewers are jumping into the arena. The result is a veritable of explosion of breweries across the country, and the inevitable ranking of their various brews by such notables as Food and Wine and TimeOut Magazine. Below are two top-class breweries located right here in San Antonio.

The Alamo Beer Company and the Freetail Brewing Company were selected as the #8 and the #17 brewers on the list of TimeOut Magazine's "Best Craft Beer Breweries in America.” Freetail Brewing has a lineup of 16 creative classics, and Alamo is famed for “The Golden Ale,” considered one of the best examples of its kind in the country. Want to check out these brewers? Book a craft brew “staycation” with us! For reservations, call (210) 223-4361.

The enticing smell of sizzling fajitas, bands marching with military precision, extravagantly decorated floats, colorful confetti bursting from cascarones, and a mix of music from mariachi to jazz make up only a small part of Fiesta San Antonio. 2017 is the 126^th anniversary of the annual celebration and the eleven days from April 20-30 promise to be a non-stop party throughout the city. Events include the Fiesta Teen Queen Coronation, a hat contest, the Fiesta de los Reyes at Market Square, the Fiesta Masquerade Party, the Fiesta Mission 10K Run, and Piñatas in the Barrio. But even these and dozens of other events, it’s safe to say that the Fiesta Flambeau Parade is one of the largest, most impressive, and most anticipated events every year. Known as “America’s Greatest Night Parade,” the Fiesta Flambeau Parade is the largest illuminated parade on the world, and boasts over 700,000 viewers annually. The parade provides a breathtaking finishing touch to our city’s celebration. The Menger Hotel’s location offers convenient access to the Fiesta Flambeau Parade and all of the city’s events for Fiesta San Antonio. Call us (210) 223-4361 for reservations and more information.

Join us from March 17^th-19^th for the Murphy’s St. Patrick’s Day River Parade & Festival. The festivities begin at La Villita (418 Villita Street) when, with the help of some green dye, the River Walk will be transformed into the River Shannon. The parade and the Artisan River Walk Show will follow, along with live concerts and other festival events at the Arneson River Theatre. It’s going to be one epic party weekend, so scope out the dates and times below.

 

March 17th at 1:00 p.m. and March 18th at 2:00 p.m.

Dyeing of the River Walk

  

March 17th – 19th, 12:00 – 9:00 p.m.

 The St. Patrick's Day Artisan River Walk Show, with booths along the River Walk extension near the Shops at Rivercenter

 

March 18th, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Murphy's River Parade, featuring 14 decorated floats filled with bagpipes and drummers, Irish step dancers, and music.

 

March 17th – March 19th, 12:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Concerts at the Arneson River Theater, with entertainment provided by the Kelly Singers, Celtic Comfort, the Inishfree Irish Dancers, the Ledbetters, and O'Malarkey.

This month, the City of San Antonio is hosting an interesting combination of events that cater to both gamers and cocktail enthusiasts.

Through Sunday, January 15, the sixth annual San Antonio Cocktail Conference will once again mix together outstanding bartenders and cocktail aficionados, and the result is a dynamic blast. Named “the future of cocktails” by Paste Magazine, the festival is a celebration of craft cocktails. Guided tastings, educational seminars, and cocktail parties are on the agenda, and the conference will continue its tradition of donating 100 percent of the profits to children’s charities. For details, visit: https://www.sanantoniococktailconference.com/

From January 27-January 29, gamers of all levels will descend on the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center for PAX South, a festival devoted exclusively to the rapidly-growing gaming community and its culture. PAX South will feature a game industry expo hall, sneak peeks at unreleased software, latest gen-hardware, and free play areas, along with keynote speakers and nerdcore music with gamer-inspired concerts. For the awesome details, visit http://south.paxsite.com/