Texas Trotter

San Antonio benefits from a rich, scenic climate complete with a lovely nature-fueled atmosphere.  So what better way to celebrate it than to experience the amazing nighttime spectacle that is watching a movie under San Antonio’s beautiful night sky? Just in time for the end of summer, Tower of the Americas is presenting a series of family-friendly movies under the stars for San Antonio families across the city to enjoy. These movies include all things Disney, Pixar, and Marvel, ensuring plenty of fan-favorite experiences that your children will absolutely love.  Families can gather together to watch all their favorite movies outside by the Tower of the Americas, surrounded by a beautiful outside glow to maximize the coziness of their experience. Movies will be shown year-round and some of the upcoming titles include Aladdin, Elf, Star Wars, Avengers, and plenty more! It’s a great way to show up to celebrate San Antonio’s welcoming atmosphere, as well as spend quality time wit...

As if San Antonio didn’t have enough perks to enjoy!  One of the main highlights of visiting or living in San Antonio is stopping by Fiesta Texas . As a native Houstonian, I was pretty bitter when we lost our beloved Astroworld. But since San Antonio is just a short drive away, there’s plenty of amazing fun and thrills to be had at their resident theme park, Six Flags: Fiesta Texas!  Fiesta is an annual summer event that takes place every year in San Antonio that celebrates the Battle of Flowers, as well as important pieces of the city’s history and heritage. So why not celebrate it all year long? That’s what this Six Flags park is themed for, decorated with an array of familiar Fiesta-themed imagery all over the park! And, naturally, there are plenty of exciting rides to enjoy, from the Bamboo Chutes to the Goliath roller coaster to Screamin’ Eagle Zipline, and more! There’s actually a slew of really great rides here that will always have what you need. If you’re a family wit...

Beware of bats! Just kidding. This place is actually really something special if you live in the San Antonio area. Discovered in 1960 by four college students and running across 60 ft. of natural limestone, Natural Bridge Caverns is the perfect place to visit for anyone looking for a level of fun and adventure.  Complete with special lighting and comfortable temperatures, this premier natural attraction leads guests through amazing caverns complete with some truly awe-inspiring formations. Take a tour through hidden passages or trek through an underground experience you’ll never forget! I have very fond memories of visiting the caverns with my old college Geology group. I remember seeing some extremely spectacular sightings deep down below in the caves. And don’t worry--it’s all perfectly safe with special rules set in place to make sure everyone has a great time. If you’re a bit claustrophobic, no worries. There’s a surprising level of space, as well as clean air, in the caverns t...

It’s a jungle out there! Or at least, it is at the San Antonio Zoo. Running from April 24th to April 25th, the San Antonio Zoo is celebrating animals, culture, and Latin American food with its Festival De Animales event! This exciting experience will be highlighting the animals native to South and Central America, as well as modes of conservation being taken to protect them. There will be plenty of room for guests to enjoy some delicious Latin American cuisine at select zoo restaurants and pop-up booths, making for an educational, but truly spectacular outing with friends and family. The San Antonio Zoo might seem smaller in scale to other Texas zoos for those unfamiliar with it, but I can promise you that they make up for it with some really excellent habitats for the animals, as well as some great family-oriented activities and events on a monthly basis. You really get a sense that they take pride in their care for the animals, as well as the bustling jungle atmosphere all around the...

There’s a great honor that comes with being a native Texan. Some say that we’re naturally proud due to our warm climate and a steady supply of crops and livestock. And while that may indeed be true, we have one staple of pride that no other state in the US has--the Alamo. I’ve held off on talking about the Alamo for a while. But mostly because I wanted to whet your tastebuds if you’re not as familiar with the place. To make things simple, the Alamo is a BIG deal for Texans. It was the place where brave men fought and died for Texas’ freedom from Mexico. And though the Alamo ultimately ended in death instead of victory, it remains a pinnacle landmark in Texas’ proud history. If you’re living in San Antonio, I would pretty much say that it is your civic duty to visit the Alamo at least once. Not only will you get to learn about a major cornerstone of Texas history, but you’ll also get to immerse yourself deeper into the scope of San Antonio’s rich climate and culture. And while that does...

  San Antonio is the gift that keeps on giving. It might just be nostalgia from my college years but I recall the city being one of the absolute best places to live in the entire state of Texas.  And if there’s one place I distinctly remember during my time in San Antonio, it’s definitely The Quarry Market. This relaxed shopping district is located just shy of some of the most prominent universities in the area, including Trinity University and the University of the Incarnate Word. It sports a movie theater, an endless array of great dining options, high-end clothing shopping, a grocery store, upscale housing, and more!  Word is that the Quarry Market is the local hangout place for all the university students. I remember I myself spent more than several hundred afternoons (as well as dollars) there during my time in the city. It’s also a great spot for local food and charity events including the Alamo Heights Farmers Market and the San Antonio Food Bank Drive. It’s just a...

I’ll confess--strawberries are easily my favorite fruit, as well as a truly tasty topping for all the best desserts. For San Antonio Residents, the nearby-Poteet Strawberry Festival is slated to begin! Running from April 9th through April 11th, guests can enjoy the fresh smells of the very best home-grown strawberries in the region. The Poteet Strawberry Festival has been a local staple for over 75 years, acting as a critical source of funding for scholarships, local farmers, non-profits, and small businesses.  At the festival, guests can enjoy live entertainment, outdoor concerts, rodeo performances, and of course the showcasing of some truly delicious strawberries. Kids under 12 are admitted free of charge, a huge benefit for those of you with families. Over 100 different groups will be featured in the festival for judging, winners being provided high-demand scholarship opportunities. It’s just a great way to enjoy some quality entertainment, as well as spread some love for the m...

San Antonio is the only place other than New York City that I can safely say has some of the best dining spots in the country. That’s right, you heard me. And I regret NOTHING because it’s true! San Antonio is known for its bold spirit of curiosity and community and it easily reflects on local restaurants. Today, I’d like to share one of my favorite restaurants in San Antonio--The Pig Stand! This long-running establishment has been a natural San Antonio staple for nearly a HUNDRED years. That’s right, you heard me. It’s been around since the ‘20s, famous for some mouth-watering food items including Texas toast, deep-fried onion rings, and the country-fried steak sandwich. But the most famous item on the menu, of course, is the Pig Sandwich, a delicious pork sandwich oozing with the most tantalizing and juiciest of flavors in the state. Take it from me--someone who doesn’t even LIKE pork--you gotta try it. The Pig Stand has for a long time been one of my favorite places to eat in the Sa...

Get ready to kick back and relax because Spring Break has arrived! Whether you’re a student, young adult, parent, or local, it’s always great to set aside time to chill out and enjoy the new season.  And for San Antonio residents, there are even more reasons to celebrate when it comes to exciting things going on in the area! Running from Saturday, March 6th to Sunday, March 21st, guests can hear local artists live in Discovery Village at Natural Bridge Caverns in honor of the Spring Break season. You’ll be able to check out the new LED lighting in Discovery Passages, along with brand new zip rails on the Twisted Trails Adventure Course. And all the while, you’ll get the chance to enjoy some great live music from 12 to 3 pm daily.  I’ve only been to the Natural Bridge Caverns once, but I distinctly remember it being breathtakingly beautiful with glittering walls and unique natural rock formations. San Antonio is very quirky in that it has a thriving cityscape but also some spec...

  Is there truly anything more delicious than chocolate?  The answer, obviously, is a resounding NO. There isn’t and I will not settle for anything else! And I know many of you feel the same. Well, there’s GREAT news! For residents in San Antonio, you now have a big reason to celebrate as the Chocoholic Frolic 5k is scheduled to share some sweet chocolatey goodness for participants to enjoy!  Starting and finishing at River City Community Church, 3809, 16765 Lookout Road , the Chocoholic Frolic is a chip-timed race that rewards all participants with chocolate at the finish line. You can run, jog, or walk your way through the course, gaining some healthy fresh air and exercise along with some tasty treats! It’s a great way to help keep your body in shape while also getting the chance to indulge in delicious snacks. A win-win in my book if you ask me!  San Antonio always has something fun going on. Even following this terrible Texas freeze, it still manages to shine th...

I’ve discussed ghost tours before on this blog. And why not? They’re fun! Even though Halloween is still months and months away, it’s still worth it to have one or two entertainingly-spooky experiences throughout the year. And when it comes to living in San Antonio, there’s definitely some supernatural adventures to be had. This year, Haunted Rooms America will be returning to the 150-year-old Victoria’s Black Swan Inn, where guests have steadily reported strange and unusual ghostly happenings taking place over the years. On top of being the site where many have died, it’s also a key site of a battle between the Texan army and Mexican militia, where over 60 people lost their lives. Whew! Not to get morbid on you, but that definitely invites some curiosity as to what’s lurking there underneath the surface! Now, Haunted Rooms America will be featuring an overnight ghost hunt and campout where guests can experience a ghost tour and history of the property by Black Swan Inn’s own professio...

Love is in the air, or at least it is on Valentine’s Day! And for San Antonio couples, there’s a great date opportunity waiting to happen with the Sips and Sounds of the West event over at the Briscoe Western Art Museum ! On Friday, February 12th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, guests can enjoy a spectacular evening of live music, tasty treats, delicious beverages, and fun under the stars in the McNutt Sculpture Garden. Local singer/songwriter Ty Dillon will be there to help put you in a grooving mood with a live musical performance you won’t want to miss! Plus, for sweethearts, there will be the opportunity to enjoy some tasty chocolate strawberries, along with a Pony Express Love Letters calligraphy workshop. Even if you’re attending alone, there’s still plenty of fun to be had with live entertainment, an engaging atmosphere, and enough snacks to satisfy your tastebuds all night long! San Antonio is home to some of the very best art museums in the state and the Briscoe is definitely no exce...

Being inside all the time can really take a toll on the muscles and joints. How so? Well, when you’re constantly curled up into a ball on the couch, binging Netflix and keeping away from the rest of the world, your body starts adapting in a negative direction.  That’s why the Cherrity Bar is featuring outdoor yoga on the patio for all participants to enjoy. Yoga can be an incredibly healthy way to build a sense of flexibility and balance for your body. And even better, it can be a great way to cultivate a healthier heart as well! For anxious people, in particular, yoga is a helpful way to alleviate stress, as well as promote a solid way to achieve feelings of relaxation. It’s an overall essential physical exercise that many should embrace when it comes to making good choices about their physical wellbeing. If you’re living in the East Side section of San Antonio, this great yoga on the patio event is sure to bring the community together. The Cherrity Bar’s special yoga happy hour ...

The Alamo isn’t the only iconic location that San Antonio has to offer!  If there’s one place I truly love more than anyplace else in the Downtown San Antonio area, it’s definitely the River Walk. This scenic riverside location offers visitors the chance to enjoy a sense of quiet serenity, the perfect family activity for those who enjoy a good walk.  But that isn’t all the River Walk offers! Just recently, running to January 30th, the San Antonio River Authority has now authorized river kayaking right on the water! Here, visitors can rent a kayak and enjoy riding down the River Walk as it winds down through San Antonio’s world-famous Downtown Business District. It’s an easy, breezy 3.5-mile flat-water kayak trip that you and your family won’t want to miss! While advanced registration is required and there will be a rental fee for the kayak, paddles, and life vest, the opportunity is very much worth the cost and you can enjoy a great introspective look at Downtown San Antonio r...

Out of all the cities in Texas, even my beloved Houston home, San Antonio is one of those places that is very near and dear to my heart. From the food to the culture to the funky college-esque atmosphere, San Antonio is jam-packed with endless things to see and do. All across the city, you'll find an endless maze of new attractions and cultural landmarks. And everything begins and ends with the Alamo, the crowning jewel of the freedom that earned Texas its place in the United States. The Riverwalk, especially during the holidays, is a great place to unwind with food and shopping. Given its close proximity to the Alamo along with the hottest clubs and eateries, it’s the best place to enjoy that wonderful San Antonio lifestyle with a scenic view of the river. Equally wonderful is the Quarry Market, noted for its close proximity to Trinity University and the University of the Incarnate Word. This area serves as local shopping and dining hangout for the local college students, as well ...