A MISSION FOR ADVENTURE IN SAN ANTONIO

from Food & Travel Magazine Spring 2022

SEVEN REASONS TO VISIT OKLAHOMA’S CHICKASAW COUNTRY

BY MEGAN HILL

Most people think of the Alamo when they picture San Antonio. Sure, the Texas city’s most famous landmark is a popular place to visit for good reason, but San Antonio is home to four other UNESCO-listed missions. And they’re best enjoyed through outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and paddling.

Visiting the other four missions in San Antonio is also a great way to escape the crowds at the Alamo. The missions are each set on the San Antonio River, linked by the paved waterfront Mission Trails. Each mission sits about 2.5 miles away from the next, making it fairly easy to traverse all four, or stick to one or two. Kayakers can paddle the slow-moving river, stopping to enjoy the architecture and history along the way. The trail has water fountains, restrooms, trail access points, and viewpoints scattered throughout.

If you’re opting for a bike, you can rent a bike from a local shop or use the city bike share, called BCycle. Pack a picnic and make a day out of it.

Start in downtown and then explore

A mission for adventure in San Antonio

the exquisitely preserved Mission Concepción, followed by Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo, then Mission San Juan Capistrano, and Mission San Francisco de la Espada. If you’ve opted for BCycle or on-foot exploration, you can easily opt for a ride share back to your starting point. 1. Hiking: The San Antonio River Walk will take you from the downtown district to the four Missions with ease by foot. Along the way, you can stop at picnic areas and use the restrooms along the way. The entire walk is about 10 miles one way, so plan for about three hours of walking. But if you plan to stop at each mission, be ready for a full day of adventuring. 2. Biking: The River Walk welcomes pedestrians and cyclists alike. If you choose to go on two wheels, there are more than ten BCycle stations on or close to the river. This way, you can plan a flexible itinerary, allowing you to pick up or return a bike at any of these points along the way. Cyclists can nip between the sites, park, explore, and then hop on a bike again to go further or return downtown. 3. Kayaking/Canoeing: Texas River Company and Mission Kayak will rent boats for this adventure and offer occasional guided tours. The river has several access points for entering and exiting the water. From this perspective, there are plenty of opportunities to view both the missions and local flora and fauna. The National Park Service offers a useful San Antonio River paddling map for planning purposes.

MARFA

Marfa, Texas. You’ve probably heard of it, but have you been? It’s where ranchers begin the day at dawn and artists lay down roots. It’s where Anthony Bourdain dined, Rick Bass wrote, and Beyoncé went to unwind. It’s where land as far as the eye can see meets more stars than you can count.

With a tight-knit community of around 1,800 residents, Marfa is a walkable West Texas destination where the pace slows down and you find yourself appreciating the simple things in life. When you arrive to this peaceful desert plateau surrounded by mountains, sprawling ranches, and stunning sunsets, you’ll know the journey to get there is well worth it.

West Texas encompasses an incredibly rich history. Geologic time scale is on full display in the mountains that surround the area. Archeological evidence of early Native people exists in the nearby state and national parks. Stories from early settlers have become legend. Cavalry forts, military bases, army airfields, and German POWs have all had a home in Marfa. The Marfa and Presidio County Museum holds an incredible archive of historic objects that is a must-see for history buffs.

As participants of the Greater Big Bend Dark Sky Reserve, Marfa boasts incredible opportunities for star gazing, even within city limits. A short drive outside of town will present you with more stars than you thought possible. Nearby, at the McDonald Observatory, world-renowned astronomers will unravel the mysteries of the night sky and point out planets, constellations, and nebulas visible to the naked eye. Be sure to book ahead for one of

PHOTOGRAPHY: JOHN CERNEY

PHOTOGRAPHY: JOEY GARCIA

their wildly popular star parties.

Marfa is located in the high desert plains of the Chihuahuan Desert, sitting at an elevation above 4,500 feet. That means the biggest, most colorful skies and rolling landscape for miles in every direction. A sunset drive down Pinto Canyon Road, a seldom traveled ranch road, gives uninterrupted views from horizon to horizon into the Chinati Mountains.

With Marfa as a homebase, a scenic drive in any direction will connect you to one of many distinct neighboring towns. Make a visit Big Bend National Park by way of River Road; a roller coaster of views that will take your breath away. Take a dip in the world’s largest spring fed pool at Balmorhea State Park, about an hour’s drive north of Marfa.

The land and sky are not Marfa’s only outstanding features. You will also find a great selection of restaurants, from food trailers to fine dining, Texas BBQ to international cuisine. Leave yourself plenty of time for browsing the independently owned bookstores, art galleries, and specialty shops.

Marfa is world-renowned for having been home to artist Donald Judd, and his influence can still be felt today. To find out exactly why Judd came to Marfa and view the museum he established to house large-scale works of art, reserve a tour at Judd Foundation and Chinati. Though Judd passed away in 1994, you can plan ahead to set up an appointment for a studio visit with one of the many artists currently residing in Marfa.

Marfa hosts several annual festivals, including the Trans-Pecos Festival of Music and Love, with well-known country and rock musicians playing an eclectic outdoor campground called El Cosmico. Every July the Viva Big Bend music festival brings the entire region together with more than 60 performances on stages in Marfa, Alpine, Fort Davis, Marathon, and Terlingua!

If you have questions or need resources to plan your trip, reach out to the Marfa Visitor Center, who have a friendly and knowledgeable staff ready to help with your itinerary.

EXPLORE ODESSA, IN WEST TEXAS!

Discover historical sites, unique eats, art, shopping, breath-taking sunsets, and much more for all ages to enjoy.

Art and history lovers can explore over 25 public art features like a one-of-a kind Stonehenge Replica; The Odessa Spire, the tallest outdoor lighted art piece in Texas, and the Chris Kyle Memorial Statue, honoring an American Hero. Take a trip to a local museum, like the Ellen Noël Art Museum or the White Pool House. The Ellen Noël Art Museum is one of 12 Smithsonian Affiliated art museums in Texas. The White Pool House is Odessa’s oldest standing home that is now a museum featuring authentic items from the late 1800’s.

Enjoy live music from many local venues, like The Ector Theatre, Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center, La Hacienda, Dos Amigos, and the Cactus House. The Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center is home to touring broadway plays, musical artists, dance and the Midland-Odessa Symphony & Chorale. As part of the City of Odessa’s downtown revitalization efforts, The Ector Theatre underwent a complete restoration and retrofit to accommodate grand scale live performances.

Get ready to shop till you drop at many of the local retailers like Marigold Boutique, Kirby’s Kloset, La Boutique Excentrique, E.F. Outfitters, and more! If you’re looking for the perfect pair of cowboy boots to gain that true West Texas experience, it’s a must to visit Pee Wee Dalton’s. Odessa is home to a variety of outstanding restaurants. As seen on the Food Network Channel, Beat Bobby Flay, Curbside Bistro is a must visit! You will find the best gourmet sliders and fries to satisfy your tastebuds. Travelers wanting a true West Texas experience should visit The Legendary Barn Door Steakhouse, and get a taste of excellent steaks, delicious drinks, and historic

charm. Fun fact - part of the Barn Door is the Historic Pecos Depot that was once was a railway stop that dates back to 1893 and rumor has it that there is a resident ghost!

For outdoor adventures, you can visit one of the many parks for the kiddos to run and play. Golf lovers can visit Ratliff Ranch Golf Links or the Sunset Country Club. The Odessa Mountain Bike Park has over 10 trails for beginners to experts. Be sure to enjoy a relaxing evening while viewing the breathtakingly beautiful sunsets in Odessa!

Odessa is the home of champion athletes such as Olympic Silver Medalist Toby Stevenson and NFL greats Roy Williams, Marcus Cannon and Bront Bird. We’re proud of all our sports teams and their achievements. In fact, Odessa was the setting for both the national best-selling book and feature film, Friday Night Lights.

Looking for something to do at night? Odessa has a wide variety of quality movie theaters and nightclubs for your enjoyment! Visit the Big Sky Drive In and enjoy your movie from your car or Cinergy Movie Theatre, where after your movie you can play games or bowl with the family. For those 21+, you can check many of the local bars like Dos Amigos, Homemade Wines, Corky’s Bar & Grill, and The Agave Bar. At Homemade Wines, you can unwind with friends, while purchasing your own bottle along with a wine and cheese board.

Odessans take pride in their city and all there is to offer, and we want to experience that with you! Make sure on your travels to Odessa to use #DiscoverOdessa when posting online, so we can experience your authentic West Texas Travels with you!

For more information on hotels, restaurants and things to do, visit discoverodessa.org.

EXPLORE ODESSA, IN WEST TEXAS!

Odessa is known for breathtaking sunsets, wideopen spaces and warm West Texas hospitality; you’ll enjoy shopping, dining, and unique cultural attractions. Odessa is home to a one-of-a-kind Stonehenge Replica, a raceway that takes you around the track in go-karts at 60mph & many unforgettable museums. We encourage you to explore our wonderful City and all it has to offer! Please visit DiscoverOdessa.org for upcoming event information.