THEY’VE LIVED THE ADVENTURE. NOW JONES TRAVEL PLANS YOURS.
LIFE + CULTURE
DISCOVER A LOCAL WINERY THAT FEELS LIKE TUSCANY IN TEXAS.
FOOD + BEVERAGE
LEARN HOW TO MAKE INFUSED ICE CUBES FOR YOUR PRETTIEST POURS.
Engaging MultiPrep® curriculum
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Do people really read these?
I mean, I do. Mostly to see if the person writing it is someone I’d want to have coffee with.
So… hi. I’m Chelsea. After years of traveling the world as an Army wife, living in places like South Korea, Germany, and Hawaii, I planted roots here in Stone Oak. And I fell in love. With the oak trees, the people, the spirit of the neighborhood. So much so that when the opportunity came to help tell this community’s story, I didn’t hesitate. I said yes. I became the editor of Stone Oak Magazine because I believe this place deserves to be celebrated.
This magazine isn’t just glossy pages and picture-perfect features. It’s real stories. The kind that remind you why you love where you live. The kind that make you think, “Hey, I’ve been there,” or better yet, “I want to go there.”
Each issue is filled with people who inspire, places that surprise you, and little everyday joys that make Stone Oak feel like home. You’ll meet business owners chasing big dreams, families building legacies, and neighbors who are quietly doing incredible things.
This month, we’re traveling in every sense of the word. The Jones family shares how decades of global adventure have shaped their lives and how you can bring a little of that spirit into your own. Then we’ll sip wine, share pizza, and escape to Tuscany (right here in the neighborhood) thanks to a family who loves wine and a local chef with worldwide acclaim.
And no, you don’t need to have it all figured out to belong here. I sure don’t! This is a space for connection, curiosity, and celebrating the kind of lives we’re all building, one imperfect, beautiful day at a time.
So whether you’re flipping through to find your next favorite restaurant, checking to see if someone you know is featured, or just looking for something uplifting, I’m really glad you picked this up. There’s something in here for you.
Here’s to the stories that make this place feel like home!
Same place next month?
CHELSEA
PUBLISHER
Sarah Mottu
sarah.mottu@citylifestyle.com
CO-PUBLISHER
Jonathan Mottu
jonathan.mottu@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Chelsea Humphreys
chelsea.humphreys@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Chelsea Humphreys, Sydney Leever
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Chelsea Humphreys, Yvette Hartridge
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
1: Austyn Burgamy, Amanda Herring & Teri Dawson at In Contrada Vineyard. 2: NAWBO SA 2025 Women’s Leadership Summit held at Norris Conference Center 3: Powerhouse women gathered at the Babes Accelerator for strategy, mentorship, and real entrepreneurial connection. 4: Chicken on a stick and cold drinks is peak Fiesta at Elsewhere Bar & Kitchen 5: Riverwalk Queen Karsen Maldonado performs at Tejano Conjunto Festival after just 3 semesters of accordion. 6: Epoch Championships: MLP-Style League Finale. One Shot. One Title. #BeEPOCH 7: River Artes Studio Tour invites locals to explore, collect ribbons, and connect with South Side artists.
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We create bespoke itineraries that offer the best in luxury vacations. Cruise, Land, and Escorted Tours.
Wander through the romantic streets of Europe’s historic cities or sail along the Danube River on the AmaMagna River cruise ship.
Immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Africa. Experience the thrill of close encounters with majestic wildlife, luxurious lodges, and awe-inspiring landscapes.
the captivating sights and rich culture of Japan, South Korea, Thailand or Vietnam.
Direct Auto Insurance recently celebrated three years of service to the San Antonio community with a ribbon-cutting hosted by the Metro San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. Located inside HEB on Bulverde Road, the team offers trusted coverage and friendly service with a smile. Chamber members and neighbors are invited to stop by, take advantage of exclusive deals, and help support a local business milestone. Congrats on three years of commitment and care!
Aim to Educate supports students from preschool to post-grad with services like psycho-educational evaluations (ages 2.5+), homeschool support, tutoring, test prep, and college advising. Whether navigating early learning or college admissions, their team helps turn confusion into confidence. With a heart for individualized learning and a commitment to student success, Aim to Educate is a trusted resource for San Antonio families at every stage of the academic journey.
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COREssentials blends expert physical and occupational therapy with holistic care to help clients heal from the root. Whether you’re dealing with pelvic pain, incontinence, postpartum recovery, or complex symptoms, their team treats the whole person, not just the diagnosis. Founder Jennifer Duggins and clinician Dr. Lindsey Sutton bring a compassionate, whole-body approach that helps you feel truly heard and supported every step of the way.
PROVEN SUCCESS IN STONE OAK’S MOST SOUGHT-AFTER NEIGHBORHOODS
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ARTICLE BY SYDNEY LEEVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY YVETTE HARTRIDGE
Tucked between the oak trees of San Antonio’s hill country sits a suburban home that holds treasures from across the globe, including handwoven African table runners, Aztec tapestries, and spirit animal idols painted at Machu Picchu. It’s the home of Nikki and Tommie Jones, Stone Oak locals and retired Army veterans with a combined 50 years of service and a passion for travel that has taken them to six continents.
Their story begins in 1999 at Fort Eustis, Virginia, where they met and went on a few dates before being stationed apart. Nikki was sent to South Korea, and their connection was put on pause. But in 2005, fate intervened when Tommie was also stationed in South Korea, and the two reconnected overseas.
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While Nikki had grown up traveling, Tommie needed a little convincing. “Travel in the military was simple. You went where they told you to go,” he explained. “Whenever I had free time, I would just go home to visit family.” That changed after their first vacation together to nearby Vietnam. Nikki planned every detail, from the hotel to the excursions, and it was the spark that lit a fire. “I had always wanted to own my own business,” she said. “And Vietnam was the catalyst that made me want to become a travel agent.”
In 2019, Nikki launched Jones Getaways, and Tommie joined her full-time a year later after retiring from the Army. “Most agencies are one person,” Nikki said. “A couple running an agency is rare. Our strength is that we’re a team.”
Jones Getaways specializes in international travel and cruising across all seven continents. As parents and now empty nesters, they’ve done it all, from family vacations and girls’ trips to romantic escapes. Their personal experience gives them a deep understanding of their clients’ needs. One of their favorite trips? Visiting the Colosseum in Rome, the filming location of Gladiator, the movie they saw on their very first date.
Tommie now runs their YouTube channel, Jones Getaways by Dream Vacations, where the couple posts weekly travel vlogs. Recent destinations include Jamaica, Rome, the Disney Magic, and SeaDream II. Coming up: a river cruise through Bordeaux and a visit to Ghana to explore the origins of the transatlantic slave trade.
“We’ve learned that people around the world are more alike than different.
Traveling reminds us that joy, love, and connection exist everywhere and that the world is wide open for all of us to explore.”
“As African Americans, we don’t always have a direct connection to the culture we came from,” Tommie said. “Seeing it in person gives us a stronger connection to our history.” Through DNA testing, he discovered he has Nigerian roots, though tracing specific tribes isn’t possible due to the legacy of enslavement. “We’ve been on cruises where we were the only people of color,” Nikki added. “A big part of why we travel so much is to show people that the world is open to everyone.”
Their mission is resonating. Jones Getaways was recently named Best Travel Agent of 2024 by their franchiser, Dream Vacations, and business is booming. Still, for Nikki, the real reward is simpler: “When clients come back and say they had a phenomenal experience, that’s what motivates me. The joy of giving people something new.”
The Joneses recommend planning a trip at least a year in advance. This allows you to accurately pay in advance and get the best deals. Some agents recommend booking up to three years in advance for more expensive trips to offset costs and accurately save or pay in advance.
To travel authentically, research is your best friend. Spend time learning the language and customs of the country you’ll be visiting. Look into restaurants, experiences or excursions you’d be interested in. Explore the best views of monuments you’d want to see.
If you don’t want to spend hours booking or planning, a travel agent is here to help. The process is simple: tell the agent what you want, and they do everything to make it happen. Jones Getaways is commission based, meaning that the extra cost for a client is minimal for the work they do. In most cases, agents get clients a steep enough discount that an agent can actually save a client money.
The best way to pack light is to create a capsule wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe is a closet where anything can be mixed and matched with ease. If you’re unable to do laundry while traveling, a capsule wardrobe ensures that everything coordinates well and minimizes outfit planning.
To avoid crowds, the time of day you’ll sightsee is most important. They recommend visiting popular sites in the morning before 10 AM or in the evening after 7 PM. This allows you to have a less stressful experience by photo taking and getting around with ease.
When Nikki and Tommie found themselves with a large collection of fridge magnets and souvenir mugs, they decided to be intentional about buying souvenirs. Nikki opts for clothing, jewelry and decor that will be both useful and cherished.
As beginner travelers, the Joneses utilized fast-paced itineraries that caused them to be running from place to place and could easily stress them out. They recommend having a few lighter days to ensure you’re able to truly take in your surroundings.
Step through the gates at In Contrada and you might forget you’re still in Texas. Jasmine hangs in the air, live music drifts through the vines, and somewhere nearby, a wood-fired pizza is bubbling to life. It feels more like a lazy afternoon in the Italian countryside than a weekend in San Antonio.
That’s exactly what Ed and his wife, Karen, had in mind when they found the property during the pandemic. With their travel plans grounded, they started dreaming. “We wanted to offer people a true Italian experience,” Ed says. “Great wine, incredible food, and that easy sense of community. But right here at home.”
The name In Contrada means “your neighborhood,” and that spirit is everywhere you look. Guests are treated like regulars, and regulars often become family. “We say it takes a vineyard,” says Ed’s daughter, Bree Caron, now the general manager. “We’ve had members get married here, celebrate milestones here, even come to grieve. It’s not just a business. It’s personal.”
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHELSEA HUMPHREYS
From goat yoga to candlelit dinners, In Contrada is a little bit playful and a whole lot soulful. Guests lounge among the vines, cooled by misters and shaded by sails, sipping wines that have taken home 23 awards, including two Best of Class. As the sun sets and the string lights flicker on, the whole place transforms.
If the vineyard were a person, Ed says, “She’d be an Italian grandmother, warm, welcoming, and always ready to feed you.” That warmth is woven into everything, especially the food. Their chef, Claudio, who comes from Italy, brings with him 50 years of experience making fantastic, authentic Italian cuisine. He turns out rustic, soul-satisfying dishes that feel straight from the old country. Local favorites include the grilled calamari over Tuscan bean salad, the housemade Bolognese, and focaccia with olive tapenade.
And then there’s the wine. The Branceleone (returning this fall), Tempranillo, and refreshingly fun Pico Le Bolle, which means “tiny bubbles,” are guest favorites. Perfect with pizza, seafood, or a long conversation under the stars. And oh man, the pizza is delicious. People get weirdly passionate about it, and they’re not wrong.
Still, what guests talk about most isn’t what’s on the menu. It’s how it feels. “There’s this moment,” Bree says, “when the music’s playing, the lights are twinkling, and the night air is just right. You take a breath and realize… you don’t want to be anywhere else.”
One evening, during a Navy retirement celebration, guests in full dress whites stood and saluted beneath the vineyard lights. The sunset, the stillness, the reverence. It wasn’t just a party. It was a memory etched into the soul of this place.
“That’s the heart of it,” Ed says. “We wanted to create something beautiful and real. And we’re just getting started.”
Sip & Savor: Try the award-winning Pico Le Bolle, housemade Bolognese, or grilled calamari over Tuscan beans. Don’t miss the live music, trivia nights, or goat yoga under the vines. It’s Tuscany vibes, no passport required.
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Summer can be sweltering, but you can beat the heat with these fun and refreshing infused ice recipes. Not only are they a great way to stay cool, but they also add a delightful twist to your favorite beverages.
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Create stunning and elegant ice cubes using edible flowers. These pretty ice cubes are perfect for special occasions or adding a touch of beauty to everyday drinks.
Ingredients:
• Edible flowers
• Water
Instructions:
1. Prep the Flowers: Rinse the edible flowers thoroughly.
2. Fill the Tray: Place the flowers in an ice cube tray, filling each compartment halfway with water.
3. Freeze Partially: Freeze until the water is just starting to set, then fill the rest of the tray with water to fully submerge the flowers. This helps keep the flowers centered in the cubes.
4. Freeze Completely: Freeze until solid.
5. Serve: Use these beautiful ice cubes in your favorite drinks for a floral touch.
Add a zesty burst of flavor to your water or lemonade with raspberry lemonade ice cubes. These vibrant cubes are perfect for a hot summer day.
Ingredients:
• Fresh raspberries
• Lemon slices
• Water Instructions:
1. Prep the Ingredients: Place a raspberry and a small lemon slice in each compartment of an ice cube tray.
2. Fill and Freeze: Fill the tray with water and freeze until solid.
3. Serve: Add the raspberry lemonade ice cubes to your drinks for a refreshing twist.
These infused ice recipes are not only practical but also add an extra layer of enjoyment to your summer beverages. Enjoy these refreshing and creative ways to stay cool all season long!
Transform your iced coffee experience by using coffee ice cubes. This simple trick ensures your drink stays strong and flavorful without getting watered down.
Ingredients:
• Freshly brewed coffee
Instructions:
1. Brew Coffee: Make a pot of your favorite coffee.
2. Cool and Freeze: Allow the coffee to cool, then pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze.
3. Serve: Add the coffee ice cubes to your iced coffee for a rich, undiluted flavor.
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JULY 2025
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
THURSDAYS, FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS
Make a Splash with Summer Dive-In Movies!
DoubleTree by Hilton San Antonio
Downtown 502 West Cesar E. Chavez Blvd San Antonio, TX 78207 | 8:00 PM
Join us every Thursday through Saturday all summer long for familyfriendly films under the stars at our courtyard pool. Movies begin at sundown – just bring your float, kick back, and enjoy the show! FREE!
JULY 3RD
Jazz on the Rooftop with Noah Peterson
Fairmount RoofTop Oyster Bar | 6:30 PM
Thursday nights feature The Noah Peterson duo performing “Jazz on the Rooftop” from 6:30-8:30pm. Enjoy the best oysters in San Antonio, beautiful views, stunning sunsets, crafted cocktails, and all that jazz.
JULY 4TH
Dogtopia of San Antonio - Stone Oak 2106 E. Sonterra Blvd., Suite 101, San Antonio, Texas 78259
Encourage pet parents to dress pups in red, white, and blue and bring them in for a fun, firework-free day of play. Help dogs avoid the stress of loud noises with a day full of socialization and snuggles. As a bonus, sell patriotic pupsicles and donate proceeds to the Dogtopia Foundation to support service dogs.
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JULY 4TH
The City of San Antonio’s Official 4th of July Celebration
Presented by H-E-B
Woodlawn Park | 9:00 AM
San Antonio’s Official Fourth of July Celebration returns to Woodlawn Lake Park, presented by H E B. Enjoy live music, food, carnival games, wrestling, lotería, a USPS stamp unveiling, and more. Free fitness starts at 9 AM and festivities begin at 11. The night ends with a 12 minute H E B Fireworks Extravaganza at 9 PM. Free and open to all ages.
JULY 19TH
Norris Conference CentersSan Antonio, just below Alamo Drafthouse, 618 Northwest Loop 410 Ste 207, San Antonio, TX 78216
Come celebrate veterans, their art, and contributions to our community. $10 admission includes live performances. Get your ticket at ncagevent.org Meet local veteran service organizations and find resources near you!
JULY 24TH
Pearl Park | 7:00 PM
Do210 partnered with Nomadik Yoga to bring you a FREE yoga class under the stars at Pearl Park in front of Food Hall.
Come let go of your daily stressors and unwind as you hear soothing yoga sounds while being guided in yoga practice.
Behind every City Lifestyle magazine is a leap of faith — someone who chose to shape the story of their city. They saw a chance to inspire, connect, and elevate the voices that make their community shine.
Now, new cities are waiting for someone to say yes. What if it was you?
by Sarah Loved by Stone Oak
