RIO MAGAZINE APRIL 2020

APRIL 2020 COMPLIMENTARY

Run for Fun Queen Selena Gilded Bucket Decree

VISIT US: THESANANTONIORIVERWALK.COM • COUPONS & MAPS INSIDE

Enjoy patio dining overlooking the san antonio river walk.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Daily

Breakfast until 1pm, lunch specials $1150, housemade margaritas, Happy Hour from 3pm-6pm and Reverse Happy Hour 9pm-11pm.

-------------------------

Weekend Special

-------------------------

Sunday Funday: Mimosa $375 | Bloody Mary $375 | Tecate $375 Ghost Tequila Bloody Maria $6 | Tequila Sunrise Mimosas $6 421 E. Commerce St. | (210) 226-8462

riorioriverwalk.com

r See ou n coupo ! k in bac

JOIN US FOR LUNCH & DINNER

Certified Angus Beef® • Steaks • Chicken • Ribs & more options to choose from, made from scratch daily!

502 RIVER WALK • (210) 222-9092 11745 I-10 W. • (210) 641-6447 16910 US 281 N. • (210) 402-6621

11812 BANDERA RD. • (210) 372-0795 2885 CINEMA RIDGE RD. • (210) 521-3570 60 NORTH EAST LOOP 410 • (210) 979-9763

saltgrass.com

OutdOOr dining alOng the river Walk, P r i vat e e v e n t s & C O C k ta i l r e C e P t i O n s , l i v e M u s i C F r i d ay & s at u r d ay n i g h t s 5 17 N. Presa • Sa n A nt on i o Ri ve r Wa lk 2 10 .22 9.1 01 0

@LandrysSeafoodHouse •

@LandrysSeafoodHouse • LandrysSeafood.com

110 EAST CROCKETT San Antonio River Walk 210.277.6300 RAINFORESTCAFE.COM

JUST LIKE

MAMA MAKES IT! LOCATED ON THE RIVER WALK

406 Navarro Street • 210.224.4867 River Walk Patio • Free WiFi • Perfect for Groups • Retail Market

bubbagump.com

Where San Antonio’s culture and history come to life Discover our vibrant culture, music and traditions along the charming River Walk from the best seat in town on a GO RIO Cruise.

NARRATED CRUISES

RIVER SHUTTLES

SA UNIQUE CRUISES

Buy your tickets online today!

GoRioCruises.com

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

RIO Magazine

5

IN THIS ISSUE

12 24

SIP & SAVOR DINING FIT FOR THE CROWN

By Kimberly Suta

RECREATION FIND YOUR BALANCE WITH A RUN

By Drew Henry

28

CULTURE & COMMUNITY SELENA, THE QUEEN OF HEARTS IN SAN ANTONIO

By Dan Goddard

24

GREAT FINDS SHOP FOR A HAT PARTY

By Dawn Robinette

IN EVERY ISSUE FEATURES 12 16 20 24

Sip & Savor Family Fun Be Entertained Great Finds

28 Culture & Community 32 Recreation 36 24/48/72 Hours

GUIDES 40 Food & Drink 42 Calendar of Events 44 Shopping

MAPS 46 River Walk 47 Museum Reach

& King William 52 Downtown 57 Greater San Antonio

COUPONS 58,59 Coupons SPOTLIGHT 60 Cake Lady

ON THE COVER

Timmy Duckin’, the San Antonio River Walk Association’s mascot, is pictured sporting the River Walk’s 2020 Fiesta medal honoring himself while sipping a Prickly Pear Margarita at Boudro’s Texas Bistro. Timmy Duckin’ was named on July 11, 2016, when the beloved NBA power forward Tim Duncan, aka "Old Man River Walk,” announced his retirement from the Spurs. Medals sold online at www.sa-river-walk.myshopify.com/ and at the Official Fiesta Store.

6 RIO Magazine

RIO Magazine is the official publication of the San Antonio River Walk Association. All expressions of opinions and statements of supposed facts are published on the authority of the writer and cannot be regarded as expressing the views of the San Antonio River Walk Association or its Publisher. Advertisements do not imply sponsorship or endorsement by the San Antonio River Walk Association or its Publisher.

2019 San Antonio River Walk Association

The San Antonio River Walk Association’s mission is to promote, protect and preserve the River Walk.

This is done through special events, public education, social media, and RIO Magazine. The association also serves as an advocate for member businesses. For more information, call 210-227-4262.

PRESIDENT Maria Martinez The Westin Riverwalk PRESIDENT-ELECT John Carbajal Keller Williams PAST-PRESIDENT Laurence Seiterle Zurich Properties TREASURER Ryan Wood On the Bend CHAIR, OPERATORS COMMITTEE Andreas Esparza Boudro’s EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Maggie Thompson San Antonio River Walk Association EX-OFFICIOS Veronica Cameron Center City Development and Operations Department Angela Camarillo San Antonio River Authority Eddie Romero Centro San Antonio Will Grinnan San Antonio Restaurant Association Sharon Aguillen San Antonio Tourism Council

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bob Buchanan The Original Mexican Restaurant Ashley Ciomperlik Wyndham Garden Riverwalk Terry Corless Mad Dogs Group Mike DeLuna Paesanos Restaurant Group Kevin Donohue Donohue Media Amanda Garcia Visit San Antonio Jesse Holguin PepsiCo

8 RIO Magazine

James Kinney Splashtown San Antonio Ric Morales Silver Eagle Distributors Tammy Peacock-Werline Topgolf David Ramirez San Japan Rudy Saenz Staybridge Suites Carrie Anne Silvers Hard Rock Cafe Mark Vilagi Sheraton Gunter Hotel

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

EDITOR’S LETTER Boudro's Prickly Pear Margarita

The Official Magazine of the River Walk

PUBLISHER

Louis Doucette louis@travelingblender.com EDITOR

Paula Schechter paula@riverwalksa.org GUEST EDITOR

Samantha Ellingsworth BUSINESS MANAGER

“WE’LL LOOK BACK ON THIS” All the usual platitudes about looking back on difficult times have one significant thing in common; they all refer to troubles in the past tense. I hope we too will soon be in the position to say, “Wow, that pandemic was a difficult time for the world, but I got to catch up on my reading, watching movies, and spent more time with my kids.”

We plan the content for each issue of RIO Magazine six months in advance. This issue was well into production by the time COVID-19 hit all our lives. As I write this, China is reporting no new cases of the illness. The virus hit the U.S. 2-3 months later, so my hope is this will be in our rearview mirror by the end of May, and we can gather somewhere, without fear, and share a cold drink. Life will once again return to a rhythm of normalcy, and the River Walk will be filled with folks taking boat rides, enjoying fantastic food, and visiting attractions.

Many of the business in this issue may not be open, and events canceled. I hope these stories inspire you for the future. Check our website event page to see a list of businesses operating with modified services and schedules. TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com/events.

“Hang in there; we’ll get through this together” (platitude sincerely intended)

Vicki Schroder vicki@travelingblender.com ADVERTISING SALES

San Antonio: Janis Maxymof janismaxymof@gmail.com Gerry Lair gerry@travelingblender.com Madeleine Justice madeleine@travelingblender.com Austin: Sandy Weatherford sandy@travelingblender.com GRAPHIC DESIGN

2 Rare Birds Creative info@2rarebirds.com

Paula Schechter

Editor, Rio Magazine paula@riverwalksa.org

TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com

Rio Magazine is published by Traveling Blender, LLC. (Publisher) on behalf of the San Antonio River Walk Association. Reproduction in any manner in whole or in part is prohibited without the express written consent of the San Antonio River Walk Association. Material contained herein does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the San Antonio River Walk Association or its staff. Rio Magazine, the Publisher and the San Antonio River Walk Association reserve the right to edit all material for clarity and space and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors or omissions. Rio Magazine does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertisements or editorial nor does the Publisher or the San Antonio River Walk Association assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Articles and photos are welcome and may be submitted to our office to be used subject to the discretion and review of the Publisher and San Antonio River Walk Association. All submissions become the property of the San Antonio River Walk Association. All Real Estate advertising is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make such a preference limitation or discrimination.”

10 RIO Magazine

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

y dinner cr a u rd is on the u e t a San Antonio River Walk

s

s

*

This spring, book a Saturday Dinner Cruise aboard a river boat whilst floating and dining along the towering cypress-lined San Antonio River Walk.You’ll enjoy an authentic Italian experience, full of fresh ingredients, bold flavors and legendary dishes like our famous Shrimp Paesano – celebrated over 50 years.

Begin your excursion at Paesanos Riverwalk and we’ll take care of the rest.

D I N N E R : $65++/per person

SEE MENUS, DATES AND RESERVATION FORMS AT PAESANOSRIVERWALK.COM or contact Mike at 210-226-8490 for more information

111 West Crockett Street



(210) 227-2782



www.paesanosriverwalk.com



++ Indicates 8.25% sales tax and 20% service charge will be applied. Menus and prices are subject to change without notice. Max 20 guests on board.

SIP & SAVOR

C

The

DINING FIT FOR

By Kimberly A. Suta

rown

If perchance, the esteemed Queen of the United Kingdom, Her Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth II was to grace San Antonio again with her presence, might we suggest a few dining establishments for her gilded vessel decree (bucket list) which did not exist during her previous sojourn in 1991.

12 RIO Magazine

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

Of course, no queen can make an appearance in San Antonio without a visit to the historic Pearl Brewery – the “piece de resistance” being Hotel Emma and its American eatery, Supper.

BOHANAN’S Bohanan’s, located along Houston Street across from the historic Majestic Theater, would invariably top the list. One of the Alamo City’s premier fine dining restaurants. The almost 20-year-old establishment is known for its Japanese Akashi steaks, mesquite-grilled prime-aged center cuts of Midwestern beef, fresh seafood, and flaming desserts.

Chef and owner, Mark Bohanan, is at the helm of this jewel. His passion for the culinary arts helped the restaurant make its mark on downtown San Antonio during a time when few other restaurants were able to survive.

Stepping into the restaurant feels a little like you might imagine walking into the first-class dining room on the Titanic – there’s an elegance and old-world sensibility that our fast-paced, casual dining world does not honor.

Bohanan’s

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

Supper

the eyes and the stomach, with its chandeliers, modern furniture, intriguing artwork, seafood towers, and specials that will blow your mind.

Rebelle is just one of many successful concepts from the magnificent duo, Chef Stefan Bowers, and entrepreneur Andrew Goodman. Chef Bowers has a talent for taking the most beautiful, fresh ingredients, including locally-grown produce and fresh coastal seafood that’s shipped overnight and making them shine.

Their new menu features signature dishes not to be missed, including the High Tower of Maine lobster, Alaskan king crab legs, oysters, jumbo shrimp, marinated mussels and smoked clams, Rebelle the perfectly Char-Grilled Spanish Octopus with braised corona beans, guanciale, basil pistou and the rich yet delicate Cioppino Rebelle.

If you’re looking to impress a guest, be it a queen or friend, Rebelle is a sure bet!

At Bohanan’s, they call their servers mind readers. Their knowledgeable recommendations and meticulous service will surely prove that they can read a hungry mind. By the end of the night, these dapperly-dressed employees will leave you feeling like you have made a new friend.

SUPPER Of course, no queen can make an appearance in San Antonio without a visit to the historic Pearl Brewery – the “piece de resistance” being Hotel Emma and its American eatery, Supper.

REBELLE If the Queen were in the mood for something a little more contemporary, then she might don her favorite felt hat before dining at one of San Antonio’s most passionate seafood restaurants. Rebelle, located in the St. Anthony Hotel, is a glamourous feast for both

Led by Chef John Brand, the focus here is on locallysourced ingredients with an emphasis on fresh, gorgeous, and flavorful vegetables, thanks to access to the Pearl Farmers Market, which takes place every weekend and showcases this city’s best farmers and artisan food vendors.

RIO Magazine

13

SIP & SAVOR

Signature

Dishes, such as the Kaffir Lime and Green Curry Coconut Soup with Crab Salad and Brown Butter Roasted Cauliflower with Hazelnut Sauce Vierge, are just a few of the fantastic reasons to eat at Supper. If you want to live like a queen, make sure to request the chef’s table, so you can get a first-hand look at what it takes to create such harmonious plates.

Signature

click on this: BOHANAN’S Bohanans.com FIG TREE Figtreerestaurant.com REBELLE Rebellesa.com SIGNATURE Signaturerestaurant.com SUPPER Supperatemma.com

If you find yourself wandering along the River Walk at La Villita, make sure to pop into the Fig Tree to see if they have a table, although reservations make for better chances of getting into this quaint restaurant. Located within a historic 19th-century caliche stone home, Fig Tree is ideal for any special occasion or to treat yourself, as any queen should.

Signature is inspired by Chef Andrew Weissman, a fourtime James Beard Award nominee. He is considered by many to be responsible for setting the bar for fine dining in San Antonio. Precision, execution, and flavor reign at this modern restaurant that offers an original twist to classic cuisine.

Although local and seasonal ingredients highlight the menu at this stunning, bright and airy restaurant, Signature also flies in fresh Atlantic Coast oysters and Pacific Northwest lamb. You can’t go wrong with the Spiced Redfish, served with prawns, avocado relish, and poblano potato puree, but a queen should be daring and go for the Roasted Elk Loin with potato, leek gratin, and lingonberry grand veneur.

Fig Tree

From an unforgettable Braised Short Rib Bourguignon to a juicy Sous-vide Duck Breast with roasted yams pan-seared bok choy and a five-spice gastrique, this French-influenced restaurant offers flavors rarified in San Antonio. For dessert, don’t deny yourself Baked Alaska – chocolate and pistachio ice cream on a bed of vanilla cake, covered in meringue, and cast into flames by in-house servers.

If you’re going to earn your crown, you’d better prepare to eat like a queen!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Kimberly A. Suta of Sutapants Productions is a local and national food writer, filmmaker, and publicist for the culinary industry. She’s also the Co-Creator of Homegrown Chef (homegrowncheftv.com), a culinary series and catering and events company featuring our city’s best chefs and delicious eats.

Finally, last but not least, any queen worth her spirit would be pleased to find herself dining at Signature, located at the luxurious La Cantera Resort & Spa on the northside in the Texas Hill Country.

Fig Tree

14 RIO Magazine

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

PLAY

ALL NEW

THE

ULTIMATE

INDOOR

BUILD

LEGO

®

© 2019 The LEGO Group.

PLAYGROUND

FUN SAVE $3 PER PERSON

at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Located Inside the Shops at Rivercenter ®

Offer valid in person only with coupon for $3 off standard admission price to one attraction for up to six people (Max $18 Discount) at San Antonio locations. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Restrictions Apply. © 2019 The LEGO Group. CODE: RIOMAG5 EXPIRES: 04/30/20 ME_SA_Rio May.indd 1

4/18/19 10:02 AM

FUN FOR EVERYONE!

3

A T T R A C T I O N S

ACROSS FROM THE ALAMO 210-226-2828

329 Alamo Plaza

www.AlamoPlazaAttractions.com Guinness World Records is a trademark of Guinness World Records, Ltd. Ripley’s Haunted Adventure is a registered trademark of Ripley Entertainment Inc.

$3 OFF on any combination ticket

Receive $3 off on any combination ticket, adult or child (3-11). May be used for up to 20 people. Not valid with any other offer. Expires 04/30/20 RIOMAG

FAMILY FUN

Fairy tales can come true. It can happen to you if you’re young at heart. And nothing could be more magical than a land full of Legos.

LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER

by Carole Miller

16 RIO Magazine

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

Families can build a fairy tale world while simultaneously raising their Lego game to a whole new level at the ultimate indoor Lego playground—Legoland Discovery Center.

ONCE UPON A TIME Jump into a kingdom far, far away while cavorting about the Lego City Play Zone and Construction Site, an indoor play area packed with Legos, climbing walls, slides, and a jungle gym.

Construction workers-in-training can burn-off some of their energy while mom and dad relax (and, perhaps, build their own Lego masterpieces). Join the loveable characters made entirely out of Lego blocks and have some fun in Heartlake City building unique models while making new Lego friends. Or try your hand at building the tallest tower and test its strength at the challenging Earthquake Tables.

FAST AND THE FURIOUS After a tough morning slaying dragons and casting spells, take a turn and enter the action-

IT’S A SMALL WORLD AFTER ALL Jump on your beanstalk and become a giant for a day in Miniland San Antonio, a tiny replica of the city constructed out of more than 1.5 million Lego bricks. Explore and play with our interactive models of beloved San Antonioarea landmarks from historic buildings and legendary landmarks to tall skyscrapers.

Watch an exciting boat race or see the towers glow as day turns to night. Miniland is also home to some mischievous Minifigures who love to play hide-and-seek so be on the lookout for the little pranksters.

packed world full of high-octane car chases.

Create an ultra-fast Lego car at the Build and Test Zone, race your vehicle on the test track and compete to see which family member finishes with the quickest time. Who will zoom across the finish line first?

BIPPITY-BOPPITY-BOO As far as Lego-building skills are concerned, anyone can become a Lego Michaelangelo with a little help from their Lego Fairy Godfather. Master Model Builder Kevin Hintz is a true Lego magician who can create anything you can imagine out of

Medieval-themed rides. Hop aboard your chariot in the laser ride, Kingdom Quest. Zap all the lurking trolls and sneaky skeletons and save the princess from their evil clutches. Or become the next apprentice to a magical wizard on Merlin’s Apprentice Ride. Pedal the enchanted cart in his magical potion chamber faster and faster to conjure the sorcerer’s spell and hang on to your pointed hats as you soar into the sky.

Little builders aged 2-5 can let their imaginations run wild in the animal-themed Duplo Village where they can build a lively Lego animal, play peek-a-boo in the enchanted cottage and revel among the soft blocks. And the Duplo Farm is the perfect place for future farmers to plant some handmade vegetables in the garden and play with the barnyard cow.

4D AND FABULOUS Completely immerse yourselves in the enchanted world of Legos. Combine the excitement and thrills of a 3D film with the added effects of actual wind, rain, and snow and you get the amazing Lego 4D cinema experience. Watch “The Lego Movie 4D: A New Adventure,” “Legends of Chima” or “Nexo Knights Book of Creativity” come to life and become a part of the non-stop action.

STORMING THE CASTLE Experience the thrill of the days and “knights” of King Arthur while testing your skills on two

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

RIO Magazine

17

The Doseum

FAMILY FUN

Legos. He shares insider tips and super tricks during master classes and workshops for kids at the brilliant and magical Creative Workshop.

HAPPILY EVER AFTER So much fun and activity may cause your family to “build up” an appetite, take a time out and make your way to the colorful café area where you can replenish your strength with a savory sandwich, healthy salad, decadent dessert or enjoy a hot cup of joe before tackling your next project.

Go home with all the latest Lego products including Marvel Super Heroes, Star Wars and Ninjago as well as some exclusive limited-edition items from the Lego Store. Lego fans are welcome to visit the store without purchasing admission. Annual Pass holders receive 12 months of unlimited access to the attractions and invitations to special events throughout the year.

18 RIO Magazine

The eagerly-anticipated opening weekend for this all-new family adventure happens April 12 through 14 at the Shops at Rivercenter. Even though it was specifically conceived and designed from a child’s perspective, the Legoland Discovery Center offers fun for all ages. With the exception of the dreaded middle-of-the-night, barefoot encounter, Legos are, without a doubt, the most beloved kids (and adults) toys ever. After all, it’s never too late to have a happy childhood.

WRITER’S BIO Carole Miller is the mother of three Lego experts, Sydney, Nick and Faith. Her husband, however, is quite possibly the biggest Lego fan in history who can sometimes still be seen playing with his big box of Legos he kept since childhood.

click on this: LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER Sanantonio.legolanddiscoverycenter.com

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

Alamo.

PLAY EXPLORE STAY

DINE SERVICES MAP

VISIT US!

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

Briscoe.

BE ENTERTAINED

Poteet Strawberry Festival Gives Back Farmers & Community Harvest the Reward

20 RIO Magazine

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

Poteet Strawberry Water Tower

Strawberries! Nothing promises summer sweetness like delicious fresh-picked strawberries. Who doesn’t love ‘em? Everyone, it seems. Americans eat an average of five pounds of the fruit, either fresh and frozen, each year. The Poteet Strawberry Festival is the perfect place to jump-start your consumption this year.

If New York is the Big Apple, Texas’s Poteet is the Big Strawberry. This tiny town (population 3,400), 30 miles south of San Antonio, is the birthplace of country music legend George Strait. Yet, Poteet’s real claim-to-fame stems from strawberries. Before even entering the town limits, one can see the town’s water tower depicting the beloved berry. Once in town, take a selfie next to the 7-foot, 1,600-pound concrete strawberry in front of the fire department. Even more prominent is a strawberry statue in front of the old Strawberry Pit food mart, now the grounds for the annual Strawberry Festival. As you explore this quaint town, stop by the mural painting of the Strawberry Maiden, Ms. Poteet Canyon, signed by the late cartoon artist Milton Caniff, creator of the cartoon strip “Steve Canyon.”

But the sleepy town of Poteet will roll out the strawberry-red carpet April 3-5, as they have for the last 72 years during the town’s annual Strawberry Festival when more than 8,000 volunteers help to host about 100,000 festival visitors during the three-day weekend event.

Today, the festival is an integral part of Poteet. It all began back in 1948 when strawberries were the biggest berry crop in Texas. That year, Poteet’s Rotary Club organized the first festival to help give returning World War II veterans incentive to return to their farms. Over the years, Poteet strawberries have had their ups and downs, even becoming an “endangered” crop for a time.

That’s when the Strawberry Festival paid back the farmers for its creation. As an all-volunteer operation, the festival was able to raise enough funds for vital farming equipment. Poteet farmers were then able to hire help to prep their fields, starting each summer, which resulted in the robust agriculture today.

Every club and organization in town, from church groups to sports teams, have a part in throwing Poteet’s biggest party and raise funds for their respective club. So, adorn your favorite boots and plaid, and visit the charming strawberry town of Poteet.

Parking on the festival grounds is free, but be prepared for a walk -- the sprawling fairgrounds cover 100 acres with 14 different stages, offering all kinds of entertainment, from bull riding to belly dancing, and wherever you are, you’ll hear music coming from all directions.

On Saturday morning, the day begins with the Strawberry Festival Parade, an all-American celebration featuring fabulous floats, carrying Freckles the Festival mascot, and the young royals selected for Strawberry Court. These high school students represent the pride of Poteet, and all receive generous scholarships and other opportunities. Then, in the evening, enjoy after-dark thesanantonioriverwalk.com

RIO Magazine

21

BE ENTERTAINED thrills like live concerts, bull riding in the rodeo ring, and a fireworks extravaganza.

Most of all, check out the stars of the show – the strawberries. You’ll find fresh flats of the fragrant fruits inside the festival’s grounds, where Poteet growers show off and sell their harvest. Saturday afternoon brings an auction of the champion crops. Sunday’s Taste of Texas cooking competition also ends with an auction of the winning cakes, candies, bread, cheesecakes, and salsas. But you don’t have to bid or buy in bulk to savor the strawberries. Strawberry shortcake, strawberry cheesecake, strawberry lemonade, chocolate-dipped strawberries, strawberry-flavored ice cream, and even strawberry nachos (crispy berry-topped bueñelos) are featured at food booths inside the festival grounds and made, of course, using only Poteet strawberries.

Can’t make the festival? Fear not, you can still enjoy the famous Poteet strawberries through the end of the season in late May. Google search Poteet’s pick-yourown strawberry farms and take the short road trip for a scrumptious DIY experience.

WRITER’S BIO Susan Yerkes is an award-winning journalist and travel writer based in San Antonio. She consumes more than her share of strawberries every year.

Did You Know?

click on this: POTEET STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL Strawberryfestival.com

22 22 RIO Magazine Magazine

Strawberries belong to the rose plant family Strawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the outside The average strawberry contains 200 seeds One acre can grow 50,000 lbs. of strawberries Strawberries are the first fruit to ripen in the Spring Strawberries are harvested strictly by hand Ancient Romans used strawberries to treat depression and gout thesanantonioriverwalk.com

Zocca cuisine D’italia CONTEMPORARY ITALIAN CUISINE ON THE RIVERWALK

Join us for authentic dishes that evoke the fine flavors of Northern Italian cuisine in a warm, relaxed environment. You can dine outside on our river side patio or inside our casual, contemporary restaurant.

NEWLY RENOVATED ON THE RIVER AT THE WESTIN HOTEL 4 20 W. MARKE T ST RE E T | 2 1 0 -4 4 4 -6 0 7 0 | Z O CCA R I VER W A LK . CO M

W h at J i m B oW i e r e a l ly s a i d

— Jim Bowie

Had Boudro’s been serving on the River Walk back then, Jim Bowie could have carved his Center Cut Top Sirloin with a butter knife. Prime steaks, Gulf Coast seafood and the best Margaritas around have made Boudro’s one of the Alamo City’s most loved restaurants. Frommers says “Everybody loves this old standby on the River Walk.”

Join us riverside, inside or (with reservations) on a barge dinner cruise.

a t e Xas B istro

on the r i V e r

WalK

2 1 0 . 2 2 4 . 8 4 8 4 / 4 2 1 e. c o m m e r c e / s a n a n t o n i o / b o u d r o s . c o m thesanantonioriverwalk.com

RIO Magazine

23

GREAT FINDS

Mercado Rita's

Shop for a Hat

Party!

By Dawn Robinette

24

RIO Magazine

thesanantonioriverwalk

Fun, festive, fashionable, and functional, hats check the box in so many ways. They keep you cool or warm Paris Hatters

depending on the season, hide a bad hair day, and add an extra touch to the perfect outfit.

Adding new hats to your wardrobe makes a statement and an excellent excuse to throw a hat party to show them off!

Amol's

HIstoric Market Square

Mercado Rita’s offers a selection of stylish hats sure to top off any outfit. With goods produced by artisans in Latin America, the inventory is speciallysourced and hand-curated from top makers in Peru, Guatemala, Ecuador, Colombia, and Mexico. The festival, colorful pieces greeting you make it hard to choose, but no one says you have to go home with just one. Stand out in the crowd by pairing a cowboy hat, a flower crown, a straw hat, or a sombrero with your favorite fashion. A sure hit for spring and summer in San Antonio is a straw hat decorated with a serape bow, adding a colorful crown as you enjoy the River Walk. Men’s, women’s, and children’s styles are available, so the whole family can up their hat game. They even offer the famous Davy Crockett coonskin cap! Another bonus to shopping at Mercado Rita’s? Add in a classic chamoy margarita from Rita’s on the River for an adult treat. And, for the kids, ice cream from Justin’s Ice Cream is the cherry on top.

Every stroll on the river is memorable, but if you want a contemporary or traditional look, a stop at Paris Hatters is a must. As a true San Antonio institution that is mere steps away from the river, walking into Paris Hatters is like stepping back in time. The cash register has been in service since the 1930s, and the buffalo and bison heads that adorn the walls are throwbacks to a Texas of long ago. But there’s nothing out of style about the classic hats you’ll find covering every surface of the shop, which is what brings everyone from presidents to princesses to shop and buy at Paris Hatters. With the most extensive inventory in the country, there’s no doubt you’ll find the perfect hat. The color and style are up to you, but the talented team at Paris Hatters will help you get just the right fit and be sure the hat you take home with the famous Paris Hatters logo on the inside is one you’ll treasure for years.

Whether it’s felt or straw, a cowboy hat or a fedora, or even a derby or a baseball cap, you can’t go wrong with whatever you choose at the family-owned and operated shop.

Penner's

Another shop drawing the fashionable downtown for years is Penner’s. Like Paris Hatters, Penner’s has been a part of the San Antonio landscape for more than a century. You’ll find stylish suits, guayaberas, and the store’s signature Stacy Penners shoes, but you’ll also discover a hat to go with every look. From a rainbow of Kangal caps to straw summer hats to classy felt hats adding a touch of style no matter what you’re wearing, Penner’s has you covered. The store’s selection and proximity to San Antonio’s City Hall has earned the business of Councilman Clayton Perry, whose look RIO Magazine

25

GREAT FINDS

Paris Hatters

click on this: Historic Market Square

AMOL’S Amols.com HISTORIC MARKET SQUARE Marketsquaresa.com

MERCADO RITA’S Mercadoritas.com PARIS HATTERS Parishatters.com

PENNER’S Pennersinc.com

is instantly recognizable thanks to his signature hat and dapper clothes, a look that comes from shopping at Penner’s.

browse, shop, and take home an array of hats for every occasion, or for everyone you know as a souvenir.

“If I don’t have one of my hats on, I don’t know if people would recognize me. Hats keep you cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter – not to mention the compliments I receive when I wear them! While I mostly wear my signature fedora, I’ve been known to rock my cowboy hat for certain western occasions, and even have a top hat I pull out when I’m wearing my tux,” explained Councilman Perry, while wearing a Penner’s hat, of course.

If thinking of headwear brings party hats to mind, a trip to Amol’s is in order. When it’s time to celebrate, it’s where fashionista San Antonians go to get everything they need. Part of San Antonio’s celebration scene since 1949, Amol’s is the resource for celebration supplies.

Why not start top-down and get a party crown to get in the mood? Along with party supplies in every theme you can imagine, Amol’s offers authentic flower crowns bursting with color made of fabric and delicately dyed corn husks, giving you options to match your party mood.

Go with the classic rainbow flower crown, a monochromatic pallet, or any color combo you can dream up. You can also find a fantastic selection of sombreros.

To continue hat shopping, drop into the Historic Market Square. Your mission will have you exploring more than 100 colorful shops and stalls. Roaming through Market Square and its El Mercado (The Market) is like stepping into a street market in Mexico. That’s because it’s the largest Mexican market outside of Mexico, with terrific imports and shopping set to the tune of Mariachi music and the tantalizing smells from restaurants and food booths. Exploring Market Square unearths flower crowns, sombreros, fedoras, and a variety of souvenir caps. So, 26 RIO Magazine

Penner's

WRITER’S BIO An award-winning writer, communications expert, and military spouse, Dawn Robinette loves to tell stories. You can read more of her work at Alamo City Moms Blog.

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

Nothing tops the tower

fresh fish & seasonal seafood

Prime Rib & Craft Cocktails

Hot Chocolate Lava Cake

Observation deck WITH incredible views

three 4d theater rides

Look for our ad on coupon page

739 E. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd.

210-223-3101 TowerOfTheAmericas.com

CULTURE & COMMUNITY

McNay Art

Museum

By Dan R. Goddard

The Queen of Hearts in San Antonio Poised to become the Latina version of BeyoncĂŠ, 23-year-old Selena Quintanilla was working on her first English-language album, preparing to break into the pop genre when the president of her fan club, who was embezzling money, gunned her down at a Corpus Christi motel on March 31, 1995. For Tejano and Cumbia music fans, Selena will live on forever as the beautiful, confident, sassy young singer. Her musical contributions and fashion made her one of the most celebrated Mexican-American entertainers of the late 20th century.

28 RIO Magazine

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

Feliz Modern

Dream Song To we

r

ic ä-nō] mus jano [tā-h e T y tr n O u N o A TE J a folk-c e x music is th e g M n o xe m T a r o riginating o , re f n o e s g and pop opulation merican p Texas.

Mexican-A th d Sou ern Central an o/m-bē-ā] umbia [k /o nd dance C IA B M CU enre a folkloric g music is a bia. m lo o from C

She began performing at age ten and, by 1987, achieved Female Vocalist of the Year and Performer of the Year honors at the Tejano Music Awards. In 1991, the title track of her album Ven Conmigo became the first Tejano record to go gold. She won her first Grammy in 1993 for Best Mexican American Performance for her album Selena Live. She made her feature-film debut in Don Juan DeMarco in 1994. Then, her album Amor Prohibido showered hits, including the title track, which won a Grammy and went gold, making her an international superstar. Selena had seven #1 songs on the Hot Latin Songs chart. Her #1 Latin hits include "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom" and "No Me Queda Más."

Selena's death sent shock waves through South Texas and the Latino music industry that reverberate today, similar to the deaths of Elvis Presley and John Lennon.

Texas governor George W. Bush declared April 16, "Selena Day." Her final album, Dreaming of You, released posthumously, became the first Tejano album to reach #1 in America.

Feliz Modern

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

SELENA TRIBUTE CONCERT Twenty-five years later, Selena's legacy will be honored May 9 with a Latin star-studded tribute concert at San Antonio's Alamodome featuring Pitbull, Los Tucanes de Tijuana, A.B. Quintanilla III, and the Kumbia Kings, Becky G, Elida y Avante, Ruben Ramos, Gilbert Velasquez, Pete

Astudillo, Ricardo Castillón, Isabel Marie, The Lab, and San Antonio native Ally Brooke. These artists will perform at Selena XXV - Veinticinco Años.

HER SECOND HOME While the city of Corpus Christi was her birth place, San Antonio held a permanent place in this singer’s heart.

Appearing as a backdrop for romantic scenes with her husband Chris Perez, who is still cherished by her fans, San Antonio is where she often performed. Selena also opened a fashion boutique here.

Traces of Selena are easy to find in San Antonio. She's immortalized in murals, paintings, shrines, and public art. Her likeness appears on all sorts of merchandise such as coffee mugs, children's books, and T-shirts. The San Antonio Spurs are dedicating a game to her this year. She's the subject of a local museum exhibit. And fans make pilgrimages to search out spots in the city meaningful to her.

SELENA LANDMARKS In a scene from the 1997 eponymous biopic, Selena, played by Jennifer Lopez, is romanced by her husband-tobe on the arched stone bridge located on the River Walk

by Omni La Mansion Del Rio. Fans flock for selfies on "The Selena Bridge," and to stand where she once stood.

The 1994 music video for "No Me Quede Mas," begins with Selena, serenaded by mariachis, reading a breakup letter

RIO Magazine

29

CULTURE & COMMUNITY

Feliz Modern

while sitting at one of the Casa Rio restaurants’ tables shaded by the iconic brightly-colored umbrellas along the San Antonio River Walk. In her romantic memories, the couple ride horses in Brackenridge Park, take a spin on a ride at Kiddie Park, now relocated to the San Antonio Zoo, and soared over the city in a gondola (that is no longer running). Wearing a sparkling evening gown and backed by a full orchestra, Selena sings her heart-out, standing on the grand staircase inside Sunset Station.

Her now-closed boutique, located on Broadway, Selena Etc., opened in 1993, featured a fullservice salon and fashion. Selena christened the Hard Rock CafĂŠ on the River Walk in 1995. She performed there, and later a star was installed 30 RIO Magazine

in her honor on the sidewalk at the entrance. Mi Tierra in Market Square maintains an elaborate Selena shrine. You can find Selena murals by artists Christopher Montoya on the wall of a shopping center on South Flores Street, and by Alan Calvo at the Alamo Candy building at I-10 and Hildebrand.

Reflecting how deeply Selena has become ingrained in the folklore and history of San Antonio, artist Cruz Ortiz crafted a 60-foot-tall Dream Song Tower at the intersection of I-35 and Zarzamora Street, featuring the lyric from Selena's "Dreaming of You." Serving as a gateway to the community, the giant teepee-like structure is covered with the artist's graffiti-influenced typography and symbols based on Mexican

American folklore, along with flying birds and spinning stars that move with the wind.

SAN ANTONIO SPURS SELENA NIGHT The Queen of Cumbia will be honored April 3 with the NBA's first-ever Selena Night when the San Antonio Spurs host the Golden State Warriors at the AT&T Center. The first 10,000 fans will receive a commemorative Spurs x Selena rally towel. Highlighting the night will be the launch of an exclusive 20-piece Selena x Spurs collection, including men's and women's clothing, caps, and other cross-branded items that will be available for purchase beginning April 4 online at SpursFanShop.com and in-store at the Spurs Fan Shop at La Cantera. Tickets for Selena Night are available at Spurs.com. thesanantonioriverwalk.com

click on this: MCNAY ART MUSEUM After winning the Tejano Music Award for Female Vocalist nine years in a row, Selena posed for a Más Magazine cover shoot with award-winning San Antonio photographer John Dyer in 1992.

When Texas Monthly called in 1995, Dyer took photographs of Selena at the Majestic Theater in downtown San Antonio just months before her death. Five of Dyer's large-scale portraits are featured in Selena Forever/Siempre Selena on view through July 5 at the McNay Art Museum.

The McNay's gift shop has Selena coffee mugs, stickers, and children's books.

SELENA BIRTHDAY PARTY For more Selena merch, scoot over to Feliz Modern in nearby Olmos Park. Celebrate Selena's birthday on April 16, when Feliz Modern presents the Bidi Bidi Party on the lawn at the Historic Pearl Brewery.

um Gift Shop

McNay Art Muse

WRITER’S BIO Dan R. Goddard is a longtime San Antonio arts writer.

ALAMODOME Alamodome.com CASA RIO Casario.com FELIZ MODERN Felizmodern.com HARD ROCK CAFÉ Hardrockcafe.com HISTORIC PEARL BREWERY Atpearl.com MCNAY ART MUSEUM Mcnayart.org MI TIERRA Mitierracafe.com SAN ANTONIO RIVER WALK Thesanantonioriverwalk.com SAN ANTONIO SPURS Nba.com/spurs/ SAN ANTONIO ZOO Sazoo.org

PLAY EXPLORE STAY

DINE SERVICES MAP

VISIT US!

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

RECREATION

Find Your Balance with a

By Drew Henry

Run

Life is all about balance, right? So, how does one find a balance consuming margaritas, chicken-on-a-stick, turkey legs, and funnel cake? But, not to worry, April is the month for runs and walks for people of all ages, abilities, and skill levels. There are even a few runs that feature confetti showers and celebratory margaritas at the finish line. And that's where the balance comes in.

1

OLLU Confetti 5k Run & Walk

TEXAS SENIOR GAMES, PRESENTED BY HUMANA April 1st – 5th Calling all seniors who know they can out-run, out-swim, or out-throw any youngster around! Get ready for the 2020 Texas Senior Games, presented by Humana. This sports competition is open to seniors ages 50 and up, and it is expected to draw over 2,000 active seniors from across Texas. Seniors compete in more than 20 individual and team sports, including archery, badminton, basketball, cycling, golf, pickleball, racquetball, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. Medals awarded in five-year age increments, and participating athletes will qualify for the 2021 National Senior Games. Events take place at fields and community centers across the city and run from April 1st through April 5th. Get ready to cheer on the greats!

32 RIO Magazine

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

2

OUR LADY OF THE LAKE UNIVERSITY'S CONFETTI 5K RUN & WALK April 4th Nothing feels better than crossing the finish line, right? Well, what about crossing a finish line that showers you with brightly colored confetti?

Our Lady of the Lake University's Confetti Run is made for the ultimate partier and cascarรณn enthusiast, or your friend who needs a little extra motivation to pick up the pace. The run takes place 15 minutes west of downtown at the newly renovated Elmendorf Park on Saturday, April 4th, at 9:00 a.m. The event will attract over 1,250 runners and confetti throwers. There is also a race for the kiddos at 8:30 a.m. with an Easter egg hunt and post-run activities starting at 11:00 a.m. The best part of this run is that the proceeds go to fund scholarships at the university.

Seasoned runners say there is nothing quite like completing this 5K.

3 MARGARITA RUN 5K & 10K April 11th Can you be convinced to participate if you know a margarita awaits you at the finish line? We said balance is key during the Spring season, right? The Margarita Run put on by Andiamo Race Productions, is for experienced and novice runners alike. The key to winning this race is to have fun. Registration includes a unique finisher medal, live music, and margaritas to start your victory party off right (and immediately after crossing the finish line)! The run takes place on Saturday, April 11th, at 7:30 a.m. at Mission County Park, which is a short 10-minute drive south of downtown. There is nothing more San Antonian than cold margaritas after a run. Cheers to this victory!

RIO Magazine

33

4

RECREATION

5

9TH ANNUAL FIESTA ESPECIAL 5K & PARADE April 18th San Antonio is all about inclusivity, and that is why DisABILITYsa created an inclusive and competitive 5K, 1-mile dash, and parade to celebrate everyone's abilities during the Fiesta season. This family-friendly event is truly for everyone, with eight different divisions of competition, including walking, running, hand-cycles, wheelchairs, guided running, and more. This run is everyone's opportunity to shine. This event takes place on Saturday, April 18th, at the City of Windcrest's City Hall, which is a 20-minute drive northeast of downtown. The day kicks-off with the 5K and the 1-mile dash at 8:00 a.m., and the celebration continues at 10:00 a.m. with a parade led by the Fiesta Especial Royal Court. The court is made up of individuals with disabilities who have spent the year raising over $38,000 to support programs and services for disability service organizations in San Antonio. If you weren't feeling the positivity and joy radiating from this event yet, you will when you arrive dressed in festive attire and are adorned with a crown. It's everyone's chance to be royalty at this run and parade.

SAN ANTONIO ROADRUNNER'S 47TH MISSIONS 5K & 10K April 19th If you are an avid runner or a history buff, we have the ultimate race for you. Get ready to run the Lone Star State's oldest 10K along the historic Mission Reach of the San Antonio River Walk, which is a short 10-minute drive south of downtown. First held in April 1974, runners finished in the historic courtyard of Mission San Jose. Over the last decade, a 5K and kids' runs joined the activities. If you have wanted to get in some exercise and see the historic missions of San Antonio, this is the perfect opportunity. Also, forget the standard finishing medals, this race gives out Fiesta medals in pure San Antonio fashion. The San Antonio Roadrunners host this run and have over 1,800 members, and they would love to have you join the fun.

click on this: CONFETTI RUN 5K RUN & WALK Ollusa.edu/5k

MARGARITA RUN 5K & 10K Andiamorp.com/margaritarun

DISABILITYSA Disabilitysa.org/whats-happening.html

SARR MISSIONS 5K & 10K Runsignup.com/race/tx/sanantonio/ sarrmission5K10K

FIESTA ESPECIAL 5K & PARADE Fiestaespecial.com

34 RIO Magazine

TEXAS SENIOR GAMES Texasseniorgames.org

PLAN AHEAD: FREEDOM DAY RACE Need another race to balance out your Fourth of July BBQ indulgence? Mark your calendars for July 4th, 2020 and kick off your Independence Day celebration with a run through San Antonio's historic River Walk. This race features a chip-timed 4-Miler, a 2-Mile Family Fun Run, and the Lil' Firecrackers Kids 1/4 Mile Fun Run, hosted by yours truly the San Antonio Roadrunners.

WRITER’S BIO Drew Henry is the founder of the Design Dudes blog. During the week, he's blogging about the coolest style, and on the weekends, he is getting active! Instagram: @design_dudes, Facebook: @designdudeslife, Twitter: @designdudeslife, Web: designdudeslife.com

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

LIKE US!

TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com #SAriverwalk @TheSanAntonioRiverWalkOfficial The San Antonio River Walk thesanantonioriverwalk The San Antonio River Walk Hugman @theSAriverwalk

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

RIO Magazine

35

24 48 72 HOURS

by Crystal Henry

on Day one. . .

B-cycle

DAY 1 TWO-WHEELIN’ There’s no need to B.Y.O.B. (bring your own bike) on vacation when San Antonio Bikeshare exists. Rent a B-cycle from one of the dozens of stations around downtown, and pick a trail to follow. It’s $3 for a 30-minute trip, or buy a day pass for $12. When you finish riding, be sure to dock your bike to avoid additional fees.

La Villita Historic Arts Village

ON A MISSION The Alamo isn’t the only mission in town. There’s a 24-mile roundtrip paved bike trail that encompasses the other four Spanish colonial missions along the

San Antonio River. Pick up your bike at La Villita Historic Arts Village or San Fernando Cathedral at Main Plaza. Go south, follow the mile-markers embedded in the sidewalk, and watch for signs to the Mission Trail. The Mission Reach section of the River Walk is a natural beauty dotted with art pieces. Bring drinks and food along as you won’t find them available. No powered scooters allowed! The trail is going through some renovations, so watch for closures, and use alternative routes where necessary.

BIKE BRACKENRIDGE For a shorter path ride, go through Brackenridge Park. Once again, you can start at San Fernando Cathedral and, instead, head north to St. Mary’s Street to the 344-acre Brackenridge Park teaming with paved and dirt trails, towering trees, and the beautiful waters of the San Antonio River. This beatiful land was donated to the city for the creation of a park in 1899. While there, enjoy a miniature train ride!

36 RIO Magazine

Brackenridge Park

JOIN THE CLUB Embrace your biker vibes and reward your healthy hustle with happy hour at Bombay Bicycle Club. This St. Mary’s staple has happy hour all day long on Sundays and Mondays, and almost all day long the rest of the week. Depending on how you roll, you can indulge on loaded tots, spicy dill pickles and chips, or a heaping platter of chicken fried steak. For a lighter option, opt for a Topo Chico and salmon salad. thesanantonioriverwalk.com

April in San Antonio is a time to explore, but crape myrtle trees aren’t the only colorful sights in town. There are beautiful bike routes, scenic sanctuaries, and Easter celebrations abound this month in the River City.

48 on Day two. . .

Mission Reach

Japanese Tea Garden

DAY 2 SCENIC SANCTUARY TEA TIME If you pedaled past the Japanese Tea Garden on day one, stop and smell the roses on day two. Explore on-foot this beautiful mid-town oasis featuring lush gardens with koi ponds, stone bridges, vibrant flora, and a 60-foot waterfall. For a mindful moment in the garden, sit with a cup of tea and bento box at the Jingu House.

ART WALK Art and culture are at the heart of what makes San Antonio a unique destination. Experience why by exploring the outdoor installations downtown. Start with the four art portals visible on the Mission Reach connecting the water to the missions on street level and the neighborhoods around them. Each art portal is specific to the UNESCO World Heritage mission to which it connects.

At street level, on the corner of Market and Commerce Street, lies phase one of the River Walk Art Garden. The featured sculptures will change seasonally, with future placement throughout the city.

If you only have a moment, take in San Antonio’s art, culture, and history all at once with a walk along San Pedro Creek. The murals along the creek paint the story of San Antonio through local artistic interpretations. Pose for a pic in front of the dazzling “Aqua” by Alex Rubio, or take a somber moment to study “De Todos Caminos Somos Todos Uno (From All Roads, We Are One)” by Adriana M. Garcia.

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

River Walk Art Garden

FEAST YOUR EYES Dine riverside, inside or out, at Tre Trattoria located on the grounds of the San Antonio Museum of Art. This waterfront eatery offers tasty Tuscan-inspired family-style dining. Sink your teeth into made from scratch pasta and unwind with a hand-crafted Italian mojito just steps away from 5,000 years’ worth of art, history, and culture. Parking is free for restaurant and museum patrons.

San Pedro Creek

RIO Magazine

37

The Tower of the America's Eggstravaganza

on day three. . . click on this:

San Fernando Mission San Cathedral Jose

BRACKENRIDGE PARK Brackenridgepark.org RIVER WALK ART GARDEN Getcreativesanantonio.com/ public-art JAPANESE TEA GARDEN Saparksfoundation.org/ japanese-tea-garden JINGU HOUSE Jinguhousesa.com

MARIACHI MASS For a festive, puro (pure) San Antonio experience, check out the Mariachi Mass at Mission San Jose, where Sunday services at noon include an authentic Mariachi serenade, but plan to arrive early, as seating is limited.

MISSION SAN JOSE Missionsanjosechurch.org SAN ANTONIO BIKESHARE B-CYCLE Sanantonio.bcycle.com

FOR THE KIDS The Tower of the Americas is hosting an Eggstravaganza for all the pint-sized egg hunters.

On Easter Sunday, they’ll have three different egg hunts, a moon bounce, and activities and crafts for the kiddos.

SAN FERNANDO CATHEDRAL Sfcathedral.org SAN PEDRO CREEK Spcculturepark.com TOWER OF THE AMERICAS Toweroftheamericas.com TRE TRATTORIA Tretrattoria.com

38 RIO Magazine

DAY 3 EASTER CELEBRATIONS

BREAK-YOUR-FAST San Antonio has a host of services to celebrate the end of Lent, but none is more attended than services at the historic San Fernando Cathedral. Founded in 1731, San Fernando lays claim to the title of “oldest standing church building in Texas.” In the heart of downtown San Antonio, the church hosts a mass weekly, but during Easter, the festivities ramp up. Half a dozen Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday services run from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. in both Spanish and English. But one of the most widely attended events is the Passion of Christ on Good Friday. Church officials report the Passion historically attracts around 10,000 people.

BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB Bombaybicycleclubsa.com

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE MISSIONS Unesco.org

72

Helicopter Easter Egg Drop hosted by The Holy One Church

BOMBS AWAY The fifth annual Helicopter Easter Egg Drop hosted by The Holy One Church is on Sunday, April 5, at 3 p.m. There will be music, prayer, food, drinks, games and 20,000 eggs falling from the sky.

The egg hunt is for ages 12 and under only, and it’s B.Y.O.B. — bring your own baskets. And don’t forget your lawn chairs and umbrellas! thesanantonioriverwalk.com

2

VISIT MARKET SQUARE!

ONE OF THE LARGEST MEXICAN MARKETS OUTSIDE OF MEXICO! Culture | Art | Restaurants | Shops Entertainment 514 W. COMMERCE ST. | SAN ANTONIO, TX 78205 WWW.MARKETSQUARESA.COM

SAN ANTONIO FOOD & DRINK AMERICAN BOUDRO’S TEXAS BISTRO 421 East Commerce St. boudros.com p44, 16 BIGA ON THE BANKS 203 S. St. Mary’s Street biga.com BUBBA GUMP SHRIMP CO. 406 Navarro bubbagump.com CHILI’S ON THE RIVERWALK 849 East Commerce St. Chilis.com DAVE & BUSTER’S 849 E. Commerce St. daveandbusters.com DICK’S LAST RESORT 223 Losoya St. dickslastresort.com p44, 18 EL TROPICANO HOTEL 110 Lexington Avenue. eltropicanohotel.com HARD ROCK CAFÉ 111 W Crockett St #210 hardrock.com HOWL AT THE MOON 111 West Crockett St. #201 howlatthemoon.com IHOP 849 E. Commerce 210-444-1201 JAZZ, TX 312 Pearl Parkway #6001 JazzTX.com LAS CANARIAS 112 College Street omnihotels.com LONESTAR CAFE 237 Losoya lonestarcafe.us MARGARITAVILLE 849 E. Commerce St. margaritavillesanantonio.com

saltgrass.com p44,53 53 TEX’S RIVER WALK AND SPORTS BAR 200 S. Alamo texssportsbar.com p44, 27 BBQ COUNTY LINE BARBEQUE SPORTS BAR 111 W. Crockett St. countyline.com BBQ - p44, 7 BRAZILIAN FOGO DE CHAO 849 E. Commerce St. fogodechao.com TEXAS DE BRAZIL 313 E. Houston St. texasdebrazil.com BRITISH MAD DOGS 123 Losoya St. maddogs.net p44, 11 DELI SCHILO’S 424 E. Commerce St. schilos.com p50, 26 GERMAN BIER GARTEN 124-150 Losoya St. alamobiergarten.com p44, 36

Kilwins.com STEEL CITY POPS 812 S. Alamo, Suite 101 steelcitypops.com IRISH DURTY NELLY’S IRISH PUB 200 S. Alamo St. durtynellyspub.com p44, 80

Tower of the Americas, 739 East Cesar E. Chavez toweroftheamericas.com JOE’S CRAB SHACK 212 College Street Ste 10 joescrabshack.com LANDRY’S SEAFOOD HOUSE 517 N. Presa landrysseafood.com

ITALIAN FIG TREE 515 Villita dine.figtreerestaurant.com

ON THE BEND 123 Losoya St. onthebendsa.com p44, 96

GUILLERMO’S 618 McCullough St. guillermosdowntown.com

TEX-MEX CAFÉ OLE 430 E. Commerce St. cafeole.us

LITTLE RHEIN STEAKHOUSE 231 S. Alamo St. dine.littlerheinsteakhouse.com MICHELINO’S 521 Riverwalk michelinos.us.

PAESANOS 111 W. Crockett #100 www.paesanosriverwalk.com p44, 54 PIZZARITAS 245 E. Commerce pizzaritas.com ZOCCA 420 W. Market zoccariverwalk.com

ICE CREAM JUSTIN’S ICE CREAM 245 E Commerce St. mercadoritas.com

MEXICAN ACENAR 146 E. Houston acenar.com p44, 2

KILWINS 109 Alamo Plaza

SEAFOOD CHART HOUSE

CASA RIO 430 E. Commerce St. casa-rio.com p44, 61 IRON CACTUS 200 River Walk ironcactus.com p44, 4 THE ORIGINAL MEXICAN RESTAURANT 528 River Walk originalmexican.com p44, 14 RIO RIO CANTINA 421 E. Commerce St. rioriocantina.com p44, 13 RITA’S ON THE RIVER 245 E. Commerce, Suite 100 ritasontheriver.com

Grande Vista at the Rio Plaza

RAINFOREST CAFÉ 110 E. Crockett rainforestcafe.com p44, 17 RUTH CHRIS STEAK HOUSE 600 E. Market St. ruthschris.com THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS 526 Riverwalk therepublicoftexasrestaurant.com THE RIVER’S EDGE CAFÉ AND PATIO BAR 200 S. Alamo St. riversedgecafesa.com SALTGRASS STEAK HOUSE 502 River Walk 40 RIO Magazine

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

Explore. Feast. Toast.

Reserve Your Seats!!

Downtown Tuesday Cocktail Cruises Sunday Brunch Cruises More info: acenar.com/cruises Downtown | River Walk • 146 E. Houston St. 210.222.2362 • acenar.com thesanantonioriverwalk.com

RIO Magazine

41

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ATTENTION READERS: please verfiy for any possible postponed or canceled events.

FAMILY FUN 4/4-4/5 Kid’s Fest 2020 Traders Village

Through 4/11 “Dragons Love Tacos” Recommended for ages 3 and up. Discover the dietary delights and dilemmas of dragons in this fun-filled production.

Magik Theatre

SPECIAL EVENTS & FESTIVALS

4/3-4/5 Poteet Strawberry Festival This fruity fest is “jampacked” full of fun with gunslingers, a carnival, various contests, rodeo performances, and entertainment from famous country to Tejano stars.

Poteet Strawberry Festival Grounds

4/4 Taco Fest: Music Y Más The University of Texas at San Antonio – downtown campus 4/17-4/18 Fiesta Oyster Bake St. Mary's University 4/17-4/19 Taste of New Orleans Sunken Garden Theatre 4/17 @ 7 p.m.

Official River Walk Viva Fiesta Bar Crawl Starts at Howl at the Moon 42 RIO Magazine

4/3-5/25 Seven Seas Food Festival Set sail on a celebration of flavors, cuisines, and cultures every Friday through Sunday, to include Memorial Day. For the adults, enjoy a global collection of unique wines, craft cocktails, and imported beers. There will be live music and more at this annual festival. SeaWorld San Antonio 4/18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Viva Botánica San Antonio Botanical Garden

4/24 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Battle of Flowers Parade Downtown Area

4/18-4/19 Alamo Aloha Fiesta-val In this 24th annual celebration, share the appreciation of the “Aloha Spirit” through performers, craft vendors, and cuisine from Hawaii, the Pacific Islands, and beyond.

Traders Village

4/24-4/26 Fiesta Artisan Show, presented by Hiltons of San Antonio River Walk (near Chamber of Commerce and Shops at Rivercenter)

4/21-4/24 A Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA) In the heart of downtown San Antonio, the festival celebrates the city’s diverse cultural legacy through the magic of 200+ food and drink booths, 14 continuous live musical acts, and 15 bright and festive-themed areas.

La Villita

4/17 @ 7 p.m.

Trey Kennedy Aztec Theatre

4/22 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Coronation of the Queen of the Order of the Alamo Majestic Theatre

4/25 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

King William Fair King William Historic District

COMEDY

4/2 @ 8 p.m.

Collective Soul Aztec Theatre 4/5 @ 8 p.m.

Cécile McLorin Salvant Jo Long Theatre at Carver Cultural Community Center 4/9 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Kodi Lee Henry B. González Convention Center

4/16 @ 7:30 p.m.

An Evening with Jane Goodall H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts 4/18 @ 9 a.m.

Farmers & Artisan Market Mission Marquee Plaza 4/24-4/25 Festival de Animales San Antonio Zoo

MUSIC

4/1 @ 7:30 p.m.

Prince Royce H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts 4/2 @ 7:30 p.m.

Billy Gilman Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts

4/9 @ 7:30 p.m.

Black Violin H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts 4/9 @ 8 p.m.

Heather McMahan Aztec Theatre 4/13 @ 6 p.m.

Five Finger Death Punch AT&T Center

4/20 @ 8 p.m.

Entre Nos the 2020 Live Tour Charline McCombs Empire Theatre 4/21-4/23 Cornyation Charline McCombs Empire Theatre 4/26 @ 7 p.m.

Andrew Schulz Live H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts

4/18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Mission Reach Flotilla Fiesta Enjoy the 5th annual celebration.

Presented by the San Antonio River Foundation and San Antonio River Authority, the fun includes beer, food trucks, music, and, best of all, an opportunity to play on the river.

Mission County Park thesanantonioriverwalk.com

Through 4/11 “Dragons Love Tacos” Recommended for ages 3 and up. Discover the dietary delights and dilemmas of dragons in this fun-filled production.

Magik Theatre

4/15 @ 7:30 p.m.

America H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts 4/16 @ 8 p.m.

Aventura AT&T Center 4/17 @ 7:30 p.m.

Los Ángeles Azules Freeman Coliseum 4/17-4/18 Fiesta Pops H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts 4/19 @ 7:30 p.m.

The Monkees H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts

4/26 @ 7:30 p.m.

RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles Majestic Theatre 4/28 @ 7 p.m.

Celtic Woman Celebration Majestic Theatre 4/28 @ 7:30 p.m.

The Beach Boys H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts

PERFORMING ARTS

4/3-4/4 Alamo Showcase of Music Festival Henry B. González Convention Center Through 4/11 “On Your Feet!”

Woodlawn Theatre Through 4/12 “Our Town” The Classic Theatre of San Antonio Through 4/19 “Bright Star” The Public Theater of San Antonio 4/22 @ 7:30 p.m.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts 4/29 @ 7:30 p.m.

An Evening with Elizabeth Gilbert H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

4/4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

San Antonio Book Festival This free, annual event with exhibitors, authors, and more has something for bookworms of all ages. This year's lineup of wide-ranging writers will appeal to all tastes.

San Antonio Central Library and Southwest School of Art

SPORTS

4/2 @ 7 p.m.

San Antonio Rampage vs. Iowa Wild Hockey Winning Weekday AT&T Center 4/3 @ 7:30 p.m.

Basketball - San Antonio Spurs vs. Golden State Warriors AT&T Center 4/4 @ 7 p.m.

Hockey - San Antonio Rampage vs. Colorado Eagles First Responder’s Night AT&T Center 4/5 @ 6 p.m.

Basketball - San Antonio Spurs vs. New Orleans Pelicans AT&T Center Through 4/5 Valero Texas Open Fueled by fans, competition, and making memories, world-class golfers on the PGA Tour compete for victory. See Texas hospitality at its finest in a celebration of tradition, charity, community, and family fun.

TPC San Antonio 4/7 @ 7:30 p.m.

Basketball - San Antonio Spurs vs. Sacramento Kings AT&T Center

4/8 @ 7 p.m.

Hockey - San Antonio Rampage vs. Rockford IceHogs AT&T Center

4/25 @ 7:30 p.m.

Soccer - San Antonio Football Club vs. Reno 1868 Football Club Toyota Field

4/9-4/13 Baseball - San Antonio Missions vs. Oklahoma City 89ers Wolff Stadium

4/25-4/27 Baseball - San Antonio Missions vs. Omaha Royals Wolff Stadium

4/10 @ 7:30 p.m.

Basketball - San Antonio Spurs vs. Philadelphia 76ers AT&T Center

Through 4/5 Re/Devaluing Colorism: Intersections of Skin Color and Currency Southwest School of Art

4/11 @ 7 p.m.

Hockey - San Antonio Rampage vs. Texas Stars AT&T Center 4/11 @ 7:30 p.m.

Soccer - San Antonio Football Club vs. Tacoma Defiance Toyota Field 4/12 @ 2 p.m.

Basketball - San Antonio Spurs vs. Houston Rockets AT&T Center 4/15 @ 6:30 p.m.

Basketball -San Antonio Spurs vs. New Orleans Pelicans AT&T Center 4/21-4/23 Baseball - San Antonio Missions vs. Iowa Cubs Wolff Stadium

VISUAL ARTS

Through 4/19 The Magic of Clay and Fire: Japanese Contemporary Ceramics San Antonio Museum of Art Through 4/26 Robert L. B. Tobin: Collector, Curator, Visionary McNay Art Museum Through 4/26 Visibilities: Intrepid Women of Artpace Artpace Through 5/3 Texas Women: A New History of Abstract Art San Antonio Museum of Art

RIO Magazine

43

SHOPPING ALAMO PLAZA SHIRTS 325 Alamo Plaza San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 223-2347 ALAMO QUARRY MARKET 255 East Basse Road San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 824-8885 www.quarrymarket.com

THE ALLEY ON BITTERS 555 W. Bitters Rd. San Antonio, TX 78206 (210) 494-3226 www.TheAlleyOnBitters.com ANGELITA’S Building 2, 418 Villita St. angelitaboutique.webs.com ART PACE 445 N Main Ave artpace.org BATTLE FOR TEXAS 849 E. Commerce battlefortexas.com B&C LEATHER ACCESSORIES & UNIQUE FINDS 418 Villita St #24 San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 464-1126 BONITA RITA’S 245 E. Commerce, #100 San Antonio, TX 78205 mercadoritas.com BRISCOE WESTERN ART MUSEUM 210 W. Market Street briscoemuseum.org BUCKHORN MUSEUM 318 E Houston St. buckhornmuseum.com CASA SALAZAR 216 E. Houston San Antonio, 78205 (210) 472-2272 themajestic.com/casa THE COLLECTION 7959 Broadway San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 826-3130 thecollectionsanantonio.com DEL SOL OF SAN ANTONIO 321 Alamo Plaza San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 231-0900 www.delsol.com DOSEUM 2800 Broadway St. thedoseum.org EL MERCADO 514 W. Commerce San Antonio, TX 78207 (210) 207-8600 www.sanantonio.gov/marketsquare 44 RIO Magazine

FIESTA ON MAIN 2025 North Main Avenue San Antonio, TX 78212 (210) 738-1188 www.alamofiesta.com Mexican cultural gifts, pinatas THE FIESTA STORE 2611 Broadway San Antonio, TX 78215 (210) 227-5191 www.fiesta-sa.org FIVE & DIME GENERAL STORE 101 Alamo Plaza San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 233-0166 fiveanddimegs.com GALLERY VETRO CREATIVE ARTGLASS 250 E. Houston San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 354-0001 GARCIA ART GLASS 715 South Alamo San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 223-1400 www.garciaartglass

MERCADORITA’S 245 E. Commerce & Bonita San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 286-7432 NATURAL BRIDGE CAVERNS 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Road naturalbridgecaverns.com NORTH STAR MALL 7400 San Pedro San Antonio, TX 78217 (210) 340-6627 www.northstarmall.com PARIS HATTERS 119 Broadway San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 223-3453 www.parishatters.com PENNERS DOWNTOWN 311 W. Commerce San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 226-2487 www.pennersinc.com RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT 301 Alamo Plaza ripleys.com/sanantonio

COWBOY’S ALAMO CITY HARLEYDAVIDSON RIVERWALK BOUTIQUE RIVERWALK BOUTIQUE 111 West Crockett St. Suite 209 cowboysalamocityharley.com

SAN ANGEL FOLK ART 110 Blue Star San Antonio, TX 78204 (210) 226-6688 www.sanangelfolkart.com

HUEBNER OAKS 11745 IH 10 West San Antonio, TX 78230 shophuebneroaks.com

SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART 200 West Jones Avenue samuseum.org

KATHLEEN SOMMERS 2417 North Main San Antonio, TX 78212 (210) 732-8437 kathleensommers.com KENDRA SCOTT 310 East Basse Rd. #101 San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 591-7180 www.kendrascott.com LA VILLITA HISTORIC ARTS VILLAGE 418 Villita Street, San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 207-8614 www.lavillita.com LOS PATIOS 2015 NE Loop 410 San Antonio, TX 78217 (210) 655-6171 www.lospatios.com LUCCHESE BOOT COMPANY 255 East Basse Rd #800 San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 828-9419 www.lucchese.com

SAN ANTONIO VISITORS CENTER 317 Alamo Plaza San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 207-6871 www.visitsan antonio.com SHOPS OF LA CANTERA 15900 La Cantera Pkwy San Antonio, TX 78256 (210) 582-6255 theshopsatlacantera.com SHOPS AT RIVER CENTER 849 E. Commerce shoprivercenter.com 77T’S SOUVENIRS & T-SHIRTS 207 Alamo Plaza San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 549-1279 www.77tshirts.com TEXAS ACCENT GENERAL STORE 803 S. Zarzamora San Antonio, TX 78207 (210) 435-2446

thesanantonioriverwalk.com @TheSanAntonio RiverWalkOfficial @theSAriverwalk thesanantonioriverwalk The San Antonio River Walk Hugman @TheSAriverwalk

TIENDA LA GARZA 110 Broadway, Suite 100 San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 222-2133 TPJ GIFT SHOP 849 E. Commerce #673 San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 212-9066 THE TWIG BOOK SHOP 306 Pearl Parkway #106 San Antonio, TX 78215 (210) 826-6411 thetwig.indiebound.com THE UNOFFICIAL BEST OF TEXAS 101 Alamo Plaza, #3 San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 227-0242 VILLA TESOROS 418 Villita St - Bldg. 8 San Antonio, Texas 78205 (210) 724-8521, (210) 464-1126 THE VINEYARD 1207 North Loop 1604 W San Antonio, TX 78258 thevineyardshoppingcenter.com WYNDHAM SAN ANTONIO RIVERWALK 111 E. Pecan Street San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 489-9768 www.sawyn.com THE WESTIN RIVERWALK 420 W. Market Street San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 413-9731 www.westin.com

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

R I VER W

WI NN

6

LK

A

R

ST

YEARS RUNNING

04/30/2020.

E

T

Grilled romaine hearts, thick bacon, candied pecans, grape tomatoes, feta cheese, jalapeño-cheese croutons, cilantro aioli.

E

A

GRILLED ROMAINE SALAD

E OF T H

Featuring

EVERY DAY MILITARY DISCOUNT *

10% OFF WITH VALID MILITARY ID 50% OFF FOR PATRONS IN MILITARY UNIFORM * Excludes Alcohol

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

RIO Magazine

45

CE

See map of San Antonio River

ER

Museum Reach

84

opposite page >

E. E. MARTIN MARTIN ST. ST.

P

60

P

LA M O

NU E p s at R

The S

94

M T

R

P 35

36

CCO OM MM MEERRCC EE SSTT..

80 58

LA

40

34

H���

82

37

F THE A

73

RI C A

38

DWYER AV E

91

Convention Center

27

ER OW O

90

. G� � �B

ME

VILL

75

28

EE M MAARRKK EETT SSTT

77

S. AL AMO ST.

VVIL ILLLIT ITAA SSTT

A

S. PRESA ST.

NAV ARR

OS T.

RY’S

57 S. PRES A ST

ST. MARY’S ST

E. E. N NUUEV EVAA ST ST

S. ALAMO ST .

A T. M S. S

DO

ho

78

57

EE.. NN UUEEVV AA SS TT

S. MA IN AVE

98

T

S

64

W WM MAARRKK EETT SSTT

53

IT

S. F LOR E

AV E A

61

N. ALAM O ST.

19 16 15 25 55 20

34

�� ���

EE.. NN UUEEVV AA SS TT..

E

BROA DWA Y

JEFFERSON

18

14

86

55

EE.. CCRRO OCCKKEETTTT

LOSOYA ST.

P

12 74 56

17

53 13

ST

MAIN PLAZA

S. MAIN AVE.

VVIILLLL IITTAA SS TT..

ST..

ETTT ST CKET OCK CRO W W.. CR

r c e nt

54 71

P

AAMM NNHH O O BB

33

RCH

W W.. M MAARR KKEETT SSTT..

36

FREE

49

96

LAM

79 54 8 9

N. PR ESA S T.

P

67

6 7

11

81 52

O

34

10

51 95

W W.. CCRRO OCCKKEETTTT SST.T.

CCO OM MM MEERRCC EE SSTT..

SST.T. OLLLLEEGGEE CCO

EE.. HHO OUUSSTT O ONN SSTT ..

ive

SA ROSA LORO OLO D DO

NAVARRO ST.

50

4

34

N. A

NAVARRO ST..

N. ST MARY’S

COLLEG COLLEGEE ST. ST.

NAVA RRO S T.

72

S. FL ORES

P

O

LACE

SAN

N. ST. MARY’S

SOLEDAD ST.

N MAIN AVE.

N. FLORES

39

S

ND

A ’S P

SPANISH

ST.

47 48

E. E. HOUSTON HOUSTON ST. ST.

E. E. HOUSTON HOUSTON ST. ST.

O

46

3

DOLOROSA DOLOROSA

57 45

P

99

3 RD

2

COMMERCE COMMERCE ST. ST. RNA FE

44

BRIDGES

P

E. E.TRAVIS TRAVIS ST. ST.

42

41

34

HOTELS

43

W. W. HOUSTON HOUSTON ST. ST.

V E R NO R GO

Travis Park

E. E.TRAVIS TRAVIS ST. ST.

ST..

IS ST AVIS TRAV E. E.TR

W. W.TRAVIS TRAVIS ST. ST.

88

P

ATTRACTIONS & SHOPPING

er

58

RESTAURANTS

P

EE PECAN PECAN ST. ST.

.

ST D 3R

N. FLORES

ST. AN ST. PECAN W W PEC

PARKING

AV EN UE E

87

IN

NT

TO B

RIVER WALK MAP

AVE

See map of South Town &

SM AIN

King William

opposite page >

EE..

CCEE SSAA RR

46 RIO Magazine EE..CC

HHAA VVEE ZZ

EZ AVEZ CHAV SARR CH CESA E. E. CE

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

RYS ST.MA 40 The Magik Theatre 72 San Fernando Cathedral

ST.

ST

AVE NUE A

SS

KA RN E

BRO ADW AY S T. S PRESA ST

20 Garcia Art Glass

6

ER

22

OS

T

S

O AM AL

8

23

LA MO

GH

ST

18

HER

S ST

ST

LEI

2

ENT

VAL LO

A ST PEREID

E GU

E CE

34

ST

3 13

18 Taco Haven

SA

9

ST

17 Madhatters Tea House & Café

TH

SA ST

LAM

EN

ARY’S S ST. M

SA

16 Tito’s Mexican Restaurant

16

GU

10 11 12

S PRE

13 El Luchador Bar

W

5 ST

17

21 Rudy Choperena 23 Flight Gallery

16

7

LABOR ST

ST IA M

18

KIN

G

17 Blue Star Contemporary Art Museum

12 B & D Icehouse

19 La Focaccia

19

W ILL

GALLERIES

22 Artist Sweets Becker

1 17

ST

11 Brackenridge House Bed & Breakfast

20

SA ST

10 Rosarios

21

Y’S MAR

9 Liberty Bar

LVD AVEZ B

R E. CH

E CESA

S PRE

8 La Tuna Grille

19

R ST

LOR

19 Yanaguana Garden

T ST

A

S ST.

7 La Fritte

MAR KE

LABO

AM

.

ST

AL

N

.

ST

UEV A ST

AVE

O

5 Friendly Spot 6 Guenther House

N

M LA

S ALAMO ST

ROS

16 Edward Steves E MARTIN ST Homestead Museum 18 Villa Finale

3 Blue Star

O

WN

S MA

2 Bliss

ATTRACTIONS & SHOPPING

SF

1 Azuca

OA

South Town

King William & RESTAURANTS

BR

.

ST

SM AIN

N. MAIN AVE

N. MAIN AVE

BOWIE ST.

del Rio Hotel

King William &

ST

13

SA ST

S PRE

NT

A PROB

13 Wyndham Garden

T

E. AV

HOTELS

35 YS AR .M ST

AY DW

YN KL

12 The Pearl

EVA S

OO

ATTRACTIONS & SHOPPING 11 San Antonio Museum of Art

13

W NU

51 Mokara Hotel & Spa 52 Hyatt Regency

South Town

ES

3

BR

12 Jazz, TX

E. AV YN KL

11 Sams Burger Joint Music Hall

OO

10 Minnie’s Tavern Rye House

ON

GH

9 La Gloria

BR

8 Josephine Street

OU LL

7 Green

VE EA

5 Cured

CU MC

4 CIA

EJ

OR

3 Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen

50 Omni La Mansion

10

E AV

2 Boiler House

S

M LTI

1 Arcade

E MARTIN ST

NE

BA

RESTAURANTS

E AV

Museum Reach

ON GT

San Antonio River

D

96 On the Bend Oyster Bar & Lounge

XIN

94 Dave & Busters

ON

80 Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub 91 Guadalajara Grill

LE

77 Ruth’s Chris Steak House

43 The St. Anthony Hotel 44 Marriott Townplace 45 Hotel Valencia 46 Holiday Inn 47 Marriott Courtyard NA VAInn 48 Drury RRO T. 49 Drury Plaza SHotel HM

75 Fig Tree Restaurant

41 Embassy Suites 42 Sheraton Gunter Hotel

RIC

71 Zocca

281 JO

ST.MARYS

E. AV

HOTELS

56 Pizzarita’s

W

NTA

RO

55 The Republic of Texas

11

.

ST

99 RJA Ghost Tours

54 Paesanos Riverwalk

67 Biga on the Banksn

E

IN QU

.

ST

S SA

ED

NP

53 Saltgrass

61 Casa Rioa

CY

98 LEGOLAND Discovery Center and Sealife San Antonio

36 Bier Garten

MD CA

35

90 Villa Tesoros

28 Little Rhein Steak House

58 Range

EN

88 Spanish Governor’s Palace

27 Tex’s River Walk Sports Bar

.

ST

E

ST BOWIE

SA

20 Lone Star Cafe

57 Dorrego’s

E

84 Tobin Center 81 Turquoise River Trading Company

PKWY

AVE

IN AV

BBOO Public House 19 Gourdough’s

CY

IN QU

S ST

AAMM

18 Dick’s NNHHLast Resort

95 Mokara Spa

79 Cowboy’s Alamo Harley Davidson

S FL ORE

17 Rainforest Cafe

53 Tower Life Building

78 Freedom Torch

S ST

16 Boudro’s

74 Mercadorita’s

S FL ORE

15 Coyote Ugly

N. MAIN AVE

.

ST H

14 Original Mexican Restaurant

NEWELL

37 Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center

73 Tower of the Americas

ST

13 Rio Rio Cantina

ES

12 Rita’s on the Riverta’s

LL AVE NEWE

MISCELLANEOUS 34 CitySightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Double Deckers

57 Briscoe Western Art Museum

E

11 Mad Dogs British Pub

34

AMO

39 Sisters Grimm Tours

IN AV

9 Howl At The Moon 10 Landry’s Seafood

PEARL

5

11

N AL

38 Angelita

12

2

E

8 Hard Rock Cafe

1

4

BRO ADW AY S T.

38 Plaza Taxco

12

7

A AV

7 The County Line

9

S MA

6 Bubba Gump Shrimp

8

T.

ST .

36 The Improv at Rivercenter 38 La Villita Historic Arts Village

10

E. GRA YSON S

N

35 The Shops at Rivercenter

ST.

CA MD E

33 The Alamo

4 Iron Cactus Mexican Grill & Margarita Bar

PHINE

ST.MARYS

25 Riverwalk Wine & Spirits

E. JOS E

Museum Reach

54 Homewood Suites & Hotel 55 Westin Riverwalk 58 Hilton Palacio Del Rio 60 Wyndham River Walk 64 Menger Hotel 82 Grand Hyatt 86 Hotel Contessa 87 Hotel Havana

ATTRACTIONS & SHOPPING

3 Bella On The River

BOWIE ST.

E

RESTAURANTS

2 Acénar

4T

TT SST.T.

San Antonio River

LOCATIONS LISTING

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

RIO Magazine

47

DISCOVERY 60 YEARS OF

NaturalBridgeCaverns.com

48 RIO Magazine

ALL NEW! WORLD’S LARGEST ROPES COURSE & ZIP RAILS!

thesanantonioriverwalk.com 32537_NBC_Rio_Magazine_March_2020_Ad_v1.indd 1

2/14/20 4:08 PM

SHOPS.

ART.

DINING.

San Antonio’s Historic Artisan District Located on the River Walk, La Villita offers over 20 galleries, fine dining restaurants, and Artisan boutiques with unique, handcrafted treasures.

485 Red

300 Blue C

100% Black

418 Villita Street Mon-Sat 10AM - 6PM Sun 11AM - 4PM

lavillitasanantonio.com

PLAY WITH SOUND AT THE DOSEUM! • EXPLORE OUR SPRING EXHIBIT SOUNDMAZE FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT THEDOSEUM.ORG/SOUND-MAZE thesanantonioriverwalk.com

RIO Magazine

49

ARTISTS &

shoppers

WANTED

Virtual Spring Artisan Show April 1–30, 2020

Presented by

TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com/ events/virtual-spring-artisan-show

Memorial Day Artisan Show May 22–25, 2020 Fourth of July Artisan Show July 3–6, 2020 Summer Artisan Show July 31–August 2, 2020 Labor Day Artisan Show September 4–7, 2020 Fall Artisan Show October 9–11, 2020 Holiday Artisan Show December 11–13, 2020

12 Million people visit the River Walk each year

Events@RiverWalkSA.org (210) 227-4262

SAN ANTONIO What’s OPEN, What’s NOT

For up-to-date information please visit thesanantonioriverwalk.com/events/ san-antonio-river-walk-business-status

YS O

N

ST

43

BR OA D

T AL AM OS

AM O AL

EE NU A S h o ps

LOSOYA

15

MME

5

RCE S T

MAR 9 KET S T F THE A

ER OW O

AMO ST

SOUTH A L

ZA MAIN PL A

N. ALAM O ST

NAVARRO ST.

T ST MARYS S

34

ST

WA Y OA D BR

N.

TO B

N. MAIN AVE

NORTH FLORES AVE

S. MA IN

RES FLO SOU TH

SOU TH

FLO

RES

AV EZ

ST

R

E. CO

17

La Villita W. NUEV A

33

9

38

YS ST MAR T S .

S SA ST S. PRE

OSA ST S. SANTA R

T

SAN

SPANISH

MAR

SOLEDAD ST

SA ST S. SANTA RO

N. FRIO ST

DO S

RE . CH

23

R i ver

ST

10

RI C A

SA

38

T

51

55

at

UST ON

ME

ARE

32

72

19

n te r

S. L

31

O

29

34

20

18

E. H O

LAM

ce

59

ST

RNA

34

E. C E

21 30

52

NOLAN ST

48

6

7 FE

D

35

50

TRAVIS ST 37

O

42

34

PECAN

E. HOUSTON ST

ND

4

LACE

SA

16

BURNET ST

56

Travis Park

25

V E R NO R GO

A ’S P

34 39 41 3

35

3R

ARE

1

K

U

DOLARO

CE

ET SQ

ER

N

CE

NT

W. HOUST O

W. COMM ER

TRAVIS ST

IN

AV E

SA PU

24

ARY

W. MARTIN ST

36

40

69

11

281

C LI

BR

BLI

12

POST

W

76

N TO NG

10

53

S A 13 44 VE

N.

XI

ES

NE

VF

35

FL OR

LE

H

34

JO

S

E AV

RT

E AV YN KL VE OO HA BR UG LLO CU MC

N. MAIN AVE

RO

ED

NP SA

NO

8

54

W

WA Y

DOWNTOWN MAP

Hemisfair

E. C

14

ES

AR

Institute of Texan Cultures

E. C

HA VE

Z

Share your pics and join the conversation use #DowntownSATX. Brought to you by Centro San Antonio

LOCATIONS LISTING 11 Art Pace

42 Spanish Governor’s Palace

13 San Antonio Museum of Art

48 Alta Vista Skate Shop

3 Mi Tierra Cafe Y Panaderia

14 Institute of Texan Culture

52 Tresor

4 La Margarita Mexican

18 Yasmin’s Boutique

56 Maverick Carter House

Restaurant & Oyster Bar

19 Out West

5 Denny’s

21 Tienda La Garza

18 Francesco’s Gelato

22 The Amazing Mirror Maze

20 Pat O’Brien’s

23 San Antonio General Store

36 Augies Alamo City BBQ Steakhouse 44 Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen River Walk Downtown

51 Biga on the Banks

29 Aztec Theatre

53 Guillermo’s

30 Ripley’s Haunted Adventure/ Tomb Rider 3D

15 Crockett Hotel 16 Sheraton Gunter Hotel 17 Menger Hotel 24 El Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel 43 Marriott Plaza San Antonio

31 Guiness World Records Museum

54 Jazz, TX 55 IHOP

32 Ripley’s Believe it or Not/

ATTRACTIONS & SHOPPING

HOTELS 12 Wyndham Garden River Walk

Louis Tussaud’s Wax Works

MISCELLANEOUS 34 CitySightseeing Double

Decker Tour

37 Tom’s Wheelchair &

33 The Alamo

ScooterRentals

6 Paris Hatters

35 Tobin Center

38 USO

7 Buckhorn Saloon & Museum

38 Angelita’s

8 The Pearl

39 Plaza Taxco

9 Shops at RiverCenter

40 VFW Post 76

10 Tower of the Americas/

41 Market Square

Chart House Restaurant

69 San Antonio Public Library

20% OFF

ENTIRE GUEST CHECK One coupon, per table, per visit. Not valid on national holidays, with the 2468 Value Menu™, The Endless All You Can Eat Breakfast, AARP or any other coupons or promotional offers. This offer can be redeemed only once by the original recipient. Coupon has no cash value. No change returned. Taxes and gratuity not included. Alcoholic beverages not included. Valid at participating restaurants for a limited time only. Selection and prices may vary. Photocopied and Internet printed or purchased coupons are not valid. No substitutions. Offer valid for dine in only. Not valid for online orders. Restrictions apply. © 2020 DFO, LLC. Offer ends 05.01.20

2 BUTTERMILK PANCAKES · 2 SAUSAGE LINKS 2 BACON STRIPS · HASH BROWNS · 2 EGGS FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY

$599

NO SUBSTITUTIONS

S.t

25 Majestic Theatre

Brackenridge House Bed & Breakfast

E. Com merce St.

Bowie

RESTAURANTS 1 Ristorante Pico de Gallo

37

E. Ma

rket St .

Visit your Downtown San Antonio Denny’s at 903 E. Commerce St. San Antonio, TX 210-223-4321 © 2020 DFO, LLC. At participating restaurants for a limited time only.

Selection and prices may vary. While supplies last.

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

(Steps from the Riverwalk, Alamo and downtown hotels) RIO Magazine

53

LA VILLITA LA VILLITA 418 Villita Street San Antonio, TX 78205 210-207-8614 www.lavillita.com Collection of Unique Local Shops - p44 38 ANGELITA La Villita - Bldg. 2 San Antonio, TX 78205 210- 224-8362 www.lavillita.com Womens Fashions & Jewelry p44 38 CASA MANOS ALEGRES La Villita - Bldg. 6 San Antonio, TX 78205 210-313-7293 www.lavillita.com Mexican Cultural Gift p44 38 COPPER GALLERY La Villita - Bldg. 11 San Antonio, TX 78205 210.271.3856 www.thecoppergallery.com Art Collectibles - p44 38 EQUINOX GALLERY La Villita - Bldg. 4 San Antonio, Texas 78205 www.alejandrosifuentes.com 210-281-0706 Jewelry Metal Gallery p44 38

LITTLE STUDIO GALLERY La Villita - Bldg. 23 San Antonio, TX 78205 210-227-8893 www.lavillita.com Art Gallery - p44 38 PLAZA TAXCO La Villita, Bldg.16B San Antonio, TX 78205 210-994-5259 www.plazataxco.com - p44 38 RIVER ART GROUP La Villita - Bldg. 14 San Antonio, TX 78205 210-226-8752 www.rivergroup.com Art Gallery - p44, p50 38 SCENTCHIPS USA La Villita - Bldg. 21 San Antonio, TX 78205 210.223.2267 www.lavillita.com Candles - p44 38 STARVING ARTIST GALLERY La Villita - Bldg. 12 San Antonio, TX 78205 210.226.3593 www.lavillita.com Art Gallery - p44 38

@TheSanAntonio RiverWalkOfficial thesanantonioriverwalk @theSAriverwalk

TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com #SAriverwalk

The San Antonio River Walk Hugman

CASTROVILLE

56 RIO Magazine

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

BULVERDE

GREATER SAN ANTONIO STONE OAK 7 1604

28 CO R D

16

CE VAN UR ZB AC H

D SR ER

RD

TT

281

4

BR

151

FR A

RD

17

BA

410

D

OR NC

ED

ND

ER

ER

IC

AR

RG

WA Y

OA D

BR

8 28 26

18

11 20 12

RD

UIN

SEG

9

E COMMERCE

21

ST

MARBACH RD

HOUSTON

32 31

90

SW

90

27 23

ZARZAMORA

35

SE MILITARY

ROOSEVELT AVENUE

10

22

ESA

GA

NO

PR S.

RES S. FLO

Y AR LIT

MI

410

OS LIT

RD

10

35 151

1604

15

MULBERRY AVE

BU

D

CULEBRA RD

TRA PO

KS

19

W.W WHITE

LE

1604

BROADWAY

D

CU

5

SAN PEDRO AVE

BLANCO RD

HU

AR

EB

NE

DER

RR D

BAN

W

29

35

E

OR

M ET

W

28

29

6

BI

13

PRUE RD

1604

LIVE OAK

W

10

N KSO JAC

30

14

DE BULVER

1

2

3

BLAN

BOERNE

410

37

24 25

LOCATIONS LISTING RESTAURANTS 13 Salt Grass - Heubner Oaks 14 Salt Grass - Donella 15 Paesanos - Lincoln Heights 16 Paesanos - 1604 26 Augies Barbed Wire

29 Joe’s Crab Shack -

San Antonio 410

ATTRACTIONS & SHOPPING 1 The Rim 2 Six Flags Fiesta Texas 3 The Shops at La Cantera

Smokehouse

4 SeaWorld of San Antonio

28 Joe’s Crab Shack -

5 North Star Mall

San Antonio Quarry

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

6 The Forum Shops

7 Vineyard Shopping Center

19 Morgan’s Wonderland

1604

MISSIONS TRAIL

8 Alamo Quarry Market

20 The DoSeum

21 The Alamo

9 Splashtown

27 Flipz Trampoline Park

22 Mission Conception

10 Alamo Helicopter Tours

28 Extreme Escape

23 Mission San José

11 San Antonio Zoo

29 San Antonio Aquarium

24 Mission San Juan

12 San Antonio Botanical Garden

30 Pedrotti's Ranch 31 Bario Aviation

25 Mission Espada

17 K1 Speed 18 McNay Art Museum

32 Guadalupe Arts Center

RIO Magazine

57

COUPONS Tower of the Americas

210 W Market St. San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 299-4499 BriscoeMuseum.org

$2 OFF

General Adult Admission SAVE UP TO $8 Open Tue–Sun 10AM with seasonal closing hours | Closed Mondays Expires 04/30/2020

FREE BASKET OF HAND BATTERED FRIED PICKLES With the purchase of TWO dinner menu entrees.

237 Loyosa, San Antonio, TX 78205 210-223-9374 www.riverrestaurants.com Limit one coupon per table. Expires 04/30/2020

2

$

OFF TOWER TICKET

126 Losoya St, San Antonio, TX, 78205

(210) 212-7299

www.biergartenriverwalk.com

FREE

701 Bowie, San Antonio, TX 78205

210.223.3101

KRAUTWURST BALLS

TowerOfTheAmericas.com

with purchase of TWO – ONE LITER BIERS

Ticket includes unlimited access to Observation Deck, Flags over Texas & 4-D Theater Ride. Not valid with any other offer or discount. Limit one $2.00 off coupon per person. No cash value.

One coupon per table.

For dine in guests only. Expires 04/30/2020

Expires 04/30/2020

10% OFF

110 E. Crockett on the Riverwalk 210-277-6300

this La Villita location

Plaza Taxco (Excluding Sales Items)

FREE CHEF’S APPETIZER OF THE DAY

With the purchase of an adult entrée.

See our ads on pages 27 & 56

One coupon per table per visit. Offer at Riverwalk location only.

Must present coupon. Expires 04/30/2020

10% OFF this La Villita location

FREE FLAUTAS

Chef’s Surprise Appetizer

(seasoned chicken rolled up in a tortilla)

With purchase of 2 entrées

with the purchase of 1 entrée

146 E. Houston St. @ River Walk 210.222.2362 | acenar.com

Coupon not valid with other offers or coupons.

Please present coupon to server at time of ordering.

FREE CHILE CON QUESO!

with purchase of an Entrée

I RONCACTUS . COM

58 58 RIO RIOMagazine Magazine

See our ads on pages 27 & 56

$

10% OFF

3

OFF

at this La Villita location

ADULT OR CHILD TICKET

301 Alamo Plaza •210-224-9299

RIPLEYS.COM/SANANTONIO

Not valid with any other offer. Good up to six people.

Expires 04/30/20 • ©RIPLEY ENTERTAINMENT INC. - RIO MAG

Tasha Polizzi • Dian Malouf • Consuela Virgins, Saints & Angels • Juan Antoni Flax • XCVI • Sterling and Turquoi

2 0 0 R IV ER WA LK , S T E. 1 0 0 S A N A N TO N IO , T X 7 8 2 0 5 ( 2 1 0 ) 2 2 4 -9 8 3 5

(excluding sale items and alcohol)

One per table, please. Dine in only. Expires 04/30/2020.

In Historic La Villita just steps from th 418 Villita St. • www.angelitas (210) 224-8362

Redeem this coupon for a f ree order of Chile con Queso. Not valid with any other offer. One coupon per 4 entrées.

Dine-in only. Expires 12/31/20.

(Excluding Sales Items)

(Excluding Sales Items)

angelita

See our ads on pages 27 & 56 thesanantonioriverwalk.com thesanantonioriverwalk.com

Next to the food courts at The Shops at Rivercenter

210-227-9100 Show coupon for 10% OFF your purchase.

River Center Mall location Only.

$

Coupon not valid with other offers. Expires 04/30/20

2

OFF Complimentary House Dessert with order of an entrée.

an Adult Entrée with this ad Ice Cold Drinks & Good Texas Food 245 E. Commerce River Level at Navarro & Crockett 210-227-RITA • www.ritasontheriver.com

12/31/20

111 W. Crockett Street, Suite 101 (210) 227-2782 paesanosriverwalk.com Not valid with any other offer or discount.

Offer only valid at Paesanos Riverwalk location.

Valid only for lunch and Dinner, coupon good for up to 2 entrees at a table

FREE BEVERAGE With the purchase of entree during happy hour only.

Happy Hour 4-8PM RIO

409 E. Commerce 210-465-UGLY www.coyoteuglysaloon.com

12

SAVE UP TO

$

Present this coupon and receive $2.00 OFF each adult and $1.00 OFF each Child’s Full Price Discovery Tour Ticket.

Limit 6.

210-651-6101 •naturalbridgecaverns.com

Not Valid With Any Other Discount or Program.

Expires 12/31/2021.

10124

20% OFF

FREE OYSTER SAMPLER w/ purchase of 2 premium beverages 123 Losoya #7, San Antonio, Texas 78205 Phone: (210) 354-3002

ENTIRE GUEST CHECK

One coupon, per check, per visit. Not valid with any other coupons or promotional offers. Coupon has no cash value. No change returned. Taxes and gratuity not included. Alcoholic beverages not included. Valid only 903 E. Commerce St. San Antonio, TX location. Selection and prices may vary. Only original coupon accepted. Photocopied and Internet printed or purchased coupons are not valid. No substitutions. © 2014 DFO, LLC. Printed in the U.S.A. Offer ends 04/30/20

$5 OFF

Harley Davidson Dealer T-Shirt Expires 04/30/20

04/30/20

111 West Crockett Street 210-212-4461 cowboysalamocityharley.com

*Short sleeve t-shirts only. Applies to dealer t-shirt wall only.

Limit one coupon per person. Full price items only.

No additional discounts apply. Expires 04/30/2020

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

RIO Magazine

59

SPOTLIGHT

Let Them Eat Cake (Lauren prefers cheese)

By Janis Turk

60 RIO Magazine

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

Social media maven LAUREN MCPHERSON likes to have her cake and wear it, too.

Follow her Instagram and blog posts, and you’ll see.

In her weekly social media series “More Cheese Pretty Please,” McPherson shares photos of meticulously decorated cakes custom-made to match the splashy, colorful, print-filled fashions she wears.

A hound’s-tooth coat matches a hound’stooth-coated chocolate cake. A sunny lemon-patterned skirt complements a lemon-curd-filled vanilla cake. A velvet dress is replicated in red-velvet cake.

THE FASHION DICTATES THE FROSTING. “It’s definitely a niche thing, but it’s been a great creative outlet for me. Cake makes people happy, and it’s a lot of fun,” says the 30-year old San Antonio-area sweetheart with a winning smile and dimples. A dusting of powdered sugar lingers in her long blonde locks.

"

Cake is my

Canvas" thesanantonioriverwalk.com

“I began food-styling and posting pictures of food on Instagram, but then I really got into creating unique cakes. Plenty of people were already doing cakes on Instagram, so I wanted to niche-down and model mine after my clothing. Now I replicate fabric in my cake design. I like bold patterns, so I look for distinctive dresses and fun fashions that translate well into frosting. I use edible paper, food-coloring-filled markers, and delicate paintbrushes, make homemade marshmallow fondant and handmade buttercream flowers, and utilize whatever else I can. It’s relaxing and feeds my desire for creativity,” says McPherson, who likes to stay up late listening to oldies rock music while making gum paste flowers in the wee small hours.

A Texas A&M graduate born and raised in San Antonio, McPherson attended school in Alamo Heights and was raised in a man’s world of ranching, hunting, and sports. Still today she’s just a cute Southern girl who seems more sugar-andspice-and-everything-nice than tomboy.

Her zingy fashion sense and fiery flair are as appealing as her confectionary

creations, and she’s always had a knack for art, which she inherited from her mother.

“I’ve explored different mediums, trying photography, painting, jewelry making, and more, but nothing held my attention the way cake design has. So now working in frosting and food coloring is just another art project.

“CAKE IS MY CANVAS,” SHE SAYS. McPherson is a self-taught baker and cake decorator, honing her craft through trial and error, powering through pounds of all-purpose-flour and powdered sugar, and perusing lots of late-night YouTube tutorials.

“It all started when my husband, Zach, went on a business trip for about a week.

A few days into his absence, I went down the rabbit hole of just watching cake decorating videos around the clock.

First I made box cakes, and then I made icing. Soon I moved on to flowers. My buttercream roses turned out pretty well, so I decided I wanted to keep doing that.

That’s how it spiraled into what it is now,” says McPherson.

WHAT IT IS NOW IS A WEEKLY PHENOMENON WITH MANY SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWERS. “I use Rent the Runway for my wardrobe and look for an outfit with an exciting pattern I’d like to try. I’ll then make the cake and lay the outfit on the kitchen counter and study the fabric pattern carefully while decorating the cake. Then when I’m done, my husband will take like 200 pictures with his phone till we get the best one to post. It’s fun to do together,” says McPherson. “Zach is really supportive, and so is my dad; plus they like eating the aftermath.”

Soon followers started started flocking to McPherson’s blog, MoreChessePrettyPlease.com, as

RIO Magazine

61

"

It’s definitely a niche thing, but it’s been a great creative outlet for me."

surprisingly, cake takes a distant second place to Lauren’s first love, cheese.

Her audience quickly grew, and today McPherson is considered a “nanoinfluencer,” a social media entrepreneur with a small but loyal audience.

Recently McPherson’s blog caught Olive Garden’s eye with pictures and posts about its pasta, and soon she was featured on “Access Live” as a food correspondent and was given a “Never-Ending Pasta” gift card. She also got the attention of folks at MacKenzie-Childs when she won a contest with a Courtly Check Collection-themed cake and matching outfit, topped with the company’s signature pink flamingo.

As a prize, MacKenzie-Childs sent her a checkered cake stand.

“I hope what I’m doing encourages others to go find and do what they love, no matter what it is, and make their way in the world by following their hearts,” says McPherson. “That’s the sweetest thing: creating things that bring joy both to you and others.”

“I give most of my cakes away, and friends really appreciate it. I don’t have a big sweet tooth and I hardly ever eat cake,” she says.

“In fact, we didn’t even have a wedding cake when we got married. We served crème brûlée.”

“What I love best are big cake-shaped wheels of cheese. I can’t keep enough cheese in the house” says McPherson, who found the domain name “More Cheese Please” already taken before settling for “More Cheese Pretty Please.”

62 RIO Magazine

“Southern girls always mind our manners and say ‘pretty please,’” says McPherson whose voicemail message sprinkles a sugary “thanks y’all” in the mix.

When McPherson talks about her dear husband, devoted dad, and loveable dogs, Remi (who likes to lick the spoon when she’s done), and Stitches (who sniffs the floor for cake crumb cleanup), it seems her life is pretty sweet.

SADLY, IT DIDN’T START OUT THAT WAY. When McPherson was 1 ½ years old, her mother Valerie was brutally murdered by a stranger.

An adult now, Lauren has no memory of her mom, but she grew up with photos and stories of a beautiful woman who adored her, and she was raised and nurtured by a devoted father, family, and friends.

“My mom was a great cook, and she had a distinctive fashion style and was an artist, as well, so part of what I’m doing comes from her,” says McPherson. “I have some of her favorite turquoise jewelry and clothing, and when I wear it, it makes me feel connected and close to her.

“I often think, ‘If I met her today, would I be cool enough to be her friend? Would she like me? Would I make her proud?’”

At that moment, McPherson’s Chihuahua, Stitches, wanders over and licks her knee, as if to say, “Of course she would, Sweetie, of course”

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS DINING/RESTAURANTS

Acenar www.acenar.com 210-222-2362

BierGarten www.biergartenriverwalk.com 210-212-7299 Boudro’s A Texas Bistro on the River Walk www.boudros.com 210-224-8484

The Original Mexican Restaurant & Bar www.theoriginalmexican.com 210-224-9951 On the Bend Oyster Bar & Lounge www.onthebendsa.com 210-354-3002 Paesanos RiverWalk www.paesanosriverwalk.com 210-227-2782

Bubba Gump Shrimp Company www.bubbagump.com 210-224-4867

Rainforest Café www.rainforestcafe.com 210-277-6300

Chart House www.TowerOfTheAmericas.com 210-223-3101

Restaurante Pico de Gallo www.picodegallo.com 210-225-6060

The County Line www.countyline.com 210-229-1941

Rio Rio Cantina www.riorioriverwalk.com 210-226-8462

Dave & Buster’s www.daveandbusters.com 210-951-3600

Rita’s on the River www.ritasontheriver.com 210-227-RITA

Denny’s Riverwalk www.dennys.com 210-223-4321 Dick’s Last Resort www.dickslastresort.com 210-224-0026 Fogo de Chao www.fogodechao.com 210-227-1700 Guadalajara Grill www.guadalajaragrill.us 210-222-1992 Iron Cactus www.ironcactus.com 210-224-9835 Landry’s Saltgrass Steakhouse www.saltgrass.com 210-222-9092 Landry’s Seafood www.landrysseafood.com 210-229-1010 Lonestar Restaurants www.riverrestaurants.com 210-223-9374 MadDogs British Pub www.maddogs.net 210-222-0220 Mi Tierra Café www.mitierracafe.com 210-225-1262 La Margarita Mexican Restaurant www.lamargarita.com 210-227-7140

SHOPPING

The DoSeum www.thedoseum.org 210-212-4453 San Antonio Conservation Society www.saconservation.org/homestead 210-225-5924

ATTRACTIONS

Cascade Caverns www.cascadecaverns.com 830-755-8080 City Sightseeing Double Decker Tour San Antonio www.citysightseeingsanantonio.com 210-224-8687 Dave & Buster’s www.daveandbusters.com 210-951-3600 GO RIO River Cruises www.goriocruises.com 210-227-4746 LEGOLAND Discovery Center/San Antonio www.SanAntonioLEGOLANDDiscoveryCenter.com Mirror Maze 210-224-2288

Angelita’s www.angelitasa.com 210-224-8362

Natural Bridge Caverns www.naturalbridgecavernscom 210-651-6101

Market Square www.marketsquaresa.com 210-207-8600

Phillips Entertainment/ Guiness Book of World Records Museum www.alamoplazaattractions.com 210-226-2828

Cowboys Alamo City Harley Davidson on the RiverWalk www.cowboysalamocityharley.com 210-212-4461

Ripley’s/Waxworks www.ripleys.com 210-224-9299

La Villita Historic Village www.lavillitasanantonio.com 210-207-8614

Sealife San Antonio www.SEALIFE.com/San-Antonio

Paris Hatters www.parishatters.com 210-223-3453

Coyote Ugly Saloon www.coyoteuglysaloon.com 210-465-UGLY

Plaza Taxco www.plazataxco.com 210-212-6733

Hilton Palacio Del Rio/Durty Nelly’s/ Tex’s Riverwalk Sports Bar www.PalacioDelRio.Hilton.com 210-224-3368

Shops at Rivercenter www.shoprivercenter.com 210-225-0000 Texas Western Wearhouse www.texaswesternwearhouse.com 210-549-1686

MUSEUM

Briscoe Western Art Museum www.briscoemuseum.org 210-299-4499 Buckhorn Saloon & Museum www.buckhornmuseum.com 210-247-4000

NIGHTLIFE

HOTELS

Wyndham Resorts www.wyndham.com