RIO MAGAZINE WINTER 2023

The River Walk is a Colorful Place to be

Celebrate Football Fever and Game Day Grub

Go Green With St. Patty’s Day, Margaritas and Guacamole

By Lakendra Lewis

By Dawn Robinette

By Susan Yerkes

ON THE COVER

Devils River Whiskey’s namesake is the southwest Texas river where limestone-filtered springfed waters offer the purest foundation for the distiller’s small batch whiskey. To this naturally pristine water, select grains are fermented with proprietary yeast, distilled in traditional copper pot stills and aged in dark #4 charred oak barrels to create a deep amber color, bold flavor and smooth warm mouth feel that is tempered by a signature chill filtration. Premium Bourbon, Rye and Barrel Strength, Coffee, Agave and Cinnamon-flavored Bourbons and Ultra-Premium Single Barrel and Distiller’s Select Bourbons comprise The Devils River Whiskey collection. The Devils River Distillery includes a Tasting Room, Speakeasy Lounge and Event Venue located in a historic building in the heart of downtown San Antonio. www.DevilsRiverWhiskey.com

Arbol de Vida, courtesy of the San Antonio River Foundation

The River Walk Artisan

Elsewhere Bar & Kitchen

The San Antonio River Walk’s mission is to promote, protect and preserve the River Walk. This is done through special events, public education, social media and RIO Magazine. For more information, visit www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com.

PUBLISHER

Louis Doucette louis@travelingblender.com

EDITOR

Trisha Hutzler trisha@travelingblender.com

BUSINESS MANAGER

Vicki Schroder vicki@travelingblender.com

ADVERTISING

SALES

San Antonio: Gerry Lair gerry@travelingblender.com

Austin: Sandy Weatherford sandy@travelingblender.com

DESIGN 2 Rare Birds Creative info@2rarebirds.com

The Official Magazine of the River Walk

EDITOR’S LETTER

Ringing in a Bright and Colorful New Year!

February 17-19 brings the annual Bud Light Mardi Gras Festival and River Parade where Fat Tuesday becomes a weekend-long party. So many restaurants along the River Walk will transport you to NOLA, Rio or Venice for that Carnival atmosphere year-round! Of course, there is also Super Bowl Sunday where the big game will be gracing screens at several River Walk establishments and tailgating-inspired snacks are both traditional and elevated. And right after that, love is in the air with Valentine’s Day chocolates and plenty of activities for couples to share.

I am thrilled that you have chosen to begin 2023 in San Antonio! It may be the seventh largest city in the country with world-class arts, entertainment, sports, cuisine and outdoor recreation, but San Antonio is truly a small town at heart. It is a city defined by its diverse heritage, where a vibrant collection of cultures coexists and celebrates each other’s unique identities.

San Antonio’s diversity makes it a perfect setting for DreamWeek, January 13-29, the city’s annual meeting of the minds where individuals from all walks of life come together to share ideas. More than 200 multi-cultural events take place throughout the city with some right along the River Walk.

For those of you doing a holiday detox, you might need a little willpower during your visit. The River Walk’s food and bev scene is glorious any day of the year, but big celebrations between February and March encourage overindulgence!

Go green with the River Walk’s Bud Light St. Patrick’s Day Festival and River Parade, March 17-19. This annual event includes eco-dying the river a vivid green, live entertainment and the highlight of the weekend—the River Parade and serenading bagpipers. The budding landscape-lined River Walk is a perfect verdant backdrop for these early spring activities. March is also when Texans celebrate their independence with historic recreations of the events leading up to the Battle of the Alamo beginning February 23 and a commemorative ceremony honoring the defenders at sunrise on March 6. This coincides with the opening of the new Alamo Collections Center where artifacts depict even more of the Alamo’s story.

For art lovers, while you are strolling the new River Walk Public Art Garden, swing by the River Walk Artisan Shows—one each month—where more than 40 vendors display their crafts.

So much more awaits you during January, February and March on the San Antonio River Walk. It is a bright and colorful way to begin the new year!

Trisha Hutzler Editor, Rio Magazine trisha@travelingblender.com TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com

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.”

subject

“Stargazer (Citlali)” by Mexican artist Pedro Reyes features a woman gazing at a star held between her fingers. Citlali means star in Nahuatl, an Aztec language. The River Walk Public Art Garden is the city’s newest open-air gallery located at the intersection where Market and Alamo streets meet on the San Antonio River Walk. www.GetCreativeSanAntonio.com

With over 100 locally owned shops, you’ll find cultural curios and artifacts, hand-crafted leather goods, and a diverse collection of traditional apparel.

TO VENTURE Dare

In the heart of downtown San Antonio lies the home of Devils River Whiskey.

Just about a block away from the Alamo and the San Antonio River Walk, Devils River Distillery is conveniently located for all area thrill seekers, night owls and spirits enthusiasts. Nestled in the old Burns Building, a registered historic place in San Antonio, our distillery and barroom offers not only a great time but majestic beauty. Come by our distillery for a tasting and a tour, or enjoy a night out with premium cocktails, cigars and live music.

Distillery Bar | Downstairs Speakeasy

Cocktails | Food | Live Music Nightly

Tours & Tastings | Merchandise Gift Shop | Bottle Sales

Cigars | Venue Space for Weddings, Corporate Events & Parties

SCAN FOR DISTILLERY INFO

By Kimberly A. Suta

Super Bowl LVII takes place this year on Sunday, February 12, and while you might be mentally prepared for the game, if you have not figured out where to go yet, I have some River Walk-centric recommendations that should satisfy the baller in you. Not only can you watch the game from some premium screens, but enjoy some good eats and drinks without having to clean up the mess. That is a win-win for everyone!

DAVE AND BUSTER’S ®

Located inside the Shops at Rivercenter, Dave and Buster’s is an easy goto, especially if you have kiddos. Let the kids run around playing their own games as you sit back and relax in a more adult atmosphere with “more TV inches” than most, great food and drinks and plenty of space to explore. During half-time you can throw some balls with the kids as well as enjoy an assortment of other state-of-the-art games.

Their dining options span the gamut from the usual wings and burgers to Double Pepperoni Flatbread Pizza, Voodoo Pasta, Parmesan Chicken and IPA Fish & Chips. The ladies will love their salad options, including the Scrumptious Southern Cobb Salad topped with morsels of fried chicken.

YARD HOUSE

If you are leaving the kids at home, head straight to the Yard House, also located inside the Shops at Rivercenter, and bring all your friends. This American sports bar chain has everything you could desire, from multiple TVs, over 100 beers to choose from and a variety of delectable game day bites, from Parmesan Truffle Fries to Ahi Poke Nachos. Get in and live your best life!

MARGARITAVILLE® & LANDSHARK BAR & GRILL®

Two other fantastic stops for game day are sister restaurants, Margaritaville and LandShark, both located inside the Shops at Rivercenter as well. Make it a football bar hop for your ultimate delight or demise. Take your pick!

Margaritaville gives you a touch of the island life right here in San Antonio with an upbeat atmosphere and classic comfort food that guarantees to transport you to paradise.

This is a premiere spot to watch, not only the big game, but all NFL and college games. The restaurant offers specials to entice you, such as $20 bucket specials and $3 off appetizers, which include Caribbean Chicken Egg Rolls, Volcano Nachos, Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Key West Chicken Quesadillas, Lava Lava Shrimp and everyone’s favorite Fried Pickles— hand-breaded dill pickle chips cooked to a golden crisp. You will not want to miss out on this!

Similarly, LandShark is a festive option for viewing all the sports you can handle and offers the same great deals that Margaritaville does, including bucket specials and discounts on appetizers. They also make some hearty burgers that might just cheer you up if your favorite team does not take home the trophy. The Caribbean Burger, for example, comes with bacon, grilled pineapple, Havarti cheese and a house-made chipotle pineapple aioli. A Sriracha Crunch Burger and BBQ Burger also await you.

FOUR BROTHERS SOUTHERN PROVISIONS

For a more refined game day experience, visit the newly opened Four Brothers Southern Provisions restaurant at Omni La Mansion del Rio. I would recommend making a reservation for brunch and then hop up to the bar to watch the game.

Their menu offerings feature a mix of Southern and South Texas cuisines with French and Latin influences, from American Wagyu beef chili to an open-face raclette sandwich with country ham and green tomato chow-chow.

If you want to eat like a linebacker, they also serve up an unbelievable dry-aged Tomahawk ribeye with confit marble potatoes, asparagus and chimichurri. You can bet this will stick to your ribs and you would be right!

Dave & Buster’s

LandShark Bar & Grill

ELSEWHERE BAR & KITCHEN www.ElsewhereTexas.com

FOUR BROTHERS SOUTHERN PROVISIONS www.OmniHotels.com

LANDSHARK BAR & GRILL www.SanAntonio. LandSharkBarAndGrill.com

MARGARITAVILLE www.MargaritavilleSanAntonio.com

YARD HOUSE www.YardHouse.com

ZOCCA CUISINE D’ITALIA www.ZoccaRiverWalk.com

The hotel itself is a true San Antonio gem with historic relevance and worth a visit any day of the year.

ZOCCA CUISINE D’ITALIA

Another more elevated option is Zocca Cuisine

D’Italia restaurant, located along the stunning River Walk inside The Westin Riverwalk hotel. This newly-renovated venue showcases contemporary Italian cuisine like pizza, pasta and a variety of Italian classics. Incidentally, they also feature a yummy Happy Hour from 3:00 to 5:00pm that includes Italian-style chicken wings, local burrata, Margherita pizza and crispy calamari, just for starters.

Always hospitable, Zocca is a lovely choice for an excellent meal and leisurely game viewing at the bar. They have a broad selection of beer, wine and cocktails, such as an Italian Paloma or Espresso Martini—to ensure you will not miss that epic pass.

ELSEWHERE BAR & KITCHEN

Finally, Elsewhere Bar & Kitchen, located on the northern reach section of the River Walk across

from the San Antonio Museum of Art, is always on the list for a fabulous time—game day or otherwise. This Instagrammable wonderland is filled with giant picnic tables, river-facing swings, games, drinks, food and entertainment in an open-air courtyard.

Grab some Gochujang Cauliflower Wings, Parmesan Brussel Sprouts and Philly Waffle Fries along with some of their signature blended cocktails or a glass of beer on tap and settle in for the Super Bowl in style.

Win or lose, game day never tasted so, so good!

WRITER’S BIO

Kimberly A. Suta of Sutapants Productions is a local and national food writer, award-winning filmmaker and publicist for the culinary industry. She is the co-creator of Homegrown Chef, a culinary series and catering and events company, featuring our city’s best chefs and delicious eats. Kimberly also hosts River Walk Culinary Adventure Tours, walking food tours that highlight the fantastic offerings along the River Walk for both ticketed events and private groups. Go to HomegrownChefTV.com/culinary-tours for details.

Elsewhere Bar & Kitchen Yard House

Four Brothers Southern Provisions

Zocca Cuisine

D’Italia

MUSIC IS LIVE DOWNTOWN SAN ANTONIO in

By Lakendra Lewis

Austin may be considered the music mecca of Texas but when it comes to live music, downtown San Antonio can hold its own with an array of live shows guaranteed to kickstart your new year with a bang. Ready…set…check out the downtown music scene below.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS ON THE RIVER WALK

Finish ringing in the New Year with one last stroll among the famous holiday lights on the River Walk, which will remain lit from dusk to dawn nightly through the morning of January 9. This impressive display of more than 100,000 lights draped from the trees of the downtown portion of the river and along the Museum Reach to the Pearl District is a must-see and best of all, it is free!

AMBLER TEXAS KITCHEN + COCKTAILS

For entertainment with a local flare, head over to the atrium of the Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails, located inside the beautiful Hotel Contessa on West Market Street, for the sound of lively Mariachi music on Friday nights from 6:00 to 8:30pm.

BAR ROJO

Known for its rooftop pool, casual atmosphere, handcrafted cocktails and freshly prepared regional dishes, Bar Rojo, tucked inside the Grand Hyatt at San Antonio River Walk, is not only a hotspot for delicious food and drink but also for live music on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 to 11:00pm. A new Concert Under The Stars series will feature world-class performers in an elegant setting at the Terrace on 5th rooftop venue, and a San Antonio favorite—Loteria Nights—will resume in 2023. Gather your friends to enjoy live music and play this iconic bingo-like game. Check the hotel calendar for an up-to-date event schedule.

LITTLE RHEIN PROST HAUS

If you are looking for food, music and fun all done Texas style (but with a hint of German flavor), look no further than the Little Rhein Prost Haus. Prost means “cheers” in German and what better way to have some cheer than by raising a glass while enjoying live tunes along the edge of the historic La Villita Village? Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays feature local singers and musicians, including Bru Erdman, DJ Zayden and guitarist Derek Lewis.

ON THE BEND OYSTER BAR & CIGAR LOUNGE

Housed in the same location that legendary cornetist, Jim Cullum, used to play directly beneath the Hyatt Regency Hotel on the River

CLICK ON THIS

AMBLER TEXAS KITCHEN + COCKTAILS www.AmblerSanAntonio.com

BAR ROJO www.Hyatt.com

BLUE BOX BAR www.BlueBoxBar.com

HARD ROCK CAFÉ www.HardRockCafe.com

HOWL AT THE MOON www.HowlAtTheMoon.com

LITTLE RHEIN PROST HAUS www.LittleRheinProstHaus.com

NARANJA TEQUILA AND MEZCAL BAR www.HotelValencia-Riverwalk.com

ON THE BEND OYSTER BAR & CIGAR LOUNGE www.OnTheBendSA.com

SMOKE BBQ + RIVERBAR www.SmokeDowntown.com

TOBIN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS www.TobinCenter.org

Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails

Grand Hyatt

Walk, this local gem boasts an all-day happy hour, cigar lounge and live jazz on the terrace every day of the week in honor of the late Cullum, one of San Antonio’s most famous musicians who played with other greats such as Benny Goodman and Louis Armstrong.

NARANJA TEQUILA AND MEZCAL BAR

Try your tequila with a shot of live jazz at the Naranja Tequila and Mezcal Bar nestled inside the Hotel Valencia. This one-of-a-kind cocktail lounge offers a selection of unique tequilas and mezcals coupled with the liquid smooth tunes of Latin guitar and music from the Naranja Latin Jazz band throughout the week. Stop in from 5:00 to 7:00pm Tuesday through Saturday for Latin guitar in the lobby and 7:30 to 10:00pm Thursday to Saturday for live music in the bar.

HOWL AT THE MOON

It does not get more live than the shows at Howl at the Moon, where audiences come to sing and dance along with some of the most versatile and talented musicians in the city. Sing along to songs from the ’80s, ’90s and today played on pianos, guitars and more starting every night with dueling pianos featuring musicians from Howl San Antonio’s band, and culminating in a dynamic live music experience unlike any other on the River Walk!

SMOKE BBQ + RIVERBAR

Located at 511 Villita Street with access from La Villita and the River Walk, Smoke BBQ + Riverbar features picturesque views amid the largest patio on the River Walk. Stop in not only for the food, craft cocktails, draft beer and charming atmosphere, but to hear live performances such as the recent ones from acts The Latin Breed, Elida Reyna y Avante, Jaime DeAnda and Kin Faux.

HARD ROCK CAFÉ

It is no surprise that next to the Alamo, the Hard Rock Café is the number one tourist destination in Texas. Situated along the River Walk, the Hard Rock has three floors

TOBIN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

When it comes to live entertainment, the Tobin Center has a little something for everyone, from live concerts and musicals to films and comedy shows. Situated along the heart of the banks of the San Antonio River in what was once the historic Municipal Auditorium, the Tobin Center provides a diverse array of arts and culture within three distinct venues: the H-E-B Performance Hall, the Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater and the Will Naylor Smith River Walk Plaza. Visit the Tobin’s website for a schedule of events.

Howl at the Moon

Smoke BBQ & RiverbarElida Reyna y Avante

Hard Rock Café Kaniela Q

On The Bend Oyster Bar & Cigar Lounge

of patios and balconies, where patrons can take in the breathtaking view of the San Antonio River Walk while listening to—what else?—live music. Come treat yourself to happy hour specials daily until 6:00pm and acoustic performances by Hawaiian & World Music Artist KANIELA Q! Tuesdays from 4:00 to 7:00pm.

LIVE MUSIC AT PEARL

Many may be familiar with the famed Jazz, TX tucked away within the Pearl District, but there are also a few other places in or near Pearl that offer some great live music. You can even catch live music during the weekly Farmers Markets and Night Markets!

Another fave attraction is the Blue Box Bar, located at 312 Pearl Parkway in Pearl. Along with serving sophisticated cocktails, the Blue Box features music with DJ Natalie from 10:00pm to 2:00am Wednesday-Sunday, with no cover. Call for more information.

WRITER’S BIO

Lakendra Lewis is an arts and entertainment journalist, editor and author whose articles have appeared in Edible San Antonio Magazine, The Texas Observer and San Antonio Christian Woman Magazine. She enjoys movies, music, cooking, singing and telling other people’s stories. You can contact her/read more of her stories at LakendraLewis.JournoPortfolio.com.

Harry Jackson, The Marshall (John Wayne as Rooster Cogburn) Bronze,

Pearl

EventsandFun to Fill YourCalendar

Food, fun, art, shopping, history, festivals and more are always on tap in San Antonio. No matter when you visit, there are great finds to add to your list of activities to enjoy, so make your plans and do not miss a single thing. Whether you are into unforgettable flavors, fantastically crafted art, hands-on fun or a walk through history, there is something for you in San Antonio.

THE ALAMO www.TheAlamo.org

BRISCOE WESTERN ART MUSEUM www.BriscoeMuseum.org

CORONA PAELLA CHALLENGE www.PaellaChallenge.com

RIVER WALK ARTISAN SHOWS www.TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com

WITTE MUSEUM www.WitteMuseum.org

Corona Paella Challenge,

Photo by Jon Alonzo

“Dawn at the Alamo”

Photo courtesy of The Alamo

WILD WEST, WILDLIFE!

Kick off the year in a wild way at the Briscoe Western Art Museum’s Wild West, Wildlife! Festival on January 1—a free community day that brings the wild side of the West to life through hands-on, family-friendly arts, crafts, stories and more on the banks of the River Walk as the museum spotlights the animals of the American West. The activities flow through the museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden, where you will enjoy amazing bronzes depicting the American West, and through the museum’s historic home featuring 14 galleries of art and artifacts. Make memorable wildlife crafts, experience hands-on demonstrations and enjoy special animal-themed story times. Admission to Wild West, Wildlife! is free for the entire family and includes access to the museum, where you can enjoy the work of renowned nature photographer Thomas D. Mangelsen in “A Life in the Wild” through January 29.

FROZEN FOSSILS

You can also have a wild time at the Witte Museum when Antarctic Dinosaurs take over on February 25. Uncover never-before-seen dinosaur fossils from one of the most isolated environments on Earth in this immersive experience, transporting you back 200 million years to discover what life was like in prehistoric Antarctica. Discover fossils from four Antarctic dinosaur species, get hands-on experience with real tools to learn how paleontologists had to carefully extract them from the now frozen landscape and understand how research of these fossils sheds new light on our planet’s everchanging climate and geology.

TEXAS INDEPENDENCE

When it comes to history, the Alamo is a must for visitors and locals alike, but a visit takes on extra significance during the annual commemoration honoring the anniversary of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo. The 13-day siege leading up to the battle is honored from February 23 through March 6 with a series of events that brings the Alamo’s history to life, allowing everyone to step back in time and experience historic recreations and demonstrations that provide insight into the battle that inspired, “Remember the Alamo!” Special events signify each occurrence from the siege, including what started it all: the arrival of the Mexican Army, when the Texians and Tejanos realized how outnumbered they were, to “Dawn at the Alamo,” a sunrise ceremony that honors the defenders of the Alamo and the events of the morning of March 6 with readings, vignettes and a musket volley. Celebrate Texas Independence Day at the Alamo and mark your calendar for the opening of the Alamo Collections Center— the new two-story, 24,000-square-foot gallery space that will showcase even more of the Alamo’s story. The new center opens in the midst of this year’s commemoration, adding another reason to visit the Alamo.

“Eyes of the Grizzly” by Thomas D. Mangelsen

Witte Museum

The Alamo

RIVER WALK ARTISAN SHOWS

WINTER ARTISAN SHOW:

JANUARY 13-15

Friday & Saturday: 11:00am to 11:00pm Sunday: 11:00am to 8:00pm

MARDI GRAS ARTISAN SHOW:

FEBRUARY 17-19

Friday & Saturday: 11:00am to 11:00pm Sunday: 11:00am to 8:00pm

ST. PATRICK’S DAY ARTISAN SHOW: MARCH 17-19

Friday & Saturday: 11:00am to 11:00pm Sunday: 11:00am to 8:00pm

RIVER WALK ARTISAN SHOWS

Add art to your agenda and take home fabulous handcrafted pieces during the River Walk Artisan Shows in January, February and March. Nestled on the banks of the River Walk near the Chamber of Commerce and Shops at Rivercenter, the Artisan Shows feature works from more than 40 artists. Paintings, photography, glasswork and woodwork are waiting to be discovered, along with jewelry, clothing, soaps and candles. There is something for everyone and everything is unlike anything you will find on your typical shopping excursions. And bonus: the person you are buying from is usually the talent who created what you are taking home, so chat while you shop to learn more about how they create their pieces.

CORONA® PAELLA CHALLENGE

Finally, do not miss out on the fabulous flavors of the annual Corona Paella Challenge on March 19. When the quintessential dish of Spain and culinary all-stars from San Antonio, across the country and Mexico come together, the flavors are sure to be amazing. Join fellow foodies for a beautiful afternoon featuring distinguished chefs, live entertainment, wines from Spain and sangria on the grounds of Mission County Park. Watch as chefs go head-to-head in a competition to create the most impressive and tasty paella dishes, all cooked right before your eyes. Local high school teams will also compete in the H-E-B High School Paella Challenge for an opportunity to win a trip to the Culinary Institute of America in New York City and no matter who wins, the real winners are your taste buds as you get to sample the dishes.

WRITER’S BIO:

An award-winning writer, communications expert and military spouse who enjoys unearthing new discoveries and revisiting old favorites in San Antonio, Dawn Robinette is a Certified Tourism Ambassador who loves to tell stories. You can read more of her work at Alamo City Moms.

TORTILL A SOUP

Chicken, vegetables, spicy chicken stock, avocado, cheese, and tortilla strips.

200 S Alamo St. on the River Walk

SAN ANTONIO CENTER CITY DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATIONS/RIVER WALK www.SanAntonio.gov/CCDO/riverwalk

SAN ANTONIO RIVER AUTHORITY www.SARiverAuthority.org

SAN ANTONIO RIVER FOUNDATION www.SARiverFoundation.org

SAN ANTONIO RIVER WALK www.TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com

Confluence Park

San Pedro Creek Art

Downtown River Walk

It Takes a Village to Make the River Walk Work

By Susan Yerkes

A simple stroll along the River Walk will transport you in time and in place. From the bright, art-lined banks and bridges of the Museum Reach to the cool, tropical heart of the historic channel, and on to the sunny open spaces of the Mission Reach, it is a beautiful journey.

To most of us, the River Walk is just that—a beautiful place. But insiders know that it takes a complex, carefully choreographed dance of different players to maintain this 15mile stretch of the San Antonio River that is the top tourist destination in the state. Those players are an alphabet soup of agencies—CCDO (Center City Development and Operations), SARA (San Antonio River Authority) SARF (San Antonio River Foundation, USACE (United States Army Corps of Engineers) and many more. Each plays a different, vital role.

It has not always been that way. For centuries, the river ran wild, except for the Spanish acequias drawn from it to nourish farm fields. Finally, in 1921, after a devastating flood caused millions of dollars in damage and killed at least 50 people, city fathers built the massive Olmos Dam on the river north of downtown. A century later, now owned and operated by the San Antonio River Authority with the city’s Transportation and Capital Improvements division, the dam remains the city’s first line of defense against flooding today, along with a bypass channel that protects the “horseshoe bend” of the River Walk downtown. At first, city officials planned to pave over that horseshoe bend, but a young architect name Robert

H. H. Hugman had a vision of making it an “American Venice.” Today, his vision is realized in the historic main section of the River Walk—the lively stretch through downtown lined with shops and restaurants.

Hugman’s plan took decades to realize. Business leaders and clubs staged clean-up operations, and in the 1940s crews from the Federal Works Progress Administration helped build the beautiful stone paths and bridges, the Arneson River Theatre and more. But it was not until the ‘60s that restaurants, galleries and boutiques began to open on the tree-lined banks, and the River Walk began to pop.

“That is when everything started developing; the greenscapes, then the boats, then the patio spaces…it evolved from that point on, and it is still a rolling ball,” said Lincoln St. George, Downtown Operations Director for the CCDO. St. George oversees contracts with non-profit Centro San Antonio and GO RIO, the city’s designated river barge operator. He also works with various other city departments and the San Antonio River Authority.

Mission Reach

“Whispers”

Photo by Larry Servin

“We are a pretty tight family on the River Walk,” St. George said. “We have so much going on all the time. We are always on our toes about flood control and beauty and cleanliness.” While St. George’s department handles operations and maintenance for the River Walk downtown, it contracts with the River Authority to landscape and maintain the Museum Reach and the Mission Reach. The River Authority also operates the city-owned lock and dam that lifts river barges to the Museum Reach.

Keeping the lush, tree-shaded paths of the horseshoe bend blooming is a lifetime job for Joe Cruz. As Superintendent of River Walk Operations for the CCDO, Cruz and his 32 gardeners plan, plant and pamper some 300 species of plants and 40 species of trees. Working mostly from barges, these skilled gardeners use organic fertilizers and pest control to keep the river clean. From cypresses to banana palms, and Mexican firebush to philodendrons, ferns and tulips, Cruz is constantly seeking new and interesting growing things to enhance the iconic area’s distinctive atmosphere.

“Robert Hugman’s original idea was to make the River Walk look natural—not regimented lines of plants. We try to do that,” Cruz said. Recently his staff picked up a new job—landscaping the recently opened River Walk Public Art Garden that was created by the city’s Department of Arts & Culture.

As the River Walk has expanded, so has the River Authority’s work.

“The general public does not see who does this and who does that,” said SARA Watershed and Parks Operations Manager Tommy Mitchell.

“For example, our work with the city’s downtown operations and Public Works to maintain the Museum Reach. It is a cool thing to be able to cooperate—to pick up the phone and talk to Lincoln St. George and others on that higher level. We have to establish operational boundaries—it is give and take. We work with the city and Bexar County on Mission Reach, and we continue to coordinate with the Corps of Engineers to make sure we are within their guidelines, from structural issues to the riparian ecosystem and the avian corridor. We operate the dam and locks on the Museum Reach, and work with Centro San Antonio and with GO RIO.”

Mitchell is excited about a recent initiative to allow canoeing and paddleboarding on the Museum Reach on weekends. SARA’s biggest project right now, he said, is the new San Pedro Creek Culture Park. “Nothing would be possible without these partnerships—with the city, the county, the River Foundation—they give us the ability to be fluid, to accomplish things,” he said.

“The River Walk is like an onion—you keep peeling layers of bureaucracy,” said Frates Seeligson, Executive Director of the San Antonio

River Foundation. “It is good—it means a lot of people are taking care of the river.”

The foundation was born in 2003 as a nonprofit affiliated with the River Authority, to allow private investment in major public projects. The foundation took the lead on developing Confluence Park, then turned it over to the River Authority, while continuing to develop public programs there. The foundation worked closely with many agencies to create the art-enhanced bridges of the Museum Reach and Portals at the Spanish Missions. Current projects include public art on San Pedro Creek and three River Authority Park projects on the San Antonio and Medina Rivers.

“The only way we can get things done is through collaboration,” Seeligson said. “You cannot just put up a public art piece. We work with the city’s Public Art Department and Historic Design and Review Commission, Commissioners Court, the Corps of Engineers… you have to work with everyone. You have to bring everyone together to make this work.”

To make the River Walk work, “together” is the magic word.

WRITER’S BIO

Susan Yerkes is an award-winning journalist and travel writer, happily based in San Antonio.

Seasonal Plantings

LOVE IS IN THE AIR!

By Kimberly A. Suta

EVERYONE LOVES CHOCOLATE

First stop: Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for the everpleasing chocolate covered strawberries that always sing, “I love you.” In truth, we love them more! Giant, juicy chocolate and white chocolate dipped and drizzled strawberries are available for pre-order as well, along with a variety of gifts and 15% off a box of chocolates.

SPA DAY

However, if you truly wish to spoil that someone special, take them to one of the premiere River Walk hotels for a luxury spa day. A couples massage from Dasa Spa on the Riverwalk at the Hyatt Regency, Mokara Spa at Mokara Hotel & Spa, the Thompson San Antonio Spa or The Hotel Contessa can really put one in the perfect mood for love.

For example, The Spa at Hotel Contessa will be featuring a “Love is Forever” package that includes an 80-minute couples massage with your choice of enhancement, a kissable lips treatment, champagne and, as you might expect, chocolate. Additionally, couples will leave, not only relaxed and refreshed, but with a complimentary CBD massage oil and gratitude cards to exchange. Just make sure to schedule your massages as soon as possible.

LOVE BOAT

Of course, the best romances are aways filled with fun and adventure, which is why I recommend hopping on a river barge for one of GO RIO San Antonio River Cruises’ Valentine’s or Rodeo cruises coming up.

The annual Valentine weekend pop-up tour called “A San Antonio Love Story” includes a tour, drink ticket, dessert and rose. Tours run February 11 to 14 at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30pm.

Alternatively, the new Rodeo Tours take place February 17 to 19 and 24 to 26. For this one, guests meet at the famed Briscoe Western Art Museum and take off on a tour wearing a complimentary serape while learning about the cowboys, vaqueros and cattle drives of a bygone era. It might be a bit chilly for these, which is why hot cocoa will also be provided for your refreshment. Again, make sure to get those tickets before they sell out!

DREAM A LITTLE

Our friends at DreamWeek will be filling hearts throughout the entire city with their annual multi-day celebration of the collective dreams for the common good. DreamWeek takes place this year on January 13 to 29 and includes a multitude of inspiring events.

On January 29, the Briscoe Western Art Museum will be hosting “Art in the Wild; Write in the Wild.” Join San Antonio Poet Laureate Andrea Vocab Sanderson in the McNutt Sculpture Garden where guests will commune with nature and work hands-on with clay sculpting, sketch drawing or watercolor painting. Be inspired to explore DreamWeek’s themes of Representation and Identification.

After a short break, guests will be immersed in the exhibit “Thomas D. Mangelsen: A Life In The Wild” for that last day of the show. After presenting an original work of poetry inspired by these images, Vocab will invite guests to choose an animal for their own poetic inspiration.

1:00 to 2:15pm: “Art In The Wild”

2:30 to 4:00pm: “Write In The Wild”

For another DreamWeek celebration right along the River Walk in La Villita, the San Antonio African Community Archive and Museum (SAAACAM) is hosting a DreamWeek History

While love seems to be always swirling in the air in the Alamo City, this coming season of romance brings with it some exciting things to adore— some traditional and some new but all blissfully delightful!

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

Hotel Contessa

Day Party & Boat Tour on January 14. Meet at the SAAACAM exhibit space at 218 S. Presa for a self-guided tour, appetizers and other surprises followed by a river boat tour. This event takes place from 11:30 to 3:30pm and tickets are $45.

To discover more tantalizing DreamWeek events and Briscoe and SAAACAM exhibitions, make sure to visit their websites for details.

ARTFUL ROMANCE

An affordable yet still equally romantic excursion can be had in the River Walk Public Art Garden, which is located near the intersection of Market and Alamo Streets. The new garden showcases nine installations by 12 San Antonio and international artists that represent connectivity and creative expression through free-standing sculptures and wall-mounted art, as well as a plaza.

Think of it as an open-air art gallery of beautiful treasures created for visitors near and far. It is an immersive cultural experience in the heart of downtown along the San Antonio River Walk, a global destination that includes 15 miles of stone paths that connect hotels, retail shops, some of the city’s best restaurants and more.

LOVE LOCKS

While on the River Walk, a unique romantic opportunity comes in the form of a symbol of devotion called the Love Lock Bridge. Similar to the renowned Ponts des Arts bridge over the River Seine in Paris, San Antonio’s version is situated right above the River Walk near the courthouse on Kallison Walk between Market and Villita Streets, and is adorned with hundreds of locks from newlyweds and akin love birds. Bring your own lock to impress your sweetheart and lock in your love at this San Antonio landmark.

TIE THE KNOT

For those ready and willing to take the ultimate amorous leap of faith, the River Walk is, perhaps serendipitously, home to Marriage Island, also known as the Ceremony Tree, conveniently located outside of The Hotel Contessa on an idyllic and picturesque stretch of the river, between Navarro and Presa Streets. This islet in the San Antonio River is said to bring good luck because it is heart-shaped, and more than 200 weddings occur here every year. So, if you are ready to tie the knot, this is the place to do it. Just make sure that leap is not a leap into the river!

WRITER’S BIO

Kimberly A. Suta of Sutapants Productions is a local and national food writer, awardwinning filmmaker and publicist for the culinary industry. She is the co-creator of Homegrown Chef, a culinary series and catering and events

company, featuring our city’s best chefs and delicious eats. Kimberly also hosts River Walk Culinary Adventure Tours, walking food tours that highlight the fantastic offerings along the River Walk for both ticketed events and private groups. Go to HomegrownChefTV.com/culinarytours for details.

CLICK ON THIS

DASA SPA ON THE RIVER WALK www.DasaSpa.com

DREAMWEEK

www.DreamWeek.org

GO RIO RIVER CRUISES www.GoRioCruises.com

MOKARA SPA

www.OmniHotels.com

RIVER WALK PUBLIC ART GARDEN www.GetCreativeSanAntonio.com

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY www.RMCF.com

SAN ANTONIO AFRICAN AMERCIAN COMMUNITY ARCHIVES AND MUSEUM www.SAAACAM.org

THE SPA AT HOTEL CONTESSA www.HotelContessaSpa.com

THOMPSON SAN ANTONIO SPA www.ThompsonSanAntonioSpa.com

Marriage Island

The Spa at Hotel Contessa

River Walk Public Art Garden “Bloom” by Leticia Huerta

Briscoe Western Art Museum

LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULER! LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL DURING BUD LIGHT MARDI GRAS WEEKEND

By Drew Henry

Whether you call it Mardi Gras, Carnival or the greatest party on earth, we call it a chance to let the good times roll on the river! The Bud Light Mardi Gras Weekend along the San Antonio River Walk takes place the weekend of February 17. Visit www.TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com for a complete schedule of events. Then, catch some beads and have some fun during all the festivities.

BUD LIGHT MARDI GRAS RIVER PARADE & FESTIVAL

This February, the Arneson River Theatre will transform into Mardi Gras central. Grab your most festive masks, costumes and traditional Mardi Gras beads, and head down to enjoy live music, exciting entertainment, jazz bands and mouth-watering food vendors. Join us for the Bud Light Mardi Gras River Parade featuring a procession of decorated river boats that transforms the River Walk into a floating Mardi Gras celebration. Admission is free. Food, drinks and souvenirs are available for purchase.

RIVER WALK ROYALTY CORONATION

A Royal Coronation ceremony at the Arneson River Theatre kicks off the Bud Light Mardi Gras River Parade on the river. The River Walk Royalty serve as ambassadors for the San Antonio River Walk and promote all of the events and parades. After the new 2023 Court is officially crowned, they will hop on parade boats and join in the parade festivities!

MARDI GRAS ARTISAN SHOW

February 17–19

Friday & Saturday: 11:00am to 11:00pm

Sunday: 11:00am to 8:00pm

During the Mardi Gras fun, over 40 local artisans will be displaying and selling their beautiful handmade wares along the San Antonio River Walk Extension located on the Chamber of Commerce sidewalk close to the Shops at Rivercenter. Shop pottery, textiles, jewelry, woodwork, paintings, beadwork and more. You might even find the perfect pair of beads or mask to complete your Mardi Gras costume! Free to attend.

PARTY LIKE IT IS FAT TUESDAY EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR

Caught the Mardi Gras bug? Get your fix yearround at these NOLA-inspired staples right here on the San Antonio River Walk.

FAT TUESDAY®

Fat Tuesday is a direct from New Orleans import! Grab your authentic frozen daiquiri here at their storefront in the Shops at Rivercenter and the newest location on the River Walk’s South Bank. Choose from fun Louisiana flavors like Mardi Gras Mash, Cat 5 Hurricane, Jet Fuel and more. These drinks are sure to get your Mardi Party started right!

CLICK ON THIS

BUD LIGHT MARDI GRAS RIVER PARADE, FESTIVAL & ARTISAN SHOW www.TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com

BOURBON STREET

SEAFOOD KITCHEN www.BourbonStreetSeafoodKitchens.com

DICK’S LAST RESORT www.DicksLastResort.com

FAT TUESDAY www.FatTuesday.com

FOGO DE CHÃO www.FogoDeChao.com

FIUME PIZZERIA www.FiumePizzeria.com

JAZZ, TX www.JazzTx.com

JOE’S CRAB SHACK www.JoesCrabShack.com

ON THE BEND OYSTER BAR AND CIGAR LOUNGE www.OnTheBendSA.com

PAESANOS www.PaesanosRiverwalk.com

Fogo de Chão

Fiume Pizzaria

Bud Light Mardi Gras River Parade & Festival

Bud Light Mardi Gras River Parade & Festival

Bud Light Mardi Gras River Parade & Festival

On the Bend Oyster Bar and Cigar Luonge

JOE’S CRAB SHACK

Are you craving some Gulf of Mexico seafood? Then, get your Southern seafood fix at Joe’s Crab Shack along the river. With dishes like the Cajun Steampot and Low Country Boil, you will feel like a real Louisiana Cajun in no time!

DICK’S LAST RESORT

Mardi Gras celebrations are known for being a little rowdy. Get in on the fun at Dick’s Last Resort where it is rowdy year-round. Down a couple of beers and savor your crawdaddies and burgers with a heaping side of sarcasm. Remember, the Dick’s experience is all in good fun!

BOURBON STREET SEAFOOD KITCHEN

Are you looking for the best Louisiana comfort food west of the Mississippi River? Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen has you covered. This peaceful spot is located inside the Wyndham Garden Hotel on the Museum Reach stretch of the river. Enjoy spicy Cajun pasta alfredo alongside serene River Walk views.

JAZZ, TX

New Orleans is famous for jazz music. Tap into your inner jazz aficionado at Pearl’s secret speakeasy jazz club that sits below the bustling Bottling Department Food Hall. Sit back with a Sazerac cocktail and enjoy the sounds of the French Quarter right here in the heart of Texas.

ON THE BEND OYSTER BAR AND CIGAR LOUNGE

Located inside Hyatt Regency on the River Walk, On The Bend Oyster Bar offers a moody terrace setting paired with cigars, oysters on the half shell and lively jazz quartets. Delicious food, music and a view? Now, this is what we call big easy living!

CARNIVAL DOWN IN RIO WITHOUT LEAVING THE LONESTAR STATE

Brazil has one of the biggest Carnival celebrations in the world. But if you cannot make it down to Rio, you can still experience some of the fun here right here on our RIO in San Antonio.

FOGO DE CHÃO BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE

Partake in the Brazilian steakhouse experience without ever leaving San Antonio. The River Walk is home to Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse, an amazing restaurant that serves carved meats tableside. Experience the flavors of Rio with a bit of Texan flair.

TRADE

IN YOUR COWBOY HAT FOR A VENETIAN CARNIVAL MASK

New Orleans has beads, Rio has feathers and Venice has masks. Experience the more elegant side of the Carnival season with the Italians.

FIUME

PIZZERIA & PAESANOS

Get your Venetian Italian fix right here on the San Antonio River Walk. Instead of taking a gondola, hop on a GO RIO cruise boat down to Fiume Pizzeria or Paesanos. Fiume serves up Neapolitan-style pizza with authentic Texan flavors, while Paesanos offers classic Italian dishes in an elegant atmosphere.

Mardi Gras and Carnival season is a time to let loose and have fun! Enjoy the season safely and responsibly with us from the banks of the beautiful San Antonio River Walk.

WRITER’S BIO

Drew Henry is a writer, yogi and meme enthusiast. When he is not writing, he is out exploring all Texas has to offer. View his portfolio at DrewHenryWrites.com and follow his antics on Instagram at @drewhenrywrites.

Paesanos

Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen

Jazz, TX

STEP OFF THE RIVER and INTO THE OCEAN!

Explore an Underwater World and Come Face to Fin with Amazing Sea Creatures at SEA LIFE San Antonio!

STEP OFF THE RIVER AND DIVE INTO THE OCEAN. IN DOWNTOWN SAN ANTONIO YOU WILL FIND AN EXCITING AND IMMERSIVE UNDERWATER WORLD AT SEA LIFE SAN ANTONIO. LOCATED AT THE SHOPS AT RIVERCENTER, THIS INDOOR AQUARIUM OFFERS SAN ANTONIO’S ONLY OCEAN TUNNEL, TEN INTERACTIVE ZONES TO EXPLORE, OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN MORE THROUGH DAILY TALKS AND FEEDINGS, AND BREATHTAKING CREATURE ENCOUNTERS ALL ALONG THE WAY!

SEA LIFE San Antonio is filled with thousands of gallons of fun—160,000 gallons, to be exact. Voyage into jaw-dropping underwater worlds and come face to fin with sharks, stingrays, seahorses and much more. Meet Guacamole, a rescued sea turtle; Octavia, a giant Pacific octopus; and nearly 3,000 other sea creatures representing more than 250 species!

Be immersed in ten amazing exhibits including Stingray Bay, Shipwreck and a Seahorse Mangrove, to name a few. Do not miss the opportunity to get close and get your hands wet in the interactive rockpool where you can

touch real sea creatures like a sticky anemone, sea star or sea urchin. Learn fishy facts from a SEA LIFE expert about a variety of fascinating and unique creatures.

And, to really voyage beneath the surface, take part in the SEA LIFE San Antonio immersive Behind-the-Scenes tour. Through this interactive experience, you will discover how life support, filtration and water quality systems work, how food is prepared for the animals, and explore research areas.

During your visit, you will also learn about SEA LIFE’s conservation efforts and how taking care of the planet’s oceans—and protecting them for future generations—is a top priority.

An entire underwater world, ready to be explored, awaits you at SEA LIFE San Antonio. Buy tickets online and check out upcoming special events at www.VisitSeaLife.com/san-antonio/

CELEBRATING ST. PATTY’S DAY AND ALL THINGS GREEN!

By Crystal Henry

This St. Patrick’s Day you are in luck, because you do not have to be Irish to go green in San Antonio. From emerald rivers and verde margaritas and guacamole, to the lush tropical landscaping, here are a few of the colorful festivities along the River Walk. Whether you are celebrating St. Patty or simply enjoying downtown River City any time of year, consider yourself lucky!

BUD LIGHT ST. PATRICK’S DAY RIVER PARADE & FESTIVAL

THE RIVER SHANNON – DYING THE RIVER GREEN

March 17-18

Friday: 1:00 to 3:00pm, Downtown

Saturday: 11:00am to 12:00pm,

Museum Reach Extension 1:00 to 3:00pm, Downtown

The St. Patrick’s Day Festival kicks off on March 17 when 25 gallons of eco-friendly green dye will turn the river into an emerald passage leading guests down to the Arneson River Theatre for free festive Irish music from 3:00 to 8:00pm. There is free viewing along the entire 2.5-mile downtown portion of the River Walk. The color is instantly apparent and intensifies with water movement from the boats.

There will be a second chance to catch the colorful river magic on Saturday, the 18th. Between 11:00am and noon, the Museum Reach extension of the River Walk will be dyed a shamrock green, followed by a second dying of the downtown area from 1:00 to 3:00pm.

This is a great time to sit on a patio and enjoy a pint or two…. And you can also hop on raucous Mad Dogs Party Parade boats to float the gorgeous green river. Tickets are $30 per person through Mad Dogs and they include two complimentary beers and party favors.

BUD LIGHT ST. PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVAL

March 17-18

Friday: 3:00 to 8:00pm

Saturday: 1:00 to 6:00pm

La Villita transforms into a Passport to Ireland with food, drink and fun Irish offerings. You can access La Villita from

Presa Street or Alamo Street or from the stairs at Arneson River Theatre where Irish music fills the air.

BUD LIGHT ST. PATRICK’S DAY RIVER PARADE

March 18

Saturday: 2:00 to 3:00pm, Museum Reach Extension 5:00 to 6:00pm, Downtown

The highlight of St. Patty’s Day weekend is the famed Bud Light St. Patrick’s Day River Parade, a procession of 12 Irishthemed floats entertaining guests along the River Walk. If you find yourself near the Museum Reach of the River Walk, then you have been gifted the Luck of the Irish! The parade begins here at 2:00pm at the Lock & Dam by the Brooklyn Street Bridge and winds down to Pearl. Then at 5:00pm it picks back up and runs through the downtown portion of the River Walk, past the hotels and restaurants. This parade has been presented on the River Walk in collaboration with the Harp & Shamrock Society of Texas since 1969.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY RIVER WALK ARTISAN SHOW

March 17-19

Friday & Saturday: 11:00am to 11:00pm

Sunday: 11:00am to 8:00pm

The weekend is hopping with the St. Patrick’s Day Artisan Show along the River Walk near the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce building and the Shops at Rivercenter. More than 40 booths feature handmade artisan wares like pottery, textiles, jewelry, woodwork, paintings and beadwork.

GO GREEN WITH MARGS AND GUAC

Forget green eggs and ham. And cabbage and green beer are not the only festive food and bev options in March. San Antonio celebrates with green grub every day along the River Walk with the quintessential combo of margaritas and guacamole.

ST. PATTY’S DAY EVERY DAY

IRISH SING-ALONGS

The original Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub dates back to Ireland in the 1620s at Bunratty Castle, and in 1974, an identical pub was built at the Hilton Palacio del Rio. Since then, River Walkers looking for a real Irish pub experience have had a place to call home, complete with traditional pub grub favorites like a good old basket of fish and chips or Guinness Beef Pie and draft beer. The sounds of nightly sing-alongs and piano tunes leap from the doors drawing in tourists and locals alike. Come in for a pint and stay for the charm with world-class piano entertainment, and strangers who become fast friends.

LUCK O’ THE IRISH AT WAXY O’CONNOR’S In County Monaghan, Ireland, Irish craftsmen put together a very special package and shipped it to Galveston, Texas. Inside was an entire pub that would later be named for an old candlemaker. Waxy O’Connor lived in an apartment above his candle shop, and legend has it that he survived a terrible fire because of the luck of the Irish. His story is why the word waxy became slang for “lucky” with the Irish people. We are fortunate to have the Waxy pub that sits along the San Antonio River Walk as a place that offers St. Patty’s fun year-round. Warm up with a bowl of potato and leek soup or kick back with an order of corned beef and cabbage and a hearty Irish stout.

River’s Edge Cafe and Patio Bar

Otro

Otro

Bud Light St. Patrick’s Day River Parade & Festival

Bud Light St. Patrick’s Day River Parade & Festival

A popular San Antonio appetizer is guacamole prepared tableside, and along the River Walk, the choices are fabulous. Beginning with Acenar, one of the largest and most innovative restaurants on the River Walk, their modern take on Mexican cuisine and Latino-style cocktails is as stylish as the contemporary décor and breathtaking patio views.

One of the most popular picks for tableside guacamole is Boudro’s Texas Bistro. This performative menu option is a treat to watch, and even more of a treat to eat. The secret is the fresh-squeezed limes and oranges mixed with a fire roasted salsa and avocados chunked together with cilantro and sea salt. Pair it with a Fiesta Refresher made from blanco tequila, agave, lime, grapefruit soda and lime salt.

Otro is another scenic spot to stop for guacamole, with views of both the River Walk and the modern and comfy patio, but their cocktail menu is also a show-stopper. Try the scandalous Amor Prohibido, with Espolon silver tequila, spicy tamarind and grapefruit soda, lime and a Mexican candy rim.

At Iron Cactus it will take you longer to get through the tequila menu than the appetizers. Voted as one of the top 10 tequila bars in the country, it is tough to choose just one. So, opt for a tequila flight to be safe. Or if you want to try just one shot, go for one of the specialty tequilas but order it with a cinnamon rim and an orange slice for a smooth sipping experience. Their tableside guac is also tossed right in front of your eyes, so put in your order and enjoy the show.

If you want to stroll along the River Walk with a margarita in hand, stop in and visit the bartender at Rio Rio. The Cucumber Chamoy Margarita sounds green in spirit, but the sweet chamoy turns this icy treat into a

gorgeous crimson creation. Opt for a chili rim, and enjoy some guacamole fresco before you head back out on the river.

If your group wants to go green by boat, book a river barge dinner cruise with Casa Rio. They have been offering dinner cruises since the ‘50s, after all. Their guacamole dip pairs nicely with the Spicy Margarita featuring Azul Ghost Tequila.

At The River’s Edge Cafe and Patio Bar, the guacamole hits the spot, but if you are starting early in the day, you can take your avocado a little differently with their incredible Macha Avocado Toast. Switch up the margarita for a bloody mary and you can still enjoy a little bit of green olive and celery with your morning brunch.

And finally, for a traditional margarita/guacamole combo, you have to go to the original. The Original Mexican Restaurant features a traditional smashed guacamole that knocks it out of the park when paired with a traditional frozen margarita. But if you really want a double dose of green, try a Dos A Rita and have that green bottle sticking proudly out of your drink.

For more margarita and guacamole combos, you cannot go wrong with Acapulco Sam’s, Cafe Olé, Guadalajara Grill and Republic of Texas.

WRITER’S BIO

Crystal Henry is a loyal Texan and an award-winning author, writer and columnist. She is fluent in both sarcasm and English, and she showcases those bilingual skills on FB + IG @crystalhenrywrites and on Twitter @ chenrywrites.

CLICK ON THIS

BUD LIGHT ST. PATRICK’S DAY RIVER PARADE, FESTIVAL & ARTISAN SHOW www.TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com

ACAPULCO SAM’S www.AcapulcoSams.com

BOUDRO’S TEXAS BISTRO www.Boudros.com

CAFE OLÉ www.CafeOle.us

CASA RIO www.CasaRio.com

DURTY NELLY’S IRISH PUB www.DurtyNellysPubSA.com

GUADALAJARA GRILL www.GuadalajaraGrill.us

IRON CACTUS www.IronCactus.com

MAD DOGS BRITISH PUB www.MadDogs.net

OTRO www.Hilton.com

REPUBLIC OF TEXAS www.RepublicOfTexasRestaurant.com

RIO RIO CANTINA www.RioRioRiverWalk.com

RIVER’S EDGE CAFÉ AND PATIO BAR www.RiversEdgeCafeSA.com

THE ORIGINAL MEXICAN RESTAURANT www.OriginalMexican.com

WAXY O’CONNOR’S www.WaxyOConnors.com

Acenar

Boudro’s Texas Bistro Casa Rio

EAT & DRINK

AMERICAN AMBLER TEXAS KITCHEN + COCKTAILS www.AmblerSanAntonio.com

BLUE STAR BREWING COMPANY www.BlueStarBrewing.com

BOILER HOUSE www.BoilerHouseSA.com

BOUDRO’S TEXAS BISTRO www.Boudros.com

BIGA ON THE BANKS www.Biga.com

BLISS www.FoodIsBliss.com

BUBBA GUMP SHRIMP CO. www.BubbaGump.com

BUCKHORN SALOON & MUSEUM www.BuckhornMuseum.com

CURED www.CuredAtPearl.com

DAVE & BUSTER’S www.DaveAndBusters.com

DEVILS RIVER DISTILLERY www.DevilsRiverWhiskey.com

DICK’S LAST RESORT www.DicksLastResort.com

ELSEWHERE GARDEN BAR & KITCHEN www.ElsewhereTexas.com

THE ESQUIRE www.EsquireTavern-SA.com

FAT TUESDAY www.FatTuesday.com

FOUR BROTHERS www.OmniHotels.com

THE GUENTHER HOUSE www.GuentherHouse.com

HARD ROCK CAFÉ www.HardRockCafe.com

HOOTER’S www.Hooters.com

HOWL AT THE MOON www.HowlAtTheMoon.com

JOHNNY ROCKET’S www.Locations.JohnnyRockets.com

LANDRACE www.LandraceTX.com

LANDSHARK BAR & GRILL www.SanAntonio.LandSharkBarAndGrill.com

LONE STAR CAFÉ www.LoneStarCafe.com

MARGARITAVILLE www.MargaritavilleSanAntonio.com

MAVERICK TEXAS BRASSERIE www.MaverickTexas.com

MAVERICK WHISKEY www.MaverickWhiskey.com

THE MOON’S DAUGHTERS www.TheMoonsDaughters.com

RAINFOREST CAFÉ www.RainforestCafe.com

THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS www.TheRepublicOfTexasRestaurant.com

SUPPER www.SupperAtEmma.com

YARD HOUSE www.YardHouse.com

ASIAN

BEST QUALITY DAUGHTER www.BestQualityDaughter.com

BOTIKA www.BotikaPearl.com

BBQ THE COUNTY LINE www.CountyLine.com

PINKERTON’S www.PinkertonsBarbecue.com

SMOKE BBQ RIVERBAR www.SmokeDowntown.com

BRITISH

MAD DOGS BRITISH PUB www.MadDogs.net

FRENCH

BRASSERIE MON CHOU CHOU www.BrasserieMonChouChou.com

GERMAN BIER GARTEN www.BierGartenSA.com

LITTLE RHEIN PROST HAUS www.ProstHausSA.com

SCHILO’S www.Schilos.com

IRISH

DURTY NELLY’S IRISH PUB www.DurtyNellysPub.com

MADDY MCMURPHY’S IRISH SPORTS BAR www.MaddysSA.com

ITALIAN ALLORA www.AlloraPearl.com

ARROSTA www.ArrostaPearl.com

DOUGH www.DoughPizzeriaOnlineOrders.com

FIUME PIZZERIA www.FiumePizzeria.com

NONNA OSTERIA www.NonnaSA.com

PAESANOS www.PaesanosRiverWalk.com

TRE TRATORRIA www.TreTrattoria.com

ZOCCA CUISINE D’ITALIA www.ZoccaRiverWalk.com

MEXICAN ACENAR www.Acenar.com

AZUCA NUEVO LATINO www.Azuca.net

CAFÉ OLE www.CafeOle.us

CARRIQUI www.CarriquiTX.com

CASA RIO www.Casa-Rio.com

DOMINGO RESTAURANTE www.DomingoRestaurant.com

GUADALAJARA GRILL www.GuadalajaraGrill.us

IRON CACTUS www.IronCactus.com

LA GLORIA www.ChefJohnnyHernandez.com

LA MARGARITA www.LaMargarita.com

MI TIERRA CAFÉ Y PANADERIA www.MiTierraCafe.com

OCHO www.HavanaSanAntonio.com

THE ORIGINAL MEXICAN RESTAURANT www.OriginalMexican.com

RESTAURANTE PICO DE GALLO www.PicoDeGallo.com

RIO RIO CANTINA www.RioRioCantina.com

RITA’S ON THE RIVER www.RitasOnTheRiver.com

THE RIVER’S EDGE CAFÉ + PATIO BAR www.RiversEdgeCafeSA.com

ROSARIO’S www.RosariosSA.com

SEAFOOD

BUBBA GUMP SHRIMP CO. www.BubbaGump.com

CHART HOUSE www.TowerOfTheAmericas.com

JOE’S CRAB SHACK www.JoesCrabShack.com

LANDRY’S SEAFOOD HOUSE www.LandrysSeafood.com

ON THE BEND OYSTER BAR & CIGAR LOUNGE www.OnTheBendSA.com

OSTRA www.OmniHotels.com

SOUTHERLEIGH FINE FOOD & BREWERY www.Southerleigh.com

SOUTH AMERICAN DORREGO’S www.dorregos.com

TEXAS DE BRAZIL www.TexasDeBrazil.com

FOGO DE CHAO www.FogoDeChao.com

SPANISH ENRIQUE TOMAS www.EnriqueTomas.com

STEAKHOUSE BOHANAN’S www.Bohanans.com

BRENNER’S STEAKHOUSE www.LandrysInc.com

MORTON’S STEAKHOUSE www.Mortons.com

THE PALM www.ThePalm.com

RANGE www.RangeSA.com

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE www.RuthsChris.com

SALTGRASS STEAKHOUSE www.Saltgrass.com

SILO PRIME www.SiloSA.com

SWEETS BEN & JERRY’S www.BenJerry.com

JUSTIN’S ICE CREAM www.JustinsIceCream.com

KILWINS www.Kilwins.com

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY www.RMCF.com

SHOP & PLAY

THE ALAMO www.TheAlamo.org

ALAMODOME www.Alamodome.com

ALAMO PLAZA SHIRTS 210.223.2347

ALAMO QUARRY MARKET www.QuarryMarket.com

ALAMEDA THEATER www.AlamedaTheaterConservancy.org

AMAZING MIRROR MAZE & THE VAULT LASER CHALLENGE www.AmazingMazes.com

ARNESON RIVER THEATRE www.LaVillitaSanAntonio.com

ART PACE www.ArtPace.org

AT&T CENTER www.ATT.CenterSanAntonio.org

AZTEC THEATRE www.Aztec.TheaterSanAntonio.org

BCYCLE www.SanAntonioBCycle.com

THE BLUE STAR ARTS COMPLEX www.BlueStarArtsComplex.com

BONITA RITA’S/MERCADORITA’S www.Mercadoritas.com

BRISCOE WESTERN ART MUSEUM www.BriscoeMuseum.org

BRACKENRIDGE PARK www.BrackenridgePark.org

BUCKHORN SALOON & MUSEUM www.BuckhornMuseum.com

CARVER COMMUNITY CULTURAL CENTER www.TheCarver.org

CASCADE CAVERNS www.CascadeCaverns.com

CENTRO DE ARTES www.GetCreativeSanAntonio.com

CITY SIGHTSEEING SAN ANTONIO www.CitySightseeingSanAntonio.com

CONFLUENCE PARK www.SARiverFound.org

COWBOY’S ALAMO CITY HARLEYDAVIDSON BOUTIQUE www.CowboysAlamoCityHarley.com

DASA SPA ON THE RIVERWALK www.DasaSpa.com

THE DOSEUM www.TheDoSeum.org

EMPIRE THEATRE www.MajesticEmpire.com

FIESTA AT NORTH STAR www.AlamoFiesta.com

FIVE AND DIME GENERAL STORE www.FiveAndDimeGS.com

FREEMAN COLISEUM www.Freeman.Coliseum-SanAntonio.org

GARCIA ART GLASS www.GarciaArtGlass.com

GO RIO CRUISES www.GoRioCruises.com

GUENTHER HOUSE www.GuentherHouse.com

GUADALUPE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER www.GuadalupeCulturalArts.org

GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS MUSEUM www.Ripleys.com

HEMISFAIR www.Hemisfair.org

HENRY B. GONZALEZ CONVENTION CENTER www.SAHBGCC.com

HOPSCOTCH www.LetsHopscotch.com

HOTEL CONTESSA SPA www.HotelContessaSpa.com

HOT WELLS www.BexarCounty.org

KIDDIE PARK www.KiddiePark.com

LOUIS TUSSAUD’S WAXWORKS www.Ripleys.com

MAGIK THEATRE www.MagikTheatre.org

MAJESTIC THEATRE www.MajesticEmpire.com

MARKET SQUARE/EL MERCADO www.MarketSquareSA.com

MCNAY ART MUSEUM www.McNayArt.org

MEXICAN CULTURAL INSTITUTE www.Facebook.com/mexculturesa

MISSION ADVENTURE TOURS www.MAT-TX.com

MISSION HIKE & BIKE TRAILS www.NPS.gov/saan/planyourvisit/ hikebike

MISSION MARQUEE PLAZA www.MissionMarquee.com

MOKARA SPA www.OmniHotels.com

MORGAN’S WONDERLAND www.MorgansWonderland.com

MURAL RIDE

www.SanAntonioMuralRide.com

NATURAL BRIDGE CAVERNS

www.NaturalBridgeCaverns.com

NORTH STAR MALL

www.NorthStarMall.com

PARIS HATTERS www.ParisHatters.com

PENNER’S www.PennersInc.com

RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT www.Ripleys.com/sanantonio

RIVER WALK PUBLIC ART GARDEN www.GetCreativeSanAntonio.com

RUBY CITY www.RubyCity.org

SAN ANTONIO AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY ARCHIVE AND MUSEUM www.SAAACAM.org

SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN www.SABOT.com

SAN ANTONIO MISSIONS NATIONAL HISTORIAL PARK www.NPS.gov/saan/index

SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART www.SAMuseum.org

SAN ANTONIO VISITORS CENTER www.VisitSanAntonio.com

SAN ANTONIO ZOO www.SAZoo.org

SAN FERNANDO CATHEDRAL/ THE SAGA www.SFCathedral.org / www.MainPlaza. org

SAN PEDRO CREEK CULTURE PARK www.SPCCulturePark.com

SEAWORLD SAN ANTONIO www.SeaWorld.com

THE SHOPS AT LA CANTERA www.TheShopsAtLaCantera.com

SIX FLAGS FIESTA TEXAS www.SixFlags.com

SOUTHWEST SCHOOL OF ART www.SWSchool.org

SPANISH GOVERNOR’S PALACE www.SpanishGovernorsPalace.org

77T’S SOUVENIRS & T-SHIRTS www.77TShirts.com

TIENDA LA GARZA 210.222.2133

TOBIN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS www.TobinCenter.org

TOWER OF THE AMERICAS www.TowerOfTheAmericas.com

THE UNOFFICIAL BEST OF TEXAS 210.227.0242

UTSA INSTITUTE OF TEXAN CULTURES www.TexanCultures.UTSA.edu

VILLA FINALE www.VillaFinale.org

WITTE MUSEUM www.WitteMuseum.org

YANAGUANA GARDEN www.Hemisfair.org

LA VILLITA HISTORIC ARTS VILLAGE www.LaVillitaSanAntonio.com

• Angelita

• B. Link

• Bird & Pear

• Capistrano Soap Company

• Casa Manos Alegres

• Copper Gallery

• Sifuentes Metalsmith

• Little Studio Gallery

• Plaza Taxco

• River Art Gallery

• Scentchips USA

• Starving Artist Art Gallery

• Yolix Luna Fine Art

SHOPS AT RIVERCENTER www.ShopRivercenter.com

Shops at Rivercenter have nearly 100 retailers.

IMAX & AMC RIVERCENTER 11 www.IMAX.com

LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER www.LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com

SEA LIFE SAN ANTONIO www.VisitSeaLife.com

LIGGETTVILLE ADVENTURE CENTER www.LiggettVille.com

THE HISTORIC PEARL www.AtPearl.com

• Adelante Boutique

• Curio

• Dos Carolinas

• Feliz Modern Pop

• Leelee

• Limatus Bespoke

• Niche at Pearl

• Rancho Diaz

• Ten Thousand Villages

• The Tiny Finch

• The Twig Book Shop

DOWNTOWN LOCATIONS LISTING

MUSEUM REACH LOCATIONS LISTING

SHOP & PLAY

1 San Antonio Zoo

2 Japanese Tea Gardens

3 Sunken Garden Theater

4 Brackenridge Park Golf Course

5 Witte Museum

6 The DoSeum

9 San Antonio Museum of Art

B San Antonio BCycle Docking Stations

THE HISTORIC PEARL

Allora

Arrosta

Bakery Lorraine

Best Quality Daughter Blue Box Bar Boiler House Botika

Brasserie Mon Chou Chou Carriqui

Cured

Food Hall at Bottling Dept.

Full Goods Diner High Street Wine Co. Jazz, TX Ladino

La Gloria

Lick Honest Ice Creams

Local Coffee Founders Southerleigh Supper at Hotel Emma

EAT & DRINK

8 Sam’s Burger Joint Music Hall

10 Tre Trattoria

11 Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen

12 Shiro Japanese Sushi Bistro

STAY

7 Hotel Emma

13 Wundham Garden San Antonio Riverwalk

Real Fun. True Memories.

San Antonio is the city of authenticity. Where real fun and true adventure are just outside your door. Come discover our larger-than-life attractions, thrilling theme parks, and breathtaking, natural wonders. There’s something exciting for everyone. Plan a truly memorable trip now at visitsanantonio.com

Sunday – Thursday 10am – 11pm

Friday – Saturday 10am – 12am