TABLE OF CONTENTS
San Antonio: The Place to Be Pg. 3-4
Heart Within the Historic Market Pg. 6
The Shining History of the Pearl Pg. 7-8
¡Viva Fiesta!: History of the Fiesta Medal & Q&A with Fiesta San Antonio Pg. 9-10
Parks and Recommendations & Coming Soon: New Trails Pg. 12
Exploring the Dazzling Riverwalk Pg. 13-14
Contemporary at Blue Star Pg. 15 The Pearl Market & @SAlocalmarkets Pg. 16
Letter from the Editor
Iam incredibly grateful to have been the Magazine Editor for The Paisano, and I am extremely proud of the work I have been able to accomplish in my last semester at UTSA. This position has given me wonderful memories and an opportunity to try new skills. This magazine issue has been such an incredible learning experience full of all the wonderful things San Antonio has to offer. When I first moved here, I was still in middle school, and having just left behind El Paso — another Texas city — I was not expecting much of a change. I was proven very wrong by the stark difference of living in the 7th largest city in America.
Taking for granted the place I have lived in for over a decade, I found myself depressingly comparing it to the media of large cities like L.A. It has only been this past year that I have begun to explore all San Antonio has to offer.
With its music and film scene which continues to grow rapidly, there is never a dull day. On each path I take, I come across a different creative working on a passion project. There are endless restaurants that not only have amazing food but are run by families. Lastly, San Antonio’s culture manages to promote local businesses through markets and small businesses despite being a tourist city.
I have always been inspired by color. I remember being young, sitting at the kitchen table coloring — as I often did — when my grandmother remarked that rainbows were my signature. She said she saw me refusing to finish drawings until I added every color from the crayon box. This is a sentiment I have continued in my life, despite being constantly described as “doing too much.” This mindset of adding color to everything is the biggest push I had to depict San Antonio as an endless city brought to the pages in vibrant colors.
Through the creation of this magazine, I have found a new love for this city, and I hope it inspires the same in others.
This magazine could not have been made possible without the help of The Paisano Editorial Board and staff who worked hard to bring these stories to life.
I hope this magazine serves as a personal guide to the Alamo City and sparks a creative energy inside readers.
Haley Aguayo
Alessandra Avila
Marisela Cruz
Meet the Staff
Jackie Cardona
Erick Henriquez Camargo
Diego Cisneros
Sofia Mejia
{Paisano Plus}
Magazine Editor:
Sofia Mejia
Editor-in-Chief:
Jake Mireles
Managing Editor: Jasmine Williams
News Editor: Alessandra Avila
Opinion Editor:
Marcela Montufar Soria
Arts & Life Editor: Malaki Lingg
Sports Editor: Haley Aguayo
Web Editor: Raul Martinez
Photo Editor: Armin Suljovic
Graphics Editor: Kara Lee
Multimedia Editor:
Regan Williams
Social Media Manager: Karis Vickers
Copyediting Coordinator
Christopher Delgado
Distribution Manager:
Christian Loustaunau
Business Manager: Jaclyn Banda
{Writers}
{Photographers}
Erick Henriquez Camargo, Jackie Cardona, Diego Cisneros, Izabella Hernandez, Ezequiel Pena, Rylan Renteria
{Graphic Artists}
Marcela Montufar Soria, Catherine Salonga, Sarah Quintanilla, Valentina Quintanilla
{Cover Photo}
Diego Cisneros, Armin Suljovic
{Back Photo}
Armin Suljovic
{Advisor}
Diane Abdo
{Advisory Board}
Diane Abdo, Stefanie Arias, Laynie Clark, Corey Franco, John Helton, Mason Hickok, Jack Himelblau, Steven Kellman, Donna Miller, Sandy Norman,
Paisano Plus is published by The Paisano Educational Trust, a non-profit, tax exempt, educational organization. The Paisano is operated by members of the Student Newspaper Association, a registered student organization. The Paisano is NOT sponsored, financed or endorsed by UTSA. All revenues are generated through advertising and donations. Advertising inquiries and donations should be directed towards: 14526 Roadrunner Way Suite 101 San Antonio, Texas 78249 (210)-690-9301
magazine@paisano-online.com ©2025, all rights reserved, The Paisano
Marisela Cruz, Alejandra Garza, Zoe Hernandez, Luna Infante, Noah Schwencke, Ruben Solis, Daria Tanase, Hannah Velasquez
Sarah & Valentina Quintanilla
Kara Lee
Alejandra Garza
Luna Infante
Ezequiel Pena
Jake Mireles
Mars Montufar Soria
Daria Tanase
Ruben Solis
Armin Suljovic
Jasmine Williams
Catherine Salonga
Karis Vickers
Noah Schwencke
Rylan Renteria
San Antonio: The Place to Be
Atourist visiting San Antonio in 2025 has an abundance of destinations to discover and experiences to enjoy.
Designated a Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO in 2017, there is an overflow of delicious cuisine and renowned restaurants to have a good meal at. For entertainment, there are performance halls, amusement parks, museums and attractions like the San Antonio Zoo, which was ranked the third best zoo in the U.S. by Newsweek in 2024. Our home is a community of diverse cultural expressions with a long, exciting history.
Our mighty city was once only a river flowing through the landlocked plains that would one day become the Spanish colony of San Antonio. On June 13, 1691, settlers celebrated the end of their expedition and named the city in honor of St. Anthony of Padua’s feast day, which shared the same date. Years later, San Antonio has come to be known by many names such as Military City USA, due to it being home to one of the largest concentrations of military bases in the country.
The city, also commonly referred to today as the “Alamo City,” was built around the waterways found in the region by the settler families that arrived in the area.
Local historian Mickey Amacker, an 80-year San Antonio resident and past volunteer guide of city cemeteries, sheds light on the context of modern-day San Antonio, which is often overlooked by younger generations. In particular, Amacker discusses the history
of San Antonio’s Catholic Missions. Today’s best-known mission is the Alamo, which was originally called San Antonio de Valero.
“This was Mexico,” Amacker said. “The younger people, if they want to know history, they need to learn about the Missions and why the city was built on the river, and that it just started out as a little Mexican village, and then it just got bigger and bigger.”
Take a walk around the city, anywhere you like, and take a moment to read the street names and business monikers. More often than not, you will find that they include words in Spanish. Even Bexar County’s name has its origin in the language, coming from the Spanish town of Bejar.
“Our Mexican culture is what gives us our identity. Our city’s name, San Antonio, and our street names are all Hispanic. It’s retained its culture and its atmosphere, and that means a lot to people.”
San Antonio is home to five historic Catholic Missions: Concepción, San José, San Juan, Espada and the Alamo. Settlers built these to convert indigenous peoples to Catholicism, the most practiced religion of Spain and New Spain. Beyond their original purpose, these Missions are now beloved landmarks of the city, representing San Antonio’s Spanish roots.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many residents
Written by Sofia Mejia, photo courtesy of Mickey Amacker, graphics by Sarah Quintanilla, page designed by Sofia Mejia
became concerned by the possibility of losing the city’s historic landmarks. Efforts to preserve the Alamo began in the 1880s when the state purchased and renovated the property for exhibition purposes. Today, the museum and Mission are undergoing remodelling to increase the Alamo’s educational purposes and tourist appeal.
To learn more about the origins of San Antonio, readers can visit the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park Visitors Center at Mission San José for its hourly informational video. Those who enjoy on-foot exploring can sign up for a walking tour of the eightmile stretch of the Missions National Historical Park.
Aside from San Antonio’s missions, the River Walk is another famous and historic attraction. The creation of the modern-day
improve its educational goals and safeguard its historical presence in the midst of the city’s constant growth. According to the Office of Historic Preservation, its mission is to “safeguard the cultural, economic and environmental sustainability that preserves San Antonio’s unique sense of place, economic competitiveness and authenticity.” There are over 1,500 designated OHP landmarks in the city.
So, why has Amacker chosen to stay in the city for so long? “We’re close to Mexico, and we’re close to the coast. Within a couple of hours, you can be at the beach and everything. So we’re in a good spot. We’re convenient to [mostly] everything. And the best thing about our area is we’re affordable.”
No other city shares San Antonio’s blend of cultural influences
there. Amacker elaborates on the River Walk’s growing allure. “The Alamo has always been our biggest draw,” he said. “The river walk wasn’t much of anything. It was there, but nobody paid much attention to it, and it certainly didn’t have the restrooms and bars and hotels around it. So all of that’s what changed.
“I mean, years ago, the military would come to town and they’d say, ‘Now, you go to town, but don’t go down on the River Walk.’ It wasn’t considered safe because there wasn’t that much activity down there. It was just a bad deal to go down by the river. And, of course, now it’s our biggest attraction.”
San Antonio has two histories that can be found by following the water: one where our roots begin along the river and the other where we made the river flow alongside us downtown. This is why no name is as fitting for our city than “The River City.”
For those of us who have lived in San Antonio our whole lives, it can be easy to take for granted the sprawling ecosystem, but so much of what our city is today has changed in the last 50 years.
When asked what he believed had improved in the past years Amacker had this to say:
“We have become better with preservation. In the past, we have torn down many beautiful architectural pieces,” Amacker commented. “The Texas rival, they just tore that down. Our Conservation Society has worked hard, and in recent years, things have been done much better.”
San Antonio’s move to preserve its history is a boon to its citizens. The Alamo complex, for example, is currently being reworked to
who make their home here.
Heart Within the Historic Market
To those seeking a picture-perfect market with shops, food, recreation and events, look no further; the Historic Market Square is the ideal spot. Standing vibrantly between Commerce and South San Saba Street, lined with papel picado, the three-block plaza is home to over 100 locally owned businesses, proudly shining as the largest Mexican market in the U.S.
History
In 1730, the King of Spain gifted the plaza — where the market currently stands — to San Antonio’s original settlers. San Antonio’s plazas were marketplaces where vendors sold food such as fresh produce and meat products. At nighttime, the infamous San Antonio Chili Queens would emerge with earthenware ollas to sell bowls of homemade spicy beef stew, or “chili con carne.” These women served other Mexican American plates until dawn, introducing the Mexican tradition of open-air food stands. The Chili Queens’ presence was impactful, paving the way for the iconic TexMex food industry.
In the 1890s, the market moved from the Plaza de Armas to its current location to make room for the city’s new settlers. There was a wave of immigrants from various places, such as Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Each group contributed a small piece of their culture to the market, creating restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacies and social clubs.
As the city continued growing in the 1900s, the Terminal Market was created at the railroad spur on
Zarzamora Street, bringing competition to the market. However, some merchants stayed out of loyalty to their ancestors, and by the 1960s, they had persuaded the City Council and Chamber of Commerce to create the first market committee. Led by architect Boone Powell, the committee revitalized the market, and by 1976, the square regained its vibrancy. The three city blocks were turned into pedestrian malls with decorative stone fountains, streetlights, trees and benches.
The Market that Stands Today
Today, the Historic Market Square comes alive with sights and traditions. The Farmer’s Market and El Mercado — located in the market — house locally owned shops that sell products celebrating many cultures. Additionally, the market exhibits authentic artisanal items and delicious cuisine. On the directory, one can find working artisans who create paintings, make jewelry and sell soap; eateries featuring Tex-Mex, New York-style pizza and more.
The market also features The Pass, a new, urban recreational area with swing chairs, ping pong tables, murals and a basketball halfcourt. Further, the market celebrates multiple holidays, such as July 4th, Mother’s and Father’s Day and Día De Los Muertos, to name a few. The market remains open Sunday to Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the exception of special events.
Upcoming Events: April and July
From April 25 to May 4, the market will host Fiesta De Los Reyes, one of the largest fiesta celebrations in the city. For over a decade, the Rey Feo Educational Foundation and the City of San Antonio have partnered to celebrate this event at the market. Fiesta De Los Reyes will exhibit daily and nightly live performances, cuisine and events. The celebration will take place from 10 a.m. to midnight, and on Saturdays, it will extend until 1 a.m. Free admission is offered on all days.
A July 4th Weekend Celebration will be held from July 4 to July 6, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This three-day celebration will have live entertainment, music, food and family activities, such as face painting and themed characters. Admission is free for all.
To find more information regarding events, please visit www.marketsquaresa. com/whats-happening, and be sure to follow @marketsquaresa on Instagram.
Written by Luna Infante, photo by Diego Cisneros, graphics by Marcela Montufar Soria & Catherine Salonga, page designed by Sofia Mejia
The Shining History of the Pearl
Downtown San Antonio would not be nearly as colorful as it is today without the rich history of the Pearl Brewery. Locals and visitors may know it for its bustling farmers’ markets, high-end establishments or its proximity to the River Walk. Many visit every day, unaware of its history. Yet, each esteemed business and apartment complex gives a glimpse into what was once the largest brewery in Texas.
The establishment’s legacy began in 1883 when the Pearl started under two names: the J. B. Behloradsky Brewery and the City Brewery. Behloradsky, a German settler, hoped to join San Antonio’s booming industrial sector, inspired by companies such as Lone Star Brewery. However, his venture was poorly run, leading to the sale of the brewery to a local investment group. This change of ownership is where the brewery we know today truly begins its journey.
The investment group that purchased the brewery was also involved with the Lone Star Brewing Company and the formation of the San Antonio Brewing Association. It operated what would become the Pearl under the name of City Brewery and established plans to grow and optimize the current brewhouse. During this optimization is when the beloved lager, “XXX Pearl Beer” began brewing in San Antonio. This new lager, aptly named due
to its “pearl-like” foamy bubbles, brought extreme success to the City Brewery. Through the success of Pearl Beer and the hard work of Otto Koehler, the previous manager of Lone Star City Brewery continued to grow.
However, Koehler was shot and killed by an alleged mistress in 1917, leaving his wife, Emma Koehler, as the chief executive. Three years later, prohibition began, shutting down operations for breweries nationwide. Emma worked diligently during this time, expanding SABA’s reach into ice cream, soft drinks and advertising with the Alamo Foods Company. This diversification helped City Brewery survive prohibition; however, Alamo Foods did not make it past the Great Depression in 1929. Through this economic downturn, the continued success and notoriety of Pearl Beer kept the brewery afloat. This notoriety ultimately led to the company’s identity being swept away from SABA to Pearl Brewing Company, the name we know today.
The Pearl Brewery persevered and grew, purchasing other breweries and merging with larger corporations, bringing the Pearl Beer
into national markets. Eventually, Pearl Brewing Company was sold to Pabst Brewing Company in 1985. Under Pabst’s ownership, major budget cuts were made. One of which was to seize operations of Pearl Brewing Company in San Antonio, bringing production at the brewery of 118 years to an end in 2001.
Luckily, all hope was not lost for the Pearl Brewing District. The beer continued to be produced for a short time after Pearl Beer was contracted out to the Miller Brewing Company in Fort Worth, Texas. Alongside the beer, the brewery was also saved in the same year as its closure. Similar to the San Antonio Brewery Company’s purchase of City Brewery, the investment group Silver Ventures swooped in to save the complex itself. With plans to turn the brew houses
Written by Noah Schwencke, photos by Noah Schwencke & Ezequiel Pena, page designed by Sofia Mejia
and warehouse space into a mixed-use development, they revitalized the area while keeping its roots intact.
Development, which began in 2002, continues today. In each part of the Pearl, the space’s history shines through various visible elements. When walking through weekend markets, the smokestack casts a shadow on the crowds below. Larger cisterns, swirling burner manifolds and the triple X’s dotted atop buildings all allude to the background of the Pearl.
Beyond the physical characteristics adorning the scene, the names of the different businesses often point back to their original use. Some examples include the Can Plant Residencies, the Food Court at the Bottling Plant, the Boiler House and the Cellars. Each name embraces the theme of the old distillery differently — some subtly, others not.
Hotel Emma artistically celebrates this motif throughout the property. The name, which nods back to Emma Koehler,
pays homage to her hard work keeping the brewery alive. The prestigious fivediamond hotel uses any chance it gets to draw from its heritage, from its suite names to structural elements.
Upon entering the main lobby, patrons are greeted with twisting and turning pipes and a bright red ammonia compressor installed into the floor. At the attached tavern and club room, Sternewirth, guests can enjoy signature cocktails and single-barrel spirits while lounging in original cast-iron fermentation tanks. The premium suites available are also themed, located in the pinnacle of the old brewhouse. Interactive components such as these help clients immerse themselves in these stories of old.
Appreciating the past like no other, Silver Ventures continues to renovate and commemorate the history around the Pearl. Two major additions were made in 2024, with the Stable Hall concert venue and Pullman Market. There are various plans to expand the Pearl westward across the river. These expansions include more high-end residential properties, storefronts and additional parking. While these new pieces of the Pearl will not be restoring historic spaces, they will be continuing the intentional perpetuation of their legacy.
Visitors to the Pearl
can not only take part in the vibrant businesses but also keep their eyes out for homages to its past. The Pearl will continue to grow as one of the main focal points of downtown San Antonio and glow the brightest during its Weekend Market. The Weekend Market occurs on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. They also host a seasonal Night Market every third Wednesday of the month from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
¡Viva Fiesta!: History of the Fiesta Medal
Written by Alejandra Garza, photo by Dustin Vickers, graphics by Catherine Salonga, page
by Sofia Mejia
Traditions are important in San Antonio, and one of the most prominent is Fiesta San Antonio, which occurs annually in the spring. The city and its partners host parades, pageants and performances.
Fiesta San Antonio began in 1891 as a one-time parade conducted to honor the fallen heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto, which occurred on April 21, 1836. Communal gatherings have begun to enlighten the citizens of San Antonio throughout the city to bring the rich and diverse cultures of San Antonio to life. Fiesta is one of the nation’s premier festivals, with an economic impact of more than $340 million annually. The most notable events include Oyster Bake — which is hosted at the St. Mary’s University campus by the alumni association — A Night in Old San Antonio and the Fiesta Flambeau Parade. These celebrations will occur between April 24 and May 4.
During Oyster Bake, the proceeds all go towards scholarships,
averaging at about $500,000. NIOSA has been celebrated for over 100 years with the help of the Conservation Society of San Antonio. The Fiesta Flambeau Parade has announced this year's theme of “Deep in the Arts of Texas.” This theme includes art events, cultural arts, landmarks and culinary arts.
With the annual festival comes the ritual of people participating in the journey of collecting Fiesta medals. This tradition dates back to 1946 when King Antonio gave coins to local children who would then decorate and attach them to their coin purses to flaunt them around their necks.
Collecting medals grew in popularity in 1971 because of Charles G. Orsinger. During Orsinger’s reign as King Antonio, he collected coins from children and punched holes in the middle. This led to the creation of the Fiesta medal. The tradition continued to gain momentum in the 1990s.
Today, medals are decorated with multicolored ribbons, while some larger companies and organizations commission specialty medals to be made. The San Antonio Spurs and food companies have designed Fiesta medals in the past. There is also an option for you to customize your own. If you want to purchase medals, visit Fiestamedal.net.
designed
Q&A with Fiesta San Antonio Commission
Written by Sofia Mejia, graphics by Catherine Salonga
The Fiesta San Antonio Commission is a nonprofit, volunteer organization responsible for coordinating the highly anticipated celebration that is Fiesta San Antonio every spring. Tens of thousands of San Antonians volunteer their time to put on this immense event, and Steve Rosenauer, the Executive Director of the FSA, was willing to share his experience in such a key role in this organization.
Q: What does it take to plan an event as big as Fiesta San Antonio?
A: "To plan Fiesta, it takes the support of all of the organizations and membership to work together, each year, to produce some amazing results that provide support to many local charities. Fiesta is a yearround operation, and we work with each of our Official Fiesta Event Organizations and our Membership to provide them support throughout the year. The Fiesta San Antonio Commission is a separate Non-Profit Organization with a fiscal year of August 1 to July 31. We have several dates throughout the year that serve as deadline dates for the Official Fiesta events to submit various documents and forms of information."
Q: How early do you start planning for Fiesta?
assigned by the President and the Board.
3. Reports to the President and the Executive Committee and Board and assists them in carrying out their duties.
4. Supervises the correspondence of the Commission.
5. Issues notices of and keep minutes of all meetings of the Commission as directed by the Secretary.
6. Acts as custodian of the records for the Commission.
7. Keeps the role of all Members.
8. The Executive Director shall serve as an ex-officio non-voting member of all committees.
9. Performs such other functions as the President and/or the Board may assign. Most importantly, each Fiesta event is coordinated by a separate, San Antonio Area Non-Profit Organization, and they are in charge of their own event. The Fiesta Commission will provide each group with guidance and financial, educational and publicity support."
Q: What does Fiesta San Antonio mean to you?
A: "To me, Fiesta means an opportunity for all San Antonians and guests from all over the world to join together in all parts of San Antonio to celebrate San Antonio’s diverse culture, heritage and spirit while we help raise money and support many Non-Profit organizations that support the citizens of San Antonio throughout the entire year."
Q: What is your favorite part about Fiesta?
A: "To me, each Official Fiesta Event is unique and special to the overall Fiesta experience. I can’t pick just one favorite event, but I truly believe in the spirit of Fiesta to 'Party With A Purpose' and celebrate a 'Fiesta For All!' I am also very humbled to work with and support the Military and Military Ambassadors, each year, as they represent each branch of the Military and demonstrate why San Antonio is Military City USA. I am excited to help provide scholarships and life skills training for our Miss Fiesta. Miss Fiesta serves as an ambassador for Fiesta, and she represents all that is good about Fiesta. One of the main successes of Fiesta is the volunteer support from all of the Fiesta events. Fiesta would
support from more than 75,000 volunteers. These volunteers demonstrate the spirit of Fiesta."
Q: Is there anything new this year the attendees can look forward to?
A: "This year, Fiesta Fiesta, the opening ceremony event, will be back at Travis
Parks and Recommendations
Friedrich Wilderness Park
The park is home to two endangered species of songbirds: the Golden-cheeked Warbler and the Black-capped Vireo. The park is perfect for novice hikers and those who prefer paved loops. Bexar County’s oldest working windmill can be spotted on the water trail with oak trees shielding the path.
Admission Fee: Free. Surface Type: Easily accessible walking trails and remote hiking trails. Distance from UTSA: 15 minutes by car.
Phil Hardberger Park
Hardberger Park is classified as a natural area and has the largest land bridge in Texas. The park expands over Wurzbach Parkway, providing a beautiful view of the San Antonio skyline. The wildlife blinds are a new attraction, allowing visitors to view fauna in their natural habitat without disturbing them. Runners and walkers can also enjoy the sightings of popular birds like the Eastern Phoebe.
Admission Fee: Free. Surface Type: Paved, looped trails to dirt hiking trails. Amenities: Picnic tables, playgrounds, a dog park and open fields for outdoor games. Distance from UTSA: 15 minutes by car.
Eisenhower Park
Eisenhower Park offers a well-maintained running and hiking trail that attracts enthusiasts of all abilities. Benches can be found throughout the park each one signifies a location of interest, whether it be a scenic view or a quarter-mile marker. One mile of extra-wide asphalt leads to the observation tower overlooking Leon Creek and Camp Bullis. The Cedar Flats trail takes you a mile to an observation tower, uncovering a 360-degree view of the Texas Hill Country.
Admission Fee: Free. Surface type: Fully paved to loose gravel. Amenities: A rock wall, a playground and a picnic patio. Distance from UTSA: 25 minutes by car.
Government Canyon State
Natural Area
Government Canyon is one of six places Texans can see dinosaur tracks preserved in limestone. This attraction allows explorers of all ages to step into the shoes of giants. Throughout the park, bikers and hikers can hear the distinct song of the mourning dove and glimpses of the famous roadrunner within the brush. On the Joe Johnston Trail, the canyon overlook is a picture-worthy journey for five miles round trip.
Admission fee: $6 and free for children under 12. Surface type: Paved trail and uneven stones. Amenities: Ranger-guided history tours, wildlife identification and volunteer events and Friday and Saturday camping. Distance from UTSA: 25 minutes by car.
Castroville Regional Park
Castroville Park is known for its family-centric ecosystem. Attendees can choose from a variety of activities ranging from fishing in the Medina River, multiple soccer fields,
playgrounds, picnic tables with grills and a community pool. The park includes various butterflies, fireflies and 17 species of birds. Staying cool in the summer is no problem after the restoration in 2002, which included 57 new trees from the Alsace region of France.
Admission Fee: Free recreational use — $6 per picnic table. Surface Type: Paved, uneven gravel. Amenities: RV park, playgrounds, sports fields, fishing and camping. Distance from UTSA: 30 minutes by car.
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Lost Maples is a park for novice and intermediate hikers wanting a challenge. The trails are uneven and slippery when wet, but rewarding for their picturesque scenery. At the peak of the east trail overlook, hikers have a picture-perfect view of the Sabinal River Valley.
Admission Fee: $6 entry fee per person — free for children under 12. Surface Type: Uneven, rugged to wide gravel paths. Amenities: Camping, picnic tables, fishing. Distance from UTSA: Two hours by car.
Coming Soon: New Trails
Written by Jasmine Williams
The City of San Antonio’s 2022-2027 Bond Program is the biggest of its kind in San Antonio’s history, with a $1.2 billion budget intended for 183 different projects. Linear Greenway Trails — the parks, recreation and open spaces section of the Bond Program — has a $106.9 million budget for 83 projects.
Around $103.5 million came from the 2022 General Obligation Bond, $3 million from the Tree Preservation Fund and the rest from the San Antonio Water System and CPS.
The Linear Greenway Trails Project aims to enhance the quality of life for San Antonio residents and visitors by expanding park accessibility, increasing creek access for stormwater management and improving connectivity for pedestrian and bicycle routes.
This process is already underway as 14 park projects are complete and 15 are currently under construction. The San Antonio Zoo and the Public Theater of San Antonio are two areas currently under construction in and around the downtown area. They are all scheduled to be completed later this year.
Southside Lions Park, Concepcion Park and Miller Pond Park are at the tail end of the design stage and are scheduled to start construction this spring and summer. Southside Lions Park will replace an existing skate park; the reconstructed version will have a sloped bowl, ledges, rails and benches to facilitate street skating. A dog park is being added to Concepcion Park; it will have a new shade structure, drinking fountains and improvements to overall accessibility. At Millers Pond Park, improvements will be made to its plaza, parking, restrooms and lighting.
To track the progress of these parks and others under the 2022 Bond Program, visit sanantonio.gov/2022Bond.
Written by Ruben Solis, photos by Erick Henriquez Camargo, Izabella Hernandez & Ezequiel Pena, graphics by Zoe Hernandez, page designed by Sofia Mejia
Exploring the Dazzling River Walk
The San Antonio River Walk is among the city’s most iconic and beloved sights. You are guaranteed to see a sight unlike any other no matter the pather you take. From lively restaurants and shops to serene scenic paths, there is charm in every step.
Starting from the Shops at Rivercenter
One of the most popular spots where people begin their exploration of the River Walk is right outside the bustling Shops at Rivercenter, downtown San Antonio’s shopping mall. Facing East Commerce Street, this path starts at the square, where the river flows in the surroundings of the glassy, large-windowed mall. Inside and outside, shops and restaurants hug the area, with the skies painted behind the tall Marriott. The sight ahead displays the river, a little viewing platform and a small shaded area with tables and chairs.
Continuing down the path, you will likely see tourists and locals packed on a large, colorful boat. These rides come and go in this area, especially the narrated cruises educating the community about the River Walk and its extensive history. The walk guides you under some arched bridges — past the rest of Rivercenter and connected buildings.
After wandering through the area, you will have a clearer view of the river. Trees and tall buildings surround a bridge where you can see the well-known Stargazer statue, which shows a woman — Citlali — looking through a small star between her fingers. A map and sign on that same bridge points toward the shops.
The path, bending right, leads you past a small flower garden, palm trees and benches for sitting — a peaceful scene to appreciate before reaching the populated shops and restaurants.
The course follows under the Alamo Street bridge, where light bounces off the river showing a moving water reflection on its foundation. Just ahead sit the shaded tables with the colorful iconic umbrellas at Casa Rio. Trees line the sidewalks, with lights draping over their branches — an alluring sight to see at nighttime.
From here, the left path — under Market Street bridge — will lead to the Arneson River Theatre and La Villita, while the right will steer toward additional iconic shops and restaurants.
Turning left at Casa Rio
On the left side of Casa Rio, you will pass restaurants and bars, including the lovely Fiume Pizzeria and Wine Bar and the gorgeous
Casa Catrina. All choices are great stops to check out as you approach the Arneson River Theatre.
The theatre is outdoors: a small dark stage across the river, with a small white building and bridge leading over the water. The walking side holds the audience seating, creating a unique event venue where dance and musical performances often take place. Tucked behind the audience and diverging from the Riverwalk resides La Villita Historic Village, a small square of shops Wand galleries. Passing the theatre, continuing leftward, is a continuation of a peaceful, less populated walk — for those wanting some tranquility, this will be the way to go. One delightful stop down this trail is Marriage Island, a charming spot often used for weddings.
Turning Right at Casa Rio
For those searching for more energetic spots on the river, turning right and passing under the Commerce Street bridge is the ideal choice. Dozens of shops and restaurants, from the wellknown Lone Star Cafe to the Rainforest Cafe, continue down this path. This area is energetic, often bustling with crowds of tourists and vendors walking to the beat of live music behind the bar and eatery doors. Ice cream parlors, souvenir shops and cafés line the river on the lower and upper levels.
Greenery enriches the area, with large trees shading the walk for hot Texas summers. Paciugo Gelato Cafe sits on an upper level, providing a delicious getaway from the crowds. There is also fine dining on the river, such as Boudro’s and Paesano’s, and more casual choices, like Rita’s and the Domingo Restaurant.
The Bigger Picture
Hidden away from the well-known areas are many miles of calmness, often only seen by runners. The River Wwalk has an impressive variety of attractions, from picturesque hideaways and busy restaurants to a stage with live performances. This landmark is a must-see for everyone in the Alamo City. This 15-mile path is one of the best-known spots in the city for good reason, and it remains adored by locals and those simply passing through.
Written by Luna Infante, photos by Erick Henriquez Camargo, graphics by Marcela Montufar Soria, page designed by Sofia Mejia
A Complex of Brews and Brushstrokes
outh of the city center, adjacent to the River Walk and tucked into an industrial park, the Arts Complex is an
“anchor” of art in San Antonio. Embracing the term “mixed development,” the complex hosts concerts, monthly markets, banquets and more. Patrons can visit a wide variety of establishments, from the longest-running contemporary art center in San Antonio to a humble bike shop. The space is also home to rental storefronts and cozy residential lofts, all located right on the fringe of the King William district.
The ever-evolving arts complex was not always the sacred place for showcasing culture like it is today, but it was always a hybrid space. Constructed in the early 1900s, the facility was built on top of farmland belonging to the Mission San Antonio de Valero — better known as The Alamo — and later connected to the growing railroad system. Often consisting of multiple establishments at the same time, the railroad depot contained meat packing, food wholesale, chemical production and cold storage companies.
Later, in 1985, Hap Veltman and Bernard Lifshutz purchased the vacant and somewhat run-down Blue Star Ice and Cold Storage Company. When the San Antonio Museum of Art canceled an upcoming contemporary art exhibit, Veltman and Lifshutz renovated one of the warehouses to show the exhibition, which was a resounding success, spearheading the launch of the Blue Star Contemporary Art Center. From that point, the Blue Star community continued to expand and mature, opening
the brewpub, residential and commercial spaces and monthly markets. These monthly markets — dubbed the “First Friday Art Walk” — have become a staple of the complex, highlighting local artists and reaching beyond the Blue Star site. The local artists’ work can range from small trinkets and large paintings to live music.
Mark the calendar for the monthly market, held every first Friday of the month at 6 p.m. at Blue Star Arts Complex.
Written by Noah Schwencke, photos by Rylan Renteria, page designed by Sofia Mejia
@salocalmarkets
Written by Hannah Velasquez, graphic by Sofia Mejia
SA Local Market is a pop-up mercado and small business created by Catherine Contreras-Sanchez and Christina Martinez in 2018. This business was created by Latinas and for Latinas in the San Antonio area.
Since its beginnings, the mercado has successfully hosted over 350 pop-ups and has collected numerous city awards, such as Best of the City and Reader’s Choice. The market provides a variety of activities and opportunities catering to tourists and locals of all ages. Representing women-owned businesses, they host events, such as shopping, dining and entertainment. Whether you want to branch out or try something new, laid-back or family-friendly, the market has a great variety. If you are interested in becoming a vendor, their website has a regularly updated calendar of upcoming events. Check to see which one matches your business. Once you have filled out an application, they will reach out with details and any additional questions to ensure a smooth process.
With a focus on community empowerment and supporting local women, as well as giving opportunities to everyone, SA Local Market is continuing to grow by creating long-lasting opportunities for Latina business owners in San Antonio.
The Pearl
Written by Marisela Cruz, photo By Diego Cisneros
There are bountiful opportunities to shop for local produce, custom-made objects and fresh delights at the Historic Pearl during their weekend Farmers Markets. The Pearl was once a brewery that operated from the 1880s until 1999, and in 2009, the widely successful Farmers Market was born.
The Pearl Farmers Market was named one of USA Today’s Top 10 Best Farmers Markets in the U.S. in 2023, and there is no doubt about it. Local farmers across Texas come to this market to connect and share their amazing products with San Antonio because no community is quite like the diverse and loving citizens of the Alamo City.
Local artisans, farmers and chefs come together every Saturday and Sunday to share the joy of the art of cuisine. As you walk around the farmers market, colorful international dishes feast your eyes while rich scents bless your nose. French, Brazilian, Mexican,
Military City: the Lives of the Purple Hearts
Written by Jasmine Williams, photos by Diego Cisneros & courtesy of MSgt Andre Harp-Thomas, SSgt Gregory Scott II, Retired MSgt Nina Cottrell & Retired Msgt Beverly Hover, graphics by Catherine Salonga, page designed by Sofia Mejia
With the Alamo City being home to not only the largest base in the Department of Defense but six additional military bases, it is no surprise that it earned its other nickname: Military City USA.
San Antonio is a cornerstone in the educating and training of America’s troops, as over 39,000 students graduate from military training here every year. Of the population of over 1.4 million people, more than 80,000 of them are active duty military. Additionally, over 156,000 veterans call Military City USA, home, which is the second largest veteran population in Texas and fifth in the country.
The active duty military, veterans and their families are cherished members of the San Antonio community. This city goes above and beyond to honor their service and make sure their loved ones know just how appreciated they are.
“There’s tons of resources here. I mean, the cost of living is awesome, and it’s just a great place for military families, I think, at least. And that’s why we decided to retire here,” retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Nina Cottrell said.
Cottrell served in the Air Force for 28 years before retiring. She, her husband and her three children have called San Antonio home for the past 15 years. Adapting to life after the move was made much easier due to there already being so many military families just like them, especially for her children.
However, it is not just being surrounded by military families that has made the Cottrell family’s time in San Antonio worthwhile.
“The San Antonio people welcome the military, right? So I think that’s an important factor,” she said. “The other thing is they support the military, and I think [it’s] because we do bring money into the economy, to be honest with you, right? So we also do a service to them, staying here and residing in San Antonio. So it’s kind of a win-win for both.”
Cottrell is not the only one who has recognized what service members bring to Military City, USA, beyond their time in uniform.
“There’s just a lot of military positions, and the city wouldn’t run without its veterans, [since] a lot of the veterans end up coming back into government work in some form or fashion. If you retire or have done any type of service, you get preference when you’re applying for those jobs. A lot of military spouses can receive jobs because of that as well,” said active duty Air Force Master Sergeant Andre Harp-Thomas.
Thomas has served in the Air Force for 18 years. He is a selfproclaimed “military brat” as both his parents served in the military; they were each the first in their families to do so. Thomas met his wife, a fellow San Antonio native, at a base in Florida. Neither of their two kids were born in San Antonio, but they were able to look forward to moving here in 2021 since their grandparents call this city home. With family being so close by, Thomas is certain about where he wants to retire, stating, “I’ve
always wanted to retire in San Antonio. I love the city.”
Being in the military has awarded Thomas and his family many privileges and benefits that have made life far less worrisome for them.
“My children have never had to worry about, you know, not being able to go to the dentist,” Thomas said. “Or if they get injured, they get to receive medical treatment immediately without myself or my wife having to stress about insurance or any additional bills due to both of us serving in the military.”
He continued, “That’s, to me, personally, the best thing about the military, the medical benefits that not only you receive, but your immediate family receives as well.”
Retired Air Force Master Sergeant Beverly Hover is also grateful for the medical benefits available to her as a veteran in San Antonio.
“You don’t have to travel to a different city to get health care or any type of vet help. For example, like in Omaha, you have to drive quite a distance,” she said. “There are numerous VA clinics, not just one hospital. So, for example, they just built a new VA clinic on 151, and it’s a little more accessible.”
Hover served in the Air Force for 22 and a half years. She was stationed in San Antonio briefly from 2004 to 2009; during that time, her child was born. The pair returned in 2014 on their own accord after she retired. Her child has enjoyed life in San Antonio since many other military children have moved from one place to another, just like they have.
Active Duty Air Force Staff Sergeant Greggory Scott is a San Antonio native currently stationed in California, looking to return when he retires. He has been in the Air Force for 13 years, with most of it spent outside of Military City, USA. He, like everyone else who has served in the Air Force, completed his basic training in San Antonio at Lackland Air Force Base. However, San Antonio means a lot more to him than to others who have trained here.
“Everybody else, like, they just went to San Antonio because they had to go there for a training. And I was already there,” Scott said. “I grew up there. San Antonio being where I was from and then also playing a big part in my career, I’ll just say San Antonio has a special place in my heart. So, well, I do wanna go and retire there. That’d be nice. I have family there. I have friends there. I met my wife there. And, I don’t know, it’s a great city here.”
Scott’s father and grandfather served in the Navy and the Army. Serving in the Air Force has allowed him to not only follow in their footsteps but also find his purpose in life.
“Coming out of high school, I didn’t really know what I really wanted to do with my life, really,” Scott said. “I thought to myself, ‘Well, if it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for me.’ And then, I got to the Air Force. Everything I’ve learned, everywhere I’ve been, it was giving a sense of, like, purpose, feeling like I’m actually doing something because I’m out here in the world.”
His wife and daughter could not be more proud of him, and they too look forward to returning to Military City USA someday.
San Antonio brings support, opportunity and appreciation to its service members and their loved ones, whether they are stopping by for a brief assignment or settling down after retirement.
“There’s tons of resources here. I mean, cost of living is awesome, and it’s just a great place for military families, I think, at least. And that’s why we decided to retire here,”
- Retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Nina Cottrell
“There’s just a lot of military positions, and the city wouldn’t run without its veterans, [since] a lot of the veterans end up coming back into government work in some form or fashion. If you retire or have done any type of service, you get preference when you’re applying for those jobs. A lot of military spouses are able to receive jobs because of that as well,”
- Air Force Master Sergeant Andre Harp-Thomas
“Everybody else, like, they just went to San Antonio because they had to go there for a training. And I was already there. I grew up there. San Antonio being where I was from and then also playing a big part in my career, I’ll just say San Antonio has a special place in my heart. So, well, I do wanna go and retire there.”
- Air Force Staff Sergeant Greggory Scott
Pink Collar Businesses
The term “pink-collar” was coined in the 1970s to describe jobs predominantly composed of female workers, which allowed women to become acquainted in the workforce. At the time, the term referred to professions with significantly lower wages due to gender inequality, and while there still may be gender imbalance in the workforce, we are much closer to equality than in the past. “Pink-collar” is now used to describe female-dominated fields without any negative connotation; a well-known example is cosmetology. Here are some of San Antonio’s best small beauty businesses:
Hair:
Pure Beauty Bliss Salon — Traditional salon with hair coloring
The mother-daughter duo, Sylvia Pico and Stephanie Sikkink, have over four decades of combined experience in the beauty industry, with a specialty in hair coloring. Pure Beauty Bliss Salon was awarded the best beauty salon in the city five years in a row by the San Antonio Award Program. The salon offers coloring, haircuts, styling and extensions. Their business aims to create a positive and comfortable space for its guests to look and feel their best.
Chic Strandz — Curly and coily hair salon
Chic Strandz is an independent business owned by DaNisha Nicole. Chic Strandz specializes in styling curly and coily hair with services including haircuts, perms and silk presses. The owner works toward educating her clients on practicing healthy hair maintenance. The business has an overall 5-star rating on Vagaro and many positive reviews from clients.
Moxie Hair Salon — Bold hair coloring
Moxie Hair Salon specializes in hair coloring services in an artistically stimulating space. The salon has a variety of unique features like an aquarium and swings. Their services include highlights, lowlights and balayages. The salon has had a positive influence on its clients to help them embrace their true selves through their hair.
SoBlow Dry Bar — Blow-dry salon
The SoBlow Dry Bar specializes in blowouts, styling, hair care, extension maintenance and more. This blow-dry salon offers different kinds of blowouts catering to occasion
and preference. Some options include The Never Basic, The Miami Mami, The Slick and The Ocean Breeze. They also offer a blow-dry option for men called The Stallion. SoBlow Dry Bar aims to help women feel happy, confident and empowered through its services.
Eyelash extensions:
Browz and Blinkz — Eyelash extensions and eyebrow services
Browz and Blinkz is run by Alexis, an independent eyelash and eyebrow technician and licensed cosmetologist. She does natural and dramatic lash extension sets, and with brows, she offers waxing, tint and lamination. Esthetics Beauty Spa — Eyelash extensions
Following her mother’s beauty industry legacy, Emily Bryan started a spa dedicated to lashes. Through her business, Bryan teaches classes to help others become lash technicians. She offers wispy, classic, hybrid and volume extension sets. Her business goal is to help women feel beautiful and confident through lashing.
Nails:
South TX Nails
Owned by Bekah MartinSouth TX Nails offers gel-x and press-on sets. Her nail designs set her apart from other artists because of the complex elements and designs she can do; she offers design levels 14, and the higher the level, the more detailed and higher the price.
Written by Zoe Hernandez, photos courtesy of Alexis Negrete, graphics by Sarah Quintanilla & Valentina Quintanilla, page designed by Sofia Mejia
What Does it Mean to be a Woman in Texas?
Written by Luna Infante, graphic by Sarah Quintanilla
What does it mean to be a woman? It is not a simple question to answer because if there is anything every wave of feminism, walk toward justice and independent choice has taught society, it is that being a woman means what a woman wants it to mean. Pursuing higher education, entering a trade or marrying early all equate to being a woman. Being a woman is not about achieving something tangible that checks a specific box — or all the boxes — it is about being at peace in a society where she is unfortunately not treated as an equal. To be a woman in Texas is challenging, but powerful.
Being a woman in Texas comes with many disadvantages, especially in San Antonio. Research shows that Texas ranks among the worst states for women, with high unemployment and poverty rates and lower rates of voting, insurance, life expectancy and preventative healthcare.
breaking cycles is a beautiful thing. Shirley Gonzales, District 5 councilwoman, became the first woman to have a baby while in the City Council Office. Cariño Cortez studied culinary arts in New York City and now leads La Familia Cortez Restaurants in San Antonio. Julianna Hawn Holt served as the chairman and CEO of Spurs Sports & Entertainment. Ally Brooke became a well-known singer in Fifth Harmony and continues making music. All these women challenged a norm, broke a cycle and beat a statistic. No matter the size of their success, Texas women’s wins are something worth toasting to. Whether a single mother, an early graduate, a painter or an engineer, every woman is accomplished in her own way.
STATISTICS
Texas rankings across the 50 states and the District of Columbia: 47th in the best states for women
44th for unemployment rates for women
40th for share of women in poverty
Dates of prominence in Texas women’s history:
1902: Mrs. L.P. Carlisle becomes the first woman officeholder in Texas as Hunt County Clerk
1914: Marjorie Stinson of San Antonio became the youngest woman in the world to earn a pilot’s license at 17, in 1915 and 1916, she trained 80 male pilots for WWI service
Being a woman means being limitless. All women in Texas fight a silent battle, pushing against years of oppression and combating adversity. Whether protesting for equal pay or calming a child to sleep, being a woman
1920: Black women vote for the first time in Texas
The Jerk Shack is Nicola Blaque’s love letter to jerk chicken; she hopes to introduce Caribbean cuisine to San Antonio while enabling women entrepreneurs. The restaurant was originally located on the West Side of San Antonio; however, after struggling with weekday business, owner-chef Blaque decided to transition the location to 10234 TX-151 Suite 103, near SeaWorld. In 2020, the restaurant was named in GQ magazine’s “Best New Restaurants in America” list. Blaque was a semifinalist for the 2023 James Beard Best Chef award, and in November of 2024, the Jerk Shack was bestowed the distinction of Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Restaurant Guide. The menu offers Caribbean-infused
Nicola Blaque Grows the Culinary Scene
foods, including mac and cheese and tacos. Many of the main dishes are priced around the $20 mark — a testament to Blaque’s hard work and loyalty to the highest quality spices possible. For beverages, Blaque offers domestic soft drinks and international sodas, such as Green Ting and Jamaican Ginger Beer. Although the prices may be slightly disheartening, the food quality makes it clear why the meals cost as much as they do.
Metal trays lined with newspaper are stacked high with chicken, while the side bowls are filled to the brim. Between the sheer amount of food and its quality — the chicken easily falls off the bone — you are definitely getting your money’s worth.
Blaque also offers daily specials. Some deals focus on certain plates, while other discounts are given to specific groups, such as teachers and first responders.
In addition to The Jerk Shack, Blaque
has opened Freight Fried Chicken, which is located in the Pearl’s Dining Hall. This restaurant is dedicated to the Black women known as Waiter Carriers who sold fried chicken to travelers in Gordonsville, Virginia, post-Emancipation. For Freight Fried Chicken, Blaque uses a dry batter for the chicken — similar to how Waiter Carriers fried it in the 1800s. With this, Blaque continues her mission to spotlight women who use food to support their families and unite communities.
Support a local Black woman-owned business and experience Caribbean cuisine when you eat at Blaque’s The Jerk Shack. The restaurant is open Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Freight Fried Chicken is open Sunday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Written by Christopher Delgado & Alessandra Avila, photos by Karis Vickers & Luna Infante, graphic by Marcela Montufar Soria, page designed by Sofia Mejia
TipTop Chocolate Shops
Alamo City Chocolate Factory
This Stone Oak chocolate shop showcases plenty of distinct-shaped chocolates, some shaped like the Alamo, while others have customized word embellishments or decorations. The main attraction is their variety of flavors. The shop has an impressive range of flavors, especially for those who enjoy a little booze in their sweets. Truffles are spiced with Burgundy wine, Champagne, Grand Marnier and more.
Casa Chocolates
Casa Chocolates offers a rich and exciting variety of chocolates to suit every taste and inclination. Whether you are craving calming CBD-infused chocolate or bold Mexican hot chocolate, Casa Chocolate has one-ofa-kind products.
Baklovah Bakery and Sweets
Baklovah Bakery and Sweets is known for its delectable range of treats, including the TikTok viral Dubai chocolate and Dubai chocolate-covered strawberries. This piece of chocolate has sparked many people’s interest and has been a hit at almost every shop. The bakery’s sweets have been praised for their rich flavors. Baklovah’s also boasts a range of pastries, including fruit tarts topped with fresh fruits and crispy cannolis filled with sweetened ricotta and fluffy sweet bread. This venue is perfect for relishing in the rich flavors of conventional baked goods.
San Antonio Street Art Initiative
Written by Jake Mireles, photos by Erick Henriquez Camargo, Luna Infante, Noah Schwencke & Freepics, page designed by Sofia Mejia
San Antonio is home to one of the fastest-growing street art movements in the U.S. One organization has had a massive impact on the rapid expansion of urban works in the city and the development of local artists in this newly emerging industry: the San Antonio Street Art Initiative.
SASAI, known for curating the Largest Outdoor Gallery in Texas, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for street artists in San Antonio. Founded by Shek Vega, a 20-year street art scene veteran, SASAI has grown to host large mural commission events. It has also strengthened employment and job opportunity training for street artists while fiercely advocating for their rights.
SASAI hosts two career development programs for San Antonio’s street artists:
The Largest Outdoor Gallery in Texas and BRICK BY BRICK.
LOGIT is an annual street art block party hosted by SASAI aimed at scouting local and international street artist talent to expand San Antonio’s street art scene. The annual event commissions 10 murals yearly and is a prime opportunity for street artists to expand their resumes. The LOGIT is split into five phases, inhabiting various neighborhoods in downtown San Antonio.
BRICK BY BRICK is a localized, one-onone commissioning program hosted by SASAI. This initiative pairs street artists with one-off projects around San Antonio, partnering with real estate owners, small businesses or large corporations to beautify previously bland and unamusing walls across the Alamo City.
Recently, the LOGIT was incorporated into the D.R.E.A.M., San Antonio’s official street art and mural district. Founded in October of 2024, D.R.E.A.M. serves to boost the public profile of the San Antonio street art scene and has begun to expand into nightlife development. The district incorporates newly emerging bars, restaurants, music venues and other various forms of entertainment.
San Antonio is one of the fastestexpanding cities in the U.S. With this rapid growth, the city has also continued to develop its very own distinct and vibrant cultural identity. Street art has woven and rooted itself into our culture, which would not have been possible without help from the SASAI.
Top Five Street Art Murals
“PHASE I: SASAI Pillars” — Various Artists, 1614-1698 N St Mary’s St
Located under an I-35 overpass on the corner of St. Mary’s St. and Quincy St., Phase I of the LOGIT quickly became a local staple and is symbolic of the incredible growth of San Antonio’s art culture. The pillars, founded in 2018, feature works from various artists, showcasing a wide array of artistic expression. Seeing as this project was the beginning of the San Antonio Street Art Initiative and launched the LOGIT, it is only fitting that it be honored as the number one pick.
San Antonio Chamber of Commerce — Manola and Maria Ramirez, 602 E Commerce St.
Donning the side of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, this commission, done by Manola and Maria Ramirez, depicts some of San Antonio’s most iconic landmarks in vivid and vibrant colors. This rich interpretation of San Antonio’s culture and history adorning the side of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce is more than iconic enough for this mural to earn the No. 2 spot.
“Matt Tumlinson” — Matt Tumlinson, 620 E Dewey Pl Commissioned as one of the founding pieces for PHASE V of the LOGIT, Matt Tulminson’s mural on the corner of E Dewey Pl. and the St. Mary’s strip is one of the most Texan murals on the list. A cowboy riding a bucking armadillo dawns the side of the building, exposing passersby to raw and unfettered Texan culture. Fittingly, the mural was sponsored by the Lone Star Beer Company, further adding to its spunk, representative of the Lone Star State.
“Southtown” — Scotch, 1020 S Presa St
Created by San Antonio native and street artist Scotch, “Southtown” is placed in the center of — you guessed it — San Antonio’s Southtown neighborhood. Home to a quickly expanding street art culture, Southtown has become known for its vibrant and numerous murals, many of which depict local San Antonio Spurs legends like Wemby. This mural incorporates many of San Antonio’s defining features while tying in elements of the Southtown neighborhood. Its local significance earns it the fifth spot on this ranking.
“San Antonio Break & Clutch” — Los Otros, 218 NW White Rd.
The mural that graces the side of San Antonio Break & Clutch Service, a historic San Antonio company founded in 1939, is another commission by Los Otros. The mural depicts a large biker in black and white, flanked by the word “ride,” where each letter is a different color and a drastically different font. This mural, donning an iconic and historic San Antonio Business and incorporating a unique and visually appealing art style, earns this mural the No.5 spot.
San Antonio is a city filled withull of a variety of color and creativity, the evidenced is prevalent by the murals and graffiti painted all around, specifically those dedicated to the athletes of Alamo City whose residents stand so loyally behind.
When the Spurs won the lottery to claim the NBA’s first-round draft pick in 2023, everyone knew that French phenom, Victor Wembanyama, would be on the next plane out to make the 5,000-mile journey towards his new home. The city threw parades on the iconic RiverWalkRriver Walk for him, jerseys of hishis jersey quickly sold out and murals were thrown up to support the Spurs’ second coming of Tim Duncan before his arrival.
Commissioned by owner Roland Rudy Ramirez, Rudy’s Seafood features the Alien’s most popular San Antonio mural to date. Artist Nik Soupe has worked on multiple sports murals around San Antonio but has never shied away from updating the fan favorite at Rudy’s.
“After painting the Tre
The Colors of Sports
Written by Haley Aguayo, photos by Ezequiel Pena, Jackie Cardona & Rylan Renteria, graphics by Marcela Montufar Soria, page designed by Sofia Mejia
Jones piece, Roland and I were discussing what to put up next…We try to update his walls every year with new players, giving credit to those that were [Spurs] and as with Wemby, to those that just might be, fingers crossed,” Soupe told MySA.
The mural also features the likes of coach Gregg Popovich, Manu Ginobili, Keldon Johnson, David Robinson and Jones.
Murals have long been a part of the way artists express themselves, showcase their allegiance and have served as a beautiful way to breathe life into bare walls.
“Graffiti has transitioned into street art and has begun turning the heads of those who once shunned the craft. Street art has become a form of self-expression and identity, creating jobs and uplifting community spirits,” Paisano alum Kyler Royer stated in a previous article.
Beyond Rudy’s Seafood mural, the city’s appreciation for its sports idols is evident in street art across San Antonio. In the heart of downtown, a painting of the Spurs’ holy trinity – Duncan, Ginobili and Tony Parker —–- in their championship years
can be viewed by tourists and fans alike.
While the Spurs may be the city’s crowning jewel, San Antonio FC has also inspired local street art. Found near Toyota Field, Santiago Patiño and Cristian Parano are seen stretched across a mural, perfectly capturing the city’s passion for fútbol.
Street art dedicated to the heroes of the athletic world is not created merely to encapsulate moments of nostalgia or pose as a means of admiration — but to reflect the deep-rooted connection a city shares with its local athletes. Every brushstroke and streak is done to share a story of pride, perseverance and the spirit shared among a community. These works of art can serve as a beaconstatement of belonging. An art piece can find its home on an empty wall and Wemby could find a home in a small city in a foreign country.
As years come and go, art will never stray away from being a part of how humans choose towho humans are and how they show self-expression. Athletes will change but the praise they arouse and the legacies they leave behind will always be embodied by the artists who take the time to capture what they mean to a city.
A Renewed Sense of the San Antonio Night
Written by Christopher Delgado, photo by Diego Cisneros, page design by Sofia Mejia
In an attempt to replicate the success of Austin’s Sixth Street, San Antonio has begun developing an amalgamation of bars on North Alamo Street to add to the growing nightlife of San Antonio.
The Lucky Duck is the newest addition to the block. Located at 810 N. Alamo Street.. The new third space is an extension of the Austin bar located on Sixth St. With its muralistic exterior, it is impossible to miss. Inside, bar patrons are met with several picture-worthy scenes complete with neon signs — one reads “Duck Duck Booze.” The bar also has a photo booth for customers looking for a physical memento of their night.
The inside has space for a DJ and projector, which the bar utilizes to broadcast sports games. The institution offers food made by its in-house food truck, which offers specials MondayThursday. Patrons have the opportunity to hang out inside, enjoy their libations on the open-air second floor or unwind in the back outdoor space adorned with string lights.
Alongside The Lucky Duck are Bentley’s, Roadmap Brewing and Tony’s Siesta. The bars have appeared in the past seven years, and coupled with the Pearl, contribute to a renewed interest in downtown San Antonio.
Within a 30-minute stumbling distance of the North Alamo bars is the Saint Mary’s Strip. Construction of the strip ended in 2024, revitalizing San Antonio’s nightlife.
The strip includes a couple of entertainment spots, such as Paper Tiger and Josephine Theatre. Paper Tiger brings a roaring live music scene to San Antonio. With tickets running around $20 for some events, the venue brings the economical concerts that are often missing in today’s lineup. The Josephine Theatre has become the main location for the San Antonio Candlelight Series while hosting some original programming, such as “The AcroCats!!!!” and “Saw the Musical.”
After catching a show at Paper Tiger or the revamped Josephine Theatre, you can venture into an area abundant with bars and restaurants: Vibras, Neon Moon Saloon, Tycoon Flats and Singh’s Vietnamese. If you prefer some sort of activity with your drinks, the strip houses Joey’s and Slackers Bar, where patrons can indulge in a game of billiards.
The walkability of the Saint Mary strip lends itself to the big city style of nightlife. Hopefully, the city continues to expand on amalgams of venues to encourage safe ventures into the night of San Antonio.
Serene Celestial Eclipse
For those opposed to the loudness of clubs, the night sky offers a quieter pastime, stargazing. Not many in San Antonio get the chance to lie on the ground, stare at the sky and feel miniscule compared to the ever-expanding universe. The abundance of light pollution prevents a proper experience; however, venturing out even half an hour from the populated areas can allow one to be greeted with a beautiful, visible night sky.
Government Canyon State Natural Area and McAllister Park are about a 20-minute drive away from UTSA, providing spots to park your car and set down a blanket in their designated picnic areas to relax with some friends. Although not perfectly dark compared to other locations, these parks are convenient in terms of distance. State parks and natural areas provide minimal light pollution, increasing the chance to gaze at the vast collection of stars and planets. Hill Country State Natural Area is an hour away. It serves as a scenic spot for any traveler’s “got-to-see” stop during their voyage. There are amazing viewpoints accompanied by short trails ideal for safe stargazing at night.
For elevated observation of the night sky, Enchanted Rock offers unique views and is only an hour and 20 minutes away from the city.
The vast mountain is an incredible space essential for any Texan or tourist to check out. The landscape and lack of artificial lighting create a once-in-a-lifetime stargazing adventure. The park is listed as an International Dark Sky Park and is the closest of its kind to San Antonio. Beyond parks, a few other establishments cater to the skies. UTSA offers the Curtis Vaugn Jr. Observatory, which features eight telescopes perfect for viewing the myriad of stars on a clear night sky. The observatory hosts First Friday Stargazing on the first of every month, as long as the weather permits. On these Fridays, the university provides free access to its vast collection of telescopes and equipment. The experience allows the public to converse with astronomers who instruct them on how to operate the university’s equipment. The Friday Nights Celestial Lights event occurs every second Friday of the month. There, UTSA Physics and Astronomy staff present recent discoveries and developments. After the presentation, telescope stargazing is available. Additionally, San Antonio College has a planetarium near downtown with inexpensive star shows and films for all ages.
The Scobee Education Center & Planetarium is open on Fridays for the general public to explore freely. People can use the Scanlan Observatory after the final presentations of the evening. Stargazing is a free and easy way to get out and appreciate the wonders the galaxy has to offer. Many great spots and resources in and around San Antonio deserve more recognition, so get up, check out the night sky and feel like a kid again.
Written by Daria Tanase, photo byDiego
Independent Student Publication for the UTSA community