A Guide to San Antonio’s Essential Museums
Briscoe Western Art Museum // Often overlooked or misunderstood, the handsome Briscoe dedicates itself to “the preservation of the art, history and culture of the American West.” Housing a wide range of art and artifacts spanning five centuries (“from the Spanish conquest to the present day”), the museum counts Pancho Villa’s saddle (c. 1890-1910) and…
The Low Down on San Antonio’s Essential Galleries
AnArte // Beyond the downtown bubble, Ana Montoya’s Alamo Heights gallery AnArte represents an array of emerging and established artists, including such local notables as Kathy Sosa, Steven Daluz and Victoria Suescum. Displaying works in varised media but often hovering in the realm of painting, the gallery typically opens monthly exhibitions with festive receptions complete…
Why Trinity University’s Lecture Series is Worth the Visit
With more than 10 universities and colleges in San Antonio, you can take advantage of the range of guest speakers and lecturers who come through town. But, above anyone else, it seems Trinity University has mastered the art of the lecture series. Drawing in names like Jane Goodall, journalist Bob Woodward and retired NASA astronaut…
Unwind with Yoga Classes All Around the Alamo City
Trying to figure out work-life balance? Need to shape up your practice or just nail tree pose? There are plenty of studios to enjoy a yoga sweat session across town. MBS Yoga Whether you’re starting your practice or just need to work on your hand stands, there’s something for every level here. The Southtown studio…
Spring Events to Look Forward to in San Antonio
Alamo City Comic Con Get out your spandex, swords and face paint, because San Antonio is home to one of the largest and fastest-growing comic and pop-culture conventions in the country. During this three-day celebration of all things comic, participants have the opportunity to mingle with their favorite celebrities, purchase art and collectibles, and attend…
Take a Crack at Some of these San Antonio Open-mic Nights
San Antonians are actually a pretty friendly bunch, and chances are that no matter how terrible you might be, we probably won’t boo you off a stage at an open mic night (unless, that is, you say something mean about The Spurs in one of your songs; don’t do that). When done well, the open…
San Antonio’s Fall Events You Don’t Want to Miss
Fotoseptiembre You’d be hard-pressed to find wall space in September that isn’t filled with photographs, and you can blame Michael Mehl for that. The local artist and curator started Fotoseptiembre USA back in 1995 with a small offering of exhibits and conferences. Since then, the festival has drawn international interest in its exhibitions of photography…
Check Out These Themed Nights to Diversify Your Party Routine
It’s actually not a terrible thing to have a weekly regimen, to frequent the same spots where you know you’ll find your same homies spilling whatever tea and chisme they heard about that one person who did that one thing. It’s nice. However, if you’re sick of the same, maybe it’s time to switch it…
A Guide to SA’s Off-leash Dog Parks
While there are plenty of places to spend quality time with your four-legged pals in SA (check out bringfido.com for the most up-to-date pet-friendly restaurant and bar listings), there’s nothing quite like letting the pooches off-leash to run off their wild side. Luckily, San Antonio’s got several off-leash parks where you can let Fido roam: …
Eclectic Favorites for Your Gifting & Collecting Needs
Brick Sunday Arts Market Although it’s still somewhat new on the scene, Brick has quickly become a hotspot in the Blue Star Arts Complex. The Sunday Arts Market is the longest-running event at Brick and brings in a wide array of artisans, from tarot readers to tea vendors, depending on the week. Though the vendors…
Winter In San Antonio Brings River Parade, Diwali and More
Ford Holiday River Parade The recently extended parade route allows more space for eager spectators to claim their seats along the River Walk to enjoy the Christmas lights and lavish floats with friends and family. The H-E-B Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony makes the evening more special, so everyone’s holiday spirit should be at full gleam.…
Where to Dance, Bowl and Geek Out
A night out should involve a little more than just a few drinks, so if you need activities to pair with your rum and Cokes, here’s where to go. DANCING Brass Monkey // If you’re looking to dance on the St. Mary’s Strip, then the place to be is Brass Monkey. With a combination of…
Where to Hike in San Antonio
Surrounded by the rolling Hill Country and a long reach of grasslands, San Antonio is the perfect launching pad for an eclectic variety of hikes. Whether you’re seeking quiet bird-watching or strenuous climbs, these trails will get you on the right foot. Friedrich Wilderness Park Located at the southern tip of the Hill Country, Friedrich…
A Rundown of San Antonio’s Transportation Options
Rideshare Is Here to Stay Do you Uber or Lyft a lot when you visit other cities? Would you be less likely to visit — or maybe even move to — a city if those services weren’t an option? During San Antonio’s recent Rideshare Wars, city officials were desperately afraid they’d lose the kind of…
Late Night Snacks, Or Where to Sober Up After a Night Out
Mi Tierra Restaurant & Bakery Used to be that local denizens of the dark had limited late-night feeding options: Mi Tierra pairing enchiladas and mariachis, and Earl Abel’s mating insomniacs to fried chicken. Mi Tierra Restaurant & Bakery still soldiers on. But a new breed of night owls has emerged, encouraged in part by upscale…
A Few Leisurely Starter Rides to Enjoy this Amazingly Bikeable City
All that buzz about urban redevelopment, the Decade of Downtown and reviving San Antonio’s urban core usually skips over a key selling point: The area is ridiculously bikeable. Biking is (and hopefully, will remain) the hands-down best way to move in and around San Antonio, so expect more of us who live, work or play…
A Crash Course in SA’s Live Music Scene
Like any big city, the live music scene here is always shifting and expanding and changing. From the Aztec Theatre morphing into a high-caliber venue that’s now booked by Live Nation’s House of Blues entertainment unit (one of, if not the biggest concert bookers in the world) to the hard rock and metal staple The…
Where to Get Your Fill of Cakes and Croissants
Bakery Lorraine The must-visit stop on every pastry lover’s bucket list, Bakery Lorraine (with locations inside The DoSeum, in The Pearl and in the Medical Center) offers custom orders along with their famous macarons, delicious tarts and drool-worthy cinnamon rolls. Stop in for a savory breakfast or lunch, and be sure to save room for…
San Antonio’s Summer Events to Pencil in Right Now
Cocktail Previous years of the San Antonio Current’s signature Cocktail party have subscribed to the Gatsby model of decadence, featuring top-shelf drinks at the gorgeous McNay. With the 80s-themed party held at The DoSeum last year, the attitude felt closer to Willy Wonka — if the chocolate-manufacturer built a factory dedicated to booze instead of…
Where to Eat Along the San Antonio River
If you’re heading to The Majestic or Tobin for a show, or want to take advantage of Downtown Tuesday’s free parking (in city-owned lots), take a seat along the lauded Riverwalk and its extensions for a bite. Acenar If you’re a fan of Rosario’s, you’ll love the flavors and plates available at this Lisa Wong-owned…
Get Outside Without Leaving the City Limits
San Antonio has no shortage of green spaces. From secluded wildlife habitats to pristine picnic spots to tiny railroad rides, the Alamo City’s parks can provide a refreshing break from the sun, an all-ages educational experience, or a place to let your pups run free. San Pedro Springs San Pedro Springs is the second oldest…
Local Film Festivals & Pop-Up Screenings
As city leaders work hard with the local film community to lure more movie and television projects into San Antonio with new and attractive incentives, other cinema aficionados are doing their part by bringing mainstream, independent and local films to screens across the Alamo City. If you’re in the 210 and have a hankering for…
San Antonio’s Essential Theater Companies & Performing Arts Venues
ARTS San Antonio Since 1992, ARTS San Antonio has brought the finest performances from around the world to various venues around town. But the artistic impact doesn’t end at the close of the performance; the organization also works to coordinate education and outreach opportunities for community engagement with visiting artists. Save the date for the…
A Few of Our Favorite Oddities and Attractions
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch “African Safari: Texas Style” is a pretty good description for this drive-thru ranch complete with big Texas trucks full of visitors spying on antelopes, zebras, rhinos and ostriches. Unlike Africa, where you might have to quietly sneak up for a long-range view of the wildlife, these Texas animals know the drill…
Trails and Watering Holes Outside of SA
Though there are plenty of adventures to be had within city limits, San Antonio’s surrounding area has ample room for roaming. Nearby watering holes, rivers, caves and trails are abundant with several options for those looking for a quick escape from the city life, so grab your hiking shoes or your bathing suits and start…
The Bright Future of the Alamo
The last thing the Alamo wants is to be forgotten. But with a past so complex — a blend of battles, burial grounds, buried treasure, and tall tales — it’s understandably hard to stay up to speed on its present and future. Just because the 18th Century mission is a historic relic doesn’t mean it’s…
San Antonio Coffee Shops that Give Starbucks a Run for Their Money
Aspen’s Brew A buzzing local favorite that is quick, cheap and fresh, Aspen Brewery offers a wide variety of ways to enjoy your cup of joe and free wi-fi. Complement your morning bagel with a flavorful cold brew iced coffee for only $5. 11255 Huebner Road, Suite 100, (210) 561-5551, aspensbrewcoffee.com. Barrio BaristaPart-community center, part-café…
Where to Get Your Literary Kicks in San Antonio
Cheever Books When it comes to quality used and vintage books, Cheever is hands-down the place to go. Get lost in the Broadway shop’s collection of rare finds and work your way through bookshelves that are packed with one-of-a-kind books. Whether you’re stopping in for a specific title or are just there to browse, you…
Can’t-Miss Eateries to Visit for the San Antonio Experience
Alternative Earth Burger This veggie stand means fast food without the guilt and they even have kale salad as a side option. 818 NW Loop 410, (210) 524-1086. Green Vegetarian Cuisine One of the first vegetarian eateries in SA by way of chef Mike Behrend delivers tasty takes on American classics. Multiple locations, eatatgreen.com. La…
The Largest MLK March in the Country Takes Place Right Here in San Antonio
With approximately 300,000 people in attendance each year, San Antonio’s Martin Luther King Jr. march has been called the largest in the nation honoring the slain civil rights leader — a recognition that certainly makes the city proud. The signature event, which is organized each year by the city’s all-volunteer MLK, Jr. Commission, was first…
Welcome to San Antonio City Guide 2017
Oh, hi there. So you’ve recently moved to San Antonio. Or maybe you’re a traveler, just visiting and looking and exploring. Or maybe, even though you’ve lived here for a while, you still felt it necessary to pick up something called a “City Guide.” This is what we here at the Current offer up as…
Bars for When You Want a Proper Cocktail
San Antonio’s craft cocktail game has grown exponentially in the last few years. With the San Antonio Cocktail Conference (now in its seventh year) and a slew of bar openings, you’re always close to your next shot of Fernet. Cheers! DOWNTOWN Bohanan’s Bar // Whet your whistle the high-brow way at Bohanan’s, where you’ll get…
