Archive for the ‘South Texas’ Category

San Antonio’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon

Wednesday, October 19th, 2011
096 SAM

The 2008 San Antonio Rock "n" Roll Marathon.

Marathon runners aren’t like everyone else. Lots of people run for fitness and health, but most stick to a distance of a few miles. Those who embark upon a race of more than 26 miles – and those who do this more than once in a lifetime – are quite simply a breed apart.

Just as marathon runners aren’t like other people, San Antonio’s Rock “n” Roll Mararthon isn’t like other marathons. Runners will be encouraged by music and cheered by fans who take cheering seriously. Is it possible to dance at mile 18? Find out during the San Antonio Marathon.

The big event takes place Sunday, November 13, 2011. The marathon starts at 7:30 a.m., and bands will be playing until the last runners cross the finish line. San Antonio Rock “n” Roll Marathon entertainment includes:

  • 4FTJ
  • A Variety of Bands from San Antonio
  • Vince Neil

 

San Antonio Texas Bed and Breakfasts welcome marathon runners, marathon walkers, and supportive friends and family. Spend a few days exploring San Antonio before the race, when you can still walk without limping. Indulge in gourmet breakfasts in San Antonio Bed and Breakfasts during your stay; you’re sure to want a few extra stored calories during the race. If you can, stay a day or two after the race, and let yourself be pampered.

Please see our San Antonio Bed and Breakfasts for a list of lodging in the area.

Please Rock “n” Roll Marathon for additional information.

San Antonio’s Nightlife

Thursday, August 11th, 2011
San Antonio

Enjoy San Antonio after the sun sets.

When the mercury is as high as it has been lately in Texas, it’s best to focus on activities that take place after the heat of day has subsided. Fortunately, the arts are strong in San Antonio, and there are dozens of evening activities in San Antonio on any given night. Guests of San Antonio, Texas Bed and Breakfasts have time to enjoy many of them.

The arts in San Antonio reflect the diverse population. There’s a symphony and classical ballet, but also Indian Dance, Japanese Folk Dance, and Classical Country Music. San Antonio is said to be the American capital of Tejano music, a lively blend of northern Mexican ranchero, German polka, and pop music. The Alameda Theater is dedicated to Spanish language entertainment, opportunities to dance the Tango are frequent at Rincon del Tango, and cross-cultural concerts featuring ethnic folk, classical, and jazz musicians take place at Musical Bridges.

Read on for a list of upcoming evening entertainment in San Antonio:

  • Sunday Jazz at the Witte Museum. Outdoors, August 14, 2011.
  • Beethoven Gardenkonzert at the King William Area. German entertainment, German food,  and a beer garden. 8.19.11.

 

Guests of San Antonio Texas Bed and Breakfasts have an advantage over many travelers. The innkeepers are local, they love their home town, and they love to share what they know about it. Ask them for up-to-date entertainment tips, and for good restaurants near venues.

San Antonio Jazz Festival

Friday, June 17th, 2011

San Antonio Texas jazz fans tend to be in one place on Friday nights in the summer: at the Balcones Heights Jazz Festival.

Jazz fills the air on five Friday nights in July and August. Rain or shine, come 7 p.m., performers make music in front of the large reflecting pool at the outdoor Amphitheatre at Wonderland of the Americas. If you plan to stay in a San Antonio Texas Bed and Breakfast on a Friday night this summer, check out the Balcones Heights Jazz Festival.

Listeners gather all around, perched on walls and steps, stretched out on blankets, and nestled in lawn chairs. Intrepid fans have been known to stake their spot at dawn, but there is always room for more. The atmosphere is relaxed and casual. People come for the music, and the music is always fine.
The 2011 Balcones Heights Jazz Festival line-up is as follows:

  • Stacey Knights and Jeff Golub on July 8.
  • Fingerprints and the Shilts on July 15.
  • Groove Therapy and Slim Man on July 22.
  • Vincent Ingala and Michael Ward on July 29.
  • Zamar and Mindi Abair on August 5.

Purchase food and beverages at the Food Court in Wonderland of the Americas or at various booths surrounding the outdoor amphitheater lawn.

Balcones Heights is close to many of San Antonio’s most popular attractions. If you’re inclined to drop a blanket at the amphitheater early in the day, you’ll find it easy to fill the hours until the music starts. Stretch your legs along the River Walk, see amazing creatures at Sea World, or delve into history at the Alamo. Whether you spend the day shopping or staying cool in one of San Antonio’s museums, you’ll undoubtedly be ready to relax to the sounds of jazz come evening.

One of the best aspects of the San Antonio Jazz Festival is that it draws a huge, eclectic crowd. You’ll find locals and tourists. You may even see the innkeepers of your San Antonio Texas Bed and Breakfast there; if so, don’t worry – they’ll be home in plenty of time to prepare a wonderful meal for you in the morning!
Mindi Abair (3)
Mindi Abair will perform in San Antonio on August 5, 2011.

Please see Balcones Jazz Festival for more information.

Stop by D’Hanis, Texas

Wednesday, April 13th, 2011

Those who stumble across D’Hanis, Texas, tend to be explorers: people who heed the call of the open road; travelers who take the long way home. It is worth a stop, to be sure, especially if you’ve a camera in hand. Catch the sun setting behind the Old Dominic Church Cemetery and Ruins, or rising over the old D’Hanis Brick Factory.

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Visit the Old Brick Factory in D'Hanis Texas.

One of the charms of this South Texas town is its very remoteness. D’Hanis is a mere hour west of San Antonio, but it is largely forgotten in modern times. It is so quiet here it’s tempting to call it a ghost town; but make no mistake, D’Hanis Texas is for the living.

A D’Hanis TX Bed and Breakfast is an ideal place to escape from hectic lives. You’ll want to bring a good book – or two. Bring the person with whom you most enjoy conversation, and spend hours talking together. There are few external distractions in D’Hanis; you may feel compelled to sit quietly and relax.

One final point: if you like Chicken Fried Steak, be sure to stop by Bill and Rosa’s KK Steakhouse for a most delicious and generous serving of that southern treat.

 

Spring in Seguin, Texas,

Monday, January 31st, 2011

Seguin Texas Bed and Breakfasts make a great base for exploring South Texas and the Texas Hill Country. San Antonio is just thirty five miles away, Austin fifty miles, and New Branfels less than twenty miles from this peaceful historic town.

candied pecans

Don't leave Seguin without pecans.

By the end of February, wildflowers in the Guadelupe Valley will be peaking. Birds such as Scissor-tailed Flycatchers, Green Kingfishers, and Crested Caracaras will be looking for mates. The temperature will be just right – not too hot, not too cold.

Plan a Seguin Texas Bed and Breakfast vacation for early spring, when the community blossoms along with wildflowers. Festivals such as the Noche de Gala, Main Street Trade Days, and the Cajun Jamboree fill the calendar. Enjoy walking tours that highlight the historic limestone architecture of Seguin and feast on locally grown pecans. Wonderful.

Visit San Antonio

Tuesday, October 26th, 2010

San Antonio Riverwalk, originally uploaded by cbcastro.

San Antonio is one of the most glorious cities in the United States. Come see for yourself, and stay in a San Antonio bed and breakfast.

San Antonio’s Historic Architecture

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

Travelers come to San Antonio, Texas for many reasons, not least of which is to admire the beautiful architecture of the city.

The next time you are planning a getaway to a San Antonio bed and breakfast, bring your camera. The historic buildings in and around the city, like the Mission pictured here, make lovely subjects.

Misiones de San Antonio, Texas, originally uploaded by Patzcuaro.

San Antonio Texas Folklife Festival

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

There are many reasons to visit San Antonio, Texas and stay in a lovely San Antonio bed and breakfast: walk along the cool, shaded San Antonio River Walk; visit the San Antonio Museum of Art; see The Alamo. These are all good reasons to head to this beautiful South Texas city, to be sure. Yet if you are thinking of traveling soon, consider heading to San Antonio for the Texas Folklife Festival. (more…)

Idyllic Spots in South Texas

Thursday, April 1st, 2010

You’ll find the little slice of heaven pictured above just north of Castroville, in South Texas.

Spring is an excellent time to hop in the car and meander about, with no particular destination in mind. If you live in – or are visiting – San Antonio, you’ll find many lovely towns to explore. Throw an overnight bag in the car, have a list of South Texas bed and breakfasts in hand, and away you go.

Castroville is about a thirty minute drive west of San Antonio. The town is nestled in the Medina River Valley, and is known as the Little Alsace of Texas.

There is a festive air to this little town. Stop by on the first Friday night of each month for Fiorella Fridays, where you’ll encounter live music in September Square, wine tasting, and artisans selling their wares. If you are in town on April 22, 2010, you may want to check out the 5th Annual Fiesta on London Street’s Spring Mixer. Saturday April 24, 2010 is the Renaissance Fair – come in costume! (more…)

The San Antonio Symphony

Friday, February 5th, 2010

San Antonio, Texas, is a city that appreciates music. Twenty six ethnic groups settled in San Antonio during the 18th century, and they brought their music traditions with them. Spaniards, Germans, French, Norwegians, Swedes, Italians…. the list goes on. Indeed, it is said that you don’t need to travel around the world to encounter all the world’s cultures, you just need to travel to San Antonio – where you should stay in San Antonio bed and breakfasts.

Manuel Barrueco. Photo by Stephen Spartana

The San Antonio Symphony does a tremendous job presenting a variety of musical influences and styles. One upcoming event that should not be missed takes place February 12 and 13, 2010, at the Majestic Theatre: Concierto de Aranjuez. David Angus will conduct, and Manuel Barrueco will take center stage on guitar. (more…)