travel

San with a Plan: It’s as Fun a Time as Ever to visit San Antonio

San with a Plan: It’s as Fun a Time as Ever to visit San Antonio

The adjoining AC by Marriott and Element by Westin hotels, a block from the River Walk

A VIBRANT DESTINATION any time of the year, San Antonio is especially exciting in October, leading up to weekend-long Dia de Los Muertos celebrations all over town. A river parade and special events in the La Villita Historic Village are among the festivities Oct. 27-29. Walkability is key, as ever — and two new Marriott properties have just opened in the heart of the River Walk, ensuring an easy trip for all.

The adjoining hotels, AC by Marriott and Element by Westin, are located on Soledad at Commerce; each offers a tasty breakfast buffet, and there’s a rooftop bar with bites, brunch and unbeatable skyline views.

The River Walk itself offers plenty of tourist-trappy fun (especially for families), but hop over to Hemisfair for more park and garden spaces, plus trendy eats like Box St. All Day. Farther east, find a more sophisticated take on the city’s mariachi-and-margaritas vibe at still-new Carriqui, with South Texas-inspired fare.

People + Places
music

In Classical Guitar Program, Aperio Beautifully Blends the Old and New

Alejandro Montiel and Isaac Bustos (photo by Lynn Lane)

HOUSTON’S NEW-MUSIC stalwarts Aperio, Music of the Americas distinguished itself in its early years by tracking down and performing the music of North Central and South American composers who engaged in musical dialogue across and beyond their respective geographies. Now in its 18th season, Aperio continues that spirit of innovation and cross-cultural conversation with Strings and Hammers, a concert of contemporary and modern music by Latin American composers for various and unusual combinations of (unplugged) guitar, violin, cello, and piano. Strings and Hammers takes place on Jan. 26 at Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston (MATCH). If you love the classical guitar, this is a can’t-miss concert.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment
rodeo

The Rodeo's First-Ever Sit-Down Restaurant Saddles Up for Year Three

The Ranch Saloon + Steakhouse (photo by Jenn Duncan)

THE HOUSTON LIVESTOCK Show and Rodeo roared back in 2022 after a pandemic-induced hiatus, and one of the buzziest parts of the whole thing was restaurateur Ben Berg's brand-new sit-down concept, a first for the Rodeo.

Keep Reading Show less