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

The Turner’s Martini is made with butter-washed vodka.

GIN, VERMOUTH AND an olive — you’ve got yourself a martini, right? That used to be the case, but as The New York Times recently chronicled in a piece called The Martini Has Lost Its Mind, all bets are off when it comes to what goes in the classic drink, whether shaken or stirred. Read on for the Houston hotspots who are adding more than just a twist to the classic martini.

Keep Reading Show less
Food

Aimee Snoots, Elizabeth Williams, Rosanna Blalock and Elizabeth Galtney

'TIS THE SEASON for Houston to collectively move to Colorado — at least until school starts back up. A pair of parties hosted by Memorial Hermann Foundation took place in idyllic Aspen, with a record number of guests enjoying the crisp mountain air, breathtaking views, and delicious blood-orange margaritas in the name of charity.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties