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

Aaron Bludorn (photo by Julie Soefer) and Sercarz's olive spread with pistachio and rose

CHEF AARON BLUDORN always has a secret or three up his toque sleeve, including the range of intriguing spices he uses at both of his restaurants. To celebrate the launch of longtime friend and famed spice blender Lior Lev Sercarz’s new cookbook, A Middle Eastern Pantry, Bludorn will showcase those spices at Southern Spice, a two-day culinary adventure. The cooking collaboration is in partnership with chefs Sercarz, Bludorn and Chris Shepherd. Can you smell star power?

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Food

Christian's Tailgate (photo by Becca Wright)

IF YOU DON’T have a view of the many fireworks displays around town on July 4, these spots are celebrating Independence Day with dinner, brunch, live music, deals, and booze — plus, we’ve thrown in a road trip idea. Pull up a chair to catch our spectacularly lit-up sky show!

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Food