Scale the Heights of Olympia Hills Golf Course

Opened in 2000, Olympia Hills Golf Course in Universal City is distinguished by both its unique topography and the facility’s use of modern technology. Designed by the Finger, Dye, Spann Design Group, the 18-hole public golf course features picturesque and challenging changes in elevation off the tee, as well as native Texas plant life that adds to the course’s scenic beauty.

Four sets of tees stretch the course from a manageable 5,534 yards to a championship length of 6,923, making it challenging yet accessible for golfers of all levels of skill and experience. The fairways and greens stay playable even in the most scorching south Texas summers due to Olympia Hall’s state-of-the-art “grey” irrigation system, which uses recycled water to keep the course fresh while saving natural resources.

Despite all this, duffers report that the course’s rates remain reasonable, making it a great value course for your weekly round with friends.

Olympia Hills Golf Course
12900 Mount Olympus
Universal City, TX 78148
(210) 945-4653
www.olympiahillsgolf.com/golf/course-information

Universal City Dog Park: A Playground for Pups

Pooches find their own playground at the Universal City Dog Park. This beloved local outdoor space resides on a 1.3-acre lot along Athenian Drive, so there's plenty of space for your four-legged friend to run around. The dog park is divided into two sections, one for big dogs and one for smaller pups. Both are outfitted with ramps and jungle gyms upon which dogs can play with their new friends.

For owners, the park provides ample shade and picnic benches where they can keep cool while canines run off extra energy. Pet-sized water fountains, waste bags, and trash cans are all supplied by Universal City Dog Park, too, so you can keep your furry friend hydrated and clean up after him throughout your visit. So on the next sunny day, unleash your pooch at the Universal City Dog Park.

Universal City Dog Park
134 Athenian Drive
Universal City, TX 78148
www.universalcitytexas.com/index.aspx?NID=647
www.yelp.com/biz/universal-city-dog-park-universal-city-2

Hold Family Night at Randolph AFB Bowling Center in Universal City

When it comes to good, old-fashioned family fun, bowling tops the list as one of the best activities. Randolph AFB Bowling Center brings the tried-and-true pastime to Universal City, and according to Yelp reviewers, it has all the classic elements of an old-school bowling alley.

That begins with the shiny, immaculate lanes. Employees keep them pristine, so you never have to worry about grime derailing your perfect strike. True to bowling alley tradition, you can also rent a pair of shoes at Randolph AFB, so come prepared with your size and grab them at the counter. Expect a greeting and a smile when you arrive, too, as the employees are notoriously friendly and helpful. If you want to take a break during your game, grab a Corona or other brew from the cooler.

Randolph AFB Bowling Center
Fifth and H Street
Universal City, TX 78148
(210) 652-6271
www.yelp.com/biz/randolph-afb-bowling-center-universal-city

Live Oak Park: 75 Acres of Relaxation and Recreation in Live Oak

Many would say that Live Oak Park is the centerpiece of the city of Live Oak. But if you need quantifiable proof of the park's popularity, just look to its numbers: 75 acres, three baseball fields, one football field, one basketball court, two well-maintained restrooms, two playgrounds, and one disc golf course. That doesn't even make mention of the park's massive reservoir, which is stocked with countless fish and is home to an array of water fowl.

Needless to say, Live Oak Park isn't short on amenities, which is why this municipal park attracts visitors from all over the area. Most arrive for a picnic or a leisurely stroll along the paved pathway that follows the reservoir's contours, while others disperse onto the park's grassy areas for a pick-up game of Frisbee or football.

No matter the reason behind your visit, be sure to bring along some bread: You can feed the ducks from one of the wooden docks that jut out into the peaceful waters.

Live Oak Park
18001 Park Drive
Live Oak, TX 78233
(210) 653-9140
www.liveoaktx.net/departments/parks-and-recreation/our-parks
www.yelp.com/biz/live-oak-park-live-oak

World Market: International Wines, Groceries, Home Decor and Everything in Between

If it's your first visit to World Market, regular shoppers of this nationwide home decor retailer will let you in on a little secret: The Selma location stocks an impressive selection of reasonably priced international wines and spirits. That's in addition to aisle after aisle of gourmet coffees, teas, and shelf-stable food items hailing from all over the globe.

But if you're just arriving at World Market to decorate your rental home, you won't be disappointed. As its name implies, World Market sells globally-inspired home decor items with an organic vibe, from Persian-style wool rugs and seagrass woven baskets to driftwood table lamps and abstract throw pillows. You'll also encounter seasonal displays here and an array of gift items, such as pashmina scarves, jewelry, stationery, and kids' toys.

The World Market location in The Forum at Olympia Parkway is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays.

World Market
The Forum at Olympia Parkway
8286 Agora Parkway
Selma, TX 78154
(210) 566-4811
www.worldmarket.com/store-locator/selma-texas.do
www.yelp.com/biz/world-market-selma

Heroes & Fantasies: Comic Books and More

Kids and adults alike can be enchanted by a visit to Heroes & Fantasies, which is packed from wall to wall with comic books and other treasures. As you browse the tables at this popular Universal City store, you'll encounter rare and otherwise difficult to find back issue comics mixed in among the vintage stock. In fact, half the fun is the thrill of unexpectedly finding something exciting as you thumb through box after box of carefully sorted comics!

The store also carries new comic books, action figures, posters, and other collectible memorabilia and periodically hosts signings and other special events with authors and illustrators. The store additionally specializes in card and tabletop games, and if you time your visit just right, you might even be able to join a Magic or Yu-Gi-Oh tournament going on in the back room.

Heroes & Fantasies
914 Pat Booker Road
Universal City, TX 78148
(210) 945-4376
www.heroesandfantasies.com/patbooker.asp
www.yelp.com/biz/heroes-and-fantasies-universal-city

Flour Blooms Bakery: See What’s Blooming at This Restored Piece of History

From the mouthwatering baked goods to the beautiful flowers and the restored, historic building where they reside, there’s something charming everywhere you look at Flour Blooms Bakery. This adorable establishment is located inside of a renovated stone building in Old Town Helotes, helping to bring to life the quaint town’s unused buildings.

Its been revamped and turned into a stylish bakery with sweet pastries lining the glass display cases, quirky chalkboard menus, and a long, sleek coffee bar where guests can enjoy an espresso with their freshly made pastries. A number of cafe tables are also scattered throughout the light-filled cafe for those who order a fresh salad or breakfast sandwich. On the other side of the building, Flour Blooms doubles as a rustic floral shop filled with quality gifts and freshly cut bouquets that add even more to the charm of this already atmospheric bakery.

Flour Blooms Bakery
14436 Old Bandera Road
Helotes, TX 78023
(210) 906-8927
www.flourbloomsbakery.com
www.yelp.com/biz/flour-blooms-bakery-helotes

What’s Your Favorite Doughnut Variety at River City Donut and Coffee?

If you can’t think of any two things that go together more perfectly than doughnuts and coffee, then you simply have to add River City Donut and Coffee to your list of must-visit spots in Universal City. This independent doughnut shop is located in a standalone building that you can’t miss because of its bright pink color.

Although it might look a bit outdated from the outside, there’s nothing outdated about the freshly baked doughnuts inside! Regulars rave about the warm glazed donuts and sweet kolaches that are made fresh every morning, and the small selection of flavors like plain glazed, chocolate-covered, and cake varieties would rival the dozens of different options at more modern chains. If you’re craving a good, old-fashioned glazed donut and a piping hot cup of coffee, you’ll find it at River City Donut and Coffee!

River City Donut and Coffee is open 4:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. weekdays and 4:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.

River City Donut and Coffee
925 Pat Booker Road
Universal City, TX 78148
(210) 566-2278
www.yelp.com/biz/river-city-donut-and-coffee-universal-city

Have You Tried the Pickle Juice Sno at Bahama Buck’s?

On a hot summer day in Texas, there might not be anywhere in town cooler or more refreshing than Bahama Buck’s. This popular shaved ice shop and smoothie bar serves a wide assortment of frozen treats in just about every flavor imaginable, making it the perfect way to cool off on a sunny afternoon. Bahama Buck’s specializes in its classic Sno, a type of light, airy shaved ice that comes with your choice of gourmet flavor syrups together in a tall to-go cup. Super sour raspberry and pickle juice are two of the most popular flavors, but there are also classics like strawberry or mango.

The colorful interior is decorated in tropical shades and with bright turquoise booths where guests can enjoy their treats inside the air conditioned dining area, but it also features a convenient drive-through window if you prefer to take your dessert to go.

Whether you want a Sno, a smoothie, or an iced Island House coffee, Bahama Buck’s can satisfy your craving.

Bahama Buck’s
2310 Pat Brooker Road
Universal City, TX 78148
(210) 437-1091
www.bahamabucks.com
www.yelp.com/biz/bahama-bucks-universal-city

Get Inspired at San Antonio Museum of Art

The San Antonio Museum is committed to collecting, preserving, and interpreting fine works of art, and there's no better place in the city to get your creative juices flowing. Wander through the galleries and gaze at paintings by Renaissance masters, or admire exquisite examples of 18th-century Wedgewood stoneware. The Asian art collection includes impossibly intricate 15th-century Vietnamese sculptures, while the museum's contemporary collection features avant garde pieces like Ivan Navarro's neon-lit interpretation of an electric chair.

It's easy to spend a full day trying to see everything at the museum, so make sure you allow plenty of time for your visit so you don't feel rushed. In addition to being accessible by car, the museum is a B-cycle station, and you can use your visit as an opportunity to get some exercise. Alternatively, you can arrive by river taxi and enjoy the breeze and open air.

San Antonio Museum of Art
200 West Jones Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 978-8100
www.samuseum.org
www.yelp.com/biz/san-antonio-museum-of-art-san-antonio

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