Bahama Buck’s: Get Tropical With a Cool Shaved Ice

Cool off on a hot Texas day with a trip through the drive-through at Bahama Buck’s. This sweet dessert spot in the heart of Universal City serves shaved ice in a wide variety of flavors, from sour watermelon to sweet birthday cake. Bahama Buck’s also offers unique items like the coffee-infused Frostalattes, iced lemonades and limeades, and island smoothies. If you’re looking for something a bit healthier, the lighter menu includes the same delicious items with less fat and fewer calories.

Because it's famous for flavorful shaved ice, this small shop is especially popular during the warmer summer months, but you’ll often find a line out the door all year-round. The inside of Bahama Buck’s is fairly small with only a few tables scattered throughout, but there is a convenient drive-through outside for those who want to take their treats to go.

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

Randolph Oaks Golf Course: Practice Your Swing on a 18-hole Championship Course

Located at the Joint Base San Antonio, the Randolph Oaks Golf Course is a popular destination among seasoned players and casual duffers alike. This 7,172 yard, 18-hole championship course boasts manicured greens, placid water features, and other elements to ensure your game is memorable.

Those looking to improve their swing can sign up for lessons from the course's professional instructors. If you prefer to practice solo, however, note that the course also hosts a practice putting green and a driving range, the latter of which is lighted, so you can hone your skills as the sun sets in the horizon.

After your game, refuel with a burger or some chicken wings at Mulligan's Grill, the course's on-site restaurant, or for something a little more low-key, sidle up to the full bar at the Tee Time Deck. Swing by the pro shop to stock up on the latest golf gear and equipment from top-name makers, and don't hesitate to bring in those old clubs in need of repairs.

Randolph Oaks Golf Course
Building 1300
Randolph Air Force Base, TX 78150
(210) 652-4653
www.randolphfss.com/cm/templates/golf.asp?articleid=17
www.yelp.com/biz/randolph-oaks-golf-course-randolph-afb

Take In a Stunning View at Comanche Lookout Park

Measuring in at just under 81 acres, Comanche Lookout Park is a popular University City destination for locals in search of a little fresh air and sunshine. Here, hikers can break a sweat on 4.55 miles of trails, kids can swing and slide on the playground, and nature lovers can keep their eyes peeled for butterflies, native birds, jackrabbits, and wildflowers.

Trails are marked by level of difficulty, with the steeper inclines leading to the park's main draw: a lookout point that's the fourth-highest point in all of Bexar County. With an elevation of 1,340 feet, the park provides a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. In fact, Native Americans took in the very same view centuries ago; this hill was a popular vantage point for tracking wildlife or keeping tabs on enemy tribes.

Comanche Lookout Park is open to the public 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Comanche Lookout Park
15551 Nacogdoches Road
Universal City, TX 78247
(210) 207-7275
www.sanantonio.gov/parksandrec/directory_comanche_lookout.aspx
www.yelp.com/biz/comanche-lookout-park-san-antonio

Action Bikes: Get In On the Action at This Friendly Bike Shop

Universal City's Action Bikes is the ideal bike shop for both the experienced cyclist and the beginning bike buyer. The shop’s employees will answer all of your questions until you feel completely comfortable with your purchase, and they’ve also been known to throw in service and maintenance for little or no cost.

The majority of the bicycles in stock at Action Bikes are mid-level options, but they’re able to order any bike that they don’t have on hand. Prices are very reasonable, and each new bike purchase comes with one year of free tune-ups, which you certainly won’t find from some of the larger chain bike shops.

Whether you’re in the market for a racing bike or just something to ride on the weekends, Action Bikes is a Universal City favorite. Stop by to check it out 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.

Action Bikes
1645 Pat Booker Road
Universal City, TX 78148
(210) 657-0155
www.facebook.com/ActionBikes
www.yelp.com/biz/action-bikes-universal-city

Universal City Public Library: Good Books and a Community Vibe

There are few community resources better than a public library, and Universal City’s is beloved by the area’s residents. The library may be quaint, but it’s filled to the brim with books for adults and children, a passionate and knowledgeable staff, and a number of after-school activities to get kids interested in reading. The library also offers a large selection of audio books, VHS tapes, and DVDs in addition to its book collection.

The Universal City Public Library is home to many more events, classes, and community activities than your typical public library, and it seems that there’s always something going on for residents of all ages. From craft hours for senior citizens and family movie nights to science lessons for the little ones, the library is dedicated to providing safe, fun activities that help to bring the community closer together.

The Universal City Public Library is open different hours every day, so be sure to check the website before planning a visit.

The Universal City Public Library
100 Northview Drive
Universal City, TX 78148
(210) 659-7048
www.yelp.com/biz/universal-city-public-library-universal-city
www.facebook.com/UniversalCityPublicLibrary/timeline www.universalcitytexas.com/index.aspx?nid=396

Universal City Park: Fun in the Sun

Looking for a little fun in the sun? You'll find 32 acres of sunshine at Universal City Park, a city park offering something for the whole family. Pack a lunch and the kids for a fun-filled day of activity. The park boasts two playgrounds, a jogging path, volleyball courts, a regulation sized football field, an 18-hole disco golf course, and restrooms.

Also located within the park, the 7,000-square-foot Universal City Pavilion is a popular spot for birthday parties and other special events. The open-air pavilion is covered, offering protection from the elements. Universal City Park is open to the public 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Universal City Park
1100 North Boulevard
Universal City, TX 78418
(210) 658-5364
http://www.universalcitytexas.com/index.aspx?nid=563

Shop and Dine at The Forum at Olympia Parkway

One of the largest shopping centers in Texas, The Forum at Olympia Parkway is home to an alluring mix of specialty retailers, restaurants, and beauty salons. There's something for every member of the family here. Department stores include Target and Kohl's, while home goods stores include Pier One Imports, T.J. Maxx, and Bed Bath & Beyond. Find a new pair of shoes at DSW, then shop for electronics at Best Buy.

Outback, Panda Express, Panera Bread, Papouli's Greek Grill, Sea Island Shrimp House, and more will appease even the pickiest of eaters. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and have a lot of patience, as the mall can get very crowded and congested. For a complete listing of stores and restaurants, consult The Forum at Olympia Parkway website.

The Forum at Olympia Parkway
8320 Agora Parkway
San Antonio, Texas 78154
(210) 566-7604
www.shoptheforumsa.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-forum-at-olympia-parkway-schertz

Expect a Cornucopia of Texas Produce at Straight From the Crate

Straight from the Crate is a popular farmers' market in Universal City. The draw here is locally-harvested, farm-fresh fruit and vegetables intended to make healthy eating easy and affordable for all. If it's in season, you're likely to find it on display at Straight From the Crate, along with fresh eggs and honey. Straight from the Crate is also known for its selection of sausages and cheeses, plus fruit and veggie tray that are ideal for special events.

Straight from the Crate is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. The market is closed Sundays.

Straight from the Crate
904A Pat Booker Road
Universal City, Texas 78148
(210) 566-5557
www.facebook.com/pages/Straight-From-the-Crate/118292981560932
www.yelp.com/biz/straight-from-the-crate-universal-city

All Aboard! Bring the Kids to the Bob Clarke Rail Heritage Museum

Looking for a fun, free museum to take the kids? Look no farther than the Bob Clarke Rail Heritage Museum in Live Oak. Owned and maintained by the San Antonio Model Railroad Association, this museum is home to a model railroad boasting more than 3,000 square feet of track. In great detail, the model railroad displays the trip from Fort Worth to San Antonio. Landscaping is impeccable and accurate in detail.

Bob Clarke Rail Heritage Museum even offers a "fun run" that allows visitors to operate the train with a little help from one of the friendly volunteers. The museum is open Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Admission to the museum is free, but donations are appreciated.

Bob Clarke Rail Heritage Museum
7702 Narrow Pass
Live Oak, TX 78233
www.samratx.org
www.yelp.com/biz/bob-clarke-rail-heritage-museum-live-oak

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