Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch: Animals Ewe Will Want to Visit

Spend an afternoon getting up close and personal with exotic animals at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch. This popular area attraction is a self-described “Texas-style African safari,” encompassing more than 400 acres of land that you can explore via car or on foot. Drive through the well-maintained paths and observe spunky zebras, giant giraffes, and leggy camels just as you would on a real African safari, and if you’re lucky, a few might even come right up to your window to say hello.

If you want to get even closer to the animals, Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch offers a Petting Barnyard where you and the kids can pet friendly African Pygmy goats, llamas, and more. The Walk-A-Bout section of the park is more like a traditional zoo, with sturdy fences offering a safe but close-up view of wild birds and monkeys, while the park’s Safari Camp Grill provides a tasty meal before or after your visit.

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Road
San Antonio, TX 78266
(830) 438-7400
www.wildliferanchtexas.com

Esquire Tavern: A Step Back in Time

Widely regarded as one of the most unique bars in San Antonio, Esquire Tavern been a fixture of the community since opening in 1933 at the end of Prohibition. The bar closed from 2006 to 2011, but was bought by new owners, who restored it to its former glory.

When you step through the door, you’ll immediately feel the history of the place, with the dark wood walls and long bar. The bartenders here are top of the line, with regulars raving that drinks are some of the strongest for the price in San Antonio. The food is another selling point, with the kitchen knocking out high-quality pub grub at all hours. Go for the house-made fried pickles, the pickled beet salad, or the deviled eggs to start. Recommended entrees include the pecan porter beer-battered shrimp toast, and the thick and flavorful hamburgers.

Esquire Tavern
155 E. Commerce St.
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 222-2521
www.esquiretavern-sa.com
www.yelp.com/biz/esquire-tavern-san-antonio

Choose from 58 Ceviches at Muelle 58

San Antonio locals recommend Muelle 58 for its quirky atmosphere, friendly service and wide range of fresh seafood options. If you like ceviche, this is the restaurant for you—the menu features 58 different kinds of ceviche, and indecisive customers can order a ceviche sampler to try several varieties. Other popular dishes at Muelle 58 include the sautéed octopus, the enchiladas, the salmon al pastor, the tostones, the fish tacos and the churros, which some Yelp reviewers have called the best they’ve ever tasted.

Regulars say that prices are particularly reasonable at Muelle 58, and that it’s a good place to catch the game. Kids love eating at Muelle 58, and customers say that staff are always willing to explain menu items. Service is generally swift and courteous.

Muelle 58 is open Sundays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Muelle 58
19903 Stone Oak Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78258
(210) 267-5865
www.facebook.com/pages/Muelle-58/265709896922792
www.yelp.com/biz/muelle-58-san-antonio-2

What’s Your Interior Design Personality? Find Out Here!

Are you partial to chic, modern furnishings, or is your interior design style more of the cozy, vintage-inspired variety? Knowing exactly what types of furnishings you like best will make it much easier for you to decorate your home at Avana Stone Canyon. Here are a few great online quizzes that will help you to zero in on your specific interior design personality.

What’s Your Decorating Style?
This quiz from Coastal Living asks a series of very abstract questions about your lifestyle, your drink preferences, and even your preferred clothing style to help you figure out your interior design style. It also makes recommendations for decorating ideas once your results are in.

Style Maker Visual Quiz
Take this visual quiz from Stylish Home is best for visual learners, as it shows you a series of photos in order to help you determine your home decor preferences. Instead of simply asking you what types of furnishings you like, it actually shows them to you to help get a more accurate response.

Decorating Style Quiz
Better Homes & Gardens offers this fun mix of visual and word-based questions regarding your decor preferences, your personality, and your unique needs. Once you complete the quiz, it offers a general idea of your home decor personality.

Choicolate Artisan Chocolates: Treat Yourself

Choicolate Artisan Chocolates is a real hit among San Antonio chocolate lovers thanks to its creative flavor combinations and high-quality European-style chocolates. Many regulars say they’d rather eat a few small pieces of Choicolate’s candies than an entire box of chocolates from more widely-distributed manufacturers. Popular chocolate flavors here include bananas foster, mango & habanero, pumpkin caramel, margarita, almond bee, raspberry bites and apple caramel. Regulars also recommend Choicolate’s other treats, especially the house-made toffee, available in almond or cacao nibs & coffee.

Choicolates chocolates and sweets are hand-made by the two chocolatiers behind the counter – in addition to their skills as chocolate makers, locals say the owners of Choicolate are some of the nicest people they’ve ever met. Choicolate also makes vegan versions of many of its treats. Don’t forget to have a smoothie!

Choicolate Artisan Chocolates is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.

Choicolate Artisan Chocolates
700 E. Sonterra Boulevard
San Antonio, TX 78258
(210) 495-2464
www.choicolate.com
www.yelp.com/biz/choicolate-artisan-chocolates-san-antonio-2

The District: Challenge Yourself

The District in San Antonio teaches climbing, yoga, aerial silks, acrobatics, and other unique fitness disciplines such as circus arts. Learn the basics of rock climbing and route setting, or buff up with a Crossfit class. The District is home to the area’s most affordable rock climbing gym that’s open to the public, locals say, but it also offers access to other fitness equipment not found in most gyms, such as a run rocket and a slack line. Locals say the instructors and members here are friendly, warm-hearted, and encouraging, which gives The District a real community feel.

The rock-climbing wall at The District is open 24 hours a day, much to the delight of local climbing enthusiasts. Regulars love the way The District caters to function and eschews commercialism. The District holds classes Mondays through Saturdays, beginning as early as 5:30 a.m. and as late as 8 p.m.

The District
2424 Broadway Street
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 845-9855
www.thedistrictsa.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-district-san-antonio

Zinc Bistro and Bar: Dine Al Fresco in San Antonio

Just off the scenic San Antonio Riverwalk, Zinc Bistro and Bar transports diners to a quaint European eatery in both its cuisine and atmosphere. Snag a table in its picturesque courtyard and enjoy the bubbling melodies that emanate from its fountain. They set the soundtrack for a romantic dinner, worlds apart from the busy riverwalk just beyond the brick patio.

Begin your meal with one of the popular prickly pear margaritas and a serving of the truffle fries, which come loaded with Parmesan cheese. Pair it with a few other small plates from the tapas menu to create a full feast, such as the flash-fried calamari, the garlicky escargot, or the spicy two-alarm hummus. You can also opt for your own entree, like a bubbly pizza topped with Italian sausage or New York strip steak with home fries. Wash it all down with your margarita, a glass of wine from the lengthy and internationally inspired list, or a craft beer.

Zinc Bistro and Bar
207 N. Presa Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 224-2900
www.zincwine.com
www.yelp.com/biz/zinc-bistro-and-wine-bar-san-antonio

4 Health Benefits of Cardio Workouts

People need cardio workouts in order to improve your heart’s function and keep it strong and healthy, and lucky for you, it’s actually much easier to squeeze in a cardio workout than you might expect. Here are just four great health benefits of cardio exercise.

1) It improves your heart’s health.
The most important benefit of cardiovascular exercise is the positive effect that it has on your heart. Things like running or biking make your heart pump blood at a faster rate than normal, and because your heart is one big muscle, this strengthens it even after you stop exercising.

2) It improves your mood.
Because cardiovascular exercise releases hormones that fight off stress and promote a sense of well being, you might feel happier and more energetic after working out.

3) It increases your metabolic function.
The more intense the cardio exercise, the faster it makes your metabolism function. This helps to maintain your weight or even promote weight loss.

4) It decreases recovery time.
If you hate cardio and love strength training, you might want to reconsider. Jogging or walking after performing another workout is known to quicken your recovery time, making the day after a long workout much more comfortable on your body.

5 Great Benefits Of Cardiovascular Exercise! [BodyBuilding.com]
The Brain-Boosting Effects of Cardiovascular Exercise [Women’s Health]
Aerobic Exercise: Top 10 Reasons to Get Physical [Mayo Clinic]

Canyon Springs Golf Club: Perfect Your Swing in the Company of Longhorn Cattle

Enjoy a game of golf while Texas longhorn cattle look on from a close distance at the Canyon Springs Golf Club. This is the type of golf course that you’ll only find in Texas, from its Texas Hill Country terrain to its location amidst the original Claussen Homestead. Featuring 18 holes, the Canyon Springs Golf Club course is one of the most competitive in the area, but it is also accessible enough for players of any skill level to enjoy. You’ll enjoy a view of the beautiful scenery from every part of the course, including large waterfalls in the background of the final hole.

The state-of-the-art carts are equipped with GPS systems to keep you on track, and beer and other refreshments are available from the clubhouse. Knowledgeable staff will help you to choose the perfect clubs at Canyon Springs Golf Club’s well-stocked pro shop, and the course also provides instructional classes for players of all ages.

Canyon Springs Golf Club
24405 Wilderness Oak
San Antonio, TX 78258
(210) 497-1770
www.canyonspringsgc.com
www.yelp.com/biz/canyon-springs-golf-club-san-antonio

Rio San Antonio Cruises: See the City from a New Point of View

The San Antonio Riverwalk serves as the focal point of downtown. On a sunny day, there's no better spot to be than strolling along its path. But even if you've visited the riverwalk a dozen times, you can see the city with fresh eyes thanks to Rio San Antonio Cruises. The boat tours actually get sightseers out on the water to explore the city from a new point of view.

Boat tours embark from various points along the riverwalk, so hop on anywhere and purchase a ticket. Your tour guide will give you insight about the various landmarks you pass by, doling out fun, informative facts to the crowd. If you're just looking for an exciting way to get around. climb aboard the Rio Taxi. It'll take you right up to the sidewalk where your favorite restaurant or museum resides. You can even charter a cruise for a big group (20 to 40 guests) and enjoy dinner, cocktails, or a private tour of the city.

Rio San Antonio Cruises
315 E. Commerce Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 244-5700
riosanantonio.com
www.yelp.com/biz/rio-san-antonio-cruises-san-antonio

Pin It on Pinterest