Get out of the hustle and bustle of the city and bask in the glory of nature at Stone Oak Park. This San Antonio park covers 245 acres of open space, with an abundance of opportunities for walking, picnicking, and playing.

The park's Playscape area for the kids gives them a great place to frolic and play in the great outdoors. Covered shelters make great spots for relaxing in the shade with lunch or a snack. The workout stations can help you get fit with equipment to increase muscular strength and endurance. Take a hike, bike, or jog, with or without a canine friend on the 2.7 miles of trail in the park.

The park's open daily, and visitors will find off-street parking and other facilities.

Stone Oak Park
20395 Stone Oak Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78258
www.sanantonio.gov/parksandrec/directory_stone_oak.aspx
www.yelp.com/biz/stone-oak-park-san-antonio

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/hummymummy

Knife and Fork Gastropub features a modern take on the traditional pub. They offer an innovative menu of bistro fare along with a nice list of craft brewed beers, free Wi-Fi, and an assortment of games!

Some of the draft beers on tap include Ballast Point Calico Amber Ale, Karbach Weisse Versa Wheat, Big Sky Moose Drool Brown Ale, and Kona Big Wave Golden Ale. If you need a bite to eat, choose from a list that includes a House Burger with bacon, gorgonzola & horseradish cream, a Cuban Sandwich with Swiss cheese & bread & butter pickles, and Seared Ahi Tuna Tacos with chimichurri slaw. Pasta Primavera, Beef Stroganoff, Fish & Chips, Brisket Fried Rice and Roasted Airline Chicken are also offered.

Just a short trip from Avana Stone Canyon in San Antonio, Knife and Fork Gastropub is open every day.

Knife and Fork Gastropub
20626 Stone Oak Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78258
(210) 497-7111
www.knifeforkgastropub.com
www.yelp.com/biz/knife-and-fork-gastropub-san-antonio

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Smabs Sputzer

You know popcorn as the accompaniment to your movie-going experience, but have you ever stopped to ponder what causes popcorn to pop? There's actually a science behind this light and puffy snack, and it starts with the water content of each individual popcorn kernel.

Within each protective hull of popcorn, there's a small amount of moisture—13.5% to 14% by mass, to be exact. (Any more or less, and the popcorn won't pop.) As the kernel is heated, the water begins to expand, creating steam. Once the pressure inside the kernel reaches 135 pounds per square inch (around 350 degrees Fahrenheit), the kernel's protective hull finally gives way, turning the kernel inside out and exposing the kernel's starchy endosperm. This soft starch rapidly expands, then immediately cools, resulting in popcorn's unique irregular shape.

That said, not any old corn can be used for popcorn. Only zea mays everta, a particular strain of cultivated corn, can make popcorn.

What Makes Popcorn Pop? [The Popcorn Board]
What Makes Popcorn Pop? [Mental Floss]
How Does Popcorn Pop? [Human Touch of Chemistry]

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/cyclonebill