Smart Barre: Tone and Strengthen Your Muscles

Local fitness fanssay Smart Barre’s ballet-inspired classes are a great way to firm and tone the muscles of the upper body, hips, thighs, and abdomen. The classes here are geared toward the specific needs of women, so Smart Barre is open to women only, though couples' classes are occasionally offered for those who would like to bring their male partners. The exercises focus on working key muscle groups with a combination of strength and resistance training. Though Smart Barre classes incorporate small hand weights, no heavy lifting is required.

Regulars at Smart Barre say this is a strenuous class that will really make you break a sweat, but it’s worth the effort. Most attendees say they begin to see noticeable results after about 10 classes. Class sizes are limited, so reserve your place in advance.

Smart Barre is open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.

Smart Barre
6426 N. New Braunfels
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 822-0584
smartbarrebody.com
www.yelp.com/biz/smart-barre-san-antonio

Yoga Shala: Find Your Center in San Antonio

If you’re interested in learning more about the philosophy behind yoga, deepening your breath work, or enhancing your mental focus, San Antonio’s Yoga Shala may be the place for you. Yoga Shala has a reputation for being a great studio for serious students due to its dedicated instructors and the difficulty of its classes. Regulars confirm that the instructors at Yoga Shala are disciplined in their approach to yoga.

Yoga Shala offers classes for practitioners on all levels, from beginner to advanced. Classes move quickly at Yoga Shala, so it may be difficult to keep up, especially if you’re new to the practice of yoga. Yelp reviewers say that if you’re new to yoga, you should definitely start with a beginner’s class here, and expect to feel some muscle soreness the next day!

Yoga Shala holds classes seven days a week, from as early as 6 a.m. to as late as 7 p.m. Check their online class schedule to find one that fits your needs and schedule.

Yoga Shala
18585 Sigma Road
San Antonio, TX 78258
(210) 496-9900
www.yogashalasa.com
www.yelp.com/biz/yoga-shala-san-antonio

Fun Is Always On Par With a Great Time at Embassy Miniature Golf

You'll have a blast at Embassy Miniature Golf in San Antonio. Easily located just off Route 281 and Embassy Oaks, this is a miniature golf course that delivers big. You’ll know you’re there when you see Puttina, the big giraffe and mascot of the place.

Boasting a bright, well-maintained design, with nice greens, cool landscaping, and even a waterfall, this golf course is challenging for adults, but still fun for kids. Want some more fun? Check out the “Water Wars” game, a splashing good time for kids.

The price for mini golf is just under $8 for adults, with discounts for seniors, children, and military personnel. Don’t worry about getting there late; Embassy Miniature Golf stays open until midnight on weekends.

Embassy Miniature Golf
500 Embassy Oaks
San Antonio, TX 78216
(210) 496-5847
www.embassygolf.com
www.yelp.com/biz/embassy-miniature-golf-san-antonio

Farm to Juice: Drink to Your Health in San Antonio

San Antonio residents love Farm to Juice’s menu of fresh vegetable and fruit juices designed to support good health. Lisa Baughn, co-founder of Farm to Juice, draws on her training as a nurse and nutritionist to create healthy recipes for juices, yogurts, milks, energy shots, and snacks. Buy juices one at a time or sign up for a three- or five-day juice fast. You can choose from the menu or have your own custom juice recipes made to order. If you’re ordering from the menu, regulars like the Skinny Minny, the Butterfly Kiss, the Krazy Kale, the Beet the Blues, and the Refresh.

Farm to Juice uses a cold-press juicer to retain as many of the nutrients as possible in their juices. Juices are made with fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables. There are no additives, added sugar, or pulp in Farm to Juice’s products.

Farm to Juice is open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays.

Farm to Juice
18730 Stone Oak Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78258
(210) 332-5853
farmtojuice.net
www.yelp.com/biz/farm-to-juice-san-antonio

Stop and Smell the Roses at the San Antonio Botanical Garden

San Antonio Botanical Garden is a 33-acre paradise that opened to the public in May of 1980. The space, which was previously a limestone quarry and waterworks, was perfect for the creation of an idyllic parkland that brings pleasure to residents young and old. In addition to the foliage, there are a number of other attractions in the garden, including the Lucille Halsell Conservatory and the historic Sullivan Carriage House, which was moved brick by brick to the Garden and reassembled.

The Garden hosts a number of special events throughout the year, including a popular Shakespeare in the Park series of performances, plant sales, and a fun family Halloween parade.

San Antonio Botanical Garden
555 Funston Place
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 207-3250
http://www.sabot.org/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/san-antonio-botanical-garden-san-antonio-2

Stone Oak CrossFit: Work Out in San Antonio

Stone Oak CrossFit offers a great way to get fit with a program that uses varied, high intensity functional movements. These workouts are geared to a variety of fitness levels, and focus on building agility, balance, coordination, strength, flexibility, stamina, speed and cardiovascular endurance.

The core strength conditioning program is also designed for athletes to allow them to perform at a high level in several different sports. CrossFit is also a training and conditioning program that’s used by athletes and others to get and stay in shape. Stop in and check out their facility and get a complimentary consultation. See their website for class schedules and pricing information.

Stone Oak CrossFit is open every day in San Antonio.

Stone Oak CrossFit
19141 Stone Oak Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78258
(210) 875-9810
http://stoneoakcrossfit.net/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/stoneoak-crossfit-san-antonio

The Shops at La Canterra: Outdoor Shopping in San Antonio

The Shops at La Canterra offer a pleasing outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment spot not too far from Avana Stone Canyon.

You'll find big variety at one of their anchor stores, like Macy’s, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus or Dillard’s. If your technology needs a little upgrade, head to Apple or Microsoft for all of the latest and greatest gadgets and gizmos. Swarovski, Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, Hertzberg Diamonds, Gordon’s Jewelers, Tiffany & Co., Omega Boutique, and Kay Jewelers have jewelry perfect for gifts. Need a fashion makeover? Stop in at Abercrombie & Fitch, Banana Republic, New York & Company, J. Crew, Tory Burch, Juicy Couture and Urban Outfitters. There’s plenty to eat at Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, Kona Grill, Perry’s Steakhouse & Grill, and P.F. Chang’s.

Visit The Shops at La Canterra's website to see a directory of shops and restaurants.

The Shops at La Canterra
15900 La Cantera Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78256
(210) 582-6255
http://www.theshopsatlacantera.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-shops-at-la-cantera-san-antonio

Toy Werks: San Antonio’s Largest Family-Owned Toy Shop

Avoid the big box stores and support a local, family-owned business by buying toys for your little ones at Toy Werks. The friendly, knowledgeable staff at this popular shop will help you find just the right thing for every age of toy-lover. After all, there’s plenty to choose from; expect the "werks," a stellar selection of stuffed animals, dolls, books, action figures, bathtub toys, games, science kits, and crafts kits. Toy Werks carries all of the best brands, like Lego, Playmobil, Calico Critters, Safari, Schleich, and Breyer. Better yet, the hands-on setting means you can try out many of the items before buying.

Still not sure what to buy your favorite little one? Ask an employee for a recommendation! They’ll even gift wrap the toy for free!

Toy Werks is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.

Toy Werks
923 N. Loop 1604 E.
San Antonio, TX 78232
(210) 490-7171
www.mytoywerks.com
www.yelp.com/biz/toy-werks-san-antonio-2

Stone Oak Park: A Delightful San Antonio Park

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

Bijou Cinema Bistro: A Unique San Antonio Movie Theater

Bijou Cinema Bistro brings the latest and greatest of cinema to San Antonio, just the way this Texan-owned, family business likes it. In keeping with the company’s mission, you will always find the latest and greatest first-run movies at Bijou. Pick out your movie, and admire the lobby art, courtesy of local artists. Have a seat in the theater and wait for your server – that’s right, there are servers who will take your order and bring your order to you in the theater. But be prepared because the Bijou is a theater for grown ups, where wine and beer can be ordered with your popcorn and candy. Also, make your order early because you will not be served while the movie is being shown. But you’ll have plenty of time to have a drink, get your snack and enjoy the show!

Bijou Cinema Bistro
4522 Fredericksburg Road
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 734-4552
http://www.yelp.com/biz/santikos-bijou-san-antonio

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