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Read a Book, Befriend a Kitty at Nine Lives Books

September 9, 2016 by

Nine Lives Books is an independent book store that specializes primarily in used books and media. The selection here is quite diverse, with bargain-friendly prices. In fact, it's easy to walk in with $20 and walk out with enough reading materials for a month, according to regular patrons of this San Antonio bookshop.

What makes this place really unique are the friendly store cats that are fostered by the owners. The store will sometimes host adoption drives for the cats, and nothing pairs better with a good book than a cat purring on your lap! Some complain that the shelves aren’t as well-organized as they could be, but the staff is happy to help you search for something specific.

Nine Lives Books
4907 NW Loop 410
San Antonio, TX 78229
(210) 647-5656
www.ninelivesbooks.com
www.yelp.com/biz/nine-lives-books-san-antonio-3

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Main Plaza: Get In Touch With the Heart of the City

September 1, 2016 by

In the center of San Antonio sits the city’s Main Plaza, a historic market square that was first formed in the early 1700s, but went through a major renovation in 2008. Today, Main Plaza is the site for many of the city’s most popular community-wide events, and even when there’s nothing going on, it still makes a beautiful and relaxing place to hang out and enjoy the views.

Shady trees cover the plaza’s benches and tables while scenic fountains add gentle trickling sounds that are truly relaxing. Take a stroll through the park and enjoy conversation with a friend, or take a seat on a park bench for a little people-watching during your lunch break. Main Plaza is also known to host farmers' markets, cycling meet-ups, and numerous cultural festivals throughout the year, making it a wonderful gathering place for San Antonio residents.

Main Plaza is open to the public from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Main Plaza
115 Main Plaza
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 225-9800
www.mainplazaconservancy.org
www.yelp.com/biz/main-plaza-san-antonio

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Treat Yourself to a Pistachio Eclair at Bakery Lorraine

August 11, 2016 by

Delectable pastries are easy to find in San Antonio; just head to Bakery Lorraine. Founded by a California couple who wanted to bring their baking prowess to Texas, Bakery Lorraine fills its display cases with chewy cookies, pecan sticky buns, scones, flaky croissants, and other favorites. Where else are you going to find a pistachio eclair?

Here, the menu changes all the time, almost daily. The savory tarts, sandwiches, and quiches are a nice lunch option, especially when followed by a sweet macaron (be sure to take a six-pack of macarons home with you!). Get a coffee or espresso and relax in the comfy cafe or take a seat on the porch. You can even make special occasion more special by ordering your cake here.

Bakery Lorraine is open Mondays through Fridays, 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sundays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Bakery Lorraine
511 E. Grayson Street
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 862-5582
www.bakerylorraine.com
www.yelp.com/biz/bakery-lorraine-san-antonio

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Explore Works of Modern Art at the McNay Art Museum in San Antonio

July 14, 2016 by

With the mission to "engage a diverse community in the discovery and enjoyment of the visual arts," the McNay Art Museum is the first museum of modern art in the state of Texas. Since 1950, the museum’s collection has expanded to more than 20,000 works of art, including and not limited to 19th- through 21st-century American and European paintings and sculpture, Southwest-inspired prints, glass art, Medieval and Renaissance Art, and much more.

The museum is well organized so that it's perfect for strolling during a rainy afternoon.The exhibits are also organized well and leave visitors with a good understanding of the topics. Frequent visitors are encouraged to purchase a membership for access to special events and discounts!

McNay Art Museum
6000 N. New Braunfels Ave
San Antonio Texas 78209
(210) 824-5368
www.mcnayart.org

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The District: Fitness for Free Spirits

July 7, 2016 by

With bouldering walls, circus arts classes, acroyoga and parkour facilities, The District in San Antonio isn’t your average gym. The District boasts one of San Antonio's only indoor climbing facilities that's open to the general public. Even if you’re not a member, Yelp reviewers say that day passes are affordable. The District’s climbing gym is also open 24 hours a day, so even if it’s on the small side, membership is worth it, say local climbing enthusiasts. Members also note that the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the trainers are knowledgeable and friendly.

The District’s monthly membership options give members access to the climbing gym, Jiu Jitsu gym and open gym. Yoga, Crossfit and circus arts classes are available. Choose from an unlimited package or a 10-class pass. The District is open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., except for the climbing gym, which is always open.

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

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San Antonio Zoo: See Animals from Around the World

May 12, 2016 by

The San Antonio Zoo is home to more than 9,000 animals and 750-plus species. Locals say it’s a good way to spend a day out with the whole family. Admission to the San Antonio Zoo is reasonably priced, though some locals recommend getting there soon after it opens. The zoo can get crowded fast, especially in the summer when the kids are out of school. Visitors generally like The San Antonio Zoo’s park-like ambiance, and find that the animals remain fairly active even on hot days.

Highlights of the San Antonio Zoo include the Hixon Bird House, where visitors can escape the heat and mingle with free-flying birds. Kids can enjoy petting the animals at the Goats & Pigs Fun Farm. Strollers, wheelchairs and electric scooters are available for rent to those patrons who need them. The San Antonio Zoo is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

San Antonio Zoo
3903 N. Saint Mary’s Street
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 734-7184
www.sazoo.org
www.yelp.com/biz/san-antonio-zoo-san-antonio

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Stock Your Kitchen With Fresh, Gourmet Items From Central Market

April 14, 2016 by

Located at the corner of Broadway Street and Patterson Avenue in Alamo Heights, San Antonio's Central Market has all everything you need to make a delicious gourmet meal. From produce and meats to seafood and dairy products, you’ll find the freshest items here, many of which are locally sourced. Specialty items are available too, like scratch-baked goods and artisanal cheeses. Over 350 different brews, many made in Texas, can be purchased here, as well.

Don’t want to cook? The chef-prepared dinners are a tasty option, as are the grab-and-go sandwiches. No matter what's on your menu for the night, your meal can be paired with the perfect wine after you chat with the on-staff wine experts.

Central Market
4821 Broadway
San Antonio, TX 78288
(210) 368-8600
www.centralmarket.com/Home
www.yelp.com/biz/central-market-san-antonio

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Put Some Pep in Your Step With Coffee From Olmos Perk

April 7, 2016 by

Olmos Perk is your real-deal neighborhood coffeehouse in San Antonio. This locally-owned business has been serving globally-sourced coffee beans since 2006, keeping locals fueled with espresso, lattes, and cappuccinos in a cozy, modern-industrial setting.

Here, the baristas really set the tone. They’re friendly, hip, and make a mean cup of coffee. (The foam designs on the lattes are always inventive!) The coffees are sourced mainly from Africa and South America, while local bakeries supply pastries, bagels, and cookies. Bring your laptop to catch up on some emails over the free Wi-Fi, then, later in the day, return for a nice glass of wine or a craft beer.

Olmos Perk is open 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays.

Olmos Perk
5223 McCullough Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 858-2956
www.olmosperk.com
www.yelp.com/biz/olmos-perk-san-antonio

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The Shops at La Cantera: San Antonio Shopping

March 10, 2016 by

San Antonio is home to some great shopping, and you'll find some of the best in the city at The Shops at La Cantera. Nestled in the northwest corner of the city near the Loop 1604 and I-10 interchange, the open-air mall opened to the public in 2005 to rave reviews. Since then, it’s undergone a significant expansion to attract even more retail tenants.

The architecture is charming, with a Hill Country vernacular vibe that gives the storefronts different facades and elegant water features. Anchor stores include the first Nordstrom and Nieman Marcus in San Antonio, as well as Macy’s. The mall is enormous, with over 150 restaurants and shops. There are plenty of places to eat as well if you get peckish.

If you visit, wear comfortable shoes, as this San Antonio mall offers a lot to see!

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

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Shop, Dine and Play at The Alamo Quarry Market

March 3, 2016 by

The repurposing of an industrial landmark into a retail destination doesn’t happen every day, but San Antonio residents are lucky to have the Alamo Quarry Market. The impressive building was formerly a cement plant that pumped out raw materials for much of the city. It lay vacant for many years until a private firm bought it and remodeled the entire building. They kept many of the facades and features, including the eye-catching smokestacks.

The Alamo Quarry Market is a great place for shopping, with numerous stores like Coldwater Creek, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, and Whole Foods drawing a diverse crowd. Whole Earth Provisions is another local favorite. If you get peckish, there are many restaurants on site, including Joe’s Crab Shack and California Pizza Kitchen. A Regal Cineplex is a great place to catch a movie as well. One of the more charming aspects of the Quarry Market is the presence of many brightly-painted statues of bovines from the Cow Parade.

The Alamo Quarry Market
255 E. Basse Road
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 824-8885
www.quarrymarket.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-alamo-quarry-market-san-antonio

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