We hope everyone has a safe and happy day as we celebrate America's Independence. Happy 4th of July!

From a wooden front porch nestled behind the thick trunks of towering trees to a stone fireplace surrounded by leather chairs and sofas, Texas Treasures Fine Art Gallery exudes Texan charm inside and out. It's home to not only the works of more than 30 artists inside, but also a spate of sculptures outside in the 10,000-square-foot garden.

The gallery plays host to a mix of Western works and internationally-inspired pieces. One sculptor, H. R. Kaiser, pays homage to the Wild West of a Texas's past with cowboys crafted from metal. Whereas Texas-based Joe Barrington also works in metal, but his masterpieces masquerade as nature. From metal-molded cacti to a stationary crow and armadillo, his pieces depict common Texan sights. For works that depict far-flung locales, look for the art of Victor Hohne, whose paintings and photos are largely informed by world culture and wildlife.

Texas Treasures Fine Art Gallery
605 S. Main Street
Boerne, TX 78006
(830) 816-5335
www.texastreasuresfineart.com
www.yelp.com/biz/texas-treasures-fine-art-gallery-boerne

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/infinitExplorer

Before you even begin your meal at El Chaparral Mexican Restaurant, servers whet your appetite with a complimentary serving of bean soup. It's a bit outside the norm for a Mexican eatery, and the soup is accompanied by a basket of chips and salsa. Both are exemplary, according to reviews, and merely foreshadow the authentic Mexican feast that's to come.

Slurp up a frozen margarita while you chow down on cheese-smothered enchiladas complete with guacamole, or order a sizzling plate of beef and veggies to fold into your tortillas. The chile relleno, overflowing with melted cheese, is another good way to get your recommended intake of dairy at El Chaparral. For a creative twist on a Mexican favorite, the puffy tacos—so named for their air-filled shells—never seem to disappoint. Stop in at this beloved Helotes restaurant to try any of the above with a tequila-infused beverage.

El Chaparral Mexican Restaurant
15103 Bandera Road
Helotes, TX 78023
(210) 695-8302
www.facebook.com/ElChaparralMexicanRestaurant
www.yelp.com/biz/el-chaparral-mexican-restaurant-helotes

Public Domain/Public Domain