Drink in the Sights at Leon Creek Greenway

If you're looking for a place to go for a long run or bike ride, park your car at San Antonio's Drury Inn and embark on an adventure at the adjacent trailhead, which opens onto the Leon Creek Greenway. Nearly 14 miles of paved trails stretch out before you. More are in the works, as the city intends to expand the greenway with routes along the Culebra Creek, Huesta Creek, and Huebner Creek.

For now, though, you can enjoy the winding nature trails along with fellow cyclists, walkers, and runners. From the path, soak in picturesque views of the colorful wildflower fields, sheer limestone bluffs, and regal Cottonwood trees that distinguish the surrounding parkland. If you want to do some more exploring after your run, Leon Creek Greenway also connects to local parks like Schnabel Park and Earl Scott Pond.

Leon Creek Greenway
8199 Mainland Road
San Antonio, TX 78250
www.sanantonio.gov/parksandrec/greenway_trails_leon.aspx
www.yelp.com/biz/leon-creek-greenway-san-antonio

Stroll Through the Japanese Tea Gardens at Brackenridge Park

Looking for a relaxing way to spend some time in nature in San Antonio? Visit Brackenridge Park, a popular local attraction with more than its fair share of natural beauty. This unique park contains a small zoo, trains, gardens and playgrounds throughout its spacious grounds, offering something for visitors of all ages and even the whole family to enjoy all at once.

Start your visit by strolling through the Japanese Tea Gardens, which are completely free of charge. Here you’ll see stone structures that showcase Japanese architecture and lush, green vegetation that is native to Japan. Next, take the train for a ride to see the various other gardens in the park, stopping once you arrive at the historic Donkey Barn. Complete your visit with some playtime on the playground, a stroll through the zoo, or a picnic in a pavilion!

Brackenridge Park
3910 N St Marys St
San Antonio, TX 78288
www.yelp.com/biz/brackenridge-park-san-antonio

Orange Leaf: Where San Antonio Goes for Fro-Yo

Frozen yogurt shops are popping up just about everywhere, and Orange Leaf is San Antonio’s answer to the fro-yo trend. This self-serve shop has a clean, modern interior that's perfect for relaxing with friends over a bowl of ice-cold, creamy goodness with all of the toppings. Rows of self-serve frozen yogurt machines are situated against an artistic orange tile wall, and there are about a dozen different flavors that change from day to day. Once you choose the perfect flavor, Orange Leaf also offers delicious toppings that range from sweet chocolate candies to fresh fruits and granolas.

A scale at the cash register determines how much your frozen yogurt costs, which is ideal for days when you just want a little taste of something sweet. Orange Leaf also offers ample seating inside where guests can enjoy their dessert just like you would enjoy a coffee at your local café.

Orange Leaf
119 SW Loop 410
San Antonio, TX 78245
(210) 802-1986
www.orangeleafyogurt.com
www.yelp.com/biz/orange-leaf-san-antonio-10

Find Farm-Fresh Produce at the Legacy Farmers’ Market

Open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, the Legacy Farmers’ Market is an experience that's not to be missed. You'll find more than just farm-fresh fruit and veggies here. In fact, you can expect everything from furniture and honey to dog treats and homemade soaps. You'll also encounter vendors selling arts and crafts, photography, and art. All of the produce is grown locally, and many of the other products sold are made in the area, as well. Many of the food merchants offer free samples, and in the spring and summer there is live music playing for your enjoyment.

Perhaps best of all, the Legacy Farmers' Market is open year-round!

Legacy Farmers’ Market
18402 US Hwy 281N
San Antonio, TX 78259
(210) 420-0488
legacyfarmersmarket.com

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

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

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

Skateland West: A Retro Skating Rink in San Antonio

From its Friday night "Skate and Dance" to its roller skating birthday parties, Skateland West is a versatile skating rink that can accommodate just about any guest’s needs. The facility features a spacious, well-maintained rink filled with glowing neon lights, vintage arcade games, a large air hockey table, and a retro snack bar area with lots of seating for tired skaters.

The rink can also be rented out for private parties, from kids’ birthday parties to unique work events. Parties include two hours of skating free from the usual crowds, ice cream for every guest, an emcee to play music and lead skating games, and even access to the glow-in-the-dark Glow Room to make eating or opening presents even more fun. In addition to regular roller-skating, Skateland West offers skating lessons for those who want to learn some fancy moves to break out at the next open skate.

For a full list of hours or to find information about booking a party, visit the Skateland West website.

Skateland West
2327 SW Loop 410
San Antonio, TX 78227
(210) 673-2568
www.myskatelandwest.com
www.yelp.com/biz/skateland-west-san-antonio

Hike, Run and Play at Raymond Rimkus Park

Named in honor of Leon Valley's earliest mayor, Raymond Rimkus Park encompasses 22 picturesque acres of San Antonio. Its many sports fields and amenities draw a crowd to the park on sunny days, and you're more than welcome to join them. There's plenty of room for everyone to spread out at the spacious local park.

Go for a hike along the 3/4-mile nature trail, which winds through towering trees and often intersects with the path of local deer. Sprint and train on the 1/2-mile indoor track. Play a game of softball, soccer, tennis, or basketball on the provided fields and courts. You can also take a stroll through the community gardens at Raymond Rimkus Park, bring the kids to the colorful playground (which is accessible for all children), or rent out one of the pavilions for a family picnic. Feel free to bring along your pooch, as there are plenty of water stations where he can grab a drink after your walk.

Raymond Rimkus Park
6440 Evers Road
San Antonio, TX 78238
(210) 681-1232
www.leonvalleytexas.gov/reserve/Park.php
www.yelp.com/biz/raymond-rimkus-park-san-antonio

Find Art in Unexpected Places at Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum

When you think of art, a toilet is likely the last thing that comes to mind. At Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum, however, toilet seats are the focal point of all of the museum’s exhibits! This unique and silly museum is fun for all ages, and it just may make you reconsider how you define art and beauty. A local San Antonio man runs the small museum out of his garage, but its collection of more than 1,000 pieces of art from recycled toilet seats would rival the collections in many of the area’s larger art galleries.

Stop in to see toilet seats decorated with famous space shuttles from throughout history, vintage camera and film canisters, antique silverware, and even real human hair, all of which are sure to excite your senses and give you a good laugh. The best part of the museum is Barney himself, who often guides you through your visit and answers your questions along the way.

Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum
239 Abiso Ave
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 824-7791
www.yelp.com/biz/barney-smiths-toilet-seat-art-museum-san-antonio

Dig Into Local History at the San Antonio Fire Museum

Formerly known as Fire Station #1, the San Antonio Fire Museum served as San Antonio's working Central Fire Headquarters for more than seven decades. When some local firefighters decided to open a museum paying homage to the men and women who came before them, however, they made over the fire department for their purposes. In May of 2013, the firefighter founders debuted the museum to the people of San Antonio.

You can still explore it today. In the years since it opened, the San Antonio Fire Museum has acquired even more vintage fire trucks than it originally housed, each painstakingly restored by the volunteer staff. The museum also plays host to various exhibits that chronicle the rise of the local fire department. Explore the antique documents and photos to learn a little more about the history of San Antonio's firefighting heroes.

San Antonio Fire Museum
801 E. Houston Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 390-7236
www.sanantoniofiremuseum.org
www.yelp.com/biz/san-antonio-fire-museum-san-antonio

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