Smart Barre: Tone and Strengthen Your Muscles

Local fitness fanatics say 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

See International Art at the San Antonio Museum of Art

Central Texas residents are lucky to have access to the San Antonio Museum of Art, a fantastic institution that truly reflects the unique cultural traditions of the area. Housed in a building formerly occupied by the original Lone Star brewery, the museum opened in 1981. The museum's collection has steadily grown ever since, most notably with a sizable bequest from numerous trustees. Leonora and Walter F. Brown, Houston philanthropic notables, donated their Asian art collection to the museum, making it the largest museum for works from that continent in the southern United States.

Visitors rave about the diverse and eclectic holdings, which are intelligently grouped. The San Antonio Museum of Art also hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year, from lively jazz nights to talks and film presentations. Tuesdays and Sundays offer free admission during certain hours.

San Antonio Museum of Art
200 W. Jones Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 978-8100
www.samuseum.org
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San Antonio Zoo: See Animals from Around the World

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/
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Stop and Smell the Roses at the San Antonio Botanical Garden

San Antonio Botanical Garden is a 33-acre park that opened to the public in 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/
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iRun Texas: Start Off on the Right Foot

You don’t need to be a runner to benefit from the expertise of iRun Texas’s knowledgeable staff. Formerly known as Run On, iRun Texas in San Antonio deals in running shoes and other running gear.

Regular customers appreciate iRun’s commitment to helping customers find the right shoes for them, whether they’re for running or walking. Staff members will watch you walk in order to identify any foot or gait issues that could influence your footwear needs, and they'll then identify your correct size. Some customers have even been surprised to learn that they’ve been wearing the wrong size shoe for years! Even if iRun Texas doesn’t carry the running gear you need, they’ll help point you in the right direction, fans say. iRun also hosts weekly social runs, training classes, and other community events.

iRun Texas is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays, and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.

iRun Texas
20079 Stone Oak Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78258
(210) 494-7869
www.iruntexas.net
www.yelp.com/biz/irun-texas-san-antonio

The Art of Old San Antonio Sparkles at La Villita Historic Arts Village

There is always something interesting to see and do at San Antonio’s La Villita Historic Arts Village. This is a very creative downtown area, and it shows in the many shops showcased here. Paintings, pottery, and sculpture are for sale, which means that you're sure to find lots of things for your home or as a gift for somebody special. You can also shop cool, unique clothing stores.

Take the time to take a walking tour of the Villita area, where you can see places like the Cos House other historic buildings. Take a boat ride on the river, or check out one of the many special events that happen at the nearby River Theater or at the Maverick Plaza. There are also some good dining options here.

Visit La Villita Historic Arts Village's website to learn more about this San Antonio destination!

La Villita Historic Arts Village
418 Villita Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 207-8614
www.lavillita.com
www.yelp.com/biz/la-villita-historic-arts-village-san-antonio

Read a Book, Befriend a Kitty at Nine Lives Books

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
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The Shops at La Cantera: San Antonio Shopping

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

Public Domain/Public Domain

Experience Why Canyon Springs Golf Club Is a Hole in One

Get your swing on at Canyon Springs Golf Club, where an 18-hole championship course is accentuated by the rugged natural terrain of the area. Located on the historic 54,000-acre Claussen Ranch, this is a great spot to chill out with a round of golf right in the heart of the city.

Check out the club's many golf programs, including the Practice Learn and Play Program designed as an intro for new golfers. There’s also the After School Golf Program for kids, and the Senior Men’s League. Have a wedding or other special event in the future? Check out the clubhouse and pavilion as top-notch hosting sites for your event. Golf programs, lessons, and clinics are also offered at the club.

See the Canyon Springs Golf Club website for more information.

Canyon Springs Golf Club
24400 Canyon Golf Road
San Antonio, TX 78258
(210) 497-1770
www.canyonspringsgc.com
www.yelp.com/biz/canyon-springs-golf-club-san-antonio

The McNay Art Museum: The First Modern Art Museum in Texas

Housing more than 20,000 works, The McNay has certainly grown from its humble beginnings in the 1950s as the first modern art museum in the state of Texas. What was once Mrs. McNay’s 23-acre home and private collection of just 700 works is now a huge art haven showcasing Renaissance and Medieval works, 19th- through 21st-century European and American photographs, sculptures and paintings, as well as the Tobin Collection of theatre arts. There is also one of the most extensive collections of prints and drawings in the region.

Member admission is free, and adults pay just $8. Students, seniors and active military persons pay $5, while admission for those 12 and under is free. There are vending machines in the museum and plenty of restaurants nearby. Picnics on the museum grounds are also welcome! Visit McNay's website to learn more.

McNay Art Museum
6000 North New Braunfels
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 824-5368
www.mcnayart.org

Public Domain/Public Domain

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