Casa Rio Unveils a New River Walk Mural Tracing Centuries of San Antonio Life
Presented in partnership with the City of San Antonio’s Department of Arts and Culture Early in the morning, before the River Walk fills with sound, downtown San Antonio feels suspended in time. The river moves quietly beneath the Commerce Street Bridge, carrying generations of history just below the surface. Bill Lyons, third generation owner of […]
I Could Live Anywhere: Chef Steve McHugh, Six-Time James Beard Award Finalist and Founder of Cured at Pearl
When I moved from New Orleans to San Antonio more than a decade ago, I didn’t yet know that this city would become home. What began as exploration has grown into a lifelong commitment to place and to the history that lives in its food. I started by studying what people ate before the Spanish […]
Explore the Core: Downtown West District
For decades, San Antonio’s central business district — downtown proper — felt like occupied territory. With nearly 90% of the foot traffic driven by tourists, it was easy to assume the area was off-limits to locals unless they were clocking in. But that’s changing. A new neighborhood energy is emerging in Downtown West, clawing back […]
Explore the Core: The Creamery District
Tucked between the Pearl and Midtown, The Creamery District is one of San Antonio’s newest microdistricts in motion, where bold culinary concepts, rooftop hangouts, and underground lounges meet a slice of history. Anchored around the Tin Top residential and commercial complex, the district sits on the former Borden dairy plant site, reimagined into a walkable […]
Live Music in the Urban Core: San Antonio’s Under-the-Radar Soundscape
San Antonio’s live music scene isn’t tied to one mega entertainment district. Instead, it’s scattered across the urban core, vibrant, distinct, and quietly coming together. What’s emerging is less of a single-night crawl and more of a patchwork of standout venues, each worth its own night out. Whether you’re looking for jazz, house, country, or […]
An Alternative Idea to Project Marvel: Let’s Retrofit the Alamodome and Save Hemisfair
There’s a lot to like about the vision behind Project Marvel. Bringing the Spurs downtown, anchoring a vibrant entertainment district, finally delivering on the promise of walkable urban life…it’s a compelling idea. But here’s the problem: we may not have the political will to make it happen. That’s not a judgment on whether the project […]
Explore the Core: East Grayson Micro-District
Nestled just east of the Pearl Brewery, the East Grayson Micro-district is a vibrant urban neighborhood powered by a blend of neighborhood staples, nuanced drink culture, and creative energy. Whether you’re a family with kids, a cocktail connoisseur, a foodie in search of a fine meal, or someone just looking for a casual local bar, […]
Unleashing Safety – Using Dogs to Deter Crime in San Antonio’s Urban Core
Over the last few weeks, a couple of high-profile shootings have shaken San Antonio’s nightlife scene. One incident happened outside a popular bar in the suburbs. Another took place on North Alamo Street. These weren’t isolated events. They were flashpoints. And they got me thinking about public safety in our city, especially in the urban […]
Beacon Hill Roundabout: A Micro-District on the Rise
San Antonio’s urban core is full of quiet transformations, and the Beacon Hill Roundabout District is one of the most exciting. Centered around the historic roundabout at Blanco and Fulton, this stretch of Beacon Hill has become a micro-district in the truest sense: compact, walkable, and full of personality. It’s a mix of legacy institutions […]
The Pearl: San Antonio’s Culinary Crown Jewel
While many of San Antonio’s urban districts are still finding their identity, The Pearl stands tall as one of the city’s most complete and mature destinations. Situated just north of downtown along the San Antonio River, The Pearl is a shining example of how thoughtful redevelopment can turn a historic space into a vibrant, mixed-use […]