While I temporarily lived in San Antonio for a few months, the only reason I would make a trip to…read morethe Pearl was to stop by Stable Hall for a show. There's so much more that the Pearl has to offer. On the weekend, they run one of the best Farmers Markets in the city, and when that's not going on, it's a fantastic space to exist with places like Bakery Lorraine and Local Coffee for some drinks and pastries, Pullman Market or Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery for some good eats, Lick if you need a little treat, Jazz, TX for JAZZ MUSIC, and of course, Stable Hall for an incredible space with a consistently fantastic lineup. That's just the tip of the iceberg at the Pearl. The former spot for the Pearl Brewery has become one of the best mixed-use spaces in the 210. There is now the recently opened Pearl Putt mini-golf space for a quick recreational activity, Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott, cute locally-owned shops, plenty of green spaces to run around in and relax, a book shop, a wine bar, and so much more. There are plenty of outdoor bars, with some connected to the larger establishments, to grab a drink at and wander. The Pearl District is the new Riverwalk without feeling like a tourist trap. It's such a beautiful area of town and a spot that makes San Antonio remain one of the best major Texas cities (outside of Austin, of course). The Pearl forever. RIYL: The best 25 acres in the 'tone.

One of the best shopping areas in SATX. Has lots of charm to it and great qualities. It's a place…read morefor almost everyone. Here's the break down Shops: 5 stars They offer a wide variety of places to shops. Food, books, clothes, keepsakes, and more. The shops here aren't your typical shops you find at the mall which makes the pearl really attractive to me. Although I believe that they have a rather small collection they frequently have vendor pop ups which is a must to experience! Ambiance: 5 stars I truly adore the outdoor concept of the pearl as it's beautiful done. Including greenery, fountains and outdoor seating. It's all very pretty and well put together. Each store front looks very timeless and elegant. Despite this, it also makes for a harsh visit during the summer and most shops do close before sun set so that's a little bummer but if you pick your day wisely all is perfect!

Like the food nerd that I am, I researched all 32 participating chefs weeks before the event. I…read moreconcentrated on their culinary training, foods they like to eat themselves, & heritage even. This was my Superbowl! I needed to know stats to build a game plan. I made notes and drew out plans of attack. I went over it many times with my eating assistant (aka my husband) and felt confident that we would be able to hit up every station, take great photos, try all the amazing food, & chat with the chefs. November 3rd... Game Day - Meatopia was finally here. I was pumped! We arrived at 11:58am. Easily found parking off Grayson. Crossed the street to the event area and was immediately accosted by the wonderful aromas of grilled and roasted meats....aahhhh...happy dance! Butterflied carcasses, organ meats, musicians, the media, foodies, chefs & assistant chefs galore...water stations, beer stations, food stations... it was a lot to take in at once. I started to take pictures of where we entered - by the big yellow Pearl can. My "assistant" was supposed to trail after me and help take notes, carry my bags etc. Next thing I know, he's in my frame and was heading towards the food like a hypnotized man. He was grabbing lamb chops, quail, ribs, chicken feet and was devouring everything like the Tasmanian Devil. Dude...we had a plan!!! So I spent the next few hours sampling like crazy without having a clue as to what I was eating exactly. My husband would dash off, grab something & dash back to me with several offerings. "Honey, which station did these come from?" I'd ask. "Don't remember," he'd reply in between greedy bites and satisfied sighs. Oy vey! Each portion was very generous. Some beautifully garnished. All tasting pretty darn good! Overall, I don't remember any clunkers. There were some standouts for me such as the lambs chops by HEB, sigsig by Chef Paul Qui, the breast, shoulders, knees, and toes of chicken by Chef Ford Fry, grilled lamb ribs by Chef Ned Elliot, the chicken by Chef Jeff Balfour and the bacon (yes, BACON!) brownie by Chef Laura Sawicki. I shared each plate with my husband. But there was one dish that I had to go back for more of and that was the Trifongo by Chef Nelson Millan. I want that recipe! The event was a home run in terms of food, entertainment, and layout. The lines moved quickly and we never felt squashed. However, the entry points and staff could use some tweaking and extra training. We were eating our way through Meatopia for almost half an hour before we realized we didn't have wristbands like everyone else. Doh...we totally forgot to check-in and no one called us out on it! In addition, we'd ask people in gray Meatopia Tshirts where XYZ was located and many would not know. Great 1st run overall. PLEASE COME BACK TO SAN ANTONIO, MEATOPIA!!!!! I have a game plan! Need to find a better assistant though :\

A carnivore's carnival! A meaty adventure! A protein spectacular!…read more Here's how it works: You buy a ticket, and you never get your wallet out again! It's a block party in Pearl Brewery, so even though there were close to 3,000 people in attendance, it was never shoulder to shoulder and the lines moved swiftly. Parking was, well, parking. They did their best to keep it organized and as uncomplicated as possible. Suffice it to say that the bang for your buck is pretty freaking remarkable at this event. $75 (they were even selling $50 tickets at times) for all you can eat and drink, and these chefs weren't skimping on the portions. My friends and I were wishing we hadn't eaten anything that day in preparation. These aren't measly bite-sized samples, but rather full on appetizer-sized servings per person. Adam Perry Lang's slider, as simple as it sounds, was barbecue comfort food at its finest. Those homemade spicy pickles kicked it up a notch. The lamb neck gyro from The Whole Beast was like melt in your mouth lamb barbacoa. And, of course, our local SA chefs represented our fine city wholeheartedly! Stuffed veal breast from Andrew Weissman, lamb heart anticuchos from The Monterey, Porchetta from Jason Dady, whole hog gumbo from Steve McHugh. Our guys are truly special, and I believe it's because of people like them that Meatopia chose San Antonio as it's Texas location. It's a pretty big honor! What I would change: I know better than most how things work when you have a beer sponsor situation and that when it's free, beggars can't be choosers, but I would have rather paid to drink better beer than Corona or Michelob Ultra. There were so many amazing chefs serving elevated meat dishes that better beer would've just rounded out the entire experience. Again, even if I had to buy it at the bar.

St Mary Street is a mural center in San Antonio. Definitely a must stop place and enjoy the food…read moresurrounding. This greeting is located at French Place and St Mary Street. The sign is popular. Many come to here to get a shot that they have visited San Antonio. Along the St Mary Street, you can find cowboy riding armadillo, Beastie Boy, let fiesta, king portrait, raven, guitar men, and more mural. It is definitely a street to visit. And don't forget to visit the St Mar Street below I-35. The pillars are mural by various artists.

such a great mural if your visiting san Antonio area. i do try to remember and make it a habit…read morethese days where ever i go i try to find a mural of that city and take a picture, this is one of them that i have been able to visit with my kids. this mural is right on the main road with occasional traffic, its kind of a bit hard if you want a straight picture being its not much sidewalk, you would have to somehow go on the street to get a good shot with the family or friends. but i dont recommend you doing that be safe doing so. the area as some really narrow streets with cute little homes and few places to eat and drink and its only few minutes away by car from downtown. if your into art this a good spot to see along with other murals painted around the area.

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." - JFK…read more One of the last things that JFK ever did was visit Alamo Heights. He came to San Antonio with his car the day before he went on to Dallas that fateful day in November '63. The moment was immortalized in this big brass plaque. It's really cool how they engraved the brass with a photograph of the President driving by Cambridge Elementary on Broadway, and all the smiling kids. So the Alamo Heights High School class of 1971 got together and raised some money for this memorial to that moment. They juxtapose the range of emotions for Alamo Heights in those twenty-four hours, from pride, excitement, and hopefulness, to grief the following day. It's a cool idea for a monument! The kids pictured waving at the president are a lot of the class of '71 who paid for the monument, I believe. I'm not really quite sure what's going on with the Legos on sticks in a bucket are, but it's artistic.

People who remember November 22, 1963 can often tell you where they were and what they were doing…read morewhen they heard the news that JFK had been assassinated. The day before, JFK, Jackie, and the Connallys spent an idyllic day in San Antonio, including a drive down Broadway past Cambridge Elementary in Alamo Heights. This monument, dedicated in 2019, captures that moment. Take a moment to pause on the sidewalk and look at the images of children, some of whom felt like the President was smiling and waving just at them in particular.

TOTV is truly a wonderful event that raises funds for a great cause. Although it may not be one of…read morethe largest causes known to the public eye, they raise funds for Amniotic Fluid Embolism Foundation. Thought it was important to keep the first paragraph to expand what this event is all about. Now I'm it's fifth year they brought it back to the Witte Museum this year. It was an amazing event and very well execute! Not only can you enjoy a plethora of wine but they have beer and liquor. Tons of restaurants sampling food and the music on the grounds was great! For $60 you get to enjoy 4 hours of all inclusive fun. You might have missed this year but put it on your radar.

This was an awesome event for a very worthy cause. The event was a fundraiser for Amniotic Fluid…read moreEmbolism Foundation. I enjoyed myself so very much. I loved everything about the evening. The location, Lambermont Castle, provided the perfect setting. The event featured tastings of a very nice variety of Texas Hill wines, tasty craft beers and cocktails, and tasty bits from 17 local restaurants. There was also a band live, casino fun and a silent auction. One vendor was showing off some games you can have brought to your party. I got my butt kicked in bowling but it was so much fun. The event was so well run and organized and for a worthwhile organization. I hope next year the event is in this venue too.

Italian food is my absolute favorite, and I'm not sure why Sorrento Ristorante & Pizzeria in Alamo…read moreHeights had never crossed my radar before. I'm so glad I finally discovered this hidden gem! The food was absolutely amazing, and the wine selection was just as impressive. Without a doubt, some of the best Italian cuisine I've had in San Antonio. The staff was incredibly welcoming, attentive. Very clean inside, I'll definitely be coming back and highly recommend Sorrento's to anyone looking for authentic, delicious Italian food! Caprese Salad - Mozzarella, Tomato, Fresh Basil, Onion, Capers. .. Delicious Rigatoni Alla Sorrento- Italian Sausage, Hot Cherry Peppers, House Pink Sauce soo delicious

They maintain good quality food at reasonable prices consistently…read more The service is very good.

We just finished a convention downtown and then headed to the Pearl District. In the parking…read moregarage, we ran into a group of cooks who recommended going to the Pullman Market. Walk all the way to the back and go to Burger by the Butcher. We had the traditional burger and a bacon burger. Both had great seasoning and were perfectly made, served on a delicious bun. We also enjoyed house-seasoned fries. Overall, it was a great experience with excellent service and a cool, clean environment.

A place like this makes you want to move to the Pearl District. This local market is expansive with…read moreplenty of eats and treats, plus an expansive locally-focused grocery section showing the locations of where most of the food is sourced from. It felt like being in a constant farmer's market. The only downside is, like your Central Markets, Whole Foods, etc., there is a premium price tag you'll have to pay. If you live in the Pearl District, you probably can afford it. I need to swing by here again and grab some food, but for now I'll leave impressed that a store like this can exist in San Antonio, with this being my first time hearing of it. RIYL: Locally-sourced and a consistently fresh shopping experience.

Not crazy about the gluten free pasta and sauce but will return to try their gf pizza…read more Why? Cuz everyone here is so friendly and welcoming! Butter garlic pasta was good Free bread and the lunch deal is best on town. Included a salad and drink!

Pizzas were fantastic Also love the Stromboli…read more Service was prompt and friendly Place was like eating in little Italy Pleasant

Mahncke Community Garden is located in the middle of the 300 block of Funston on an empty lot just…read moreacross from Mahncke Park. This is a private garden for the Mahncke Park neighborhood. The lot actually belongs to the City of San Antonio. Mahncke Community Garden is a non-profit organization who has an agreement with the City to care for it and work it as a community garden which began in the fall of 2016. All are welcome to look around to enjoy the scenery... but look, don't touch. All the garden beds are privately owned by a local neighbors. Stop by one day to sit under the big tree and enjoy the view!

$18/person and no pets allowed! I always carry poop bags and am diligent in picking up any poop.read more

Nice spot for dinner and larger groups too. They have space inside or on the covered patio which is…read morecute w plant decor everywhere. The bread they serve is like pizza crust and it's really good while you wait. We got the pizza carne this time and it was a bit spicy. The size is good to share for two. Their dessert menu is still impressive and you have to try it if you have time.

Not a lot of Italian recommendations in the area, but this one had decent reviews so we decided to…read moretry it. Service started out a little slow, but got a little better throughout the meal. We ordered the bruschetta appetizer and Cacio e Pepe with chicken. They first bring you out a small plate of bread with plain olive oil. The bread is absolutely delicious, but the olive oil has nothing in it so we ordered a side of balsamic vinegar and salt and pepper. The bruschetta was not great. The bread was pretty soft and soggy and the tomato mixture was very bland. The Cacio e Pepe with chicken receives a mixed review. The pasta which is prepared in the dining area is very delicious. I asked them to add chicken for a little protein, but the chicken was very dry and had absolutely no flavor. The only things I can recommend at this restaurant is the little plate of bread they give you in the beginning and the Cacio e pepe pasta. Nothing to rave about here overall.