Fiesta Decorating

Fiesta time in San Antonio means parties, parades, food, fun and Mexican themed decorations. With my background in design I've had to find the best sources for supplies. I thought I'd share some of my favorite shopping spots for all things Fiesta!

Travis Wholesale , located near The Pearl, has paper flowers in all shapes, colors and sizes. In this picture of my foyer I've used the flowers around the base of a large red vase. I've also added white and green branches (Styrofoam secures branches) to hang Mexican ornaments.  Travis Wholesale will also have the wide net ribbon, and wreath base for your fiesta wreath , which I sprayed bright blue. Start with your focal point then layer trays with candles and flowers, something fresh like a Bromeliad from Loews and paper garlands.

Tin ornaments and Girl bought at Fiesta on Main

Candles bought at HEB

Fiesta on Main now called Alamo Fiesta, is the number one hot spot for everything Fiesta. They have Guayuberas for men, dresses, sashes for medals and everything you'll need to decorate. I buy the small sombreros, and small ornaments there as well as the paper animals, garlands and Fiesta flags.  This is their busy time of year so allow enough time for parking and shopping. Oh by the way....The BEST pinatas ever!   As mentioned earlier, I've sprayed my wooded wreath bright blue, added loops of mesh ribbon (not bows) and started hot gluing flowers, hats and ornaments until it was full. Use hot glue and lots of it! 

 
                        Other hot spots for Fiesta...

Lilys Cookies is my absolute favorite for iced cookies in the shapes of Fiesta. They are edible masterpieces. Order early!

Nativa for gorgeous Mexican dresses and accessories. Their pieces are authentic and a little more in price but absolutely worth it. Each piece has a story of origin and are unique.

Hope this help in narrowing your search for Fiesta decorations. Have fun and Happy Fiesta!

Mandy Barkley with River Valley Real Estate

All Hallows' Eve in San Antonio...Join us if you dare!

I always start to get excited when the first cool front blows in, when the sights of orange pumpkins line the grocery store fronts and Friday nights are full of football and cheers! For me, it means Halloween is right around the corner and the excitement begins. Everyone celebrates in different ways, some curl up with friends and watch scary movies, others love hayrides and corn fields and for some its all about the costumes and traditions.

How lucky are we to live in a big city were there are endless creepy, cringe worthy fun Halloween activities. I've combed through what San Antonio has to offer this Halloween season and selected a hand full of what I believe to be the best!

 River Walk Halloween Fest,  October 31st 7:00 pm-11:00 pm

    This is a free party along the river with a 1,000 cash prize costume contest, live music by The Lucas Jack Band and the creepiest attraction ever, a river coffin parade. That’s right, ornately decorated creepy coffins start floating down the San Antonio river starting at at 9:00 pm so get there early and be prepared to be spooked!! Click here for more information on the River Walk Halloween Fest

 BEWARE, this one is scary!! 13th Floor Haunted House 

    Voted one Texas best haunted hotels this can frighten even the best adventure seekers. Set in a 105 year old historic hotel and levels and levels of scare floors this haunting draws huge crowds every year. Buy your tickets early to avoid waiting in line. General admission is $24.99, Fast Pass $34.99 cuts your wait time in half and the best option is the Immediate access for $44.99 which gets you to the front of the line. Have fun!

Click here for information on the 13th Floor

Ghost Tours by Sisters Grimm, Inside The Menger, 204 Alamo Plaza.  October 24,25,31 and Nov. 1 

    This tour is chalk full of tales of San Antonio's past. This is NOT a blood and gore tour but more of a ghostly gathering and historical tale of centuries past. Take your experience  a step further and attend The Menger Hotel dinner and "Nightly Ghost Walk" tour. For $60.00 you’ll have a three course candlelight dinner and ghost walk, apparitions not included!. On a normal day The Menger can cause those feeling of jitter bugs but I can’t imagine what a fun night this would be. Limited dates and times so book NOW! Online reviews of Sisters Grimm Ghost Tours were excellent. Click here for more information on Sisters Grimm Tours

 Zoo Boo!! San Antonio Zoo, October 30th and Friday the 31st from 6-9 pm

  Geared towards the younger crowd but not short of all the things that make a great Halloween experience, including the howls and growls of the zoo animals. Entertainment, games (.50 each),  costume contest and lots of candy for trick or treating. $8.00 gets you in and don’t forget to bring your own bag! Click here for more on the Zoo Boo

 McNay Art Museum, Thursday Oct. 30th  5:30-10:00 pm

    Food trucks, trick or treating on museum grounds and the most exciting part of this experience is the outdoor screening of a 1954 classic, The Creature from the Black Lagoon! This screams FUN! Website didn't mention a price other than the over 21 after party for $15.00 which includes tarot card readings, photo booth and free beer. Click here for more information on the McNay Art Museum

 
South Texas Maize, Hondo, Texas. Now thru the 31st.

   I’m not missing this one! 7 acre corn maize, jumping pillows, corn slides, hayrides (personal favorite) and to complete your visit stay and have a weenie roast and s’more campfire on one of their 20 campsites. They even sell the Weenie Roast packags for a very low cost of $8 each! Bring your friends and family and enjoy a night under the stars singing songs and telling ghost stories! http://southtexasmaize.com/

You can’t talk about Halloween in San Antonio without talking about Dia De Los Muertos.The altars, the orange flowers, the Calaveras and the offerings to those loved ones that have gone. My first experience in seeing the altars was truly emotional. Rich in Mexican culture, San Antonio has Muertas celebrations all over the city and if you haven't seen a parade or altar or the festivities that go into this rich tradition then you haven't experienced what I think is one of Mexico's most treasured celebrations.


Get out there, experience some Halloween fun and start making your own traditions!

Written By Mandy Barkley

Stone Oak Park

Are you an active individual or family who is new to the Stone Oak area? Fortunately for you Stone Oak has an amazing public park that is accommodating to any member of the family. The park is located near Canyon Ridge Elementary off 281 on Stone Oak Parkway. 

The park features hiking trails, covered picnic areas, an open air amphitheater, playscape and complimentary doggie bags. There's also informational workout stations with built in equipmet. Don't forget to check out the bear cave too. Be aware that there is a north and a south entrance located on each side of Stone Oak Parkway.

The north entrance features a 1 mile trail where you can enjoy some of the south Texas wildlife in the middle of stone oak. As you begin the north trail you will pass by the bear cave and walk into a great open area full of deer, cotton tail rabbits and amazing flowers. 

The South entrance features the playscape, amphitheater and then goes into a 1.2 mile trail. This trail is a lot more developed than the North side of the park and is adjacent to some of the homes in the Villages of Stone Oak. You will also get to travel through an underpass that was built at the end of the trail under Evans Rd that just makes this experience unique.

You will be able to enjoy a variety of plants and wildlife as you walk through the trails as well as get to meet and great local residents and their pets.  The park hours are from 7am to sunset and it is open seven days a week. It is a great park for the whole family to enjoy and take in the nature around! 

San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo

When starting to write this blog I must tell you that it was overwhelming in that there is so much going on during the San Antonio rodeo it would be impossible to list everything along with the dates and times. I've decided to highlight a few favorites in hopes that if you were on the fence as whether to go or not that I can help convince you that The San Antonio Rodeo is one of the BEST in the U.S. I can promise you will get your money's worth and you will experience a high class Texas rodeo.

Let's start with the entertainers because the line up this year is star studded! All concerts are held at the AT&T center , performers are paraded out to the center stage and where ever your seat is you feel every bit of something intimate! There's not a bad seat in the house and with ticket sales ranging  from $12-$75.00 per ticket it makes it affordable for the whole family! Remember that a Rodeo ticket includes the two hours of rodeo attractions like bull riding, steer wrestling, Xtreme bulls and calf roping followed with the concert! http://www.sarodeo.com/explore/att-center-seating-chart

This years performers are laden with country artists (it is a Rodeo!) and we are getting some of the best of country, Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, Rascal Flatt's and Josh Turner to name a few. Other artist include Nickelodeons very own "Big Time Rush" for the younger crowds, the 70's classic band Heart, the dynamic entertainer Pitbull for lovers of pop and the Grammy award winning Latin group Grupo Pesado. Please check out http://www.sarodeo.com/entertainers

Now on to the attractions. There are interactive exhibits with animals, milking demonstration with cows, hatching chicks, a petting zoo, pony rides. Don't forget the "Swift Swine Sprints" where pigs compete in a piggy race which is supposedly a "pig drawal"...no pun intended! To see these attractions all you need to purchase is a grounds admission ticket which includes the carnival, shopping, and all grounds attractions. The cost for a grounds admission is $10 Adults and $5.00 Children, again well worth it. When and where else would you see baby chicks being born? http://www.sarodeo.com/attractions

The Carnival is another draw and this one is BIG! There are fun game booths, rides like the Cliff Hanger, Fireball and Spaceloop, basically everything you'd expect a carnival to have. Pricing starts with individual ride tickets, wrist band options and the "Mega Pass" plus which gives you carte blanche for rides and attractions all day! There are food booths galore with lots of typical carni food options, like my personal favorite the funnel cake!

The Live Stock Show and Rodeo exhibits include cattle, chickens and turkeys, goats, pigs and sheep. The entire show schedule can be seen on the rodeo site I've listed below. So much time and effort go into the caring and grooming of these live stock, it's fun to see them as they strut their stuff! http://www.sarodeo.com/livestock-show

For the Rodeo and Entertainment you'll need to buy your reserved seat online. All ticket prices include grounds admission (livestock etc..) rodeo attraction for that date and entertainment for that date. Prices are very affordable and money well spent!

The downtown parade on Feb1st is centered around our western heritage and the earlier cattle drives. The cowgirls luncheon and Rodeo ball are special events that raise money for scholarship programs. Check out the times and dates at http://www.sarodeo.com/attractions/category/special-events/

Rodeo starts February 6th and runs through the 23rd! Visit http://www.sarodeo.com/ for more info and we here at River Valley Real Estate hope you and your family have a great boot scootin' time!

Christmas Time in San Antonio

It’s December in San Antonio and there are no shortages of family fun events to get even the grouchiest into the Christmas spirit. I couldn't possibly list everything so I’m only listing a few events that stand out to me. Happy Holidays from River Valley Real Estate!

RIVER WALK

Courtesy of Allen Brewer via Flickr

River Walk Ford Holiday Boat Caroling Nights. Starting December 4th through December 22nd every night from 6:30-9:30pm. Caroling groups from more than 185 schools, churches and civic organizations sing Christmas favorites while riding on decorated barges cruising up and down the river. Click here for more info on the Ford Boat Caroling

Also, along the River Walk enjoy The Fiesta de Las Luminarias, when 6,000 luminaries line the sidewalks symbolically marking the “lighting of the way” for the holy family. This is only the first three weekends in December (Fri., Sat. and Sun only)  starting at 6:30 until 10:00 pm. Click here for more info on luminarias

 

December 12th, Las Posadas "the inns" on the River walk starts at La Mansion Del Rio Hotel at 6:00pm. From what I have heard this is an incredible reenactment of Mary and Josephs journey to find shelter. Starting at the La Mansion Del Rio Hotel with a candle procession and then the journey begins and winds down along the river to the Ameson River Theater, after which there is a piñata party and other festivities. Click here for more on the Las Posadas

PEARL BREWERY

By Marrovi  GFDL via Wikimedia Commons

The Annual Tamales! 40 different vendors sell  tamales while enjoying live music, arts and crafts. This start this Saturday the 7th 12:00-6:00 pm. Also, look for Santa on his very own decorated barge where you can tell him your wish list and get a picture!  More on Pearl Brewery events

THE LIGHT ENTHUSIAST

Santa’s Ranch. Pricey at $28.00 per car but with one million lights and over 100 displays it couldn't dissappoint! Located on Interstate 35 I mile south of San Marcos. http://www.santasranch.net/

Windcrest neighborhood nicknamed “City of Lights” during Christmas because entire blocks of homes decorate with elaborate lights. Opening Ceremony is December 14^th starting at 5:00. Enjoy a picture with Santa, hot chocolate, holiday outdoor movies and much much more! Don’t forget to get your neighborhood map which tells you which houses won in the different lighting categories. Free to public! Windcrest information

The University of the Incarnate Word, Light the Way is spectacular. Every tree surrounding this beautiful campus is lit creating a spectacular light show!

SAN ANTONIO MISSIONS

December 21st, The Mission San Jose presents Los Pastores. This Hispanic folk play depicts the shepherd’s journey to worship the Christ child. Free to public and begins at 7:00 pm

CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT

The Majestic Theater has performances the entire month, it's best to visit their site but here I’ll mentions a few. For more info on times and dates click here!

 

The all-time classic "Nutcracker",  December 23rd and 30th

Holiday Pops Symphony, Dec 20th and  21st

Dr Seuss’ “How the Grinch stole Christmas” the musical, Dec 26-29th.

Courtesy of Gabriel Saldana via Flickr

Staycation in San Antonio

I remember the day I stepped off the plane in San Antonio. It was a dreary, damp day in November but my first impression of San Antonio, was far from morose.  It was far enough into the Holiday season to invoke a feeling of cheerfulness as we ventured down to the San Antonio River Walk and all its luminous glory. I was awe struck at all the lights and joyful celebrants partaking in the entertainment, shopping and eateries. It reminded me of my childhood visit to Disney World – almost magical.

My visit was supposed to be a short one, followed by a return to my hometown and a possible return at a much later date. Needless to say, my visit turned into an almost immediate return with no departure date in sight.  Let’s just say, I have been here almost 20 years and have no plans of leaving. I have raised three sons here and hope to see my grandchildren grow up here as well.

I decided over that very weekend that San Antonio had everything I desired for my family. It was rich with diversity, history, quality schools, and an economy that was constant and steady. It was a large city with a small town feel.  It boasted of a place you could vacation without going farther than 20 minutes from your own doorstep. This part was most appealing.

While I could never convince all of my family to take up roots and move here, some have come and stayed and love it as much as I do, but most just love to visit because of all it has to offer families to enjoy in a safe environment.

Growing up, when I imagined vacationing, I would imagine myself in Disney World, on Broadway in New York City, laying on a beach in Hawaii or the Bahamas or skiing in Colorado. Of course, I have done most of these, but some of my fondest memories with my own children have been “staycationiong” right here in our lovely city.  

Think about it, we have an innumerable venues to enjoy throughout the year and a multitude of seasonal festivities to explore. I would also like to mention, we have no shortage of sports teams to keep our adrenaline flowing. So if you are sitting around the house with nothing to do, or so you think; take a look at a few of the things our little city has to offer families that just don’t like to travel, but love to have fun and make memories:

Family Theme and Water Parks

v  Seaworld and Aquatica Water Park

v  Six Flags Fiesta Texas

v  Schlitterbahn

v  Splashtown

v  Morgan’s Wonderland

Resort and SPAs

v  JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and SPA

v  Hyatt Hill Country Resort and SPA

v  Westin La Cantera Resort and SPA

Sports Team

v  San Antonio Spurs Basketball

v  San Antonio Silver Stars Women’s Basketball

v  San Antonio Missions Baseball

v  San Antonio Rampage Hockey

v  San Antonio Scorpions Soccer Team

v  San Antonio Talons Arena Football 

Tours

v  San Antonio Grand Tours

v  King William Carriage Tours

v  San Fernando Carriage Tour

v  San Antonio Wine Tour

v  Alamo Trolley Tours

v  San Antonio Hill Country Tours

v  Rio San Antonio Riverwalk and Cruises

v  Alamo Reflections Tour

v  Battlefield Tour of the Alamo

v  Downtown San Antonio Segway Tour

v  San Antonio City Lights Ghost Tour

v  San Antonio and Alamo Helicopter Tours

v  San Antonio 60 minute Trolley Tour

v  Travis Park Carriage Tour

Art and Museums

v  Institute of Texan Cultures

v  Mcnay Art Museum

v  San Antonio Children’s Museum

v  San Antonio Museum of Art

v  Steve’s Homestead Museum in King William

v  Witte Museum

v  Buckhorn Museum and Texas Ranger Museum

v  La Villita Historic Arts Village

Miscellaneous

v  Natural Bridge Caverns and Wildlife Ranch

v  Enchanted Springs Ranch

v  Old West Chuck Wagon Ride and Show

v  Ripley’s Believe it or Not Haunted Adventure

v  Embassy Miniature Golf

v  Ice and Golf Center Northwoods

v  K1Speed Raceway

v  Botanical Gardens

v  San Antonio Zoo

v  Animal World and Texas Snake Farm

Go ENJOY!!

 By: Laurie A. Holiday

Sources: VacationsMadeEasy.com; TripAdvisor.com; VisitSanAntonio.com;