A Guide to Living in San Antonio (Jan. 2nd - Jan 8th)
Hey yall,
Cory here.
Happy New Year! I hope your 2025 is already off to a bright start. As we settle into the rhythm of the new year, it’s the perfect time to dive into fresh adventures and experiences here in San Antonio.
In this week’s newsletter, you’ll find a curated list of events and recommendations to help you ease out of the holiday shuffle and into the exciting possibilities of the new year. Whether you’re looking to try something new, reconnect with local gems, or just get out and about, there’s plenty to explore this week in the Alamo City.
Let’s make 2025 one for the books—starting right here in San Antonio.
Have a fantastic first week of the year!
⭐ Featured Recommendations of the Week: A Morning at Hemisfair
With beautiful weather on tap for Saturday and Sunday before next week’s potential freeze, it’s the perfect time to enjoy a morning at Hemisfair—a spot that has something for everyone. Here’s the game plan:
☕ Start with Breakfast at CommonWealth Coffeehouse
My family swears by their breakfast tacos, and if we’re feeling indulgent, we go for the Nutella crepe. Pair it with a latte and you’re off to a great start.
🍳 Brunch Alternative: Box St. All Day
If you’re in the mood for a more robust brunch, head over to Box St. All Day for creative dishes that are perfect for a weekend treat.
🌳 Walk Through Yanaguana Garden
If you’ve got kids, let them burn some energy on the playful structures, splash pads, and wide-open green spaces. No kids? Yanaguana is still a fantastic spot for a relaxing walk, complete with public art and Hemisfair’s buzzing energy.
📍 Tip: If you’re driving into Hemisfair, there’s no football game at the Alamodome this weekend, so you can park here for easy access: Parking Location.
📅 This Week’s Events:
🍷 Grand Opening: Copper Rose Wine
When: Friday, January 3rd, 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Where: 1810 Blanco Rd, San Antonio, TX
Celebrate the grand opening of Copper Rose Wine, the latest addition to Beacon Hill’s vibrant community, brought to life by my friends Elizabeth and Victor! Doors open at 4:00 PM with live music by Um Novo Sol and eats from Buddy's Big Trouble kicking off at 6:00 PM.
Stop by for a glass or a bottle, and tell them Cory sent you!
Can’t make it Friday? Stop by Saturday for complimentary wine tastings with Beaferdrinks at 2:00 PM. Whether you’re looking for a glass or a bottle, Copper Rose is ready to serve the neighborhood. Don’t forget to tell them Cory sent you!
🎤 Selena Vive: The Music of Selena
When: Friday, January 3 - Sunday, January 5, 2025
Where: Majestic Theatre
Cost: Starting at $15 (tickets available online here)
Celebrate the life and legacy of the iconic Selena Quintanilla with the powerful vocals of Tejano Music Award winner Isabel Marie Sanchez, accompanied by the San Antonio Philharmonic. This tribute performance will feature Selena’s timeless hits, offering a memorable experience for fans of all ages.
Showtimes:
• Friday, January 3, 2025 – 8:00 PM
• Saturday, January 4, 2025 – 8:00 PM
• Sunday, January 5, 2025 – 2:00 PM
🎶 Can't Make the Show? – Relive Selena’s magic this weekend by enjoying the official Selena playlist on Spotify: Listen Here.
🍗 (Re)Discover Something New: Greater SA BBQ Gems
The greater San Antonio area is home to some incredible barbecue destinations that deserve a spot on your must-try list. According to Texas Monthly, these nearby gems are worth the drive:
• Blu Lacy Smokehouse (Castroville): Just outside the city, this sister restaurant to 2M Smokehouse offers expertly crafted smoked beef sausage.
• Schulze’s Pit Room (Seguin): Known for its smoked half chicken, crisped to perfection over direct heat, this spot in Seguin is a meat-lover’s dream.
Whether you’re planning a foodie road trip or simply looking for your next great barbecue bite, these locations showcase the best of Texas tradition with local flair.
📖 One Read: Gardopia Gardens’ Bold Vision for an East Side Agrihood
Discover how Gardopia Gardens, a nonprofit transforming San Antonio’s East Side, is reshaping the city’s urban landscape. From its roots as a small urban farm to its ambitious $2 million plan for an “agrihood,” Gardopia is tackling food insecurity and housing inequality head-on. The new headquarters will feature affordable housing for low-income and justice-involved residents, a juice and smoothie bar to provide healthy options, and expanded farming facilities. Stay tuned for our upcoming interview with Gardopia’s founder, Stephen Lucke, on Ensemble Texas.
READ MORE HERE AT THE SAN ANTONIO REPORT🧠 Did You Know? bigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard
Here’s a fun update: I’ve officially joined the bigcitysmalltown podcast as its Producer. Hosted by Bob Rivard, this show dives deep into the people and stories that make San Antonio thrive—offering insights into the city’s culture, history, and exciting future.
As we move into 2025, bigcitysmalltown and Ensemble Texas will share even more overlap in San Antonio-focused storytelling. Expect fresh perspectives on San Antonio’s resilience, creativity, and growth as we work to bring these stories to life across both platforms.
🎙️ Listen Now: Curious about cycling’s impact on San Antonio’s community and infrastructure? Check out Bob’s recent conversation with Jeffrey Moore, founder of the SATX Social Ride, and Mitchell Keogh, a local cycling advocate. Together, they explore how urban rides, apps like Strava, and a growing cycling culture are transforming the city.
🌾 Texas Nature Journal: Mission San Juan’s Cabbage Harvest
San Antonio’s Mission San Juan farm is a testament to the power of sustainability, community, and history. Managed by the San Antonio Food Bank, this farm isn’t just about producing food—it’s about preserving San Antonio’s agricultural heritage while meeting modern-day needs. And this January, there’s a chance to be a part of its story.
On Thursday, January 25th, the Food Bank is calling for 90 volunteers to help harvest a massive cabbage crop. This is no small feat, and it’s an incredible opportunity to get your hands in the soil, contribute to food security in the region, and see the behind-the-scenes magic of sustainable farming at one of the city’s most historic sites.
The Mission San Juan farm plays a critical role in providing fresh produce for the Food Bank’s programs. Its connection to the mission system’s legacy of agriculture and community sustenance is a living bridge between past and present.
📽️ Check out Mitch Hagney’s video—he’s the Food Bank’s Director of Food Sustainability and a passionate advocate for this work: Watch Here.
👩🌾 Sign up to volunteer: Volunteer at Mission San Juan.
🌟 A Note to Watch For: Later this month, I’ll feature Mitch and the Mission San Juan farm on Ensemble Texas. It’s a story you won’t want to miss, highlighting the vital connection between our city’s food systems and its cultural resilience.
🔥 Rapid Fire Recs:
🎨 Greater Than 40 at Blue Star Arts Complex – Celebrate women’s art after the age of 40 at this group exhibition curated by Vikky Jones & Ann Enzminger. Happening Thursday, January 2nd (tonight!), from 6–11 PM in Space 136, this showcase highlights the creativity of talented women artists. Learn More
🥀 Peculiar Botany – Discover the quirky charm of Peculiar Botany, a San Antonio-based artist specializing in botanical oddities and curiosities for your home. From preserved Luna Moth cocoons to stunning taxidermy art, they offer one-of-a-kind pieces perfect for those with a love of the peculiar. Explore their creations on Instagram or shop directly through their Etsy store.
🌿Hoy Gardens – If landscaping is part of your New Year’s resolutions, consider reaching out to my friend Luke Hoy, founder of Hoy Gardens. Specializing in artful, personalized residential and commercial designs, Hoy Gardens blends beauty with native plants to create sustainable, eco-friendly landscapes. Explore their work or get in touch: Hoy Gardens Website
If you check out any of these spots or events, reply to this email and let me know what you think—I’d love to hear about your experience.
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Until next time,
-Cory
