A Guide to Living in San Antonio (Nov. 14th - Nov. 20th)
Hey y'all,
Cory here.
Welcome to your Thursday Guide to Living in San Antonio.
Here's this week's list of timeless and timely recommendations to help you get better connected to our city.
Enjoy!
⭐️ Featured Recommendations of the Week:
⛪️ San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Explore centuries-old Texas history by visiting the San Antonio Missions, Texas’ only UNESCO World Heritage site, encompassing Mission Concepción, Mission San José, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada. These missions were designated a World Heritage site in 2015, an honor meant to preserve their cultural and historical value and attract visitors worldwide. However, the missions have seen a decline in visitation recently, partly due to record-breaking summer heat and post-pandemic shifts in travel trends.
By visiting, you’re not only enjoying a beautiful piece of Texas heritage but also supporting the local economy.
The missions connect us to the area’s past, from Indigenous and Spanish colonial influences to today’s vibrant San Antonio culture. As the weather cools down in November, it’s an ideal time to experience these architectural and cultural treasures.
🚲 Pro Tip: I highly recommend renting one of San Antonio’s B-Cycles at the Mission Concepción stop along the Mission Reach trail! It’s a fun, scenic way to explore the area. Check out the B-Cycle Map.
Learn More: San Antonio Missions
📅 This Week’s Events:
🎉 The Big Brack Bash! 125th Park-Wide Community Celebration
Join the Brackenridge Park Conservancy as it celebrates the 125th anniversary of one of San Antonio’s most beloved green spaces, Brackenridge Park. This family-friendly event will be packed with activities that honor the park’s history and natural beauty.
Enjoy live music from local legend Santiago Jimenez Jr., explore a vintage car show, and relive some of the park’s cherished traditions, including rides through the low-water crossing and donkey visits. With food trucks and more fun surprises planned, it’s a fantastic way to spend an afternoon outdoors and appreciate the park’s legacy.
📅 When: Saturday, 12-5 p.m.
📍 Where: East side of the river by Lambert Beach baseball field
🌐 More Info: Brackenridge Park Conservancy
🎶 San Antonio Philharmonic Performs Beethoven’s Ninth
Experience a timeless masterpiece as the San Antonio Philharmonic, accompanied by the San Antonio Mastersingers, brings Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony to life at the historic Majestic Theatre. This performance celebrates the 200th anniversary of Beethoven’s final symphony, known for its powerful “Ode to Joy” finale that has captivated audiences for generations.
Conducted by Music Director Jeffrey Kahane, this monumental piece is more than just a concert—it’s an immersive journey through one of classical music’s most celebrated works. Whether you’re a seasoned classical fan or a first-time attendee, this performance is a remarkable cultural moment in San Antonio.
📅 When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m. & Sunday, 2 p.m.
📍 Where: Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St.
💵 Tickets: $25 - $110
🌐 More Info: Majestic Theatre
🍽️ (Re)Discover Something New:
Bliss Restaurant’s Weekday Tasting Menu
If you’re looking for a refined yet relaxed dining experience in San Antonio’s Southtown, Bliss is a standout choice. Known for their creative, seasonal menu and a cozy patio that’s perfect for these cooler nights, Bliss has introduced a Weekday Tasting Menu that lets you enjoy their culinary artistry without the usual splurge.
Available Tuesday through Thursday, this tasting menu is $55 per person, featuring your choice of an appetizer, entrée, and dessert. It’s an accessible way to experience one of San Antonio’s celebrated restaurants, where thoughtful flavors and attention to detail shine. It's a local favorite for a reason!
🕒 Tues-Thurs: 5:30pm-10pm, Fri-Sat: 5:30pm-11pm
📖 One Read: San Antonio Is Booming. Why Is It Still So Poor?
READ MORE AT TEXASMONTHLY.COM🛞 Did You Know? Texas Joins the Michelin Guide
On Monday, November 11, Michelin held its inaugural Texas ceremony at Houston’s 713 Music Hall to unveil the first-ever Michelin Guide selections for the Lone Star State.
San Antonio had a strong showing, with local favorites like Mixtli receiving a Michelin Star, while other notable eateries, such as Cullum’s Attaboy and The Jerk Shack, earned Bib Gourmand recognitions for offering excellent dining experiences at a great value
Here’s a comprehensive list of San Antonio’s Michelin Guide honorees from the recent ceremony. If you haven’t visited these local gems yet, consider adding them to your list!
🌟 Michelin Star
• Mixtli: Known for its progressive Mexican cuisine, Mixtli offers an intimate, tasting menu experience inspired by regional Mexican flavors.
🍴 Bib Gourmand (Great Food at a Great Value)
• Cullum’s Attaboy: This spot celebrates San Antonio’s past with inventive, hearty dishes in a welcoming, rustic space.
• The Jerk Shack: Famous for its authentic Jamaican flavors, this West Side favorite brings bold spice and flair.
• Ladino: A modern Mediterranean-inspired eatery with flavors that highlight both local ingredients and traditional cooking techniques.
• Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery: Known for Southern-style comfort food and house-brewed beers in the historic Pearl District.
✨ Recommended by Michelin Guide
• 2M Smokehouse: A popular BBQ joint known for its smoked meats and homemade sides.
• Barbecue Station: This family-owned barbecue spot has been serving up classic Texas BBQ for decades.
• Garcia’s Mexican Food: A staple for classic, homestyle Mexican dishes.
• Leche de Tigre: A Peruvian-inspired restaurant known for its fresh ceviche and vibrant flavors.
• Little Em’s Oyster Bar: A charming spot in Southtown specializing in fresh oysters and coastal dishes.
• Nicosi: A contemporary restaurant with a thoughtful approach to seasonal, ingredient-driven dishes.
• Signature Restaurant: Located in La Cantera Resort, Signature offers a refined take on Texas-inspired cuisine by Chef Andrew Weissman.
🌱Texas Nature Journal: White Mistflower
Meet White Mistflower, a hardy Texas native that’s perfect for low-maintenance landscapes. Thriving in poor soils and Texas heat, this late-summer bloomer adds soft, fragrant beauty to your garden while supporting pollinators like butterflies and bees during fall migration.
Adaptable to both sun and partial shade, White Mistflower can handle dry spells and requires little water once established. Its stunning white blooms and rich fragrance make it a pollinator magnet, bringing life to your garden when most other plants have finished their season.
This plant is simple to maintain: just give it a trim in early spring, and you’re set! For those wanting more, White Mistflower is easy to propagate from cuttings, making it a versatile addition to any landscape.
Check out my full video for in-depth tips and inspiration:
🔥 Rapid Fire Recs:
🎨 Second Thursday at the McNay – The McNay’s Second Thursday series offers free admission, live music, food, drinks, and art under the stars. Bring a lawn chair, blanket, and even your leashed pup for a relaxing evening at one of San Antonio’s favorite art spots. Too late of notice? Mark your calendar for next month! Every Second Thursday of each month, 4-9 p.m (Nov. 14th).
🎶 Lonesome Rose Anniversary Celebration –Celebrate six years of the “oldest honky tonk in San Antonio” at Lonesome Rose! Enjoy a weekend filled with live music, local bands like Elnuh, and that quintessential Texas honky-tonk vibe. It’s the perfect spot for a night of dancing, cold drinks, and celebrating a true San Antonio institution. Nov 14th - Nov 17th.
🚂 The DoSeum Express – Tiny Trains and Trolleys – Celebrate the holiday season with The DoSeum’s whimsical miniature train exhibit! “Tiny Trains and Trolleys” brings intricate landscapes to life with scenes crafted by local artists, perfect for families and train lovers alike. It’s a magical way to kick off the festivities and enjoy some indoor fun. Opens Saturday, through Jan. 6
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
