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Celebrating 100 years of Texas parks 🏕️

How we’re celebrating 100 years of Texas State Parks
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Government Canyon is the only state park in Bexar County. | Photo by @adventures_withchristina
This year marks 100 years of Texas State Parks, and we want to celebrate.

Our state is full of natural beauty, and in our entirely unbiased opinion, South Texas may be the most beautiful region of all.

As nature lovers, we want to commemorate the centennial of the agency that maintains these natural resources for our enjoyment. That’s why, over the course of 2023, we’ll be visiting and writing about all nine state parks in Bexar and surrounding counties. That includes:
Before we hit the trails, let’s learn a bit more about what we’re celebrating.
  • Texas’ State Parks program was created in 1923, but it was initially conceptualized as a collection of roadside attractions for travelers. It wasn’t until Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal that the program expanded, resulting in more than 50 parks.
  • Today, Texas State Parks encompass more than 630,000 acres across 89 parks.
  • The state acknowledges that much of its parkland is located on the lands of indigenous peoples. Learn more about Native American history in Texas.
  • The only state park in Bexar County is Government Canyon State Natural Area, where you can see the only known dinosaur footprints on public land in the area.
Join in on the fun locally with San Antonio-area events throughout the year, or check out how you can prepare for your next road trip.

Or, join us on our journey. Share your state park experiences with us at hello@satxtoday.com or by tagging us on Instagram @satxtoday.
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Wednesday, Feb. 8
  • Rock Painting for Seniors | Wednesday, Feb. 8 | 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Thousand Oaks Library, 4618 Thousand Oaks Dr., San Antonio | Free | Start your very own rock garden with WellMed staff on-site to answer any questions.
  • Charcuterie Class by Tim The Girl Catering | Wednesday, Feb. 8 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Ivy Hall Events, 1127 S. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio | $45 | Enjoy wine while making a charcuterie board that you’ll be able to take home at the end of the night.
Thursday, Feb. 9
  • Chuck Wagon Breakfast | Thursday, Feb. 9 | 7:30-9:30 a.m. | Schertz Financial Center, 16895 I-35 N., Schertz | Free | The wagon will be serving scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits, peach cobbler, and coffee.
  • The Classic Theatre presents “Fences” | Thursday, Feb. 9-Sunday, Feb. 26 | Times vary | Carver Community Cultural Center, 226 N. Hackberry St., San Antonio | $23-$38 | This drama was revived in 2010 starring Denzel Washington and made into a major motion picture in 2016.
Friday, Feb. 10
  • Ekphrastic Poetry and Creative Writing | Friday, Feb. 10 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Contemporary at Blue Star, 116 Blue Star, San Antonio | Free | High school students will create original works of visual art and write poems at this workshop.
  • Jazz On The Water | Friday, Feb. 10 | 7-8:30 p.m. | UTSA Downtown Campus - Buena Vista Theater, 501 W. CĂ©sar Chávez Blvd., San Antonio | Free | Head downtown for some easy listening with this smooth jazz series.
Saturday, Feb. 11
  • Flamin’ Hot Valentine Market | Saturday, Feb. 11 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | 110 W. Olmos Dr., San Antonio | Price of purchase | Callin all hotties — Find art, treats, hot cheetos + complimentary Topo to fuel you.
Sunday, Feb. 12
  • Galentine’s Day Celebration | Sunday, Feb. 12 | 12-4 p.m. | La Villita Historic Arts Village, 210 S. Presa St., San Antonio | Free | Bring the gals and enjoy massages, facials, champagne, artsy love letters, and more.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

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Weather
  • 65Âş | Scattered showers | 80% chance of rain
Ranked
  • No. 1 in the world. That’s what YouTuber Mike Majlak ranked Last Place Burgers in a recent video. “This is the best burger I’ve ever had in my entire [expletive] life,” said the internet star, rating the burger 9.7/10. See where else Mike visited in the 210. 🍔 (San Antonio Express-News)
Coming Soon
  • The much-anticipated Southtown cebicherĂ­a Leche de Tigre will open its doors on Friday, Feb. 24. The eatery specializes in pisco and cebiche, a regional brandy and Peruvian staple. The new spot is located at 318 E. Cevallos St. next to Southtown Flats. 🍽️ (San Antonio Current)
Open
  • There’s a new brewery in town, and we’re wheelie excited. Breakaway Brewing Co. opened its doors last Friday. The cycling-themed Government Hill spot is serving up craft beer and a small menu of gastropub-inspired bites. 🍺
Trending
  • Speaking of things to drink... San Antonian’s are thirsting over a new post by Mayor Ron sporting a cowboy hat at last week’s Western Heritage Parade and Cattle Drive. User @samsmitth_ asks “Why is our mayor so sexy?” Fair question, Sam. You can see the rest of the comments for yourself. đź’¬ (MySA)
Job
  • H-E-B will host an in-person career fair with on-the-spot interviews for manufacturing and warehouse positions today from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will take place at 5600 Business Park in the Northeast side. More information can be found online. đź’Ľ
  • The City of San Antonio is inviting the community to learn about summer job opportunities at the Parks and Recreation Summer Job Fair on Saturday, Feb. 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those interested in a variety of temporary positions can head to the Gilbert Garza Community Center. đź©ł
San Antonian
  • Happy birthday, SATXtoday member Angela M. We hope your special day is filled with all of your favorite things in San Antonio! Did you know when you become a SATXtoday member, you’ll get a birthday shoutout, too? Join today. 🎉
Wellness
  • Not feeling like yourself lately? Talkspace makes getting help easy and convenient. With live chat, video, and audio sessions, starting at $69/week, it’s affordable for everyone to fit therapy into their lifestyle, with or without insurance. Start feeling better today with Talkspace.*
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$55 million downtown hotel coming in 2024

New downtown hotel set for old CPS Energy headquarters
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The historic building is just a four-minute walk away from Main Plaza. | Photo by SATXtoday team
Come April, Blueprint Hospitality will begin a $55 million renovation of the former CPS Energy headquarters building with the purpose of transforming it into a 243-room hotel.

Dubbed “El Portal,” the nearly 230,000-sqft hotel will be part of Marriott’s Autograph collection of standalone luxury hotels.

According to a public filing on the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, hotel amenities will include a full service restaurant on the first floor and a bar + lounge area.

Blueprint Hospitality purchased the building for $22.25 million in early 2021 and submitted initial plans to the HDRC in July 2021 for approval.

Gensler was originally contracted to design the building’s makeover. However, Cleveland-based Sandvick Architects, Inc. is the new firm noted to be leading the design in the recent filing.

The renovation will wrap up late September 2024.
6AM City In-house
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Iván.


Editor’s pick: It’s good to be back in the 210. While I enjoyed my time in New York last week, I definitely missed the not-so-cold winters of Texas. “Feels like -11º” is something I hope not see again any time soon. Speaking of the weather... rain in the forecast means you can expect to catch me sipping on some tea with a book in hand at one of these coffee shops.


Missed our last newsletter? Check out where you can find Girl Scout cookies locally.
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Editorial: Iván Briones, Britt Thorson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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