10.13.2023

SUBSCRIBE | REFER

Today’s Forecast

53º | Partly cloudy | 20% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:29 a.m. | Sunset 5:48 p.m.

👻 For the greater ghouls

4 haunted places in San Antonio

The Menger Hotel photographed in 1900. | Photo by UTSA Special Collections

Come one, come all, we have some haunted history to tell. Today is Friday the 13th and whether you’re superstitious or just a little stitious, we thought it would be fun to gather around the imaginary campfire, roast some marshmallows, and switch on a flashlight to tell you about three haunted places in the Alamo City.

The Menger Hotel

Built just feet away from the Alamo in 1859, the hotel has had many people check in over the years, but some never checked out. Rumor has it, souls still roam the halls of the hotel with reports of doors opening and closing on their own. Your room reservation may have an extra guest or two.

Victoria’s Black Swan Inn

This ghostly building burned down in 1901 + was rebuilt soon after, and has seen its fair share of bloody battles and tragic ends. Its history is steeped in violence and has been known for its paranormal encounters. Be warned, dear reader, choose this as your next wedding venue and you may have extra guests of the ghoulish kind.

Hemisfair

This district has seen many changes through its grounds over the years.

According to the Hemisfair Director of Communications Meredith Balzen, “In our historic homes, we’ve had experiences with shadow people, high windows unlocking themselves, voices saying ‘hello’, and the distinct sound of chairs moving across empty upper floors.”

She continues, “So many people have called the district home over the years, and we are happy to co-exist with the spirits that chose to stay around.”

Asked

How many spirits are believed to be roaming the Menger Hotel?

A. 87
B. 45
C. 15
D. 30

Check in your answer

Events

Friday, Oct. 13

Drag Rocky Horror Picture Show | Friday, Oct. 13 | 7 p.m. | Hard Rock Cafe, 111 W. Crockett St. #210, San Antonio | $32-$77 | Catch a drag performance by Anita Verga and stay for the food + drinks.
Cinema on Will’s Plaza | Friday, Oct. 13 | 7-9:30 p.m. | Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Cir., San Antonio | Free | Bring your lawn chair + blanket and enjoy a showing of “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
Friday the 13th 80s Dance Party | Friday, Oct. 13 | 9 p.m. | Be Kind & Rewind, 115 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio | Free | Jam out to throwback hits at this monster mash.

Saturday, Oct. 14

Camino Verde: Mayor’s Trails Activation | Saturday, Oct. 14 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Southside Lions Park Trailhead, 4008 Pecan Valley Dr., San Antonio | Free | See the annular solar eclipse and enjoy outdoor fun at this inaugural event.
Chalk It Up | Saturday, Oct. 14 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Legacy Park, 103 W. Houston St., San Antonio | Free | Take part in a large scale chalk mural, learn about art through hands-on activities, and meet local artists.
Puptopia Festival | Saturday, Oct. 14 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Travis Park, 301 E. Travis St., San Antonio | $35 | Bring the dog for photo-ops, puppy vendors, dog performances, a K9 lounge, and more.

Sunday, Oct. 15

The Healing Arts Festival & Market | Sunday, Oct. 15 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Hilton Garden Inn San Antonio At The Rim, 5730 Rim Pass, San Antonio | Free | Shop from local artisans and makers at this market.
The Haunted Dollhouse | Sunday, Oct. 15 | 12-9 p.m. | Retro Fun Store & Museum, 619 W Hildebrand Ave., San Antonio | $13-$20 | Explore the eerie secrets of this old home during spooky season.
Carmela Full of Wishes | Sunday, Oct. 15 | 3-4 p.m. | The Magik Theatre, 420 S. Alamo St., San Antonio | $20-$25 | See this theater’s latest production based on the novel of the same name.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Outdoors

Grab those eclipse viewing glasses (sorry, Ray Bans won’t work) because tomorrow morning is the annular solar eclipse. The partial eclipse will start at 10:23 a.m., with the Ring of Fire at at 11:54 a.m., and ending at 1:33 p.m. Need eclipse plans? Don’t worry, we got you covered.

Open

Bombay Bicycle Club’s second location has officially opened. Visit its new digs in Hemisfair to try one if its award-winning cocktails, and stay for its legendary Super Combo Nachos. Pro tip: Happy Hour is all day on Sundays + Mondays, and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Show

Ya like jazz? Jerry Seinfeld is coming to the Majestic Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 24. See the comedian + TV star live with tickets going on sale today at 10 a.m. Fun fact: The “Bee Movie” is one of City Editor Nicholas’ favorite movies ever.

Plan Ahead

The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, is coming to the Alamo City to promote her latest cookbook, “The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Dinner’s Ready!” at Nowhere Bookshop on Thursday, Nov. 16 at 5 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and cost $32.50.

State

Food and Wine unveiled each state’s favorite Halloween candy in a recent study. Can you guess Texas’ favorite candy for this trick-or-treat holiday? We won’t keep you waiting, it’s Sour Patch Kids. Do you agree? Let us know.

Try This

In case you missed it, we’re running our inaugural SATXtoday Best Halloween House Decorating Contest this month, and submissions are open through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 20. To participate, simply fill out this form.

Wellness

Noticing hair changes? Root causes of hair thinning can change over time making it difficult to know where to begin. Learn more about how Nutrafol can help.*

Drink

☕️ Caffeine fix this way

Where to find the best coffee in San Antonio

Wake up and smell the flowers with One Another Coffee. | Photo by One Another Coffee

The Alamo City has no shortage of masterful baristas, aromatic roasts, and foamy lattes. But if you’re having trouble deciding on a spot, gather some brews clues with our guide to some of the best coffee shops in San Antonio.

Estate Coffee Co., 1320 E. Houston St. | This roaster hosts pop-up events throughout the year and if you’re visiting during the fall season, make sure to try its chocolate chip pumpkin muffin with your latte.

One Another Coffee, 95 Brees Blvd. | One of the latest coffee trailers to step onto the coffee scene, it offers espresso, tea, sparkling beverages, and unique specials of the day.

Kiki’s Coffee & Spirits, 1100 Broadway | This new coffee spot is dog-friendly inside, and it also makes its own syrups in-house.

Dulce Suenos Coffee, 1904 Fredericksburg Rd. | In addition to caffeinated drinks, this spot also serves beer + wine at its jazz nights.

22 more coffee shops

The Buy

The Buy 10.13.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

Hannah Chloe Co.'s Pink & Spooky Reversible Bandana. Because pups deserve a hint of Halloween in their wardrobe, too.

Share SATXtoday

Share the good news. Get rewarded.

Have someone who needs to stay in the know? Get amazing rewards for every new subscriber you bring by sharing your unique referral link (below).

Facebook

Twitter

{{profile.vars.rh_totref_24}} friends are looped into all things local because of you.

Claim your rewards

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Nicholas

From the editor

I’m a firm believer in ghosts, and have had my own share of ghastly encounters. From footsteps walking upstairs in my family’s home to my dog starring at the closed door, tilting her head. Fortunately the ghosts I’ve encountered are friendly... for as much as I know at least.

Missed our previous newsletter?

›

Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY