06.21.2024

Today’s Forecast

🛍️ You shopped here... until they dropped

Dead malls: You could shop... until they dropped

A large store with the words "Montgomery Ward" written across it on a bright, sunny day. Outside of the store are several bushes and a palm tree. Multiple clear windows show the inside of the store.

Montgomery Ward department store was one of Wonderland’s anchor tenants upon opening. | Photo circa 1963, courtesy of Click Americana via Wikimedia Commons

Shopping malls across America have been left in a state that not even Paul Blart could save, and San Antonio is no exception.

Known as “dead malls,” these abandoned, dilapidated, or mostly vacant shopping centers have become a subject of fascination — especially thanks to the online popularity of liminal space aesthetics.

Let’s go to the mall

Wonderland Shopping City was once in its heydey.

When it opened in 1961, Wonderland was the largest mall in the city. Locals may remember shopping at the mall when it featured stores like Rhodes, Toy Box, and the “Alice in Wonderland” kiosk, and anchor tenants Montgomery Ward + Handy Andy.

In the mid-to-late 1980s, Wonderland Shopping City was renovated to become Crossroads, adding an outdoor fountain and amphitheater to the mall. In 2010, under new ownership, the mall returned to its Wonderland name.

Back to the future

SATXtoday: La Villita Historic District — The La Villita Historic District was originally a settlement for Spanish soldiers stationed at Presidio San Antonio de Bexar in the 18th century and is now home to 25 shops + galleries showcasing local handmade goods.
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Photo by NPS

Today the mall is still around, but it isn’t the same bustling center it once was. Now more of a mixed-use development known as Wonderland of the Americas, the space still caters to shoppers + has a medical center on its lower level.

Plus, San Antonio still has a number of other thriving shopping centers or districts where you can make like NSYNC and buy, buy, buy:

Pica Pica Plaza | Located in the heart of the south side, visitors can eat, play, and shop through 60+ small businesses.
The Alley on Bitters | Minutes from SAT, this shopping center features a wide range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
La Villita Historic Arts Village | Stroll through one of San Antonio’s first neighborhoods and shop from 25+ local artisans.

Asked

Do you have memories of a local mall from back in the day?

Share them with us

Events

Friday, June 21

10th International Day of Yoga | Friday, June 21 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | The Great Lawn at Civic Park, 210 S. Alamo St., San Antonio | Free | Bring your own mat, water bottle, and towel to celebrate this day of wellness with an hour-long flow.
Fish and Chips | Friday, June 21 | 7 p.m. | Little Death, 2327 N. Saint Mary’s St., San Antonio | Cost of purchase | Cheers to the weekend with a glass of wine and seafood from its food truck.
“Coco” | Friday, June 21 | 8:15-10 p.m. | Rodriguez Park, 2060 Rodriguez Ave., San Antonio | Free | Join Bexar County for its Friday Night Flicks in the Park series featuring this Disney classic on a 20-ft inflatable screen.

Saturday, June 22

Broadway Book Fair | Saturday, June 22 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Belle and Union, 7959 Broadway #502, San Antonio | Cost of purchase | Bookworms unite at this adult-focused book fair featuring items aligned with its theme of “Summer Escape.”
Purrs, Paws, and Pride | Saturday, June 22 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | City Of San Antonio Animal Care Services, 4710 TX-151, San Antonio | $25 | Find your next furry best friend with low cost adoption fees on all pets.
Chisme & Chill | Saturday, June 22 | 12-3 p.m. | Painted Tree Boutiques, 522 NW Loop 410 Ste. 211, San Antonio | Cost of purchase | Shop from local vendors, enjoy snacks, enter a raffle, and be one of the first 25 customers to receive a goodie bag.
Oak & Saint Market | Saturday, June 22 | 6 p.m. | The Andy, 215 Coca-Cola Pl., San Antonio | Cost of purchase | Head towards the Frost Bank Center for this coffee shop’s first evening market.

Sunday, June 23

Sip and Shop | Sunday, June 23 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Greenhouse, 223 E. Hildebrand Ave., San Antonio | Cost of purchase | Bring the entire family out to browse + discover new local artists while enjoying gluten-free bites and coffee.
OUT at the Tobin Pride Brunch | Sunday, June 23 | 10:30 a.m. | Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, San Antonio | $35-$200+ | Grab a mimosa and see performances by Ra’Ja O’Hara from “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Mehgan Iman Dlux, and Reign La Rue.
Exit Stage Left - A Tribute to Rush | Sunday, June 23 | 8-9:30 p.m. | Thirsty Horse Saloon, 2335 NW Military Hwy., San Antonio | $15 | Jam out to this classic rock band’s greatest hits with some other fans.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Closing

La Hacienda Scenic Loop announced its last day of regular service will be Sunday, June 30. The restaurant cited several challenges like staffing, summer heat, and road construction as reasons for its closure. However, La Hacienda will continue to rent out its facilities until Nov. 30

Biz

Brackenridge Park Conservancy appointed Chris Maitre as its new Chief Executive Officer. With over 27 years of non-profit experience, Maitre will lead the conservancy in raising funds to preserve + enhance the park for future generations. He’ll take over Monday, July 8.

Civic

The San Antonio Solid Waste Management Department will no longer accept single-use plastic bags in the blue recycling cart — even if they’re bundled — beginning Thursday, Aug. 1. Find local retailers who offer recycling drop-off kiosks specifically for plastic bags.

Furry Friend Friday

Meet seven-year-old Chandler. This Retriever Lab mix has been with the Animal Defense League since June 10, 2017, and is looking for his furever home. Chandler enjoys games of fetch, rolling in the grass, naps, and daily brushing sessions. Send an email to schedule a time to meet Chandler.

Today Is

Make Music Day. This celebration of music takes place in over 1,000 cities around the world featuring performances by anyone and enjoyed by everyone. Take part in the festivities and help show off San Antonio’s local talent by joining the public celebration.

Plan Ahead

Stable Hall will host World Psych Night on Friday, Aug. 16. The one-night-only event will kick off at 7 p.m. with a DJ set by Strawberry Jams + Sonosphere, followed by performances by Spanish psych rock band Mohama Saz and a few local groups. Tickets are $18.

Sports

Restricted free agent Ty Dellandrea was traded to the San Jose Sharks for a 2025 fourth-round pick. Get the latest news, analysis, and insider information for the Dallas Stars with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

Home

Renewal by Andersen^® windows combine stunning beauty with energy-efficient design. Buy one, get one 40% off + get $200 off your order for a limited time.*

Kids

🤸 It’s play time

30 Kid-friendly activities in San Antonio

A kid and an adult pet a stingray in a pool of water. There are two colorful slides in the background, and the camera is half-submerged in the water.

Swim with the stingrays at Aquatica inside SeaWorld San Antonio. | Photo via SeaWorld San Antonio

We’re not kiddin’ around. From major attractions like Six Flags Fiesta Texas to hidden gems like Kiddie Park at the San Antonio Zoo, there’s something in the 210 for children of all ages. You’ll have no trouble entertaining the youngsters with this list of 28 kid-friendly activities around the Alamo City.

The Rock at La Cantera, 1 Spurs Way
Step into the city’s newest community space on the far northside featuring a splash pad, basketball + pickleball courts, a 40-ft digital screen, and a variety of free + paid events like family-friendly movie nights.

Chicken N Pickle, 5215 UTSA Blvd.
Keep the family active at this restaurant/athletic venue with its full menu (that includes a Lil’ Peeps 12 and under section), pickleball, cornhole, ping pong, battleship, bocce, and jenga.

LEGOLAND Discover Center, 849 E. Commerce St., Suite 910
Spend the day submerged in the land of LEGOs featuring millions of LEGO bricks, 12+ attractions and rides, and the Ultimate LEGO Experience. Day passes start at $19.99.

25 more activities

The Buy

The Buy 6.21.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

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Answered

Have you visited Luckenbach, TX?

lucken-1-1350x1080 — Boot Scootin’ Boogie this way for country-lovin’ fun in Luckenbach.
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Photo by @colleenmichellemusic

73.3% have visited the town and loved it | 21.3% have yet to visit but plan to | 5.3% visited and don’t plan on going back

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Adriana

From the editor

As someone who loves fashion and beauty, I love finding new places to shop around San Antonio. One of my current favorite local boutiques is Chasing Camilla. I recently bought a cropped guayabera from its Painted Tree location, and I’m having so much fun incorporating my culture into everyday style.

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