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 and Toy Box, 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.
Latte Art Workshop | 7 p.m. | Pullman Market | $50 | Learn the techniques needed to elevate your morning coffee at this hands-on class.
Wednesday, July 16
Club Rayadas de Monterrey vs. Club Pachuca | 8-10 p.m. | Toyota Field | $25+ | Don’t miss this epic Liga MX Femenil Campeón de Campeonas showdown as two of Mexico’s top women’s clubs face off in an exciting international matchup right here in San Antonio.
Thursday, July 17
Confluence of Cultures: Artist Talk & Workshop | 6-8 p.m. | 115 Plaza de Armas, San Antonio | Free with reservation | Join artist Michelle Hernandez as she speaks on her latest work, followed by food-inspired sculpture instruction.
Friday, July 18
AquaGlow | Friday, July 18-Saturday, July 19 | 6-10 p.m. | Aquatica San Antonio | $30 | On select nights this summer, you can visit the park for a splash party with neon nighttime water slides and a foam party.
Saturday, July 19
Freedom Isn’t Free Festival | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Norris Conference Center | $10+ | This veteran-supporting festival features art exhibitions, live music, local food vendors, and veteran service organizations.
Hers offers personalized care with no insurance hassles and regular check-ins to keep you on track. | Photo provided by Hims & Hers
Losing weight can feel tricky, especially when you want results that stick.
Unlike traditional weight loss treatment, Hers offers personalized, online plans that address underlying factors based on your unique needs. Options include:
Oral medication kits start at $69 per month (10-month plan paid upfront)
GLP-1 injections start at $199 per month (12-month plan paid upfront; pricing and eligibility may vary)
Speaking of the mall, the Texas Horror Museum just opened at the Wonderland of the Americas. San Antonio local Sergio Guerra has spent decades working in horror makeup, and his ghoulish creations are now on display. The current exhibit — Leyendas — features monsters from South American folklore. (My San Antonio)
Sports
Guess who’s back? Victor Wembanyama, that’s who. The Spurs star was sidelined for the latter part of last season because of a blood clot, but has revealed that team doctors have cleared him to play ball again ahead of the upcoming NBA season. (ESPN)
Concert
George Strait is hosting a concert to benefit Hill Country flood victims. The country music legend’s event is taking place at Estancia at Thunder Valley indoor arena in Boerne on Sunday, July 27. Riley Green, William Beckmann, and Ray Benson are among the performers.
Cause
San Antonio-based crochet company Twin Stitches is launching the “A Stitch of Kindness” program and donating handmade plushies to Hill Country flood survivors, the Kerrville Salvation Army, and local churches and shelters. Yarn enthusiasts hoping to pitch in can reach out directly on Instagram. All donations must be received by Wednesday, July 23. (WOAI)
Ranked
There’s never a dull moment in the Alamo City — San Antonio ranked No. 35 on WalletHub‘s list of best cities for recreation. Not only do we boast countless music venues, eateries, and movie theaters, but we also have some of the best parks in the country.
Try This
Bexar County residents can score discounted $8 admission on Locals Day at the San Antonio Zoo. Upcoming available dates include tomorrow, July 16 and Thursday, Aug. 7. Enjoy the great outdoors with the whole family and learn about wildlife protection, animal care, and conservation.
Pets
Four-legged bombshells have entered the villa. The San Antonio Humane Society is hopping on the “Love Island USA” bandwagon, with confessional-style profiles of their cute adoptable friends.
Listen
How are the Spurs doing in the NBA’s Summer League? Get the latest news, analysis, and insider information for the San Antonio Spurs with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Pro Tip
Got a classic car? Protect it like the treasure it is. Higginbotham offers specialized coverage so you can confidently drive your vintage pride.*
Read
“I appreciate that you generally leave conclusions for the reader to make for themselves” = Feedback on The Signal, the non-partisan, current affairs newsletter. Subscribe for free.*
Post of the Day
A moment of beauty among the tragedy. “After everything Kerr County has been through this week, it was a rare, quiet moment that stopped us in our tracks,” said one resident.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Keep your eyes on the skies, folks. Scientists say two simultaneous meteor showers will bring out-of-this-world cosmic spectacles to the Lone Star State’s skies for most of July.
We recommend heading to one of San Antonio’s best stargazing spots for the best seats in the house.
‡Paid upfront in full. Actual price to customer will depend on product and subscription plan purchase. Not available in all 50 states. Weight Loss by Hers is a holistic program that includes nutrition support, technological tools, and medications prescribed based on what your provider determines is medically appropriate and necessary for you. See website for full details, important safety information, and restrictions, including online provider consultation requirements.
}})
