Carole Terwilliger Meyers's Blog, page 14

Sights to See: Blue Star Arts Complex, San Antonio, Texas

Blue Star Arts Complex   1420 S Alamo St., Southtown, (210) 354-3775.  The epicenter of contemporary art in San Antonio, this informal complex consists of pop-up studios in apartments, traditional art galleries, and cafes.  It is fun just to wander, but a detailed map at the website helps bring things into focus. 

Blue Star Arts Complex in San Antonio, Texas

● Blue Star Contemporary   #116, (210) 227-6960.  This non-profit contemporary art institution was established by a group of artists in 1986.

● The Brick at Blue Star   #108.  At this cool venue something interesting is always happening. 

● Choice Goods   #103.  The original t-shirts and art here is made by local “low-brow” artists. 

Choice Goods at Blue Star Arts Complex in San Antonio, Texas

● Cinnabar   #147, (210) 557-6073.  This gallery specializes in contemporary art.  I recently saw the Ana Fernandez “Still Life” show here.  Her "La Gardenia" painting depicts a local restaurant I happened to visit the day before. 

"La Gardenia" by Ana Fernandez at Cinnabar at Blue Star Arts Complex in San Antonio, Texas

● Mockingbird Handprints   #108, (210) 878-5711.  Fine art and crafts by local artists is the specialty in this colorful gallery.

● San Angel   #110, (210) 226-6688.  An eclectic collection of colorful art and clothing is the specialty here. 

exterior of San Angel at Cinnabar at Blue Star Arts Complex in San Antonio, Texas


More things to do in San Antonio.

More things to do in Texas.

Great ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

Sights to See: McNay Art Museum, San Antonio, Texas

McNay Art Museum   6000 N. New Braunfels, Alamo Heights, (210) 824-5368.  Closed M & Tu.  $10, 65+ $5, under 13 free. 

red sculpture in gardens at McNay Art Museum in San Antonio, Texas
Founded in 1954, this was the first contemporary art museum in Texas.  Situated within a 24-room repurposed Spanish Colonial Revival-style mansion that sits on 23 landscaped acres featuring expansive lawns with fountains and a Japanese-inspired garden and fishpond, its exterior offerings are almost as interesting as its interior galleries.  The museum focuses on 19th- and 20th-century European and American art and has one of the finest collections of contemporary art and sculpture in the Southwest.  The new Tobin Exhibition Galleries wing displays the Modern collection.  Additionally, the museum’s Tobin Theatre Arts Gallery holds a research library with more than 30,000 volumes, and a theater presents films.

courtyard at McNay Art Museum in San Antonio, Texas

goldfish pond at McNay Art Museum in San Antonio, Texas

plastic market bags by Chuck Ramirez at McNay Art Museum in San Antonio, Texas

sculpture gallery in old wing at McNay Art Museum in San Antonio, Texas

LOVE in shades of gray by Robert Indiana at McNay Art Museum in San Antonio, Texas

Jack Skellington sculpture by Tim Burton at McNay Art Museum in San Antonio, Texas

old wing library at McNay Art Museum in San Antonio, Texas

More things to do in San Antonio.

More things to do in Texas.

Great ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

Things to Do + Good Eats: Hemisfair+Dough Pizzeria Napoletana, San Antonio, Texas

Hemisfair   434 S. Alamo St., (210) 709-4750.  Free.  Built to host the 1968 World's Fair, this expansive park is a redo. 

●Yanaguana Garden  434 S. Alamo St.  Free.  The new Yanaguana Garden section features a playground, a splash pad, a giant chess board, a giant sand box, and an inexpensive paleteria dispensing fresh fruit popsicles. 

giant chess set at Hemisfair in San Antonio, Texas

splash pad at Hemisfair in San Antonio, Texas

giant mosaic cat at Hemisfair in San Antonio, Texas

child on swing at Hemisfair in San Antonio, Texas

children in giant sandbox at Hemisfair in San Antonio, Texas

toddlers examine the goods at paleteria in Hemisfair in San Antonio, Texas

● Dough Pizzeria Napoletana   518 S. Alamo St., (210) 227-2900.  Situated adjacent to the sand box, this popular spot serves exceptional fare in a casual setting.  It’s a great place to retreat to on a hot day.  Most everything is made in house, including cheeses and drink flavorings.  Frozen wine slush cocktails have included a peach Bellini and a prickly pear-lime granita, and it’s hard to beat the superb cherry ice cream soda.  We started with the house signature “truffle burrata” that was as lovely as it was tasty, a simple Tuscan salad, and some warm marinated olives with olive oil-soaked toast.  So good.  Delicious artisan pizzas with crispy blistered crust are prepared here in a tarted-up wood-burning oven covered with copper pennies.  The pizzas are cooked for 90 seconds at 900 degrees.  For our vegetarian feast, we devoured a Neapolitan-style Fontina pizza with mushrooms and sweet caramelized onions as well as a simple Margherita.  Brilliantly, kids are kept busy with their own ball of dough to play with.  I can’t wait to return for more. 

colorful cocktails at Dough Pizzeria Napoletana at Hemisfair in San Antonio, Texas

child playing with pizza dough at Dough Pizzeria Napoletana at Hemisfair in San Antonio, Texas

truffle burrata salad at Dough Pizzeria Napoletana at Hemisfair in San Antonio, Texas

copper penny-covered pizza oven at Dough Pizzeria Napoletana at Hemisfair in San Antonio, Texas

pizzas at Dough Pizzeria Napoletana at Hemisfair in San Antonio, Texas

Nearby, The Institute of Texan Cultures (801 E César E. Chávez Blvd., (210) 458-2300.  M-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun noon-5pm.  $10, 6-17 $8.) explores the cultural history of Texas.  Exhibits include everything from Texas’ earliest settlers and how Tejanos lived in the 1930s to the importance of the chuck wagon in cowboy lore.  The Institute hosts the Texas Folklife Festival annually in mid-June. This festival celebrates the wide range of the cultural history of Texas, including Mexican, German, Latino, African, and Native American traditions.


More things to do in San Antonio.

More things to do in Texas.

Great ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

Sights to See + Good Eats: Market Square + Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia, San Antonio, Texas

Market Square   514 W. Commerce, downtown, (210) 207-8600.  Free.  Take in the town’s lively culture in this three-block outdoor plaza near city center.  The largest Mexican market in the U.S., the streets are lined with restaurants, shops, and produce stands.  Mariachi bands and dancers sometimes entertain, and many Hispanic festivals are held here.

Market Square in San Antonio, Texas

A large indoor market--El Mercado--contains shops and stalls that sell a plethora of items from Mexico.  You’ll find everything from hand-embroidered dresses to leather belts.  We bought a souvenir mini-pinata plus three identical children’s brooms for my three little granddaughters.

El Mercado at Market Square in San Antonio, Texas

merchandise at El Mercado at Market Square in San Antonio, Texas

Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia   218 Produce Row, (210) 225-1262.  Open 24 hours.  No reservations.

Christmas decor at Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia at Market Square in San Antonio, Texas
Begun in the 1940s as a small breakfast cafe for farmers, this cheery place is still run by the same family but has grown into a sprawling restaurant with many dining rooms and a separate bakery.  Diners can choose seating at tables, in booths, or at a counter, and elaborate Christmas decor adds to the festive atmosphere.  Breakfast here is a must.  That’s when you can order chilaquiles, the Machacado Mexican omelette with shredded beef jerky, and menudo to help ease away the excesses of drinking too much the night before.

Christmas decor at Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia at Market Square in San Antonio, Texas
And at lunch and dinner you can choose from a vast array of Tex-Mex specialties--think flautas, enchiladas verdes (my favorite), and housemade tamales.  These rinse down well with Tequila, beer, or a fruit-flavored margarita.  Mariachis will play a song for $5.  A separate panaderia sells an assortment of mouth-watering pan dulces (sweet breads) and cookies, which you can eat in house or take home.  Get a handful of guava campechanas or a bag full of the famous pecan pralines to nibble on.

bakery at Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia at Market Square in San Antonio, Texas

pan dulces at Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia at Market Square in San Antonio, Texas
Be sure to take a look at the detailed “American Dream” wall mural painted by resident artist Robert Ytuarte.  Look closely to pick out celebrities Carlos Santana, Cheech Marin, and Eva Longoria.  The Cortez family also operates several other restaurant in town.

"American Dream" mural at Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia at Market Square in San Antonio, Texas

Cheech Marin and Carlos Santana in "American Dream" mural at Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia at Market Square in San Antonio, Texas [image error]  


More things to do in San Antonio.

More things to do in Texas.

Great ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

Sights to See: The Briscoe Western Art Museum, San Antonio, Texas

The Briscoe Western Art Museum   210 W. Market St., (210) 299-4499.  Tu 10am-9pm, W-Sun 10am-5pm; free on Tu 4pm-9pm.  $10, 65+ $8, under 13 free. 

exterior of The Briscoe Western Art Museum in San Antonio, Texas

Located on the river, this stellar collection of western art is housed in the town’s beautifully restored 1930s art deco/neo classical library building.  Original coffered ceilings and a heavy stair railing is noteworthy.  Displays celebrate the vaquero, American Indian, and cowboy through painting, sculpture, and photography, and include everything from an Andy Warhol big horn sheep to Roy Rogers’ saddle.  Special programs are often scheduled.  The gift shop has a well-curated selection of related gifts. 

Andy Warhol's big horn sheep at The Briscoe Western Art Museum in San Antonio, Texas


"Sundance and the Wild Bunch" by Greg Kelsey at The Briscoe Western Art Museum in San Antonio, Texas


Alamo diorama at The Briscoe Western Art Museum in San Antonio, Texas


Roy Rogers' saddle and bridle at The Briscoe Western Art Museum in San Antonio, Texas

More things to do in San Antonio.

More things to do in Texas.

Great ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

Sights to See: Japanese Tea Garden, San Antonio, Texas

Japanese Tea Garden   3853 N. St. Mary's St., in Brackenridge Park, (210) 212-4814.  Free.  Though the arch leading into this restive garden reads “Chinese Tea Garden”--it was renamed thusly during World War II, when anti-Japanese sentiment was high, and then the sign was never changed back--it is indeed the Japanese Tea Garden.  It opened in 1901, and the lovely stonework hails from the town’s old rock quarry that dates back even earlier to 1899.  Features include a large pond that is home to colorful Koi and aquatic plants, a 60-foot waterfall, and a variety of plants.  Near the entrance, the Jingu House cafe offers simple refreshments. 

entrance to Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio, Texas

overview of Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio, Texas

path in Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio, Texas

koi pond in Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio, Texas

overview of Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio, Texas

photo op with stonework at Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio, Texas

More things to do in San Antonio.

More things to do in Texas.

Great ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

Sights to See: Mission Trail, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park   Daily 9am-5pm.  Free; donations accepted.

road map of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in San Antonio, Texas

Though only four missions are included on the official Mission Trail, it technically begins at the Alamo and winds southward along a 12-mile stretch of the San Antonio River.  You can follow the trail by driving, biking, or walking, or you can take the city bus.  Each mission is located about 2.5 miles from the next.  It is easy to drive the route (allow about 2 to 4 hours to see all four missions), and free parking is available at each mission site.  The four missions that make up this National Historic Park were established in the 1700s by the Franciscan Order of the Catholic Church.  Each is still active and holds services.  They have diverse architectural styles and feature art from the Spanish colonial period.  They also vary in accessibility and facilities, and though the parks are always open the hours as stated, the museums and visitor facilities are not.  Along with the Alamo, which is technically the first of these missions, they recently became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is interesting to know that there are more Spanish missions in Florida, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, and California.


Mission San Antonio de Valero (The Alamo)  1718.  See “The Alamo.”

The Alamo in San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in San Antonio, Texas

Mission Concepción  807 Mission Road.  This mission was established in 1716 in East Texas, and moved here in 1731.  It is the best preserved of the Texas missions, and the church here is the oldest unrestored stone church in the U.S.

sign for Mission Concepcion in San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in San Antonio, Texas

exterior of church at Mission Concepcion in San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in San Antonio, Texas

exterior of church at Mission Concepcion in San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in San Antonio, Texas

interior of church at Mission Concepcion in San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in San Antonio, Texas

holy water dispenser in church at Mission Concepcion in San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in San Antonio, Texas

Mission San José  6701 San Jose Drive.  Established in 1720, this is the "Queen of the Missions" and is the largest mission.  The church was constructed in 1768--look for the section of the wall that still has the original paint.  The visitor center is also located here with information about all the missions and a short orientation film.  The beautifully manicured grounds feature pecan and oak trees as well as colorful flowers.

exterior of church at Mission San Jose in San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in San Antonio, Texas

exterior of church at Mission San Jose in San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in San Antonio, Texas

flying buttress at Mission San Jose in San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in San Antonio, Texas

exterior of church at Mission San Jose in San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in San Antonio, Texas

interior of church at Mission San Jose in San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in San Antonio, Texas

Mission San Juan (also known as Mission San Juan Capistrano)  9101 Graf Road.  Established in 1716 in East Texas, this mission was moved here in 1731.

sign for Mission San Juan in San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in San Antonio, Texas

exterior of church at Mission San Juan in San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in San Antonio, Texas

exterior expanse at Mission San Juan in San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in San Antonio, Texas

Virgin of Guadalupe altar at Mission San Juan in San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in San Antonio, Texas

Mission Espada (also known as Mission San Francisco de la Espada)  10040 Espada Road.  Established in 1690 near present-day Augusta, this mission was moved here in 1731.  The Espada Acequia--or Piedras Creek Aqueduct--was built by Franciscan friars that same year to supply irrigation water to nearby land.  It is still in use today.

sign at Mission Espada in San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in San Antonio, Texas

entrance to Mission Espada in San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in San Antonio, Texas

expansive grounds at Mission Espada in San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in San Antonio, Texas

exterior of church at Mission Espada in San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in San Antonio, Texas

interior of church at Mission Espada in San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in San Antonio, Texas


trip planner for San Antonio Missions National Historical Park


More things to do in San Antonio.

More things to do in Texas.

More UNESCO sites.

Great ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

Sights to See: The Alamo, San Antonio, Texas

The Alamo   300 Alamo Plaza, downtown, (210) 225-1391.  Free. 

exterior line at The Alamo in San Antonio, Texas

Originally named Mission San Antonio de Valero, The Alamo was established in 1718 as the city’s first mission.  In March of 1836, it was the site where 189 Texan heroes, including Jim Bowie and Davy Crockett, bravely battled General Santa Ana’s army of thousands for Texan independence from Mexico.  The Alamo is Texas’ most-visited historic landmark--expect a long line to get in.  The wait passes easier if you take turns exploring the lovely Alamo Gardens with a gigantic old oak tree and the site’s original well.  In the mission church, docents in 1830s period dress are on hand to answer questions.  More areas to visit include the Long Barrack Museum and the Special Exhibition Hall where you’ll see exhibits on the Texas Revolution and Texas History. 

policeman at entrance to The Alamo in San Antonio, Texas

cacti in the garden at The Alamo in San Antonio, Texas

very old live oak tree and original well in the garden at The Alamo in San Antonio, Texas

exterior of Long Barrack Museum at The Alamo in San Antonio, Texas

interior of Long Barrack Museum at The Alamo in San Antonio, Texas

More things to do in San Antonio.

More things to do in Texas.

Great ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

Things to Do: Malibu Country Mart, Malibu, California

Malibu Country Mart   3835 Cross Creek Rd., on mountain side of P.C.H.

lush patio off shop at Malibu Country Mart in Malibu, California

In this town with no center, this informal town square is a bustling hub, with restaurants, a busy playground, and picnic tables.  Residents come here to buy the everyday necessities and luxuries in a shopping complex that resembles a spiffed up Third World bazaar.  It sprawls on both sides of the road and includes several coffeehouses and a bargain taqueria that offers organic beans and plenty of vegetarian options.  The movie theater sometimes books children’s films, and the stars, including Cher and Bob Dylan, have been espied bringing their offspring here for a flick.  The whole family will enjoy stopping here for a snack, and one parent can stay with the kids at the playground while the other checks out the shops.  The stars are here.  Keep your eyes peeled.


● The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf  3835 Cross Creek Rd., (310) 456-5771.

coffee and at The Coffee Bean at Malibu Country Mart in Malibu, California

● Habana   3939 Cross Creek Rd., just outside Mart.  Try the famous corn and the Cuban sandwich.

●Malibu Kitchen & Gourmet Country Market  3900 Cross Creek Rd., (310) 456-7845.  M-F 7am-6pm, Sat-Sun 8am-6pm.  Everyone likes a good deal--even wealthy and famous people.  So this spot, which offers fair prices and BIG portions, is usually quite busy.  Choice sandwiches include “better than mom’s meatloaf,” roast turkey-brie-cranberry relish, and a slew of classics.  Wraps and salads are also options, plus big cookies for a sweet ending.  Coffee is from Peet’s, bread from LaBrea Bakery, and bagels from H&H in NYC.  Informal seating is available indoors and out, and you never know who or what you might see.  While I sat here eating a delish pasta salad, someone drove up in an expensive Aston Martin car with swan-wing doors, and this is also where Jerry and Kramer once had coffee together.

order line at Malibu Kitchen at Malibu Country Mart in Malibu, California

deli case at Malibu Kitchen at Malibu Country Mart in Malibu, California

porch at Malibu Kitchen at Malibu Country Mart in Malibu, California

Aston Martins parked at Malibu Kitchen at Malibu Country Mart in Malibu, California
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● Planet Blue   3835 Cross Creek Rd., (310) 317-9975.  M-Sun 10am-7 pm.  Very L.A. clothes from many local designers.

● Room at the Beach Malibu   3835 Cross Creek Rd. #23, (310) 456-9777.  M-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12-5pm.  Everything beachy luxurious for the house.

● Taverna Tony   23410 Civic Center Way, (310) 317-9667.  L-D daily; $$-$$$.  Amazing Greek food served in a lovely outside porch setting.  This special spot is patronized by big names that I hear include Tom Hanks, Warren Beatty, and Richard Gere, and I hear it is Courtney Kardashian’s fave restaurant.  Keep your eyes open!



Things to do in nearby Santa Monica 
  
More ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world. 

images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

Sights to See: Route 66 Historic District, Amarillo, Texas

Route 66 Historic District   Amarillo is the mid-point of The Mother Road (so named by John Steinbeck in “The Grapes of Wrath”)--the famous 2,448-mile road known as Route 66 that runs between Santa Monica and Chicago, crosses eight states, and passes through three time zones.  It is also the largest Texas city on the route.  Here, Route 66 is now Amarillo Boulevard.  Do take time to get off the ol’ super-slab interstate freeway and check it out.

Route 66 Historic District in Amarillo, Texas

The U.S. Route 66 Historic District here is a mile-long stretch of the road that features clubs, shops, and restaurants.  Favorites include the Nat Ballroom, which is presently an antique store, and the Golden Light Café, where you can get a good hamburger.  Only three neon signs are left, and none work.  The extended route along Amarillo Boulevard is almost all mom and pop motels now, along with plenty of good Thai restaurants (but also a few working girls and crack houses), and more than 40 languages are spoken along the route. 

It is claimed that more people have recorded “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” than any other song.

Stops Along Route 66
● Lile Art Gallery   2719 SW 6th Ave. (Old Route 66), (806) 664-3089.  This gallery displays the work of local artists as well as owner Bob “Crocodile” Lile’s exclusive line of cadilite jewelry made from the paint layers that peel off the town’s famous Cadillacs.  A lovely Australian Shepard, Lady, keeps watch at the door.  Lady likes to greet people and is especially fond of little girls.

Bob "Crocodile" Lile and dog Lady in doorway of Lile Art Gallery on Route 66 Historic District in Amarillo, Texas

Bob "Crocodile" Lile's work table at Lile Art Gallery on Route 66 Historic District in Amarillo, Texas

cadilite jewelry at Lile Art Gallery on Route 66 Historic District in Amarillo, Texas

● Vega

          ●Magnolia Station  201 S. Main St.  Free.  This old-time gas station (known as a filling station in the good old days)--was restored by the city.

historic Magnolia Station on Route 66 Historic District in Vega, Texas

          ● Milburn-Price Culture Museum   1005 Coke St.  Free.  Learn area history and view some interesting artifacts, including an original 1923 model T “Lizzy” parked out front.

longhorn statue outside Milburn-Price Culture Museum on Route 66 Historic District in Vega, Texas

          ●Oldham County Courthouse  This classic revival building dates to 1915.  The original hipped roof was removed in 1967.


●MidPoint Cafe and Gift Shop  305 W. Historic Route 66, in Adrian, (806) 538-6379.  Daily 8:30am-5pm.  Located at the exact midpoint of the Route 66 journey, this cafe measures 1,139 miles to starting points in L.A. and Chicago and makes the perfect stop for refreshment.  Because the pies are made fresh daily on site, they are really good--I had a chocolate cream that was divine.  Patrons can help themselves to a coke from the fridge and pay at the counter.  Comfy booths and a swivel-stool counter are among the seating options.  And the gift shop is loaded with souvenir items that you might actually want.


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sign in front of MidPoint Cafe on Route 66 Historic District in Adrian, Texas

interior of MidPoint Cafe on Route 66 Historic District in Adrian, Texas

chocolate cream pie at MidPoint Cafe on Route 66 Historic District in Adrian, Texas

● Triangle Motel   7954 Amarillo Blvd. East.  This motel was constructed of hand-cut bricks in 1945.  Before it closed in 1970, the center court once held a nice garden, picnic tables, and a children’s playground.  Now it is just a dusty mess waiting for the new owners--Alan McNeil & his Mom Maryann McNeil--to bring it back to life.

exterior of old Triangle Motel on Route 66 Historic District in Amarillo, Texas

More things to do in Amarillo.

More things to do in Texas.

Great ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers