Memorial day activities at JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa

JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa in the Texas Hill Country has activities planned for the long Memorial Day weekend. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Memorial Day is right around the corner, and JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa is offering an exciting weekend full of festivities and outdoor-driven activities that everyone in the family can enjoy. From concerts in the private indoor/outdoor FBO hangar to special holiday dining options, Memorial Day Weekend with JL Bar will kick off summer on a high note. (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, 2021)

Across the resort’s 13,000 sprawling acres in the heart of Texas Hill Country, guests will be able to take part in: 

Music & Memories: On Saturday, May 29, Shenandoah will be performing a live concert at JL Bar’s Private FBO Hanger in honor of the men and women who gave their lives serving our Country. The concert is fully open to the public with general admission tickets available for $75 and VIP Tables available for $1200. Additionally, Hotel guests can upgrade to a table for just $480. Tables will be exclusively roped off near the front of the stage and can seat up to 8 people. The concert doors open at 6:30p.m. and Shenandoah takes the stage at 9p.m.

Firework Food: JL Bar’s Chef Sergio has curated a special menu for dinner on Saturday, May 29. For only 32.95/adults and $12.95/kids, guests can indulge in a few of his signature dishes – southern style catfish and shrimp, fried country potatoes, and more. The resort will also offer a brunch from 11a.m. to 2p.m. on Sunday, May 30, 2021.

Stay Awhile: The stunning Hill Country resort is offering an exclusive Memorial Day weekend rate starting at $499/night – book 3 nights and guests can receive their 4th night free. Holiday stays can be booked online or by calling 855-414-3337.. Resort guests will also receive free general admission tickets to the concert.

Hill Country Adventures: On top of all the holiday activities, the resort will be offering outdoor experiences including horseback riding and a horse psychology experience, off-road ATV adventures, a Putting/Chipping Green, weekend yoga, wine tasting, and clay and skeet shooting.

JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa

Texas Hill Country road trip: The JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa

The JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa is a luxurious yet rugged destination for a Texas Hill Country road trip. Photo: JL Bar Ranch Resort & Spa, used with permission.

With road trip travel continuing to gather steam in 2021, Americans have the unique opportunity to rediscover their own backyard. One stop to consider for an epic Texas road trip is the luxurious yet rugged JL Bar Ranch Resort & Spa. (JL Bar Ranch Resort & Spa, 2021)

Nestled among the sloping hills of Sonora, JL Bar Ranch Resort & Spa offers unmatched luxury in the Texas Hill Country. The 32-room boutique resort just a few hours away from major Texas cities boasts standalone accommodations on the sprawling 13,000-acre property. With wide-open space and conveniently located near Texas Wine Country and the iconic Sonora Caverns – JL Bar is perfect for cross-country road-trippers looking to refuel and recharge. The resort is also ideal for those seeking an extended stay that immerses them in all things Texas with activities and amenities including:

Luxury Cabins & Cottages: The JL Bar Ranch boasts 16 standalone luxury cabins and 16 spacious guest rooms with premium amenities, as well as the new Archer’s Nest Villa, a stunning six-bedroom villa that accommodates up to 12 guests and has a private swimming pool, outdoor kitchen, and a full home theatre. The resort also has “drive-up” style rooms with private golf carts available, perfect for a naturally distanced getaway.

Hill Country Adventures: From a full equestrian program featuring horseback riding and a horse psychology experience to off-road ATV adventures, a Putting/Chipping Green, weekend yoga, wine tasting, and clay and skeet shooting, JL Bar Ranch’s slew of activities and programming take place primarily outside for the ultimate ‘safecation’ escape.

Cowboy Cookout: The culinary team at JL Bar Ranch has designed a decadent and interactive social distancing-approved dining experience with its new Cowboy Cookout. Guests can take in the Texas Hill Country views with a horseback ride to the property’s cookout camp, enjoy cocktails and snacks as the culinary team prepares a lavish steak dinner, and relax to country music while soaking in the magnificent sunset.

Relax & Recharge: To balance its outdoorsy and adventure programming, JL Bar Ranch guests can
unwind and practice self-care at the property’s full-service spa, which offers luxurious massages and spa treatments alongside a full nail/salon menu.

Work or learn remotely in style at La Cantera Resort & Spa

La Cantera Resort & Spa's adults only infinity pool, Topaz. Photo: La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission. — La Cantera Resort & Spa’s adults only infinity pool, Topaz. Photo: La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission.

La Cantera Resort & Spa has created two new packages, the Home Away From Home and Class Is Now In Session, tailor-made for remote workers and learners to get away from the ordinary routine of home life that has been all too familiar due to Covid-19. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2020)

With the Home Away From Home Package, you can move your office to La Cantera Resort & Spa. It is one of Condé Nast Traveler’s top resorts in the country and is set atop the highest elevation point in San Antonio. After a good night’s sleep, jump start your workday with a cup of Lavazza coffee or tea at Henrietta’s Market, then set up your remote office in the comforts of your room, which is equipped with lightning fast Wi-Fi and a spacious work desk. Need a printer or to mail a package? Just text your dedicated personal assistant and they can take care of your business needs so you can focus on the important stuff, like deciding which La Cantera Zoom backdrop to use on your morning video chat. Swing by the gym or skip the workout and head to SweetFire Kitchen for lunch overlooking Plaza San Saba and then be ready to turn your ‘out of office’ on in time for happy hour at Primero Cantina and slip away to a poolside chaise at the adults only infinity-edge pool, Topaz.

The Home Away From Home package can be booked with code “WORKREMOTE” and includes:

Overnight accommodations complete with a spacious desk and complimentary Wi-Fi starting at $199/night
10a.m. early check-in and 4p.m. late check-out
Cup of coffee or tea at Henrietta’s Market
Custom La Cantera Zoom backdrop bundle
Dedicated personal assistant available during business hours
SweetFire Kitchen lunch break
Primero Cantina happy hour, including chips and salsa and beverage of your choice

Take your virtual classroom to the Hill Country with the Class Is Now In Session package, which will start at $199 per night and includes:

Overnight accommodations complete with a spacious desk and complimentary Wi-Fi
10a.m. early check-in and 4p.m. late check-out
Family breakfast at SweetFire Kitchen
Boxed lunch for the kids
Afternoon scavenger hunt
After-school ice cream treat

Both packages will be available for stays Sunday through Thursday, some restrictions may apply. Thirty-six dollar a day resort charge, taxes and parking are not included. Not valid with any other offer or for groups. Offer is based upon availability and subject to end without notice and cannot be combined with other offers. Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.

Book signing with Paula Disbrowe at Hotel Emma

thankyouforsmokingbook — Paula Disbrowe will be at Hotel Emma’s Larder this Saturday for a book signing.

Hotel Emma is thrilled to welcome award-winning author, grilling expert, and Austinite Paula Disbrowe to help hotel guests and San Antonians get inspired to fire up something special on the grill. On Saturday, June 1 Paula will be at Larder signing copies of her newest book “Thank You for Smoking: Fun and Fearless Recipes Cooked with a Whiff of Wood Fire on Your Grill or Smoker.” The book signing will take place outside on Larder’s patio from 10a.m. to 1p.m. and is open to the public. (Hotel Emma, 2019)

Featuring her own rendition of the sought-after Burnt Marshmallow & Toffee Rice Crispy Treats sold at Larder, guests are invited to get a signed copy of the book and sample the signature treats in the South Texas market.

In “Thank You for Smoking,” Paula Disbrowe shows home cooks how to elevate everyday meals with seductive, smoky flavors in this collection of 100 recipes for smoking meats, fish, poultry, vegetables, nuts, grains, pantry staples and even cocktails in as little as 30 minutes. After revealing just how easy it is to rig a gas or charcoal grill or use a backyard smoker to infuse everything with a smoky nuance, Disbrowe delivers a wide range of recipes easy enough for weeknight cooking. And because firing up dinner is best enjoyed with an adult beverage, this complete guide also helps readers set up their bar for modern smoke-kissed cocktails.

Larder at Hotel Emma
136 E Grayson St.
San Antonio, TX 78215

Kids Club Naturalist Program at La Cantera Resort & Spa

Part of the Destination Hotels collection, La Cantera Resort & Spa announces the launch of Kids Club Naturalist Program benefitting San Antonio Zoo and San Antonio Botanical Garden. A picturesque Hill Country nature trail on the west side of La Cantera Resort & Spa is now a classroom where children can get an up-close and personal introduction to flora and fauna. Children will learn about the different trees, cactus, birds and native wildlife such as raccoons, armadillos, deer, wild pigs and possums, that share the 550-acre grounds of the resort. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2018)

The Kids Club Naturalist Program is designed for children ages four to twelve and is available to resort guests for $70 per child. Reservations can be done online or by phone at (855) 499-2960. A trained resort staff member will accompany eight to ten children on a quarter-mile tree-shaded nature trail for the start of a four-hour adventure. Children will have the opportunity to see deer, road runners, lizards, hummingbirds and more, and to walk among the cedar, oak and cactus on the trail. Young naturalists get a backpack with tools to support their adventure, such as a magnifying glass, notebook to log observations and a booklet with naturalist-themed puzzles and games.

Children enrolled in the daylong Kids Club Naturalist Program will scout animal tracks, observe and categorize trees and wildflowers and learn to identify different kinds of animal poop. They will do this under a curriculum co-developed with San Antonio Zoo and San Antonio Botanical Garden. For their partnership, La Cantera Resort & Spa will donate a portion of the registration fee to these non-profit organizations. Aly Wehde, Director of Recreation for La Cantera Resort & Spa, worked with educational staff from San Antonio Zoo and San Antonio Botanical Garden on site as they developed the program.

On the trail, resort staff place molds of various animal tracks for children to discover (coyotes, rabbits, deer and more) just in case the critters that inhabit the grounds are a bit shy. Signs identify native Hill Country trees, flowers and plants. After the trail hike, children return to the Kids Club activity center for arts, crafts and educational exercises that complement the outdoor lessons.

While the kids are on their four-hour educational adventure, parents can relax at the adults-only infinity pool, take a few swings at one of the two world-class golf courses, be pampered with a signature treatment at Loma de Vida spa or sit and enjoy a hand-crafted cocktail and sumptuous meal at one of the property’s fine restaurants.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with La Cantera Resort & Spa on nature programming that connects children to the plant world,” – Bob Brackman, Executive Director of the San Antonio Botanical Garden.

La Cantera Resort & Spa
16641 La Cantera Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78256
(210) 558-6500

Christmas specials in San Antonio

hotelcontessafood — Hotel Contessa is one area business offering Christmas Eve and Christmas Day menus. Photo: Hotel Contessa, used with permission.

Christmas is fast approaching and for anyone looking for dining out options, area restaurants are having menu specials and special offers. (Hotel Emma, Bakery Lorraine, Boiler House, Hotel Contessa, Esquire Tavern, Downstairs, Rosella, Twang, 2017)

Hotel Emma will offer special holiday themed menu items Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day at Supper. On Christmas Eve Supper will have a Whole Bronzino grilled and stuffed with braised fennel, crab and lemon on toasted cauliflower puree with herb salad for dinner from 5p.m. to 10p.m. On Christmas Day Supper will have Cider and Spiced Roasted Porkloin with Apple Marmalade, Pickled Mustard, Blistered Beens and Almonds, Parmesan and Rosemary Potato Gratin for lunch and dinner. Lunch hours are 12p.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner hours are 5p.m. to 10p.m.

Bakery Lorraine has an assortment of different holiday themed desserts throughout the holiday season such as chocolate covered gingerbread men, ornament moon pies and more. Customers may place and pick up orders of specialty large pies and seasonal macaroons. Large pies, 9” are $26 and Macaroon holiday flavor packs are $12 for a 6 pack or $20 for a 12 pack with flavors like eggnog, hot cocoa, cinnamon, peppermint, and angel food. Christmas Eve hours are from 7a.m. to 6p.m. and the restaurant will be closed on Christmas Day.

Boiler House will be serving holiday themed cocktails and dinner items on Christmas Eve from 5p.m. to close. The restaurant will be closed on Christmas Day. Cocktail items include Gingerbread Martini for $14, Hot Buttered Texas Rum for $12 and dish items include Lemon Chive Crabcake for $15 – Sweet pepper relish, achiote aioli, sunny quail egg; Calamari Piccata for $21 – Pan roasted calamari, charred tomato concasse, capers, rapini and arugula; Roast Leg of Lamb for $29 – Pappardelle, roasted garlic, mustard greens, pan jus, parmesan and Eggnog Pound Cake for $8 – Candied fruit, cocoa nibs

Hotel Contessa is offering a pre-fixe dinner menu on Sunday, Christmas Eve and a holiday brunch on Monday, December 25th from 11a.m. to 2:30p.m. Reservations required for Christmas Day brunch, $55/person, $25/children ages 8-13 and children 7 and under eat free.

Downstairs at Esquire and Esquire Tavern will be serving aged Egg Nog. Guests can experience a very traditional Egg Nog whipped up by the folks behind The Esquire in San Antonio and based on recipes dating back to the 1700s. This classic Egg Nog uses Paul Beau VS Cognac, Four Roses Bourbon, El Dorado Demerara Rum, milk, cream, sugar, and eggs and is spiced with a bit of cinnamon, star anise and nutmeg.

Rosella at The Rand will be serving a White Chocolate Peppermint Latte throughout the holiday season for only $4.75. The restaurant will be serving brunch on Christmas Eve from 9a.m. to 3p.m. and closed on Christmas Day.

Twang is offering “The Beer Lover Party Buckets” for this holiday season. Both party buckets will retail online for $39 each with free shipping. Bucket 1 (Texas Themed) includes 1 Texas Themed Twang Beer Salt T- Shirt, 2 Holster Koozies that carry Twang Beer Salt, 8 Beer Salt Longnecks, 1 Twang Beer Salt Steel Bottle Opener, 2 Beer Salt Drink Glasses and 1 Twang Beer Salt branded bucket to keep drinks cool. Bucket 2 includes 1 Twang T- Shirt, 2 Holster Koozies that carry Twang Beer Salt, 8 Beer Salt Longnecks, 1 Twang Beer Salt Steel Bottle Opener, 2 Beer Salt Drink Glasses and 1 Twang Beer Salt bucket to keep drinks cool.

Latin Jazz Wednesdays at Sternewirth

hotelemma2-pg — Latin Jazz Wednesdays kick off this Wednesday August 23 at Hotel Emma’s Sternewirth. Photo: Hotel Emma, used with permission.

This Wednesday August 23, Hotel Emma will kick off its new Latin Jazz Wednesdays music series at Sternewirth with local music icon Henry Brun. Every Wednesday from 8p.m. to midnight, guests will be able to enjoy lively Latin Jazz music from the multiple Grammy Award-winning artist. Sternewirth will be serving its full cocktail menu featuring favorites such as Three Emmas, La Babia Margarita and more as well as its updated food menu until 11:30p.m. (Hotel Emma, 2017)

Conga dynamo Henry Brun, nicknamed “Mr. Ritmo” by his fans, began playing congas at age seven and by the time he was eleven he was playing professionally. While listening to and being influenced by Latin music pioneers such as Tito Puente, Patato, Buyú, Mongo and Candido, Henry developed his own unique style and technique on bongos and timbales.

Hotel Emma is in the former Pearl Brewery which was built in 1894 and is named in honor of Emma Koehler, the wife of Pearl Brewery founder Otto Koehler. She kept the brewery going during prohibition after her husband passed away and saw it through its most successful years. The hotel was designed by award-winning firm Roman and Williams who are known for mixing historic and modern elements. They had the historic Pearl building as a starting point and created a beautiful structure that blends the old with the new, the industrial with the refined.

Sternewith at Hotel Emma
136 E Grayson St
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 448-8300

Evenings on the Edge at Topaz

lomadevidapic — Evenings on the Edge at Topaz adult pool parties are back at La Cantera Resort & Spa. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

The series of popular sunset adult pool parties is back this summer at La Cantera Resort & Spa beginning on June 1 and running through August 10 from 7p.m. to 11p.m. Evenings on the Edge at Topaz are Thursday night events that benefit local charities and feature live entertainment. Guests must be 21 and over and ID is required. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2017)

Tickets are $25 and available online and if purchased in advance it includes valet parking. Valet parking at the door is $10. Ticket includes a summer-inspired cocktail, live performances and/or DJ, pop up min spa sessions and Moet Chandon toast at sundown. In the event of inclement weather, ticket will be honored at a future event based on availability; tickets are non-refundable. Ten private cabañas also are available for rent and require 24-hour cancellation. A portion of ticket sales and cabaña rentals benefit local charities. A Topaz Sunset Pass is available for $450 and includes, among other benefits, two tickets to each event, two-day spa passes, valet parking and a welcome cocktail. Detailed information on cabaña rentals and Topaz Sunset Passes is available online.

Thursday, June 1 – Leukemia Lymphoma Society; Live performance by Finding Friday
Thursday, June 8 – Teed Off at Cancer
Thursday, June 15 – Culinaria
Thursday, June 22 – Houston Street Charities; Live performance by The Mighty Orq
Thursday, June 29 – Les Dames d’escoffier San Antonio
Thursday, July 6 – Heart Gift
Thursday, July 13 – Child in Need
Thursday, July 20 – TBD
Thursday, July 27 – Chamber Orchestra; Live performance by Passing Strangers
Thursday, August 3 – Fashion Group International
Thursday, August 10 – Viola’s Huge Heart

La Cantera Resort & Spa
16641 La Cantera Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78256
(210) 558-6500

Fiesta Like a VIP package at The Hotel Contessa

hotelcontessaatrium — The Hotel Contessa is offering guests its Fiesta Like a VIP package during this year’s Fiesta San Antonio. Photo courtesy of The Hotel Contessa, used with permission.

Fiesta San Antonio is well under way and The Hotel Contessa, the only Four Diamond all-suite hotel on the Riverwalk, is offering guests its Fiesta Like a VIP package from April 20 through April 30, 2017. The package starts at $900 per person per night and it is only available during Fiesta. Reservations may be done online. (The Hotel Contessa, 2017)

The Fiesta Like a VIP package includes:

Overnight stay in the Contessa Suite, Hotel Contessa’s 1,000 sq. ft. signature suite located on the top floor and offering modern furnishings, spacious living room, dining table and wet bar, master bedroom and double vanity bathroom with garden tub.
Complimentary in-room amenity of two traditional Margaritas.
Hotel Contessa’s Commemorative Fiesta Medal, a custom-designed hotel medal not available to the public.
Two tickets to NIOSA conveniently located along the Riverwalk and within walking distance from Hotel Contessa.
Traditional Cascarones Confetti Eggs to celebrate Fiesta like the locals.
Fiesta Recovery Breakfast for Two featuring a hearty selection of traditional Fiesta breakfast items, including Huevos Rancheros, Andalusian Breakfast Skillet or Traditional Eggs Benedict.

The Hotel Contessa
306 W Market Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 229-9222

Easter Sunday specials in San Antonio

bakerylorrainebunnies — Bakery Lorraine will have dessert options like Neapolitan Bunnies for the Easter holiday. Photo courtesy of Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

Easter this year is on April 16 and several restaurants are offering Easter Sunday specials for their guests who would rather eat out with their families. Boiler House, Bakery Lorraine, Hotel Contessa, Southerleigh and Hotel Emma will have special holiday themed menus and desserts. (Giant Noise, 2017)

Boiler House – Boiler House will have specialty menu items and regular brunch items served on Easter Sunday. Brunch Entrees include Bunny & Brie Pierogies, Maple Cured Bone-In Pork Belly and Lobster Pot Pie. Dessert includes Poteet Strawberry Parfait. Special Libation includes Southtown, basil-serrano infused lime juice, local honey and Monopolowa Gin. Dinner hours are from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Bakery Lorraine – Bakery Lorraine will have special pastries available on Easter Sunday and throughout the beginning month of April including: Egg-Shaped Moonpies: Colorful Easter pastry eggs that’s made with homemade graham cracker cookies filled with marshmallow in the center ($4 each). Neapolitan Bunnies: Cute bunnies made with vanilla cream, strawberry and chocolate ($6 each). Lemon Berry Chicks: Designed baby chicks in a basket of lemon berry filling ($6 each). Carrot Cake: Bakery Lorraine’s specialty carrot cake ($6 each). Hours are from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hotel Contessa – Hotel Contessa’s restaurant, Las Ramblas, is offering a special Easter brunch on Sunday, April 16 between 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., reservations required. Prices is $55 per person, $20 for children ages 6-13, free for children under 5. Brunch hours are from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Southerleigh – Southerleigh will be offering Easter brunch specials as well as its full brunch selection. Business hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hotel Emma – Supper will be offering an Easter special that includes Hudspeth Farms lamb patty melt on pumpernickel with gouda and pickled Vegetables. Lunch hours are 11a.m. – 2 p.m. Dinner hours are 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Larder will be offering an off the menu Easter Special of an Egg Salad Tartine with avocado, radish and carrot top salsa verde. Larder hours are from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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