Food on brown wooden table with chairs and plates. Photo: Pexels
The sun hasn’t quite gone down yet, the sky is peachy orange or pale pink, and the air has a certain haze to it. That’s right, the season of long summer evenings is in full swing. And finding ways to spend time when it’s seemingly forever light outside is all part of the charm. But if you’re already out of ideas for this year, we’ve got a couple of suggestions for you down below. Use this time wisely – it’ll be winter again before you know it.
Spend Time in the ‘Pool’ Lucky enough to have a pool, or a hot tub? If not, don’t worry. Even if you don’t have one, you can buy a small paddling pool and spend some time luxuriating in the warm outside air and the weightless feeling around you.
Set it up in a flat, private space, wear your favorite swimwear items, pour yourself a yummy drink, and then spend a good half hour out there watching the sun go down. The water will help to keep you cool, and as that elusive evening breeze moves in, you’ll be able to truly cool off from the day behind you.
Host a Proper Streaming Night Whether you’ve got a new box set to binge or you want to watch a bunch of horror movies back to back, this idea will align neatly with your plans. Why not host a big streaming night for your friends to come along to? Make up a creamy crack dip with bacon and cheese, make sure there are plenty of dipping chips available on plates (with a few raw vegetables for a healthy option!), and buy some special drinks for the occasion too.
Take the Cinema Outside Tired of evenings indoors? If you’ve got the garden space, you can invest in a projector and a screen to show it all on. Wait until it’s a bit darker outside, put up an awning or gazebo to sit under and keep the screen safe, and set up some fairy or candle lights. Once you’ve done this, invite a couple people around for an outdoor cinema night. Put on your favorite movies, or have a theme night featuring the best animated classics, and watch late into the night while it’s warm and cozy outside.
Go Adventuring with a Pet If you’ve got a dog, or even a cat, take them out in those later evening hours while there’s still a bit of sunlight. A late one down the dog park or through your neighborhood, your pet by your side with a few treats in your pocket – it can be magical. And it’s good to get a bit of late day exercise; it can help you cool off, give you a healthy outlet from heat frustrations, and it’ll help you meet other lovely pet owners looking to do the same thing.
Long summer evenings don’t have to be boring, or overbearing with the heat! Make it fun with ideas like these.
The dog walk will be held this Thursday, April 20. Image: Hiromi Stringer, Dog (Germany)19 2022 gouache and sumi ink on oriental paper, 9 ½ x 13 in. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Attention all dog lovers. The Contemporary at Blue Star is hosting a social dog walk on Thursday, April 20, from 5p.m. to 7 p.m. with exhibiting artist Hiromi Stringer. The event is free and open to all dog owners who want to join in on the fun. (Contemporary at Blue Star, 2023)
The walk is through The King William neighborhood and starts with an hour of socializing with fellow dogs and their humans. Local shops, including the SouthPaw Waggery will be in attendance with goodies and swag. Attendees can screen print matching Contemporary bandanas for themselves and their furry friends, or park their dogs at our hosted dog parking station while they explore the exhibitions inside the galleries, such as Hiromi Stringer’s The Dog Show.
At 6 p.m., Hiromi will lead the dog walk through the neighborhood, which will conclude at the Contemporary for a viewing of the exhibition The Dog Show. To participate, complete the registration form. Do not miss out on this exciting event.
About the exhibition: The Dog Show: Time Traveler Umeyama’s Drawings from the 21st Century, Hiromi Stringer March 3 – June 4, 2023
Inspired by a chance encounter almost 30 years ago, when artist Hiromi Stringer saw someone walking a Siberian Husky dog on a busy street in Bangkok, Thailand, an incident that made her wonder about globalization and mundane objects in our life.
In The Dog Show, Stringer revisits her ongoing project UmeyamaReports, which chronicles the travels and observations of ShoeiUmeyama, Stringer’s fictional character. Umeyama is a Japanese man from the mid-1800s using time-teleportation to visit today’s modern world. This time, Umeyama reports on a variety of dogs and their owners, making observations, not only on the traits of each breed, but on the mundane objects that connect them with their owners, such as collars, leashes, and bowls, among others. Writings in Japanese—which visitors can translate using Google Translate on their personal devices—offer further insights into Umeyama’s particular point of view. Umeyama’s drawings, artifacts, and observations are displayed in the imagined Umeyama Time Teleportation Museum (UTTM) showcasing Umeyama’s achievements and the legacy of his history as a time traveler. Ink paintings/reports serve as his record of what he observed as he made sense of the modern-day U.S. Stringer’s exhibition and Umeyama’s imaginary findings represent an alternate perspective and reflection on today’s contemporary society.
Drawing on her personal paradigm shift, which included cultural and language differences, Stringer’s work reflects her curiosity about the world in which she lives. Using a micro perspective borrowed from Umeyama’s view, whose base point is Japan 170 years ago, a time when the country was under governmental enforced national isolation.
Stringer sees parallels between one’s process of knowing and living with very limited information about other countries and her own experience in a foreign land. By using Umeyama as a lens, Stringer provides a more objective view of the world while acknowledging her own subjectivity in her works.
Stringer is a 2019 alum of Contemporary’s Berlin Residency Program. During the three months that she lived and worked at the Künstlerhaus Bethanien as a residency awardee, she continued her UTTM work which took on new meaning in a new foreign home. Through her art, Stringer invites viewers to explore the mundane objects of our times and consider how they inform our current existence. Her approach to art is an extension of her curiosity about the broader world, and her latest work offers a unique perspective on globalization that is sure to spark conversations and inspire contemplation.
JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa offers Thanksgiving events for a family friendly holiday, West Texas Style. Photo: JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, used with permission.
The scenic JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa has some Thanksgiving getaway programs coming up. The family owned and operated, 13,000-acre Texas Hill Country retreat invites families and loved ones to give thanks with outdoor experiences, world-class Texas BBQ, and the chance to make long-lasting memories. (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, 2022)
Their programming and offers are as follows:
A Hill Country Thanksgiving Feast: On Thanksgiving (November 24), the JL Bar Ranch will host a family-style dinner featuring traditional Texas ranch favorites with sophisticated flair. Resort guests and locals alike can select from three separate seatings at 11a.m., 1p.m. and 4:30p.m. for their Thanksgiving feast, featuring a Chef-attended carving station with smoked turkey, sage butter basted roast turkey, and rosemary and garlic sirloin; crowd-pleasing and decadent buffet featuring over a dozen sides like bourbon orange glazed ham, sweet potato casserole with pecan crumble, roasted butternut squash and brussels sprouts with applewood smoked bacon; an assortment of festive holiday desserts; and more. Price: $59.95 (guest rate); $79.95 (non-resort guest); half-off for kids 12 and under.
Outdoor Adventure: Embrace the crisp November weather with the resort’s robust outdoor activities, from hiking and horseback riding to 3D archery.
Laid-Back R&R: Book a seasonal spa treatment at The Spa at JL Bar for the ultimate relaxation during the holiday. Fall spa specials include an Appe Body Scrub, Autumn Massage, Harvest Facial, and Fall Foliage Mani-Pedi.
A Multi-Gen Villa Escape: The stunning Archer’s Nest Villais an ultra-private retreat within the Ranch: this beautiful ranch home has 7 bedrooms & 6 bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen, a swimming pool with a slide, an outdoor kitchen & BBQ pavilion, home theater and more (private chef and butler options are available).
Take Care of Holiday Shopping Early: Stop by JL Bar Ranch’s General Store to tackle holiday shopping before the seasonal rush, with JL Bar coolers, apparel, hunting gear, and more.
The first School Discovery Days event will be this Saturday October 22 at Hemisfair’s Yanaguana Garden. Photo: San Antonio Charter Moms, used with permission.
Nowadays there are over 150 schools of choice in the San Antonio area alone. How do you define school choice? Simply put, school choice is the process of allowing every family to choose the PK-12 educational options that best fit their children’s learning needs regardless of zip code. Every child is unique, and all children learn differently. Some children might succeed at the neighborhood public school, while others might fit in better at a charter, magnet, online, private, or home learning environment. With so many options, parents and caregivers can quickly become overwhelmed. That is where the nonprofit San Antonio Charter Moms (SACM) goes to work. (San Antonio Charter Moms, 2022)
Considered the leading authority for assisting local families in their school search, the nonprofit is designed to help parents and caregivers make informed decisions. San Antonio Charter Momsprovides easy access to extensive school resources such as online discussion groups with over 10K members, articles, live videos, enrollment guides, podcasts, a school finder app, and perhaps the most anticipated and impactful of all, their in-person School Discovery Day Series held annually during enrollment season.
SACM hosts its largest series yet, with six School Discovery Days kicking off on October 22nd at Hemisfair’s Yanaguana Garden and concluding with their final event on March 4, 2023. Families will have the opportunity to meet school representatives from 15 to nearly 30 top San Antonio choice schools at each event, ask questions, get on interest lists and learn about application processes and deadlines. Families will also be able to enjoy a variety of fun activities during the event series, including DJs from The AM Project and animal show-and-tell with Once in a Wild, food trucks, and more. Families can receive hands-on guidance from the SACM team on navigating the nonprofit’s online tools and resources designed to simplify the search and application process. The events are free and open to the public and include great raffle prizes to boot.
SCHOOL DISCOVERY DAY AT HEMISFAIR (Fall)
Saturday, October 22, 11a.m. – 2p.m.
Central Games Plaza in Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair, 434 S. Alamo St., San Antonio, TX 78205
Hemisfair is a landmark park in downtown San Antonio. Families visiting School Discovery Day at Hemisfair can meet with over 15 top schools as they enjoy the fantastic amenities of Yanaguana Garden, including a splash pad, sand play area, table games, swings, climbing structures, picnic area, restaurants, and more.
SCHOOL DISCOVERY DAY AT O.P. SCHNABEL PARK
Saturday, November 12, 11a.m. – 2p.m.
Graff Pavilion at O.P. Schnabel Park, 9606 Bandera Rd., San Antonio, TX 78250
O.P. Schnabel Park is a regional park on the Northwest Side of San Antonio with a YMCA, sports fields, hiking trails, and more. Families visiting School Discovery Day at O.P. Schnabel Park can meet with 14 top schools as they enjoy the playground, sample specialty hot dogs by Doolittle’s Mobile Kitchen, dance to the beats of The AM Project, catch Once in a Wild mobile zoo’s animal program, and get creative with face painting.
SCHOOL DISCOVERY DAY AT THE DOSEUM (Flagship Event | National School Choice Week)
Saturday, January 21, 11a.m. – 2p.m.
The theater at The DoSeum, 2800 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
School Discovery Day is a free event in The DoSeum’s theater space. Guests will be greeted by the beats of the young DJs of The AM Project. With admission, guests can navigate The DoSeum’s 68,000 square feet of wow-worthy galleries designed to cultivate curiosity, ignite learning, and discover the power of play through interactive fun. Information on ticket prices and discounts for The DoSeum is available online.
National School Choice Week, January 22–28, is a celebration of the process of allowing every family to choose the K–12 educational options that best fit their children. SACM will host nearly 30 schools during this, the flagship event of the series.
SCHOOL DISCOVERY DAY AT SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH
Saturday, February 4, 11a.m. – 2p.m.
Second Baptist Church Community Center, 3310 E. Commerce St., San Antonio, TX 78220
Second Baptist Church is a historic Black congregation dating back to 1879, now located on the Eastside of San Antonio near the AT&T Center. Inside the Community Center, event guests can sample specialty hot dogs by Doolittle’s Mobile Kitchen, dance to the beats of The AM Project, catch Once in a Wild mobile zoo’s animal program, and get creative with face painting.
SCHOOL DISCOVERY DAY AT HANGAR 9
Saturday, February 18, 11a.m. – 2p.m.
Hangar 9 at Brooks, 8081 Inner Circle Dr., San Antonio, TX 78223
Hangar 9, built in 1918, is the oldest wooden aircraft hangar of its kind still standing in its original location; now it’s an event space at Brooks, a vibrant community on the site of a former Air Force base. Guests at School Discovery Day at Hangar 9 can meet with 25 top schools as they sample specialty hot dogs by Doolittle’s Mobile Kitchen, dance to the beats of The AM Project, catch Once in a Wild mobile zoo’s animal program, and get creative with face painting.
SCHOOL DISCOVERY DAY AT HEMISFAIR (Spring)
Saturday, March 4, 11a.m. – 2p.m.
Central Games Plaza in Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair, 434 S. Alamo St., San Antonio, TX 78205
Hemisfair is a landmark park in downtown San Antonio. Families visiting School Discovery Day at Hemisfair can meet with over 15 top schools as they enjoy the fantastic amenities of Yanaguana Garden, including a splash pad, sand play area, table games, swings, climbing structures, picnic area, restaurants, and more.
The next Cosmic Night at The Moon’s Daughters will be held on Sunday October 9, 2022. Photo: Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, used with permission.
Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk’s signature rooftop lounge, The Moon’s Daughters, will host another Cosmic Night on October 9. This ongoing monthly series takes place whenever a full moon lands each month and will return for October’s hunter’s moon, which will be the first full moon of fall. October’s unique full moon has been nicknamed the hunter’s moon because, traditionally, it is the time of year when hunters start collecting food for the winter. (Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, 2022)
Hotel guests and the public can enjoy live music, insight from a tarot card reader, and a specialty cocktail paired with a cosmic coaster. The cosmic coaster adds a flair of entertainment where guests will have the chance to scan a QR code, receive a prompt to think of questions, followed by unique insights, and conclude with a positive affirmation. The Moon’s Daughters is the best way to experience the full moon overlooking San Antonio’s skyline.
Brackenridge Park Conservancy announces this year’s Monarch Butterfly & Pollinator Festival in Brackenridge Park. Photo: Google
The Brackenridge Park Conservancy, in partnership with the Texas Butterfly Ranch, is proud to present the 2022 Monarch Butterfly & Pollinator Festival. The event will take place Saturday, October 8 from 10a.m. to 2p.m. in the Pecan Grove at Brackenridge Park as part of a month-long celebration of pollinators. Festivities include the People for Pollinators Parade, a monarch butterfly migration obstacle course for kids, butterfly tagging, live bee hive demonstrations, and more. (Brackenridge Park Conservancy, 2022)
The festival is free and open to the public and brings together more than 20 community partners to educate the community on the importance of the monarch butterfly and other pollinators. Activities for the whole family will take place starting at 10a.m. with the Caterpillar Train launching from the train depot in the park. The train was transformed with the assistance of local landscape architecture firm MP Studios and the beloved and nostalgic San Antonio Zoo train will be converted to a monarch butterfly caterpillar for the month of October.
“Brackenridge Park is thrilled to host the 2022 Monarch Butterfly & Pollinator Festival. The Park means so much to the people, plants and animals in this city so we look forward to being a home to free and fun educational events like this.” – Lynn Osborne Bobbitt, Brackenridge Park Conservancy Director of Development and Special Events
Throughout the day, visitors can tag monarch butterflies with trained docents as part of the Monarch Watch citizen science initiative. Festival goers can also participate in the Forever Journey, a program started in 2020 that tags butterflies in honor of deceased loved ones.
“Just as San Antonio sits in the heart of the migratory flyway for monarch butterflies and other wildlife, Brackenridge sits in the heart of our city. It makes for an ideal roost for this year’s Festival.” – Monika Maeckle, Festival founder and director of the Texas Butterfly Ranch.
More initiatives from this year’s festival include a monarch migration obstacle course organized by Blooming with Birdie, butterfly bike rides with the Austin Bike Zoo,a birding tour of the park and adoption events for hundreds of trees provided by the San Antonio Parks Department and pollinator-friendly native plants made available by SAWS.
The Brackenridge Park Conservancy has listened to and been a voice for those who use this cherished San Antonio park and its facilities. The organization operates under a long-term Management Agreement with the City that is administered by the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department. The only organization dedicated solely to protecting Brackenridge Park, the Conservancy raises funds for projects that benefit the Park, implements park-based programs and projects, advises City staff and elected officials, supports the evolution and implementation of plans for the Park, and acts as a forum for users to address common issues and build consensus.
The mission of the Monarch Butterfly & Pollinator Festival is to raise understanding and appreciation of the insect pollinators that make one of every three bites of our food possible, underscore our inherent interconnectedness, encourage the use of native nectar and host plants in gardens and landscapes, and reinforce San Antonio’s strategic role in the monarchs’ annual migration as the First Monarch Butterfly Champion City.
Pearl celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with Viva Dieciséis, a month long celebration with special programming, retail specials, and more. Photo: Matt Buikema, used with permission.
Pearl is excited to announce its programming for Hispanic Heritage Month, this September 15 – October 15, starting with a big Viva Dieciséis at Pearl celebration and continuing throughout the month with events, specials, a mural designed by artist Martha Martinez, and more throughout the property. (Pearl, 2022)
“With our rich history and connection to Mexico, Dieciséis is an important celebration and part of the Texas experience. As a central gathering place for San Antonio and people from all over the world, we are happy that the Pearl community can celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and honor the Latinx experience across many nationalities.” – Pearl CEO Mesha Millsap
Viva Dieciséis at Pearl – Friday, September 16
To celebrate Mexican Independence Day, Pearl will host a free event featuring a variety of mariachi groups that will play throughout the property including Trio Canteres de Mi Tierra, Las Coronelas and Mariachi Azteca with a guest appearance from Mateo Lopez, the world’s youngest Mariachi. The Viva Dieciséis festivities will also include a traditional grito by Consul General of Mexico in San Antonio Ruben Minutti Zanatta as well as loteria games and a grito contest in partnership with the Mexican Consulate and H-E-B.
The full event schedule is as follows:
5p.m. – Mariachi Festival kicks off at the shade structure (in front of Southerleigh)
5p.m. – Burbank High School mariachi group to perform at Parkito (next to Local Coffee)
5:30p.m. – Loteria games and guitar painting by the Mexican Consulate
6p.m. – Harris Middle School mariachi group to perform at Parkito
6p.m. – Stilt walkers from Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center perform
6:45p.m. – Grito by Consul General of Mexico and Grito contest takes place under the shade structure
6:45p.m. – Las Coronelas to perform at the shade structure
7p.m. – Trio Canteres de Mi Tierra to perform throughout the grounds
7p.m. – Mariachi Azteca to perform under the shade structure with guest Mateo Lopez
The mural, created by Martha Martinez of MM Creative, in collaboration with Servin and Don Mos, celebrates the San Antonio community’s rich cultural history. “Cultura, Orgullo and Corazón – are words that describe San Antonio, its people and its spirit. As a majority Latino community, we celebrate our community all year round,” says Martinez.
Retail Specials
Throughout Pearl during Hispanic Heritage Month, visitors and shoppers can find special deals, displays, pop-ups and more that honor our Hispanic community. Dos Carolinas, known for its beautiful guayabera shirts, will host a 15-20% off sale from September 15 through September 24. Curio and Larder at Hotel Emma will feature Latinx makers at their store with Larder hosting a 17HERNÁN mole event on September 17. Hotel Emma will also host a series of tastings featuring Latinx goods for guests of the hotel.
Feliz Modern Pop is planning to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with displays featuring Latinx makers and brands. The featured artists at Feliz Modern Pop will include designer Mario Diaz, jewelry maker Natazia Renee, artist Natalie Trinidad, artist Rafael Gonzales Jr, and artist Eva Sanchez. Brands like Very That, Miradela and Mi Dulce Vida will also be featured at the store throughout Hispanic Heritage Month.
Rancho Diaz will also celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with displays throughout the store that introduce shoppers to the people behind the brands they carry. Throughout the month they will feature artist Hailey Marmolejo and brands like Del Alma Imports, and Tex Mex Dance Party.
Culinary Celebrations
Restaurants across Pearl will be celebrating with specialty cocktails, unique new dishes, music, and more. Jazz, TX will host a Salsa night with Jose Amador and NATIAO Latin Jazz on September 17 at 7:30p.m. Boiler House will debut a new mezcal margarita with jalapeño and cilantro called “The San Antonian” in celebration of the city’s vibrant blend of cultures. Chilaquil in the Bottling Department is bringing mole chilaquiles to the menu for Dieciséis and will offer free aguas frescas with purchase throughout the month.
La Gloria will be offering several new specials as part of their Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations:
Chiles en Nogada – traditional poblano chile stuffed with picadillo meat with fruit, topped with walnut-based cream sauce, pomegranate seeds, and parsley
Bandera Elote – shaved in a cup or cob, topped with chili powder, cotija cheese, and cilantro to resemble the Mexican flag
Bandera Margarita – frozen margarita with pickle chamoy at the bottom and strawberry at the top, garnished with salt or chili, a lime and a Mexican flag toothpick
As part of their Dieciséis celebration on September 16, La Gloria will feature the aforementioned menu items in addition to live entertainment all evening, a cantarito satellite bar and a Herradura tequila flight special.
Pharm Table’s Noches Bohemias will feature a mix of low-fi and eclectic sounds over cocktails and bites. Photo: Pharm Table
San Antonio’s nationally recognized, plant-forward restaurant Pharm Table launches Noches Bohemias, featuring global beats from two of the restaurant’s own team members and creatives. As the sun goes down, patio diners will enjoy a mix of low-fi and eclectic sounds over cocktails and bites featuring DJ Luke Martinez, a.k.a. Calm College and DJ Armando Estrada, a.k.a. Todo Chido. Noches Bohemias will take place on Friday, August 5th, at 8p.m. at Pharm Table’s outdoor patio, 611 South Presa Street in San Antonio’s Southtown. (Pharm Table, 2022)
Pharm Table now serves dinner until 10p.m. on both Friday and Saturday. The bar will be open later as well, serving up apothecary cocktails as well as biodynamic wines curated by in-house sommelier Scott Ota, with an emphasis on female winemakers from around the world.
Pharm Table is an entirely unique concept and one of just a few true anti-inflammatory restaurants of its kind. Its philosophy is to help heal the body through food by blending the principles of Ayurvedic medicine with naturally healthful and gourmet global cuisines. Featuring local San Antonio heritage foods as well as a fusion of diets from the East, West, and Mesoamerica, the evolving menu is shaped by locally sourced produce and a global spice library and is free of dairy, refined sugar, wheat, and processed foods. While plant-centric, the menu also offers diners a selection of sustainably raised meats and fish. In addition to physical health, soil health and regeneration is a top priority at Pharm Table, and it is the first commercial restaurant composter in San Antonio. Supporting local businesses is also a priority, and Owner and Executive Chef Elizabeth Johnson partners with numerous local farmers along with supplying produce from her own backyard organic micro-farm.
Madeline Hotel & Residences in Telluride, Colorado. Photo: Auberge Resorts Collection, used with permission.
As the dog days of summer linger, the mountain town of Telluride, Colorado boasts a unique roster of special events with localized luxury experiences via the destination’s only Forbes Five Star hotel, Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection. Explore the local culinary offerings during a one-of-a-kind guided foraging session, and indulge in an exclusive multi-course dinner during Blues & Brews Festival. (Madeline Hotel & Residences, 2022)
Foraging with Chef Bill Greenwood: During the month of August, explore the local culinary offerings during a one-of-a-kind guided foraging session. On sunrise foray with Madeline’s own Executive Chef Bill Greenwood you will explore the land and learn about the local delicacies found in and around Telluride. Inspired by the best of what is in season from local Western Slope farms, Executive Chef Greenwood serves fresh, spirited takes on the hearty, rustic food you crave after a long day in nature.
Taste of Blues & Brews x Madeline: The Telluride Blues & Brews Festival Brewers Showcase will kick off in style on Thursday, September 15 at 6p.m. with an evening of brews, world-class fare and, of course, music. This culinary experience will pair six courses of curated, modern mountain cuisine from Executive Chef Bill Greenwood with unique craft beers and conversation with brewers.
Telluride Mushroom Festival: Guests staying at Madeline over August 17-21 can attend the annual Telluride Mushroom Festival: featuring a variety of talks from over 30 speakers. The Telluride Mushroom Festival is famous for its array of unique and lively events, including Wild Food Dinner Experience, Mushroom Chefs’ Dinner, Entheogenic Gourd Circles, Open Mic Night, MycoLicious MycoLuscious MycoLogical Poetry Show and our Free Identification Tent. Attend showings of new fungi movies, panel discussions over treatment using psychedelics and decriminalization of psilocybin containing mushrooms. Special guests are happy to take guests on a mycology adventure out into the forest in the beautiful alpine around Telluride.
Bonita Flats Farm & Vineyard in Los Fresnos. Photo: Sandra Cruz
Having spent the last few years in the big city, I had become accustomed to visiting wineries to enjoy a wine tasting or two. Since we relocated to the area, those visits have become rare since wineries and vineyards are not too common here in the Rio Grande Valley, especially in the small town of Los Fresnos. When I heard about Bonita Flats Farm & Vineyard, I jumped at the chance to check it out for myself and the weekend is the perfect time so I headed out there on Saturday.
Finding the place is not that hard if you are familiar with the area. It is located northeast of Los Fresnos, a mile 1/2 north of Highway 100 on FM 3069. Take Highway 100 going towards Port Isabel, turn left on Bobz World, and about a mile or less, Bonita Flats is on the right hand. Given the harsh hot South Texas summer weather, they are open in the later afternoon and evening, starting at 3p.m. Me and three other wine afficionados were excited to finally get a chance to try this place out and managed to get there at the perfect time right before sunset.
The outside sitting areas have plenty of shade and we managed to get a table for four. Melissa Delgado, one of the owners, promptly came over and introduced herself, told us all about the place and the type of wines they have, and got us started with a bottle of Chenin Blanc. We ordered the Charcuterie platter and a Margherita pizza for everyone. Within minutes we got the Charcuterie platter but had to wait a little longer for the pizza but once it was ready, it was easy to see why it took so long: it is made fresh with their own herbs and tomatoes. Definitely worth the wait. To wrap up the evening, we ordered a bottle of Dolcetto Rosé.
Live music for the night was courtesy of Cactus Willie who performed with his acoustic guitar. His voice is similar to Willie Nelson and even though he performs Willie Nelson songs, he also sings a variety of songs, from John Denver to the Beatles. He also performs at Pirates Landing at South Padre Island.
According to Art Delgado, future plans for Bonita Flats include a café to serve breakfast and brunch and bringing back the ‘vegetables by the bag’ in the fall season.
Overall, the combination of an evening outdoor setting, wine tasting, and tasty bites accompanied by live music made for a pleasant experience. The food was excellent and so was the wine. They have only been opened for three months and have so many plans for the place and by the looks of it, they are headed in the right direction. I cannot wait to see how they grow and will definitely return. I recommend Bonita Flats to anyone looking for a quiet place to unwind with friends and family and of course, a glass of wine and a slice of pizza. Next time you need to relax after a long week, head on over, maybe we will run into each other. Thank you to owners Art and Melissa Delgado for answering all our questions.
Current menu: Wine menu: Whites: Trebbiano, Chenin Blanc ($8 glass, $25 bottle), Rosé: Dolcetto Rosé, Immaculate Rosé, and Reds: Anglianico, Cabernet Sauvignon ($10 glass, $32 bottle) Pizza made with farm fresh herbs and tomatoes ($12) pepperoni, Margherita Charcuterie ($15) includes Manchego, aged Cheddar, and Gouda cheeses, fresh fruit (grapes and watermelon slices), crackers, salami, and green olives.
Art and Melissa Delgado established Bonita Flats Farm and Vineyard in 2016. They have dedicated 4 greenhouses and 1 acre of row crops to growing a variety of fresh vegetables and herbs. All produce is grown using organic practices, without any harmful pesticides. They also use all organic and non-GMO seeds for planting. (Bonita Flats Farm and Vineyard, 2022)
Business hours: Friday 3p.m. to 11p.m. Saturday 3p.m. to 11p.m. Sunday 3p.m. to 8p.m.
SA Examiner 