The San AntonioReview

Tiger Woods is back with his historic 15th Major victory at the 2019 Masters Tournament. Brooks Koepka just successfully defended his 2018 PGA Championship by winning again this year. Plus, the US Open is only a few weeks away. All of this means that golf is in full swing, and everyone, from the scratch golfer to the once a year player, is itching to play like the pros. One of the most unique and interesting golf experience available in San Antonio is TopGolf. TopGolf is only about 25 minutes from The Crockett Hotel. In this driving range style golf game, you hit specially chipped golf balls into various holes spread located at different distances. The holes themselves are surrounded by nets in the form of a dart board, and those special, chipped balls allow you to keep score with a computer screen located right in your tee box. There are a variety of games for you and your group to choose from, and the clubhouse has delicious food and drinks available all day long.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is one of the most beloved family films of all time, and Gene Wilder’s performance as the titular candy maker is legendary. From May 3-June 8, The Magik Theatre will be bringing the Wonka World to life on stage. The beautiful performance space is less than half a mile from The Crockett Hotel, and you will be delighted to see their take on the Roald Dahl classic. The cast will perform your favorites songs from the film like “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket,” “Pure Imagination,” “Good Fortune,”  “I Want It Now,” and “The Candy Man,” and you are sure to find yourself humming along as they do. If you are looking for a chance to introduce your kids to the theater and to a Hollywood classic, then The Magik Theatre performance of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is the perfect event for you.

The very first Fiesta San Antonio took place in 1891 when local women decorated their horses and carriages and paraded by the Alamo in remembrance of those who bravely fought at the Battle of San Jacinto and The Alamo. In the 100 plus years since that inaugural event, Fiesta San Antonio has grown into a 10-day event celebrating all of the things that make the city great while still remembering those heroes from the Alamo. One of the events scheduled for this year is Fiesta Fiesta Hemisfair which features live music, kid-friendly activities, local arts and crafts for sale, and lots of delicious food from some of the best chefs in San Antonio. Other events planned include Taste of the Republic on April 18, Crown the King on April 19, the Texas Cavaliers River Parade on April 22, Battle of the Flowers Parade on April 26, King William Fair on April 27, and Fiesta Flambeau Parade also on April 27. No matter which event you are able to attend, you and your family are sure to have an incredible time.

Even if the weather has not been cooperating, Spring is right around the corner. Soon enough, flowers will be blooming, animals will awaken from their winter slumber, and the air will once again be filled with the delightful music of songbirds. On March 18th, at 9 AM, you can celebrate the arrival of Spring at the San Antonio Botanical Garden at their monthly bird walk. This beautiful garden facility is only about 10  minutes from the Crockett Hotel. The bird walk is a guided tour through the gardens. Your knowledgeable guide will help you identify local birds, of course, but also other native animals and plants. As you enjoy the serenity and freedom of nature, your guide will provide interesting information about all of the wildlife that you will encounter. The friendliness of the guides combined with the beautiful scenery makes the bird walk at the San Antonio Botanical Garden the perfect stop for a relaxing experience.

In his long and successful career, William Shakespeare wrote at least 37 plays that scholars can mostly agree on. Authorship questions aside, Shakespeare is regarded as one of the finest writers of the English language of all time. One of his most popular, entertaining, and critically acclaimed plays is the Tragicomedy, The Tempest. The Tempest, one of The Bard’s final plays, tells the story of the sorcerer Prospero and his magical efforts to ensure that his daughter Miranda rightfully inherits the throne in Milan. This incredible adaptation will be performed by the Classic Theatre of San Antonio at the venue with the same name which is only about 10 minutes from the Crockett Hotel. If you are a Shakespeare fan, a lover of all things literature, or a fan of stage plays in general, then you will not want to miss this superb performance of The Tempest that will run from February 17 until March 12.

Now that the holidays are over and the new year has begun, it is time to start following through on those New Year’s resolutions. If you are looking to be healthier in 2019, then you should try Gardens and Yoga at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Located just 10 minutes from the Crockett Hotel, the Botanical Garden is the perfect place for yoga enthusiasts of all experience levels to practice their favorite poses. AC Power Yoga puts on the Gardens and Yoga event on the third Saturday of every month from 10-11 AM. The combination of the peaceful garden scenery and patient, knowledgeable instructors makes Gardens and Yoga a great place to work on your fitness. For this rain or shine, one of a kind class, all you need to bring is your yoga mat, sunscreen, and a willingness to learn and have fun. AC Power Yoga has designed the class to be a worthwhile experience for people of all ages and abilities.

It may seem impossible, but 2018 is rapidly coming to a close. Before we ring in the New Year, there are still plenty of holiday events to enjoy. One of the most enjoyable parts of the Christmas season is all of the beautiful light displays all around town. The San Antonio Zoo, located only about 10 minutes from The Crockett Hotel, has one of the most unique Christmas lights displays in the entire city. All month long, the zoo will be decorated with thousands of incredible twinkling lights. If you want to see any animal friends during your visit, be sure to get there before dusk. Otherwise, once the sun goes down, all of the holiday fun starts. You and your family can stroll through light displays and spectacular light shows. There will also be special games and activities like camel rides, a snow globe you can climb inside, the holiday express train ride, and a reindeer ring toss. Plus, there will be plenty of holiday treats like Christmas cookies, hot cocoa, and even s’mores for you to enjoy.

November is officially here which means that we have officially entered the holiday season. Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and, of course, Christmas is not far behind. To get into the holiday spirit, you and your family will want to take in a performance of The Children’s Nutcracker which is available on November 15 and 16 at the Majestic Theatre. This historic venue is the perfect place to see a live musical and is located only about half a mile from The Crockett Hotel. The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio will be putting a new twist on the Tchaikovsky Christmas classic. This incredible performance troupe has members with a wide range of abilities and experience which makes each show more special than the last. If you are looking for a fun night out for the whole family to enjoy, then The Children’s Nutcracker is the perfect show for you.

San Antonio is home to the Rampage, the top affiliate for the St. Louis Blues NHL team. They play if the AHL, the division just below the NHL. As a result, the Rampage is full of future NHL stars who are developing the skills that will make them legends in the sport. This year’s team, coached by Drew Bannister, features exciting young prospects like forwards Klim Kostin, Zach Sanford, and Adam Musil, defensemen like Chris Butler and Dmitri Sergeyev and goalie Ville Husso. The Rampage shares their home arena with the Spurs, the AT&T Center which is less than 10 minutes from the Crockett Hotel. Watching a hockey game in person is truly one of the best sports experiences in the world. You will be amazed by the speed of the skaters, the power behind the big hits, and the incredible passes and shot that lead to memorable goals. You will leave the game with a new favorite player, and maybe even a new favorite team.

Jazz lovers and fans of live music will want to join all of the fun and festivities at the Jazz ‘SAlive 2018 music festival on September 21 and 22. This year’s festival will celebrate 35 years of San Antonio jazz music. The event takes place at the historic Travis Park, located less than half a mile from the Crockett Hotel, which has recently been renovated. Jazz ‘SAlive will feature a wide range of jazz acts including national acts, local talent, and award-winning groups all weekend long. In addition to the incredible live music, there will be plenty of festival food and drinks and even crafts from local vendors. The event is free admission, which is amazing, but you will want to bring some money for food, drinks, and collectibles. So pack your favorite blanket, put on your dancing shoes, and join the Jazz ‘SAlive festival for a weekend of music, food, and fun.

Ed Sheeran has become one of the most famous and popular singer/songwriters in the entire world. He has been delighting audiences ever since his single “The A-Team” first hit the airwaves in 2011. His personal life and public friendship with Taylor Swift has kept him in the public eye, even when he is in between albums. On August 22, you have the opportunity to see the legendary performer at the AT&T Center which is less than 10 minutes from the Crockett Hotel. Sheeran is sure to play all of his popular hits including “Perfect,” “Shape of You,” “Sing,” “Don’t,” and “Thinking Out Loud” as well as some of your deep track favorites. Ed’s ability to connect with the audience makes the concert the perfect date night for couples of all ages. Before you know it, you will be swaying with the music, singing along to all of your favorite songs. The show is certain to sell out so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible.

One of the most interesting and exciting ways to see the sights that San Antonio has to offer is on the water with a Go Rio San Antonio River Cruise. You board the 30-minute ride at a location that is less than a mile from the Crockett Hotel. On the narrated cruise, you will pass under bridges, hear about the rich history of the area, and get some insight into the atmosphere of San Antonio’s Famous River Walk. Your tour guide will smoothly handle the boat while also highlighting points of interest during the boat ride. With the summer heat in full force, the cool boat tour is the perfect way to relax while getting acquainted with the city. Be sure to pay attention because you will pass lots of local hotspots that you will want to check out during your visit. This San Antonio tradition is the perfect experience for first-time visitors as well as seasoned veterans of the city.

From June 15-September 16, The Pearl will be celebrating San Antonio’s 300th anniversary with an event called Ole, San Antonio. All summer long, there will be events and activities that will focus on food and drink, culture and tradition, and Art and Architecture with the end goal of celebrating the city’s Spanish heritage. All of the interesting, entertaining, and informative events and activities take place less than 10 minutes from The Crockett Hotel, so it's worth the short trip to see what the special event of the day is. The entire historic Pearl neighborhood intends to come together with restaurants featuring Spanish cuisine, stores highlighting Spanish themed items, and plenty of activities in Pearl Park. So if you are someone who likes trying new food, learning about different cultures, or simply engaging with the local community, then the events at Ole, San Antonio are the perfect place for you to visit.

What happens when a group of strangers on a bus trip get trapped in a snowstorm and spend the night in a 24-hour diner getting to know each other? That is the questions at the heart of the play Bus Stop by William Inge. The play is being performed all month long at 8 PM on Fridays and Saturdays and 3 PM on Sundays, with the run ending May 28. This show is being presented by The Classic Theatre which is located only about 10 minutes from the Crockett Hotel. As the five strangers get to know each other in the diner, romance buds, teachers become students, and all lives are changed. The play is full of William Inge’s trademark humor and clever insight into American life. Whether you are an avid theatre-goer or you are just looking for a fun night out, The Classic Theatre’s performance of Bus Stop is not to be missed.

It may be hard to believe, but summer and summer vacation are right around corner now that it is officially spring. As a result, Splashtown San Antonio will be opening their doors on April 27, 2018. The family friendly water park is less than 10 minutes from the Crockett Hotel. The 20 acre park contains over 30 different tube rides and water slides. The lazy river, Siesta Del Rio, is a quarter of a mile of pure relaxation. The kiddos are sure to love Kid’s Kove which is home to a giant Kiddie pool as well as a Tipping Bucket, themed floats, and even a beach! The park contains some of the top rated water slides in the entire state. So whether you are looking for a relaxing day beneath a cabana, an afternoon full of thrills, or a little bit of both, Splashtown San Antonio has everything you could possibly desire for a day of fun in the sun.

San Antonio’s McNay Art Museum specializes in American and European Art from the 19th and 20th centuries, though some pieces and exhibits stretch all the way to Medieval times. Located about 15 minutes from the Crockett Hotel, the McNay Art Museum is one of the best museums of modern art in the entire country. Some of the exciting current exhibits include Cities on Parade: 300 Years of European Festival Books, 30 Americans: Rubell Family Collection, 100 Years of Printmaking in San Antonio: Mary Bonner, Spain to San Antonio: Hispanic Culture on Stage, and much more. Unique permanent exhibits at the McNay Art Museum include Art of New Mexico, Jeanne and Irving Collection of Art Glass, Tobin Collection of Theatre Arts, and one of the finest collections of prints and drawings in the southwest. The McNay Art Museum is the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering through the exhibits and galleries and losing yourself in the beauty of art.

From February 23- March 18, 2018, the Woodlawn Theatre in San Antonio will be presenting “The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber.” This incredible performance includes songs from some of the visionary’s most famous shows like Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Phantom of the Opera, Starlight Express, Sunset BLVD., and more. The beautiful Woodlawn Theatre is only a short 10 minute drive from the Crockett Hotel, making this a great opportunity to experience a truly breathtaking performance. Director and choreographer Christopher Rodriguez and Musical Director Andrew Hendley have the Woodlawn Theatre players well prepared to put on a rollicking show that you will not soon forget. From opening curtain to the final bow, you will be delighted by all of the songs that you have grown to love, all from the astonishing career of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Whether you are a fan of his specifically or musical theater in general, you are sure to enjoy “The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber.”

You and your team have less than an hour to find all the clues, answer all the riddles, and solve the mystery in order to escape the room at Great Room Escape in San Antonio. Located less than half a mile from the Crockett Hotel, Great Room Escape offers 3 different themes for their escape rooms. In the first, The Zombie Room, you and your team are trapped with a zombie who comes closer to breaking his restraints with each passing minute. Do you have what it takes to solve the mystery and escape before the zombie makes you his next meal? The second room, The Cabin Room, is more of a horror movie situation where you and your friends have one hour to escape a cabin filled with booby traps created by a crazed killer. The last room, The Countdown, calls for players to figure out the clues in order to get defense systems back online before a missile destroys your location. No matter which room experience you choose, you are sure to have a fun and exciting time.

Did you know that SeaWorld San Antonio has the largest display of Christmas lights in the entire state of Texas? Every holiday season, the park is decked out with around 8 million lights, turning SeaWorld into a Winter Wonderland. SeaWorld San Antonio is only about 25 minutes from the Crockett Hotel, so you will not want to miss this holiday event that runs through January 2, 2018. In addition to the lights, you and your family can meet Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and his friends, and even share dinner with them too. Speaking of dinner, you can also have a delicious feast with the big guy himself, Santa Claus. There will also be plenty of holiday themed shows like Shamu Christmas: Miracles, A Beluga Christmas set to the music of The Nutcracker, and the comedy show Clyde and Seamore’s Countdown to Christmas which takes place at the Sea Lion and Otter Stadium. SeaWorld San Antonio is the perfect place to celebrate the holiday season.

The NBA season has just begun, and the hometown San Antonio Spurs are off to a solid 5-4 start. The team is transitioning from the Tim Duncan era to the Kawhi Leonard era, and they hope to keep their championship aspirations alive this year. Their beautiful home arena, the AT&T Center, is located less than 10 minutes from the Crockett Hotel. This November, look for exciting home games against the Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls, Oklahoma City Thunder, Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks, and Memphis Grizzlies. Even though it is early in the season, every win counts in the extremely competitive Western Conference. In addition to young superstars Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge, the Spurs have veteran stalwarts and former All-Stars Manu Ginobili and Pau Gasol helping to lead the team. Head Coach Gregg Popovich always has his team prepared for a long postseason push, and this season should be no different.

Located just outside the city of San Antonio, the Natural Bridge Caverns are the largest publicly accessible caverns in all of Texas. With a variety of tours to suit every visitor’s desires, you'll marvel at unique geological formations fashioned over a millennia by the slow drip of water and explore mysterious underground corridors that plunge as deep as 180 feet below the ground. Back on the surface, visitors can enjoy a range of Adventure Tours, including the Canopy Explorer, a multi-level obstacle course made up of ropes and bridges that rise as high as 60 feet, or the Canopy Zip Lines, which will send you soaring over the Texas Hill Country at incredible speed. There’s also a Gem and Fossil Mining attraction where you can pan for treasure and an assortment of shops where you can grab a bite and browse the eclectic cavern-themed merchandise.

Address: 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Road, Natural Bridge Caverns, TX 78266

As thousands of people across Texas and Louisiana are still coming to terms with the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, we at the Crockett Hotel have been very moved by the outpouring of support from across the country for victims of this disaster. Over 40,000 people have been displaced from their homes, and according to current estimates, Texas alone has suffered nearly 180 billion dollars in damage. If you would like to donate to relief efforts, we suggest the following charities:

• The San Antonio Food Bank  
• The Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund  
• The Houston Food Bank  
• The Food Bank of Corpus Christi  
• The South Texas Blood and Tissue Center

To all those affected by the hurricane and subsequent flooding, our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.

We’re guessing you remember the Alamo, but have you heard of the Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo? Spanish missions, like Mission San Jose, were not simply churches, but rather entire communities centered on a church. Consisting of stone walls, granary, bastions, living quarters, the church, and other structures, Mission San Jose, dubbed “Queen of the Missions,” is the largest in San Antonio. It was founded in 1720 and completed in 1782. The mission had fallen into disrepair by the early 20^th century, but was restored to its original glory by FDR’s Work Projects Administration in the 1930s. The famed Ventana de Rose (“Rose Window”), which adorns the south side of the church, has inspired both adulation and legend through the generations. Today, visitors can enjoy 45-minute guided tours of the mission every day of the week at 10, 11, 2, and 3 o’clock (with some severe weather exceptions).

Address: 6701 San Jose Dr, San Antonio, TX 78214

The centerpiece of San Antonio’s burgeoning “southern Midtown,” the Pearl Brewery bears the namesake of Pearl Beer, a beloved Texas and Oklahoma brew that dates back to 1883. By the 1950s, Pearl had expanded to 47 states and, in the 1970s, was bought by a company now known as Pabst Brewing. Pearl beer is still on the market, though it’s now made in in Fort Worth, not San Antonio. Nevertheless, the Pearl Brewery continues to grow in popularity with visitors and locals alike. The exterior has been beautifully restored to match its original 1894 aesthetic. You’ll find a wide selection of locally-brewed craft beers available at surrounding venues like Cured, Blue Box Bar, Boiler House, and Granary. The vibrant neighborhood around the brewery has something for everyone, from restaurants, to ice cream parlors, to wine gardens, to clothing boutiques. Come on the first Thursday of the month for live music and special deals at the many shops, or stop by on Saturday and Sunday for the finest locally-grown produce at the Pearl Farmers Market.

Address: 303 Pearl Pkwy #300, San Antonio, TX 78215

For folks new to San Antonio, we highly recommend the Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour as a handy and fun way to hit all the major sites without the hassle of navigating unfamiliar terrain. Bus drivers are very friendly and knowledgeable, and the tour starts just a short walk from the Crockett Hotel at Alamo Plaza. Once on board, head to the upper level of the red double-decker bus for the best view of the city. You can hop on or off as many times as you like at any stop along the tour (and there are many). You could purchase a 24-hour pass, but most folks opt for the 48-hour pass since, again, there’s lots to see, including art museums, history museums, breweries, iconic BBQ restaurants, the famed Riverwalk, the San Fernando Cathedral, and the Spanish Governor’s Palace, to name just a few attractions. When you’re ready to head back to the hotel, just catch the next double-decker right back to where you started, only steps away from your luxurious Crockett accommodations.

Address: Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205

The quintessential Texas symbol of liberty, courage, and sacrifice, the Alamo is just a few minutes walk from our historic downtown hotel. Here are five things to consider doing when you visit the spot where a tiny group of determined Texans held fast against General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna for almost two full weeks in 1836.

1. Admire the beautifully adorned Alamo Shrine, a mission church in which the freedom fighters took their stand, despite the fact that the building itself had never been finished.

2. Visit Long Barrack Museum, the oldest building in the Alamo compound and the site of the battle’s most violent clashes.

3. Ask about the 45-minute audio tours, narrated by Dr. Bruce Winders.

4. Have a seat and enjoy a picnic in the shade of the lush Alamo Gardens, which bring together both native and exotic plants for you to enjoy as you contemplate the intersection of history and myth-making on these sacred grounds.

When you’re ready to return to the present, the luxury of the your Crockett Hotel room awaits.

Address: Alamo Mission, 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205

Find yourself immersed in this border city’s intercultural festivities.

April 20th @ 7:00 pm

Sequestered within the colorful sanctum of The DoSeum, San Antonio’s museum just for children, for one night only adults are invited to a fiesta like no other. Dance to real mariachi music and sip from a menu of specially crafted adult beverages.

April 22nd and 23rd @ 10:00 am

The Wimberley Valley Art League is again proud to unveil its 9th Annual Arts Fest, which will be parked down on the Blanco River. At this larger location there will be more artists able to exhibit than ever before, close to 115 altogether from the region and around the globe.

April 25th @ 6:30 pm

Seal the deal on the arrival of spring with the River Walk Royal Court Coronation, a Texan pageant like no other. This outdoor bash will be filled with patrolling mariachi bands, festive dancing, and plenty of photo opportunities. See you there, at Tobin’s Event Plaza.

There will be an especially large number of reasons to celebrate art and culture in San Antonio this month.

Culture in San Antonio is as diverse as the city’s history. Perhaps no place else features such an eclectic mix of inspiring young artists. Find local talent in the limelight every first Friday of the month, all year round. Participating groups include the city’s flagship non-profit organization, Blue Star Contemporary Art Museum, as well as studios and galleries.

March has been officially designated Contemporary Art Month, when a number of artists and curators, speakers and performances come running out of the woodwork. Hear what the people who make San Antonio come alive have to say through their use of innovative design and visually arresting crafts. Support the creative spirit that continues to thrive in Texas, which you’ll find in the most unlikely of places. It could be the highlight of your family’s Crockett Hotel stay.

Sure, it’s famous for the Battle of the Alamo, a pivotal event in Texas revolutionary history. But did you know San Antonio is just as remarkable for a rich diversity of arts and culture? This month brings lovely, thoughtful treats for the eyes and ears.

February 16th through 18th

Teaming up with Opera San Antonio, the Chamber Orchestra of San Antonio is presenting a Valentine’s Day weekend concert series, including Richard Wagner’s epic tale of love and longing, Tristan und Isolde. Jenna Black is booked to sing the famed soprano role, on the Tobin Center stage.

February 17th @ 6:00 pm

The San Antonio Botanical Garden invites your family to pop in a set of fresh batteries, pull on the headlamps, and find your way through the Light Maze. Family Flash Light Night encourages children to explore the night, with several hands-on activities and support from the San Antonio Astronomical Association.

First, you must stuff yourself with San Antonio's legendary BBQ and extraordinary Tex-Mex. Then, when you're looking a meal on the lighter side, head to the Sip, Brew Bar & Eatery, a cafe less than a five minute's walk from the Crockett Hotel. San Antonio prides itself on being the most European of Texas's major cities -- this old-style patisserie proves why. On the menu are fresh juices and yogurt, a full-size espresso bar, as well as innovative munchies like the Nutella croissant and their very own "Sexy" sandwich. Sip, Brew tells us that many of their customers stumble across their place in search of the Starbucks across the street -- only to have the best Americanos and Lattes they've ever had. Whether you're looking for your morning jump start or afternoon pick me up, we can't recommend Sip, Brew Bar and Eatery enough.