The Saga at San Fernando Cathedral on the Main Plaza.
Tuesdays to Sundays at 9 pm and sometimes at 9:30 pm. This is my #1 recommendation for “Things To Do” in San Antonio. Have dinner at Boudro’s or Four Brothers on the Riverwalk or at Mi Tierra in Market Square.
Then, take a stroll to the city’s Main Plaza to watch “The Saga” light show projected onto the front facade of San Fernando Cathedral. Viewings are free and open to the public. This 25-minute light video was created by artist Xavier de Richemont and is just spectacular. It tells the history of San Antonio, from American Indian culture to Spanish colonization to Texas Independence to modern times.
After the light show, enjoy the nightlife atmosphere on the Riverwalk during an evening ramble. Be sure to stop in for a cocktail at The Esquire Tavern, the oldest continuously operating bar on the Riverwalk. It has a beautiful long bar and a warm ambiance. Soak in the sights and people-watch. Enjoy this modern multi-cultural city that has deep historical roots.
Honestly, I often drive thru El Paso and don’t usually stop. Recently, I spent a special day visiting with a good friend in the city. We surrounded ourselves with flowers and food and conversation. It’s these simple moments and companionship that make me happy. I encourage everyone to get out and about. To enjoy and share your life with others.
Everyday 11 am – 10 pm. 311 Montana Avenue A-1. I was told to get there early for lunch before a line forms. You order at the window and they bring it to you. I got Elote in Vaso and a Carrot Margarita (mezcal, lime juice, triple sec, carrot, pineapple, ginger). I also had a Baja Fish Taco & a Mushroom Taco on blue corn tortillas. The tacos were delicious and so was the margarita. Now, I want to try everything on their menu! I will be stopping by the next time I drive thru El Paso. Thank you Amanda for the lunch recommendation! See what Texas Monthly has to say about Taconeta.
Everyday March to November 8 am – 6 pm. 1702 North Copia Street, though GoogleMaps has it listed as 3418 Aurora Avenue. Free and open to the public.
Just a 9 minute drive from Taconeta, we decided to check out the El Paso Municipal Rose Garden, a beautiful garden park. There are over 4-acres of around 1100 rose bushes with 300 different varieties. It’s stunning! And, fragrant! It was so relaxing to walk the paths and admire the blooms. And, it was a great place to catch up with my friend.
Peak blooms are in March & April, though some varieties are repeat bloomers thru until winter. Apparently, the rose garden has been there since 1959 and was expanded in 2005. El Paso Master Gardeners and El Paso Rose Society volunteer with the City of El Paso to care for the garden.
Saturdays & Sundays 8 am – 4 pm; Mondays to Fridays 7:30 am – 4 pm. 2323 Alameda Avenue. Afterwards, we got dessert at Bravo Coffee House. We ordered a Matcha Lava Cake (warm matcha cake with white chocolate, served with mixed berries, toasted pecans and gelato). This divine cake was baked just for us. And, the short wait was completely worth it. I also got a dirty Chai and my friend had an herbal tea. But, it was the cake that was memorable. Friendly owner/manager and staff. Great quiet place to continue our conversations. This is a wonderful community coffee shop.
Marfa is so Marfa. It’s its own unique place. People-watching is maybe one of my favorite pastimes in this west Texas town, population 1600 plus or minus a few hundred 2nd homes. You are as likely to see a Tejano cowboy walking down the street, as you are a woman in high fashion fresh off her private jet from LA or NYC or even Germany there for the art galleries and over-priced vintage shopping.
Enjoy the climate of this high desert environment located at 4,685 feet above sea level. Due to the elevation, this area is one of the coolest in Texas during the summer. While it may get hot during the day, the dryness helps it cool off at night. The best time to visit is in the Spring or Fall. Spring & Fall highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s Fahrenheit. Winter 60s/30s. Summer 80s/60s.
Be aware that Marfa is a sleepy west Texas town that closes during the middle of the week, except for essentials. Marfa caters to the art scene visitors and folks on their way to Big Bend National Park. The best time to visit is a Thursday – Sunday long weekend. I could easily stay here for a month, but most people will be content with a couple of days.
