Mother’s Day weekend was a big one for Dan and me this year. If you follow along on social media, you most likely have seen a few posts about the 2018 Tournament of Roses Parade. Dan is the Director of Bands at Ronald Reagan High School and they were one of only ten high school bands in the whole country to be invited to march in this coming Rose Parade on New Years Day 2018 (and the only band from Texas– which is an incredible honor, given the caliber of band programs in our great state).
This year’s President of the Tournament of Roses parade Lance Tibbet spent this past weekend visiting San Antonio with his wife Amelia. They were here as ambassadors for the parade, and to promote Reagan Band’s involvement to our local community and media. With Sunday being Mother’s Day, my task was to host Lance and Amelia at our home for brunch with my parents and Dan’s parents before we set out on a day of sight-seeing. Even though I’m a native of this city, I still felt like I was experiencing it in a way I don’t typically get to. These are the 5 things we did to entertain our guests, in order:
1.Brunch at Pearl
We hosted brunch at home for this particular occasion, but some of our favorite places to eat out with guests for brunch are Cured, Southerleigh, or Il Sogno Osteria. You can park your car at Pearl and spend the rest of your day hopping hot spots down the river and back, without even making it to the main stretch of the touristy section of the River Walk.
2. Pearl Farmer’s Market.
Now that the Pearl Market has moved to it’s new home in the recently opened Pearl Park, the parking is easier and the vibe is local and fancy-free. Your guests will love snacking, relaxing, and soaking up some Texas sun while listening to live music. If your guests are thirsty for a cold one, grab a local brew at Southerleigh while you people watch.
3. Paramour
This is hands down my favorite view in San Antonio. While you’re making your way down the River Walk with your guests, this is the perfect pick-me-up spot. Order a coffee or a mimosa with a charcuterie board and take in the breeze and sunshine.
4. The Tobin Center
Image source: SA Express-News
If you haven’t been to The Tobin Center yet to see a show, you should definitely make the experience a priority. No matter your budget or taste for entertainment, there is something for everyone in the programming offerings. If you don’t have time to catch a show with your guests, you can certainly arrange for a tour, and I highly recommend it. I used to work at The Tobin Center, so a former coworker / friend of ours gave us an extra detailed arts-lover tour, which was very special. This venue is an incredible asset to our city, and a tour of it (even the basic version) will no doubt impress your guests.
5. Supper at Hotel Emma
Hotel Emma is a must-see regardless of whether you are having a drink or a meal there. If anything, walk your guests through the lobby just so they can see historic preservation and interior design at its finest. Supper is a great place to cap off a long day of sight-seeing. The fare is just right in portion size and decadence- don’t skip dessert!
I love playing San Antonio ambassador and tour guide to guests we host from out of town. There are so many great places we frequent that weren’t on our itinerary this time, so I’ll be sure to share more of what’s On My List in the future. What are your favorite SA hot spots? Leave a note in the comments below!
You mentioned some of my favorites! When my family comes to town, we always hit up the Farmer’s Market! Best people and dog watching in town!
-Meg
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