Staycation it is

Riverwalk hotel reveals extensive renovations in downtown San Antonio

Tis the season to staycation — particularly with The Westin Riverwalk's extensive renovations finally reaching completion. That's right, the downtown San Antonio staple hotel has a fresh new look, just in time for sweaty locals to escape the torturous heat.

In addition to the full renovation of the Westin's in-house restaurant and bar Zocca Cuisine D’Italia, the Westin Riverwalk now has a fully renovated business center, upgrades to the guest rooms and corridors, as well as updated public restrooms. The fitness center also has a fully updated new look.

The downtown hotel staple has 473 renovated guest rooms, with some now featuring walk-in showers. And while a cold shower sure sounds good after an outing in the 100-plus degree heat, don't miss the updated pool, either.

Even for locals who don't want to stay overnight, a visit to Zocca is definitely worthwhile for date night. The Italian-centric restaurant has menu options for breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner, with hearty plates like the crowd-pleasing bone-in-smoked beef short rib, which can be washed down with the hotel's signature cocktail, the Zocca Spritz.

Brunch is a fun choice with shareable menu options like heart of Texas pizza or the salsa-macha dry rubbed wings. Zocca also has a fun Texas-themed brunch cocktail menu, with options like the vodka-based Two-Step Tea, a rumchata Cinnamon Toast Brunch drink and more.

"Knowing the exceptional level of service we already provide, this was the natural next step to elevate the total guest experience," says Maria Martinez, General Manager of The Westin Riverwalk via release. "We didn’t want to lose the existing charm people have come to know and love, so we built upon our authentic riverfront locale and delivered certain luxuries to mirror the premium status of the hotel, leaving guests feeling refreshed and inspired while still paying homage to San Antonio’s culture.”

Courtesy Westin Riverwalk

The Westin Riverwalk is beginning a new chapter in its 24-year heritage.

the bigger the better

Hill Country's Enchanted Rock to double in size after $43M land purchase

Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

The recent purchase will double the amount of publicly available land at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.

Enchanted Rock Natural State Area, a popular Hill Country destination in Fredericksburg, is continuing its expansion after purchasing a 3,073-acre property in Llano County for $43 million.

The recent purchase comes nearly four months after Texas Parks and Wildlife Department purchased a 630-acre tract of land in nearby Gillespie County, adding to Enchanted Rock's current 1,644 acres of land.

The park's expansion, which doubles the amount of publicly available land, is also a great investment for Texas tourism, according to Governor Greg Abbott.

"Texas is home to 88 state parks that showcase our great state’s natural beauty to Texans and visitors from all over the globe," said Governor Abbott in the release. "The expansion of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area will allow tourists from across the state and around the world to enjoy even more of the majesty of Texas. Together, we will continue to ensure that what makes Texas unique and beautiful is preserved for generations."

The sale was made possible thanks to TWPD's Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, a voter-approved $1 billion fund dedicated to the acquisition and development of new state parks. Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, the department's official nonprofit partner, also helped review the property's potential as an extension of the park.

The release explains that the Llano County land was previously used as a private hunting ground, but TPWD will seek public input to decide future recreational activities and conservation opportunities for the land.

"Enchanted Rock is cherished by Texans across the state, and we are thrilled to add a property of this size and scope to this beloved park," said Chairman of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Jeff Hildebrand. "I look forward to families experiencing this new addition to Enchanted Rock SNA and creating lasting memories for generations to come."

TPWD expects planning may take "many months to complete" before announcing an opening date for the new property.

state parks hill country fredericksburg enchanted rock