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Photo by Through His Eyes Photography and LeaAnn Gardner

What: 43rd annual San Antonio Cattle Baron's Gala, presented by the Will Smith Foundation

Where: Estancia del Norte Hotel

The 411: More than 550 people gathered on October 23 to raise funds for the American Cancer Society's research, education, advocacy, and patient and family services.

Guests enjoyed a fun-filled night of Western-themed entertainment, including live country music, dancing, gourmet Tex-Mex cuisine, an open bar, live and silent auctions, midway games, and mechanical bull riding.

After being greeted with a ranch water cocktail, attendees posed for a photo with live longhorns. The Matt Kersh Band grooved in the VIP courtyard, followed by a show-stopping performance from Kin Faux.

The event also paid special tribute to cancer survivors and those we have lost to the disease. This year’s gala theme, "Cowboy Up Cancer," was selected by 2021 gala chairs Mark Malesky and Kelly Kuenstler.

"The theme represents and helps define an incredible opportunity to give back through groundbreaking cancer research and world-class patient care," says Malesky. "We are Cowboying Up for a world free from cancer. We are putting an end to the difficult and debilitating cancer treatments, surgeries, and side-effects."

Kuenstler added, "Together, we’re on a mission to decrease the burden of cancer in San Antonio, South Texas, and beyond."

The evening concluded with s'mores toasted over a crackling fire and a departure gift of warm Tiff's Treats chocolate chip cookies. The event was a huge success, raising over $750,000 for the American Cancer Society's life-saving mission.

Who:Brett Emmons, Heather Nations, Reece Nations, Nancy Poppon, Julie Poppon, Michal and Bill Waechter, Susan Naylor Moulton Sellers.

Nancy Poppon, Julie Poppon

Nancy Poppon, Julie Poppon
Photo by Through His Eyes Photography and LeaAnn Gardner
Nancy Poppon, Julie Poppon
Photo courtesy of Texas Book Festival

Texas Book Festival publishes all-star lineup for first-ever virtual event

Read All About It

During a normal October, downtown Austin would be transformed into a bibliophile's dream, complete with rows of tents housing books of every genre. The crisp cool weather (just kidding, it's still Texas in October) gives way to writers in tweed jackets (actually, T-shirts) and the annual Lit Crawl is topped off with mugs of Hot Toddies (or ice-cold beer). Regardless of the weather, it's a fall tradition and yet another event forced to pivot due to the pandemic.

This year, the beloved Texas Book Festival is going digital and bringing with it a lineup of Pulitzer Prize winners (Isabel Wilkerson), movie stars (Matthew McConaughey), big-name chefs (DavidChang), and more publishing personalities to your screen. In total, 125 authors, illustrators, poets, journalists, artists, and thought leaders are slated to make appearances.

Wilkerson, who won a Pulitzer for her first book, will be discussing Caste, her newest New York Times bestseller that reckons with America's deeply rooted system of social injustice. Austin's own McConaughey will be on hand to chat about Greenlight, his new memoir, while Chang will be promoting Eat a Peach: A Memoir, "an intimate account of Chang’s rise through the restaurant world."

Unlike the traditional festival, which runs over a weekend, this year's 25th anniversary celebration kicks off October 31 and run through November 15. It's free, open the public, with programming broken up into blocks. The event begins with the 2020 Texas Teen Book Festival, taking place online on October 31 and November 1. Keynote speakers Elizabeth Acevedo and NicStone will join a lineup that includes Tiffany D. Jackson, Candace Bushnell, Natalia Sylvester, Lilliam Rivera, Yamile Saied Méndez, Rory Power, and Francisco X. Stork, among others.

Children's programming then follows November 2-6, with children’s authors and illustrators including Jon Scieszka and Steven Weinberg, Derrick Barnes, Raúl The Third,David Bowles,Jerome Pumphrey and Jarrett Pumphrey.

It's then the adults turn, beginning with the Literary Gala on November 6 at 7:30 pm, TBF's official fundraiser, and the only thing that isn't free in the lineup. Emcee Michael Ian Black hosts Julia Alvarez, Nick Hornby, and Natasha Trethewey for an evening of literary thrills.

Tickets to the gala begin at $600, and proceeds go in part to funding the festival; TBF's Reading Rock Stars and Real Reads programs, which provide author visits and book donations to students in low-income schools; grants to Texas public libraries across the state; and free literary programming throughout the year.

The free programming returns with appearances by Kevin Kwan, Sigrid Nunez, Julia Alvarez, Michael J. Sandel, Ibi Zoboi, and more. Of course, the Lone Star State is well represented, with Texas writers José R. Ralat, Deb Olin Unferth, Natalia Sylvester, John Mackey, Julia Heaberlin,Lupe Mendez, H. W. Brands,Rebekah Manley, Rubén Degollado, Peniel E. Joseph, Tom Philpott, Robert Draper, Richard Z. Santos, James Wade, and Amanda Eyre Ward.

“We’re so excited to share this year’s lineup, and we’re especially proud about how many Texas authors will join us at this year’s Festival,” says TBF Literary Director Matthew Patin. “In such an unconventional year, it’s more important than ever to support the local literary community, and we can’t wait to showcase their work.”

As mentioned, this year's programming is free and open to all, with the exception of the Literary Gala on November 6. For more information and to see the schedules once they're announced, visit the Texas Book Festival site or follow them on social media.

Photo by Justin Parr

Crumbling Hot Wells site transforms into San Antonio's newest public park

Revitalization

What was once an elite destination for the rich and famous is now the county's newest public park and recreation space. Hot Wells, located at 5503 S. Presa St., is officially open to San Antonians, complete with event space, parkland, and more attractions.

But the multimillion-dollar, county-led renovation is just the start for this unique space. In June 2018, nonprofit Hot Wells Conservancy kicked off its $6 million capital campaign, encouraging residents to help invest in the development of this four-acre site. And though the space is now open to the public, the conservancy's work is still underway.

Boasting Victorian architecture, Hot Wells was originally built as a recreation destination that hosted everyone from politicians, such as President Theodore Roosevelt and Porfirio Diaz, to members of the Hollywood elite, such as Charlie Chaplin and Rudolph Valentino. (Filmmakers even used the site as a backdrop in a few early 20th century movies.)

“It’s an important part of our history, something a lot of people don’t recognize or people who didn’t even know what Hot Wells was or why it was here,” County Judge Nelson Wolff said at the grand opening April 30. “We want to tell that story.”

It's a story that begins in the late 1800s. The Hot Wells site, nestled right off the San Antonio River, was host to various attractions, but the site’s heyday happened at the turn of the 20th century, when it was promoted as a health spa and resort touting restorative, even healing, properties.

Over the decades, parts of the Hot Wells site fell prey to fire and, despite efforts to rehabilitate various elements of the property, structures fell into disrepair. Hot Wells officially closed in 1977.

Beginning in the late 1990s, public and private organizations began working to better protect the Hot Wells ruins. Local developer James Lifshutz bought the property and, in the early 2000s, began to clean up the site.

In 2012, Bexar County announced it would help transform some of the land into a public park. Three years later, in 2015, county commissioners approved $4 million in improvements, including updated trails to connect the Hot Wells ruins to Mission Reach.

“What we call ruins is now history,” County Commissioner Sergio “Chico” Rodriguez said at the grand opening. “The James Lifshutz partnership with the conservancy is doing a phenomenal job. This is a big opportunity for the South Side.”

Today, walkers, cyclists, runners, fishing enthusiasts, and even kayakers, all of whom frequent the Mission Reach, can now add Hot Wells to their list of recreational attractions along the river in the South Side.

The Hot Wells Conservancy, local officials, and others also see the Hot Wells park as an opportunity to promote the site as a major gathering spot for community members. The conservancy will hold its Railroad Baron’s Ball, its major annual fundraiser, on June 6 at the Menger Hotel. Former Mayor Lila Cockrell, who supported rehabilitation efforts at Hot Wells in the 1970s, will be one of the honorees at the ball.

The revival of Hot Wells also represents a chance for San Antonio natives to delve into the South Side’s past. “Everyone who grew up in San Antonio has some relationship with Hot Wells,” said Betty Bueche, director of the county’s heritage and parks department. “They remember the good times they had out here. So today, they come back and remember those things and get to share them with new family members and visitors to our community.”

Photo courtesy of The Devils River Conservancy

San Antonio philanthropists throw devilish affair at the Witte Museum

Devil's Run

What: Devils River Conservancy's Wild Texas

Where: Witte Museum

The lowdown: On October 25, San Antonio philanthropists and conservationists gathered at the Witte for a devilish good time. Though the guest of honor — South Texas' Devils River — runs nearly 200 miles west of Alamo City, the event served as an evening of education and advocacy about the waterway.

As Billy Mata & The Texas Tradition played tunes, supporters nibbled on appetizers, sipped libations, and took part in a silent auction to benefit the Devils River Conservancy. Supporters — collectively known as Devil's Advocates — also learned more about the nonprofit's work through a special film and other educational activities.

According to the DRC, the river is currently under threat from recreationists, changing borders, and "water marketers" looking to pump water away from Devils River and into Texas' growing cities. Funds raised from the Witte affair went directly to DRC to continue conservation efforts for the river.

Who: Lachlan Miles, Alice Ball Strunk, Chris Hill, Susan Naylor, Lisa Howerton, Marise McDermott, Ben Masters, Alice Ball Strunk, Raphael Woodward, Cade Woodward, Ricky Restrepo, Ruthie Russell, and Johnny Russell.

Billy Mata and the Texas Tradition.

Wild Texas Witte Museum
Photo courtesy of The Devils River Conservancy
Billy Mata and the Texas Tradition.

A complete guide to celebrating San Antonio's DreamWeek 2018

Living the Dream

San Antonio’s Martin Luther King, Jr. March, now in its 31st year, has become one of the nation’s largest marches of its kind. But the march is just one part of a growing event filled with festivities that celebrate MLK’s legacy of education, tolerance, and cultural diversity.

The sixth annual DreamWeek Summit, beginning January 5, includes more than 200 symposiums, panel discussions, performances, and other activities — all designed to foster an environment for civic and civil engagement.

“Participation and interest in our 2018 summit has been tremendous,” said Shokare Nakpodia, president of the organizing DreamVoice venture, in a news release. “With 180 local hosting partners, 120 participating venues, and 100 volunteers, DreamWeek is the fruit of a community driven endeavor and has become a one-of-a-kind collaboration that is now attracting national interest. More than ever, San Antonio is emerging as the face of America’s future.”

This year’s DreamWeek Summit has grown thanks in part to new partners, such as the American Civil Liberties Union, American Red Cross, Healy-Murphy Center, and Linda Pace Foundation. DreamWeek 2018 begins on January 5 with a breakfast ceremony from 8-9:30 am at the Briscoe Western Art Museum.

In addition to remarks by Mayor Ron Nirenberg, a keynote address will be offered by noted musician/author/lecturer Daryl Davis, who has developed a reputation for forging a unique approach toward race relations. Davis, an African-American, has spent his career traveling the nation interviewing Ku Klux Klan leaders and members.

In preparation for the 15 day celebration, we've rounded up a few other DreamWeek events worth checking out. It should be noted that some DreamWeek events also double as activities for the concurrent San Antonio Cocktail Conference, as well as the city’s tricentennial celebration.

Friday, January 5

  • Free screening of the documentary film Accidental Courtesy, about Davis’ race relations experiences. Screening held from 4-6 pm at Carver Public Library.
  • 80th Annual Founders’ Day Gala marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of Alamo City Black Chamber of Commerce. From 6-11 pm at Pearl Stables.

Saturday, January 6

  • Public Space East presents Brunch and Build at Burleson Yard Beer Garden — East Side chefs will prepare dishes as area artists create artwork to be installed along paths and play areas at Dignowity and Lockwood parks. Admission is free; food ticket is $10 for adults, free for children age 12-under. From 11 am-4 pm

Sunday, January 7

  • The Impact Guildhosts a global community dinner at 708 W. Summit Ave. This will be a progressive dinner, involving dishes from different cultures and regions, and an opportunity to talk with new people about new ideas. The dinner will be held from 6-8 pm and admission is $40.

Monday, January 8

  • SA RISE (Rising in Solidarity for Equity) presents an open conversation about equity in local public education. From 6-8 pm at Brick at Blue Star. Admission is free.

Tuesday, January 9

  • San Antonio LGBT Chamber of Commerce hosts an an after hours mixer. From 6-8 pm at the Plaza Club, 100 W. Houston St. Admission is free.

Wednesday, January 10

  • Free screening of the new documentary, Walk On the River: A Black History of Alamo City. The film highlights the contributions that African-Americans have made to San Antonio’s evolution. Held from 7-9 pm at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema - Park North.
  • Women Shaking It Up: Inspiring Women Superheroes helps to also kick off the cocktail conference. The event recognizes female bartenders and chefs, as well as other notable women making their mark in business, sports, politics, and more. Event held from 7:30-11 pm at Zaza Gardens. Admission is $65.

Thursday, January 11

  • Dr. J.R. Bowie III Scholarship Foundation’s Awards Banquet and Concert — Community members get to meet the original Mississippi Freedom Riders, and recognize special individuals with the Freedom Rider Jesse James Davis Scholarship. Event runs from 6:30-11 pm at Continental Café and Event Center, 6390 Fairdale Drive. Admission is $25-$28.
  • Trinity University’s MLK commemorative lecture featuring Kathleen Neal Cleaver. Listen to an inspiring talk by a woman who has spent most of her life fighting for human rights. She is currently co-director of the Human Rights Research Fund. Lecture begins at 7:30 pm in the Laurie Auditorium. Admission is free.
  • Bettye LaVette performs at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. 7:30 pm, tickets available from $39.50-$75

Friday, January 12

  • DreamWeek Awards Luncheon —This lunch honors organizations and individuals who embody DreamVoice's mission of “advancing the voices of tolerance, equality, and diversity.” This year’s event will include a keynote address by Amal Kassir, a Syrian-American spoken word poet and activist. Luncheon begins 11:30 am in the La Orilla Del Rio Ballroom, 203 S. St. Mary's St. Admission begins at $50.
  • The Renaissance Guild offers The Eastwood Project: A Blues Continuum, an evening of music and dance that recalls the legendary Eastwood Country Club, which helped to bring popular black entertainers to a local integrated audience decades ago. Concert begins at 8 pm at Carver Community Cultural Center. Additional performances Jan. 13-21. Admission is $25.

Saturday, January 13

  • San Antonio for Growth on the Eastside (SAGE) hosts its fourth annual Taste the Dream Gala. Enjoy a celebration of diversity through food with proceeds benefiting SAGE. Featured chefs include Johnny Hernandez, David “Bully” Page, Luis Colon, and Charassri Saengon. Dinner from 6-11 pm at the Witte Museum. Admission is $150. This is also a tricentennial event.
  • Evolution of Beauty Defined: From Sarah Baartman to Billions — Gwen Devoe, creator of Full Figure Fashion Week, will be among the industry experts discussing how body shaming has turned into a billion-dollar industry that celebrates women's curves. Living mannequins will pose among the guests. Show begins at 5 pm at the Quarry Golf Club. Admission is $25.

Monday, January 15

  • 2018 MLK March begins at Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy and ends at Pittman-Sullivan Park. At the park, the public will gather for a program commemorating King’s legacy. There will be speeches and food vendors, as well as business and community service information. March begins at 10 am and admission is free.

Tuesday, January 16

  • Diversity in Action lets LGBTQ youth to take part in free, artistic, peer-connecting activities. Event begins at 6:30 pm at University Presbyterian Church.

Wednesday, January 17

  • Confluence Park Grand Opening — The San Antonio River Foundation and San Antonio River Authority have been working to develop the former industrial yard into a public space for interactive ecological education and recreation. 10:30 am at 310 W. Mitchell St. Admission is free.

Thursday, January 18

  • The band The Foreign Arm will present a narrative musical performance. Event begins at 8 pm at Carmen de la Calle, 320 N. Flores St. Admission is $10.

Friday, January 19

  • SA2020 luncheon will celebrate the release of the SA2020 2017 Impact Report. Every year, the nonprofit charts the community’s progress in several elements, from economic development to public health. Lunch begins at 11:30 am at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. Admission is $50.

Saturday, January 20

  • The Mayor’s Ball closes out DreamWeek with local musical, theatrical, comedic, and cultural performance talent. Ball begins at 7 pm at the Empire Theater, and admission is $200.
Photo by Megan Swann for StarChefs

San Antonio's top culinary stars take the spotlight at prestigious gala

Top of the food chain

On December 13, San Antonio’s culinary stars headed to Austin for a night of celebration. StarChefs, a national organization committed to supporting the success of restaurant professionals, hosted its quarterly Rising Stars awards gala and tasting at Fair Market, an event space on the city's east side. The evening, which was emceed by CultureMap San Antonio food editor Brandon Watson, featured delectable selections from some of the Lone Star State's best chefs, artisans, bartenders, and sommeliers.

Every year, StarChefs selects four markets on which to focus the spotlight, and hosts similar awards galas in those cities. Now in its 12th year, the lists of Rising Stars Award recipients read like a crystal ball into the epicurean future of each given city. When the awards first came to Central Texas in 2012, they recognized the likes of Quealy Watson, Michael Sohocki, Jason Dady, and Jeret Peña, all startlingly accurate predictions of the greatness to come.

Five years later, StarChefs is back to honor a new class of San Antonio and Austin culinary professionals. But StarChefs didn’t come to town simply to burnish the already shiny reputations of our newly minted local chef celebs. The organization met with more than 100 industry pros before presenting the 2017 class of Rising Stars, many of whom may have yet to cross into local foodie culture at large — but, assuredly, not for long. These incredible talents are the ones to keep your eyes (and bellies) on in the coming years.

Four of the names are already synonymous with San Antonio’s food scene. Rising Stars concept award winners Jeremy Mandrell, Anne Ng, and Charlie Biedenharn, have made Bakery Lorraine an internationally lauded destination, especially for their beautiful macarons filled with unexpected flavors. For the event, they shrunk their signature cookie down to sprinkles on a strawberry toaster pastry. Chad Carey, winner of the restaurateur award, may not yet be a household name, but his restaurants and venues through Empty Stomach Group — Barbaro, Chisme, Hot Joy, and Paper Tiger are always at the tip of San Antonians' tongues. His featured dish, miso-aged wagyu, brown rice risotto, roasted mushrooms, and sanscho butter, seemed to draw inspiration from all of the above.

Pieter Sypesteyn of San Antonio’s lauded Cookhouse was in attendance to receive the Community Chef Award. The New Orleans native was raised in a restaurant family, so when he opened a food truck in San Antonio in 2007, it was only natural for the chef to bring home the flavors of his pater familias. That truck evolved into Cookhouse, and has quickly become a keystone in San Antonio’s growing restaurant community. In addition to his delicious NOLA-inspired menu, Sypesteyn and his wife run Third Coast Charities, a foundation which fosters positive relationships between local businesses and residents. His offering at the gala, a true indication of his bayou bona fides, were his savory and rich boudin balls.

Benjamin Krick, bartender Rising Star, continues raising the bar of international cocktail culture in San Antonio. After extensive travels throughout Europe and North Africa, Krick landed at the Esquire, where he worked under legendary local barman Houston Eaves. His style at Juniper Tar incorporates a travelogue of different spirits, including fortified wines. At the gala, he chose to showcase his art in the simplest form — a Portuguese gin and tonic made with white port, Broker’s gin, lime cordial, and Fever Tree Indian tonic.

If StarChefs waits another five years before returning to San Antonio, something tells me that this year’s Rising Stars award recipients will have blossomed into the next generation of our region’s and — our country’s — most exciting culinary superstars.

Benjamin Krick of Juniper Tar poured gin and tonics all night.

StarChefs Benjamin Crick
Photo by Megan Swann for StarChefs
Benjamin Krick of Juniper Tar poured gin and tonics all night.
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CultureMap Emails are Awesome

City drops jam-packed summer schedule of downtown family fun in San Antonio

SUMMERTIME RADNESS

For parents, it’s an eternal struggle. Though they look forward to giving their kids a well-deserved break from the academic wind, the energetic flock also needs things to do during the long summer days. Luckily, the City of San Antonio has locals covered with a packed schedule at downtown Travis Park, La Villita, and Market Square.

The affordable family activities start with the ever-popular Movies by Moonlight at Travis Park. Every Tuesday in both months (with a break on July 4), guests can enjoy nostalgic favorites like Cool Runnings, The Karate Kid, and A League of Their Own. A full schedule can be found here.

Over at La Villita, the Alamo Kiwanis are bringing back Fiesta Noche del Rio, a series of cultural performances at the Arneson River Theatre held every Friday and Saturday from June 10 through August 6. Tickets for the dancing spectacular are available online for $8-$20 or can be picked up at any local H-E-B with a business center.

June will also find weekend happenings at Market Square. A rotating assortment of live entertainment will delight visitors every Friday and Saturday from 10 am-6 pm. The attractions will include music, working artists, and, of course, food booths.

Speaking of food, vendors will be popping up downtown throughout the summer. On the second Thursday of every month, guests can marvel at La Villita’s architecture while noshing on favorites from La Villita Cafe and Guadalajara Grill. Guests will also want to check out Lunch Break on Houston Street. On the first and third Thursday of every month, food trucks will park outside the Majestic Theatre with special musical guests.

In case folks are worried about that frequent bugbear — downtown parking — the city has a webpage with an interactive map. San Antonio also offers free parking downtown on Tuesdays from 5 pm-2 am in city-owned parking facilities, and the City Tower Garage provides free parking on Sundays from 7 am-midnight at 117 W. Commerce.

Take a journey under the sea with real mermaids at Sea Life San Antonio

Mermaids. That is all.

Just finished watching the live-action Little Mermaidand don't want to return to real life just yet?

Well this summer, you don't have to, thanks a special mermaid-themed event at Sea Life San Antonio! Guests will not get to watch mermaids swim their tails off in the Sea Life sea tunnels, they'll also have the chance to meet the mermaids themselves after the sea-worthy shows.

However, make sure you act faster than Ariel finding her human legs to get the tickets – the Mermaids event will only take place the next two weekends in June and then it's gone until next year.

This is 100 percent a family-friendly event — kids will also get the chance to get their very own mermaid (or pirate) makeover, which yes, includes an adorable mermaid tail and a hair accessory to take home!

Tickets for the mermaid makeover sessions cost $65 per child, and they are required to be accompanied by an adult (you can purchase a mermaid makeover here).

If you opt for the pirate makeover for your little pirate captain in the making, they'll get to take home their very own pirate hat, pirate sword, and pirate accessory. Each mermaid or pirate makeover session includes a VIP photo op and their very own mermaid meet and greet.

In total, you have six more chances to check out the mermaids in action — June 9, 10, and 11, and the following weekend — June 16, 17 and 18.

And while it hasn't been officially confirmed whether the mermaids will return in 2024, this is the second year that the Mermaids event has taken place at Sea Life San Antonio, which officially opened as a venue to the public back in 2021.

In other words, if you want to mermaids to return, make sure to book your meet and greet now so San Antonio can go under the sea again next year!

Southtown: San Antonio's artsy, historical enclave

Your Expert Guide

There are so many great places to live in San Antonio that it helps to have an expert on your side. The Neighborhood Guide presented by Kuper Sotheby's International Realty gives you insider access from the agents who live and work there, providing in-the-know info about your possible new community.

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"Southtown is a neighborhood in the truest sense," says real estate agent Debra Maltz, "residents with diverse backgrounds who care deeply about their community, both its people and its structures, who strive to maintain balance in order to assure that future generations have the same quality of life."

The artsy neighborhood of Southtown is where Maltz keeps her office, and it's an area that she's been happily introducing clients to for the past decade.

"The vibe of Southtown is well appreciated among San Antonio," she says. "It is probably the most walkable neighborhood in the city, with fabulous restaurants, interesting shops, Blue Star Arts complex, the San Antonio River, the So Flo HEB, and gorgeous Victorian homes, all only a short walk to downtown."

Maltz offered up a few more of her personal favorites about life in Southtown. Here's her guide to the area:

Where to eat & drink
"There are too many to pinpoint, but I love Cascabel, a small Mexican cafe across from Bonham Elementary — delicious!" she says.

Liberty Bar, Upscale, Bar Loretta, Little Em's, Pharm Table, Bliss, and The Good Kind also make the list, though Maltz points out that new favorites seem to always be appearing.

Where to play
Obviously Hemisfair Park and the San Antonio River hike and bike path, which goes all the way to the Missions, are oft-visited spots, as is Yanaguana Park and just strolling down King William Street.

What to see
Though the Edward Steves Homestead Museum is currently closed, you can still visit Villa Finale and the Blue Star Arts Complex for your doses of culture and history.

Where to live
"Southtown has wonderful historic homes, many of them well over 100 years old, as well as newer, more modern ones," Maltz says. "Many of the older homes are filled with history, and when you decide to live in a home filled with history you are agreeing to be a steward of the home."

One such homes is a recent listing of Maltz's: 129 Crofton Ave., a one-of-a-kind artisanal King William home.

This was the lifetime home — and project for almost 40 years — of noted local designers and craftsmen Isaac and Judith Maxwell. It has since been thoughtfully updated by the current owners and features gorgeous long-leaf pine floors and ceilings and meticulous woodworking, joinery, and craftsmanship. Original coal-burning faux fireplaces with gorgeous brick can be found throughout. The Maxwells' original punched metal light fixtures and chandeliers can still be found throughout, along with many hidden cabinets and hiding places.

The kitchen has a beautiful island with those same original punched metal cabinet doors, but has also been updated with Corian counters, a built-in refrigerator, a downdraft gas range, farm sink, and a charming banquette overlooking the back deck. Wrap-around porches decorate both the first and second floor, while the third-floor loft makes an ideal guest room, office, or reading room.

A second, 400-square-foot structure in the rear has two floors, each with a living area, full bath, and private entrance. Follow the brick path that winds through the yard down to the San Antonio River.

A stunning recent sale is 331 Adams St., a five-bedroom historic treasure built in 1893.

Known as the Haarmann/Goethe House, it's recognizable by the arched brick facade and multiple porches, but also hides a 900-square-foot apartment, dog run, pool, and outdoor kitchen out back.

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Debra Maltz works and plays in Southtown. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email debra.maltz@kupersir.com, or call 210-639-3272.

Realtor Debra Maltz

Photo by Onward Group

Agent Debra Maltz.