Tip your hat to Garland, where diversity and cowboy culture blend

Hit the Road

Photo courtesy of Visit Garland

Here's a fun fact for your next trivia night: If you own a Resistol or Biltmore hat, it was likely made in Garland, the cowboy hat capital of Texas.

You'll find more than 10-gallons here, though, thanks to a diverse community that pours its culture and history into not only unique shopping but also restaurants, arts, and a whole year's worth of fun festivals and cool celebrations.

Here's a glimpse at what else is waiting in this North Texas city:

The great outdoors
Take a stroll among the wildflowers at the Spring Creek Forest Preserve or cycle your way through the Rowlett Creek Bike Trails. Ready to try four wheels? Execute an ollie or a kickflip at The Jon Comer Skatepark.

For something less heart-pounding, perfect your swing on 63 holes of championship-caliber golf over three courses at Firewheel Golf Park.

Experience the ultimate in lake life — if even only for a day — at Lake Ray Hubbard, which spans 21,000 acres and is great for fishing, skiing, and boating.

Let's celebrate
No matter what time of year you visit, there's bound to be a festival or other special event happening.

The beloved Garland Guzzler 0.5K race and Oktoberfest happen on September 23, 2023.

In October, get ready to experience an unforgettable day of festivities at the grand opening of the Downtown Garland Square on October 14 from 10 am-9 pm. As the sun sets, prepare to be wowed by a special musical appearance from the one and only LeAnn Rimes. It’s a day of unity, culture, and fun, marking a new era for the beloved Downtown Garland Square.

Later in the month, stop by for the Wheels of Hope Car Show on October 21, 2023.

Honor departed loved ones on November 1's Día de Los Muertos, then usher in the holiday spirit with A Garland Christmas on December 7, 2023.

In the New Year, Big Art Day arrives on April 1, 2024, or enjoy some tunes when the heart of Downtown Garland Square comes alive with the vibrant rhythms of live music all year-round. Want more music? The Asian Music Festival is set for May 18, 2024.

Celebrate Black culture with the Juneteenth celebration on June 15, 2024, at Audubon Park and then America's birthday during the Star-Spangled Spectacular on June 30, 2024, at Firewheel Town Center.

Get ready to cheer on the DFW Asian American Soccer Tournament July 22-23, 2024, at Winters Park.

Get cultured
Located in the heart of historic downtown Garland, the Granville Arts Center complex includes two magnificent proscenium theaters: the award-winning Atrium banquet facility and the exquisite art deco Plaza Theatre, which is home to Garland Summer Musicals. All venues are city-owned and operated.

Let's eat (and drink)
The food scene here includes Pangea, a restaurant owned by chef Kev Ashade who raise to fame after beating celebrity chef Bobby Flay on his own TV show.

Ferah Tex-Med Kitchen dishes up “modern Mediterranean with a Texas twist,” and the Garland Pho Real Trail boasts more than 20 authentic, family-owned Vietnamese restaurants.

Newcomers include Latham Bakery, Scoop n' Boba, and Fortunate Son.

Take your pick from two breweries: Lakewood Brewing Co. is a pioneer brewery and one of the original breweries that came on board when craft beer first emerged. Intrinsic Smokehouse & Brewery, meanwhile, offers delicious barbecue and craft beer in downtown Garland.

Shop 'til you drop
Wear your walking shoes, because Firewheel Town Center provides premier outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment with more than 110 stores.

But there's also plenty of unexpected shopping to be found here, where you can find rare and one-of-a-kind products.

Fall in love with your beginner or vintage guitar at Jimmy Wallace Guitars. Visit The Frocksy and Karin Wiseman Collection to discover marvelous and quirky items for you and your home. Stop by the Best Cowhides showroom and find exquisite, genuine leather rugs and purses. Or put together the perfect vintage outfit at Boogie Nights Vintage.

Rest your head
The most affordable hotel rates in the Dallas-Fort Worth area are in Garland. Hotels here are dedicated to cleanliness and have convenient access to President George Bush Highway, I-635/LBJ Freeway, and I-30. Many hotels are also within walking distance of Garland’s many diverse dining options.

Plan your perfect Garland getaway here.

Photo courtesy of Visit Garland

Live music takes over Downtown Garland Square year-round.

Photo courtesy of Visit Mesquite

March to a different beat this season with the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra

Hit the Road

Classical music may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about the Rodeo Capital of Texas, but don’t be fooled — Mesquite has more to offer than legendary rodeos and barbecues.

This community also prides itself on enjoying the finer things in life, and the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is a unique, cultured experience unlike any other in Texas.

Found only 15 minutes from Dallas, the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra is a hidden gem that’s been bringing music to Texas since 1987.

Based at the Mesquite Arts Center, the MSO isn’t your average orchestra. It’s a volunteer-driven ensemble, steeped in the European tradition of community orchestras and dedicated to making memorable experiences through music.

The symphony is made up of talented musicians from North Texas who infuse their passion and expertise into every performance. Since 2018, the Orchestra has been led by Felix Torres, who previously served as the apprentice conductor of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and the executive director of the East Texas Youth Orchestra.

Under the baton of Torres, the MSO embraces the true Mesquite spirit of unpretentious sophistication. This isn’t your typical symphony, with stuffy dress codes and stifling regulations. In Mesquite, they believe music is for everyone and you are welcome to come as you are, whether that's dressed to the nines or however you feel comfortable.

That welcoming spirit doesn’t stop at the dress code. Visitors are encouraged to emulate the atmosphere of the early days of classical music, which more closely resembled a modern rock concert than a modern symphony.

All are invited to express the emotions brought on by the music during the performance, be it through clapping or cheering. Additionally, MSO endeavors to present diverse programs that are impactful for people of all backgrounds, including populations that are historically excluded.

The 2023-24 season is a series of enchanting performances, kicking off with Short Ride in America featuring works by John Adams, Antonin Dvorak, and William Grant Still.

The season continues with The Adventures of Youth, A Winter Celebration, Her Story, and Fantasy Unleashed, and culminates in the grand finale, Into the Fire, featuring pieces by Victor Agudelo and Igor Stravinsky.

Much like the community that hosts it, the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra isn't about the glitz and glamor; it’s about genuine charm and fostering an appreciation for live performance.

Here is the season at a glance:

Short Ride in America - September 16, 2023
7:30-8:30 pm
Featuring John Adams’ "Short Ride in a Fast Machine," Antonin Dvorak’s "Cello Concerto" with soloist Tsun-yuet Emmanuel Kwok, and William Grant Still’s "Afro-American Symphony."

The Adventures of Youth - October 28, 2023
7:30-8:30 pm
Featuring John Williams’ "The Adventures of Indiana Jones," a world premiere by local composer Nicolas Miranda, Juliea Wolfe’s "Fountain of Youth," and the bilingual version of Sergei Prokofiev’s "Peter and the Wolf (Pedro y el lobo)."

A Winter Celebration - December 16, 2023
5-6p m, 7:30-8:30 pm
Featuring John Williams’ "Three Holiday Songs from Home Alone," A Musicological Journey Through the 12 Days of Christmas, Coleridge-Taylor’s "Ballade," and more.

Her Story - February 17, 2024
7:30-8:30 pm
Featuring Florence Price’s "Piano Concerto" with soloist Evan Mitchell and Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s "Scheherazade."

Fantasy Unleashed - April 6, 2024
7:30-8:30 pm
Featuring music from the Harry Potter universe, Video Games Live, Katahj Copley’s "Equinox," and more.

Into the Fire - May 18, 2024
7:30-8:30 pm
Featuring Victor Agudelo’s "Algo va a suceder" and Igor Stravinsky’s "The Firebird."

Photo courtesy of Visit Mesquite

Felix Torres has led the MSO since 2018.

Tickets can be purchased at MesquiteSymphony.org. The Mesquite Arts Center is located at 1527 N. Galloway Ave. Find more to do and enjoy in Mesquite here.

Photo courtesy of Dwellify

This new-to-Texas service handles every step of your kitchen or bath remodel

Pop Quiz

Turning your current home into your dream home might feel like a constant work in progress, but you don't have to go it alone. And even better, you can get it all done, from design to demo to reveal, with one company.

Dwellify is an online remodeling company that offers simple and affordable one-stop solutions for renovating kitchens and baths.

It has its own team of in-house designers and trusted contractors, and a Remodel Coordinator who will manage every step of the construction process for you. Simply put, it takes the guesswork and long timelines out of what can traditionally be an exhaustive and costly experience.

Start by taking Dwellify's online Style Quiz to determine the project requirements and your unique design style. Are you a Scandinavian supporter or more midcentury modern? The quiz identifies signature design traits, materials, and even a little bit of history for each style.

From there, a Dwellify designer will help finalize the layout and design. You'll receive a custom Dwellify Design Box with material samples and finishes from best-in-class national brands so you can see, touch, and mull them over in the comfort — and lighting — of your own home.

Once all your selections are set, you're assigned a Remodel Coordinator (who will act as your liasion and oversee the construction process) and a local field team (who will confirm measurements and technical requirements).

You can even follow along with the renovation process and communicate directly with your coordinator from the Dwellify app or website. The highly transparent interface tracks tasks and schedules, meaning no detail gets overlooked.

Unlike traditional renovation models, Dwellify's standard timeline starts at just six weeks and the final estimate established for the final design remains the same throughout — with no hidden fees or costs.

Dwellify has completed more than 10,000 remodels across the country, with a focus on homes in Arizona, Utah, Florida, and Texas.

"If I showed you the original kitchen compared to the new one, you wouldn’t believe it is the same space," say customers Rob and Jessica D. "From start to finish it was a great experience. Dwellify offers a great selection of products and finishes, and I was immediately excited to see the finished product. Our contractor was awesome and did an amazing job. The quality of his work was fantastic! Our project manager was always available and did a great job communicating with us and keeping us aware of the process."

To get started on making your ideal kitchen or bath a reality, visit Dwellify today.

Photo courtesy of Dwellify

Make your dream kitchen a reality.

Photo by Patricia Moore

Embrace cowboy culture in Bandera, the Wild West of Texas

Hit the Road

Ever wonder how Bandera came to be known as the Cowboy Capital of the World? The title originated when the Texas Hill Country town became a staging area for the last great cattle drives of the late 1800s.

Today, a bronze monument honoring the many National Rodeo Champions who call Bandera home stands on the courthouse lawn, and it's not uncommon to see horseback riders tipping their hats to each other as they pass in the surrounding rolling green hills. There are also regular gunfight re-enactments during Cowboys on Main, courtesy of the Bandera Cattle Company, and several dude ranches where you can hang your hat for the night.

Early days
Locals like to say that "nothing in Bandera changes except for the date," and an eye toward history is evident in the town's two museums.

The Frontier Times Museum is stocked with over 40,000 items and art that tell the story of Bandera County's earliest days. The Bandera Natural History Museum, meanwhile, displays an extensive wildlife exhibit and a collection of Spanish art from 1521-early 1800s.

Several spots in town are historical in their own right, too. Arkey Blues Silver Dollar Saloon recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, and St. Stanislaus Catholic Church is the second-oldest Polish Catholic church in the U.S. In fact, there are over 50 historic markers throughout the county, and 18 of them are in Bandera.

Mark your calendar
September rolls in with the Celebrate Bandera Roundup, complete with a parade and courthouse festivities as well as two ranch rodeos. September 23 is Cajun Festival in Lakehills at the Lakehills Civic Center (11225 Park Rd.), and at the end of September get ready for the Rumble on the River motorcycle rally.

The solar eclipse will be front and center on October 14, with many events throughout the area to celebrate and offer optimum viewing. On October 19-22, Bandera Brewery hosts its Beerfest, which is thankfully several weeks removed from Bandera Buckfest/Hunters Weekend on November 3-5.

February kicks off with the Annual Cowboy Mardi Gras, and you should be well recovered in time for the total solar eclipse in April 2024. Notable festivals during this time are Eclipse Utopia April 7-8 and Ground Zero Musicfest at Mansfield Park, April 5-9.

The Bandera ProRodeo Association welcomes Memorial Day weekend with three nights of professional (PRCA) rodeos and a Saturday morning parade. June is the beginning of the Summer Series Rodeos happening every Friday night through the first week of August, put on by Riding on Faith Rodeo.

Keep up to date and see a full calendar of events here.

It's natural
Two of the most breathtaking natural areas in Texas are within easy driving distance. Surround yourself with limestone bluffs and hills covered in blooming wildflowers at the Hill Country State Natural Area, which is home to more than 40 miles of trails.

Meanwhile, Lost Maples State Natural Area — named for the park’s abundance of bigtooth maple trees that provide vibrant fall colors — is 2,100 acres of statement-making scenery, including limestone canyons, grasslands and wooded hills, and clear-water streams. It's simply breathtaking in the fall.

The area is also known as one of the best birding destinations, with the spotting of species like the black-capped vireo, golden-cheeked warbler, and green kingfisher.

Chow time
Here you'll find an abundance of local eateries, including the Old Spanish Trail, which has been continuously open for over 100 years.

Elsewhere around town, take your pick from Mexican, Italian, Chinese, barbecue, pizza, and traditional steakhouses, while multiple bars offer adult drinks and dancing to live music almost every night.

For dessert or a refreshing snack, the Bandera General Store is a must; it has one of the last remaining old-fashioned soda fountains in Texas (there are only 11 of them!).

See more of what Bandera has to offer here.

Photo courtesy of Visit Mesquite

Find real Texas flavor in Mesquite's best-kept secrets

Hit the Road

Not to be overshadowed by its big sister, Dallas, Mesquite is a vibrant city with its own unique flavor. Within this Lone Star city you’ll find a wide array of hidden culinary gems just waiting to be discovered.

Step off the well-trodden path of chain restaurants to discover Mesquite’s best-kept secret: its mom-and-pop restaurants.These “hole-in-the-wall” establishments are locally owned and deliver in flavor, authenticity, and heart.

Enjoy this sampling of Mesquite’s hidden culinary treasures that are well worth the trip.

Mesquite BBQ
Barbecue
145 E. Davis St.
972-285-6573
Mesquite BBQ has been a fixture in downtown Mesquite since 1959. The rich, smoky aroma and friendly customer service keep both locals and visitors coming back for more. Their meats are prepared daily in a unique smoker manufactured only a few blocks away.
Must-try dishes: brisket, meat-stuffed baked potato, Chop Chop sandwich

Yia Yia’s House of Gyros
Greek
904 E. Davis St., suite 400
469-802-9797
At Yia Yia’s, you’ll experience the true essence of Greek cuisine. This family-owned restaurant takes pride in serving traditional Greek dishes passed down through generations. With each bite, you’ll feel the presence of the chef’s grandmother, whose photo overlooks the preparation of every dish.
Must-try dishes: gyro wrap and traditional Greek salad

Jamaica Cook Shop
Jamaican
2033 Military Pkwy., suite104a
469-917-8417
Jamaica Cook Shop is a hidden gem offering fresh, made-to-order, authentic Jamaican food. Vibrantly decorated in the colors of the Jamaican flag and tucked away next to a gas station, this unpretentious kitchen serves up traditional island dishes and imported drinks.
Must-try dishes: jerk chicken, fried plantains, and stew chicken

Tasty Chicken & Wings
Salvadorian
302 S. Galloway Ave.
214-434-1916
Just as the name suggests, Tasty Chicken & Wings lives up to its reputation. Their birria tacos are hailed by some as the best in DFW, while their perfectly fried chicken wings are generously coated in homemade sauces. Made from scratch with care, every meal at Tasty Chicken & Wings is a flavor explosion.
Must-try dishes: birria tacos, pupusas, fried chicken wings, chicharron y yucca

Dia de Los Tacos
Mexican
1927 Faithon P. Lucas Sr. Blvd., suite 115
469-399-1245
In a city rich with Latino culture, Dia de Los Tacos stands out for its exceptional Mexican cuisine. Combining traditional flavors with innovative twists, this local favorite is known for its unbeatable breakfast tacos.
Must-try dishes: fajita burger, taco pies

Porky’s Burgers & Wings
Barbecue
4612 Gus Thomasson Rd.
972-863-9220
Porky’s has become a legend in Mesquite and DFW for its half-pound burgers crafted with fresh, non-traditional ingredients to create unique flavor combinations. From the tantalizing salmon burger to the tropical Hawaiian burger, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
Must-try dishes: Double Porky Burger (a whole pound of beef!), mango-habanero wings

Vamos Pizza
Pizza
2411 N. Galloway Ave., suite 110
972-803-6575
When it comes to pizza, everyone knows that the best slices are local. Vamos Pizza offers authentic New York-style pizza by the slice or whole pies, alongside calzones, salads, and pasta dishes. With generous portion sizes and affordable prices, you’ll leave Vamos fully satisfied.
Must-try dishes: The Works pizza, chicken and shrimp carbonara, Caesar salad

Oh My Curry
Indian
909 E. Davis St., suite A
972-203-2121
Located just outside of downtown Mesquite, Oh My Curry is about to become your new favorite spot. This cozy restaurant offers flavorful and contemporary Indian dishes at affordable prices. Don’t forget to leave room for dessert and indulge in a refreshing lassi, an Indian yogurt-based beverage with a smoothie-like consistency.
Must-try dishes: chicken tikka masala, mutton biriyani bowl

Taqueria Mi Morelia
Mexican
1821 Crestridge Dr.
469-828-1458
Taqueria Mi Morelia may not catch your eye at first, but you don’t want to miss out on this Mexican culinary gem. Whether you’re craving tacos, tortas, Mexican-style hamburgers, or the famous huarache, there’s something on the menu to satisfy all taste buds.
Must-try dishes: huarrache, camarones a la diabla

Slab's BBQ
Barbecue
4401 N. Galloway Ave.
972-681-8008
Tucked off Galloway Avenue, this no-frills barbecue joint serves up classic favorites with a side of Texas hospitality. The meats are cooked fresh daily, ensuring each bite is packed with smoky goodness. Prepare to leave Slab’s with a full belly and a smile.
Must-try dishes: chopped beef sandwich, sliced beef dinner

Mesquite has a flavor all its own. Next time you’re craving a culinary adventure, visit Mesquite and treat yourself to one of these locally owned and loved restaurants.

Photo courtesy of Visit Mesquite

Get Greek at Yia Yia's House of Gyros.

Find more to do, see, and eat in Mesquite here.

Photo courtesy of the City of Mesquite

Rodeos, racing, and a roster of fun festivals await in Mesquite

Hit the Road

Declared the Official Rodeo Capital of Texas in 1993, Mesquite is where real, authentic Texas culture thrives.

Whether you spend a day or a weekend in this city — which sits only 15 minutes east of downtown Dallas — you're bound to experience several moments of cowboy cool. But Mesquite has other surprises, including plenty of culture, nature, and other family fun.

Here's a glance at some of the most exciting things to do in Mesquite:

Of course we have to start with the Mesquite Championship Rodeo, which happens every Saturday June through August each year at Mesquite Arena. Now in its 66th season, the event attracts top-ranked cowboys and riders and provides an air-conditioned (important!) and entertaining escape for locals and visitors alike.

Equally assured to get your heart racing is a visit to Devil's Bowl Speedway, hailed as the Southwest's most famous dirt track. Take your pick from the weekly championship series or special events spaced throughout the year — either way, there's not a bad seat in the venue thanks to the track's unique D-shape.

Celebration Station offers an experience that's fun for the whole family, with go-karts, arcade games, laser tag, mini golf, and more. The local amusement park is a must for birthday parties, and is the perfect place to cool off during summer thanks to the splashy bumper boats.

Xcape Adventures is another excellent family activity, where you work together to solve clues and escape rooms with fun themes.

Rather head outside with the fam? DeBusk Park features two playgrounds, including the renovated KidsQuest play structure. It includes ADA accessibility, swings, tall slides, room to run, climbing features, and a unique environment that fosters creative play.

In addition to the updated playground, the park has a baseball field, open playing field, two large picnic pavilions with tables, and a pet-friendly trail that is over a mile long for walking, jogging, and biking. Debusk Park is also home to one of Mesquite's three disc golf courses.

If you're looking for somewhere to work on your traditional golf game, Mesquite Golf Club is the place. It is a municipal course that was built in the 1960s by Leon Howard and originally opened as a 9-hole course, but expanded to 18 holes two years later. A massive renovation project in 2013 helped it become a joy for every skill level.

You can also enjoy nature without, well, really having to do anything. Stroll the Paschall Park Butterfly Trail to admire native trees, plants, and wildflowers, plus the big Monarch butterfly migrations in April and October.

At the Mesquite Arts Center, live performance fans can get their culture fix thanks to the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra and Mesquite Community Theatre. During the summer, the free Courtyard Concert Series showcases local bands.

Travel back in time to 1874, a year after Mesquite was first established as a depot town, when Stephen Decatur Lawrence began building his Texas prairie-style home and barn. Today the property survives as the Opal Lawrence Historical Park (for the daughter who left it to Mesquite in her will) and is a glimpse into what life was like nearly 150 years ago.

No matter what time of year you choose to visit, there's bound to be a festival or fun event happening.

Start the year with the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, Daddy-Daughter Dance, Hip Hop Cowboys Spring Rodeo, and the annual Texas Fly Fishing and Brew Festival, held the last weekend in February.

Ease into spring with the Rodeo Parade, Bunny Bash, KidFish, and Downtown Farmers Market, which happens each Saturday from April through November.

Welcome summer with Movies in the Park, a free Cinco de Mayo celebration, Doggie Splash Day, the Rodeo Road Rally Bike Ride, and Dive-In Movies at City Lake Aquatic Center.

Come fall, lace up for the Guts and Gory Zombie Run, plus Heritage Fall Rodeo, Day of the Dead Festival, Veterans Day event, and Pumpkinfest, the city's annual fall festival.

Close out the year with a plethora of Christmas-themed celebrations, which include Christmas in the Park, Christmas at the Ranch, and Carols and Cocoa.

More than 1,300 hotel rooms means that you'll be relaxing in comfort during your stay in Mesquite.

Find more to do, see, and eat in Mesquite here.

Photo courtesy of the City of Mesquite

Welcome to the Official Rodeo Capital of Texas.

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H-E-B soars to No. 2 in Forbes' prestigious list of best employers in Texas, plus more top stories

hot headlines

Editor's note: It’s that time again — time to check in with our top stories. From animal crossings to page turning, here are five articles that captured our collective attention over the past seven days.

1. H-E-B soars to No. 2 in Forbes' prestigious list of best employers in Texas. In addition to being based in San Antonio, H-E-B operates more than 300 stores in Texas and employs 154,000 people.

2. Wildlife advocacy tour treks to San Antonio's spectacular land bridge. The land bridge is getting national attention through a promotional road trip meant to highlight the structure's role in protecting local ecosystems.

3. Texas Book Festival releases full lineup of 300 authors, including Roxane Gay and Ali Hazelwood. The weekend will be full of panel discussions, author readings, book signings, and much more.

4. San Antonio foundation pounces on bold program to return ocelots to the wild. Following the proposal, the East Foundation will release ocelots onto a section of its San Antonio Viejo Ranch.

5. Famous furniture store Louis Shanks shutters last remaining San Antonio location. The furniture retailer first opened in 1945, with the San Antonio store opening in 1983.

San Antonio International Airport clears runway for 1st nonstop flight to Europe

booking tix now

Big news for Texas travelers: San Antonio International Airport's first-ever nonstop flights to Europe will begin in 2024.

Passengers can now book tickets via Condor Airlines for flights from San Antonio International Airport (SAT) to Germany's Frankfurt Airport (FRA) between May 17 and September 6, 2024. Flights will initially operate three days a week – Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays – and flights to Frankfurt are expected to take a little more than 10 hours, while flights coming in from overseas will last about 11.5 hours.

The seasonal service is a "spectacular win" for the city, according to Mayor Ron Nirenberg, and could bring in an estimated $34 million annually. The airport has been seeing wins left and right, having just been named one of the nation's least stressful airports, and consistently handling busier and busier days.

"Germany is where San Antonio has the most demand for travel in Europe because of the cultural, historic, tourism, military, and business ties," Mayor Nirenberg said in a news conference on September 21.

San Antonio Airport System Director of Airports Jesus Saenz foreshadows that the SAT-FRA flight is "just the beginning" of possible flight expansions for the airport in the future.

"We fully believe San Antonio will utilize this service to Europe and take advantage of Condor’s extremely competitive airfares," he said. "Once that happens, we anticipate Condor will expand their services even further."

The airline will be using a brand new Airbus A330-900neo aircraft for the nonstop flights, which features 30 business class seats, 64 premium economy seats, and 216 economy seats.

"With our growing fleet of A330neos, we can provide better travel options to more Americans every year," said Condor CEO Ralf Teckentrup said in a release. "I am particularly proud to offer the only nonstop connection from San Antonio, Texas to Frankfurt, Germany – the heart of Europe, where travelers can enjoy the popular touristic sights of Germany or travel beyond conveniently by air, road, or rail. I invite everyone to try out our newest and most luxurious in-flight experience ever."

Monday flights will depart from SAT at 10:05 pm and arrive in Frankfurt at 3:20 pm the following day. Returning flights from FRA on Mondays will depart at 3:40 pm and arrive at SAT at 8:05 pm.

For Wednesday and Friday flights, departures from SAT will take place at 8:25 pm and arrive at FRA at 1:40 pm the next day. Returning flights from FRA will depart at 2:00 pm and arrive at SAT at 6:25 pm.

New honky-tonk surprisingly two-steps into St. Paul's Square

SPUR OF THE MOMENT

When Steve Mahoney first relaunched Francis Bogside and sibling wine bar, Anne’s, in the former home of Smoke BBQ, rumors circulated on how he would use the expansive upstairs space. Now, San Antonio has its answer. In a surprise move, the veteran bar owner debuted his latest venture — honky-tonk concept Blayne’s — on September 22.

The name pays homage to the late Blayne Tucker, the former co-owner of the Mix and managing partner of Floore’s Country Store. A tireless advocate for the city’s musical scene, he helped usher in the Save Our Stages Act, assisting hundreds of venues to stay afloat nationwide during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“[Blayne’s] impact in San Antonio is nothing short of extraordinary,” said Mahoney via a release. “We hope to continue his efforts and support live music in the city.”

Fittingly, music will be in the air at Blayne’s, starting with The Babylonz and DJ Guero Vaquero from 5 pm to 2 am on the soft opening night. A large dance floor, pool tables, and bar games complete the honky-tonk vibe.

Like many of Mahoney’s bars, Blayne’s has a solid food program. The Tex-Mex fusion menu features eclectic pub grub like red curry short rib mini tacos, southwest eggrolls, street corn bites, smoked barbacoa pizza, and customizable nachos. The initial press announcement didn’t deeply discuss the drink options but promised margaritas, house cocktails, and beer.

Though no official announcement has been made, Mahoney has another bar up his sleeve. The Francis Bogside website teases the January 2024 opening of Robert’s, named after Mahoney’s late business partner, Robert Darilek. Details, including the location, are slim, but the landing page touts “feature club-style seating, an extensive whiskey list, and a cigar menu.”

Following the September 22 sneak peek, Blayne’s will be open Wednesday through Saturday, 5 pm to 2 am.

Photo by TXTroublemaker

Blayne's food menu includes red curry short rib mini tacos.

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