John T. Floore’s Country Store
Known by many as the musical “birthplace” of Willie Nelson, this country store isn’t really a store at all, but a Texas-sized honky-tonk located on the northwest side of San Antonio in Helotes. During the day, the dance hall is home to a “Texccentric” café, serving up tamales and homemade bread as well as ice-cold beer, but when the sun sets, that’s when the show starts. In its 75 years, scores of legendary performers have taken the stage here, from Patsy Cline and Hank Williams to Lyle Lovett and Little Richard.
George’s Keep
Due to lack of signage, you might actually need the help of a local to find this speakeasy, hidden away on the third floor of another San Antonio hotel. Once inside, the atmosphere feels straight out of Twin Peaks, with its midcentury flair of booths and backlit bars. The menu has a focus on expertly crafted drinks, so skip the rum and coke and try a Crajillo Cocktail made with coffee- and pecan-infused rum and Licor 43, a Spanish liqueur made from 43 different ingredients, including vanilla and citrus.
Greenway Trails
San Antonio is home to 40 trailheads that connect the Greenway Trail System. These trails link many of the city’s best neighborhood parks and offer about 1,450 acres of waterside green space along the Salado Creek and Medina River. The best part? You can easily access the 65 miles of trails right from the hotel, giving you plenty of opportunities for biking, jogging, or a leisurely morning stroll.
BBQ at Rudy’s Country Store
Rather than shelves of jams and local produce, this “country store“ is actually the place to find finger-licking good barbecue. The pits are stocked entirely with wood-fired oak, which burns slower than traditional mesquite, and the meat is rubbed down with their signature dry spice. Pick up a shaker or two on your way out to take the perfect Texas barbecue taste with you.
Tejas Rodeo Company
It wouldn’t be a visit to Texas without a taste of rodeo. From March to November, this seasonal venue, located just 18 miles north of the resort, offers visitors a unique and truly Texan experience: pro rodeo, live music, and tons of delicious eats. While sit-down dining is offered in the steakhouse, locals prefer to order from the on-site walk-up windows to bring a heaping plate and cold local brew back to their seat, so they don’t miss a minute of the bull riding, roping, or barrel racing.
