Hill Country Dude Ranches

If there is one thing that Texas is known for, certainly the state's cowboy heritage is high on the list. From the way Texans dress, to the food eaten in the state, the cowboy is one of America's most popular icons. Of course, 150 years ago, cowboys and horse riding were as common as cars and driving are today (well, maybe not quite), but sadly, the modern world has fenced in the American outdoors, and replaced the Pony Express with UPS, and much of the wild west with Las Vegas and strip malls.

Texans, however, are proud of this heritage, and are increasingly bent on saving this piece of Americana. In fact, less than an hour outside of San Antonio, in Bandera, TX, the cowboy spirit is alive and well at the many dude ranches located there. Certainly, for anyone who has never been to a real Texas ranch, the experience will remain forever, and kids will especially enjoy the numerous activities offered. Many of these getaways resemble resorts as much as ranches, ensuring that cowgirls as well as cowboys are cared for, and that, although guests may get dirty out on the trails and ranges, they will be well cared for upon returning.

Here are a few of the ranches located in Bandera.

• The Flying L Guest Ranch: Going strong for 60 years, this ranch was founded by a retired WWII fighter pilot, and has since become more than just a ranch. The Flying L offers horseback riding for those looking to enjoy the beautiful scenic Hill Country. Others may want to take in the sights via golf cart, as they make the rounds on the Flying J’s 18-hole course. The ranch also features a spa and lagoon to cool off in. The accommodations are top notch, and guests will spend their nights inside their own villa, complete with fireplaces, entertainment centers, and patios or balconies.
• The Dixie Dude Ranch: While certainly offering all the luxuries that demanding guests require, the Dixie also is a working ranch, featuring longhorn cattle, goats, pigs, and real cowboys participating in rodeos. The ranch also offers daring guests the chance to truly get into the cowboy spirit by taking an overnight trail ride into the Hill Country where, rather than roughing it, they will be fed by the trusty chuck wagon cook and sleep in trail cabanas. The ranch also offers wireless internet, massage therapy, fishing, and a pool.
• Rancho Cortez: Fully equipped for any type of meeting, wedding, or other event, Rancho Cortez prides itself on offering guests a wide range of activities. Horseback riding for every level is available, as are luxury accommodations, children’s adventures, mountain biking, and tubing or rafting on the Medina River. For guests looking to get in shape, the ranch also offers a fitness center, complete with a program to get you into shape. The program is complete with healthy food, personal trainers, horseback rides in the afternoon, and your choice of activity (hiking, kayaking, and biking).

The Texas cowboy spirit is alive and well in Banderas, TX, and these working ranches are just a few of the many, located just an hour northwest of San Antonio. Whether it’s for a weekend or longer, getting into the Hill Country and spending time on a real ranch is as Texan as you can get.

The NBA season is finally underway, and the Spurs have started out this one just like they finished the last one…winning. San Antonio has won their first three games and are tied for first place in the division with Houston and New Orleans. The Spurs started the season on Halloween eve in style, hanging their newest championship banner alongside the others, and handing out diamond encrusted rings to the players like it was Halloween candy. Life is good for the Spurs and for their fans.

With all the hubbub and excitement, one wouldn’t have been surprised if the Spurs didn’t bring their A-game, but they did, dispensing with the Trail Blazers 106-97 to start the season off on the right foot. The Spurs got some more good news, as management announced that they had signed Tim Duncan to a contract extension for two more years. The Spurs main man in the middle is inked through 2012, which means he’ll likely finish his career as a Spur. Duncan celebrated by going off for 24 points and 13 boards in classic fashion. Tony Parker had 19 points, while Ginobili had 16 and 8 assists.

Halloween took the Spurs to Memphis where they faced off against the Grizzlies in a game that was frighteningly close. It took a Manu Ginobili basket with just 32 seconds left to get the victory. The Argentine finished with 30 points, nine of which came in the closing minutes, and added 7 assists. He also drew a charge late in the game to help preserve the victory. Duncan and Parker each had 17 points, and Duncan also nabbed nine rebounds. The game was tied at the half, and had numerous lead changes.

Finally, on Friday, San Antonio was back home, hosting the lowly Sacramento Kings. As close as the first two games were for San Antonio, this one was a laugher. The Spurs led by as much as 29 points, before cruising to a 96-80 victory. Some Spurs players who don’t normally find their way into the stat line, and some of the new blood on the team, got into the act. Ime Udoka drained 3 three pointers, and had a nice game with 14 points. Fabricio Oberto matched Duncan with 10 rebounds. Duncan and Parker each had 15 points. The Spurs defense was in top form, holding the helpless Kings to 19% shooting in the first half.

Three and Oh! It’s a great start for a team looking to defend its championship title, but the road gets tougher quickly. Up this week for the champs, Houston, Miami, and New Orleans. Houston and New Orleans are also out to a hot start, and should both be much improved over last season. Now that the Spurs have redecorated the arena, and are outfitted with some new eye candy for their fingers, it’s time to get on with the season, and keep the winning going!

As we talked about the other day, the Day of the Dead is upon us. A traditional Pre-Hispanic holiday
celebrated throughout most of Latin America, it is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, and this year, because of when it falls in the week, it will spill over into the weekend as well.

On this day, the spirit of the dead is said to come down and visit their families and join them in celebrating, eating, drinking and so on, just as if they were still living.

Here in San Antonio, there are tons of celebrations going on. We listed a few the other day, but since then have found even more. If you knowof any we have not listed, let us know in the comments!

Market Square
Institute of Texan Cultures
School of Arts and Crafts
Si Central
Southtown
Cultural Aztlan

If you know of any we have not listed, let us know in the comments!

In this space, we have written before about the growing renown of the Texas wine industry, from the vineyards to the awards being granted to growers in the region.  Starting November 7th and running until the 11th, San Antonio is hosting the annual New World Wine and Food Festival.  Over the course of five days, visitors will be treated to the best wine and food that Texas has to offer.

The festival has been going since 2000, and is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting, not only the agricultural delights of Texas, but the cultural life and vibrancy of San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country.  Of course, it is called the New World Festival, so it also includes foods and wines from other regions of the Americas, including South America, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America.  For gourmands, gourmets, and others gastronomically inclined, the festival is a chance to reward and titillate their taste buds with some of the finest food produced in the area, and to enjoy some of San Antonio’s choicest attractions and locations.

Here are some of the highlights that will be presented this year.

· Texas Vintner Cruises, Hyatt Hotel Wat better backdrop to enjoy a few glasses of wine, along with some quality eats, than cruising along the San Antonio River, while three chefs from San Antonio’s better hotels prepare hors d’oeuvres, appetizers, and desserts.  Also features discussions and seminars from vintners.  Nov. 7.
· Michael Mondavi Seminar at Fleming’s Steakhouse Travel around the world in just one night as Mondavi explains the history, process, and differences in wines from the world’s different growing regions.  Of course, plenty of samples will be available!  Nov. 7.
· Winemaker Dinners All across town at San Antonio’s better restaurants, winemakers will be hosting dinners designed to perfectly match wine with food.  The winemakers will be explaining the importance of matching, and will showcase a wide variety of his own wines.  Participating restaurants are: Biga on the Banks, Bistro Vatel, Boudro’s on the Riverwalk, Café Paladar, Le Reve, The Lodge Restaurant of Castle Hills, The Grill at Leon Springs, Mariposa Restaurant at Neiman Marcus, Silo on Loop 1604, 20nine Restaurant and Wine Bar.  Nov. 8.
· The Cultural Cocktail Event at The Vault Sponsored by Moet Hennessy, this event will feature some of the cities best bartenders mixing their specialties, and maybe even creating new masterpieces. Nov. 9.
· Morning of Malbec at the City Club at the Majestic Join Argentine winemakers in a voyage to South America, home of the famous Malbec.  These winemakers will compare and contrast the wines from their homeland to those from North America.  Nov. 10.
· Totally Tejas at the Cibolo Ranch This event features all you can eat and drink, as well as chefs and winemakers presenting some of their very best creations.  Seminars will be held explaining production and offering some do-it-yourself ideas for partymakers.  There will also be plenty of entertainment, from boat and hayrides, to storytelling and a silent auction.  This is the final event of the festival, and should prove to be a great send-off.  Nov. 11.

Of course, although the festival is a non-profit organization, treats like this don’t come free, and tickets are required to attend.  Tickets can be purchased at H-E-B locations and Guaranty Bank branches.

Will the Spurs repeat as champions this year?  If the recent poll taken of league GMs is any indication, they will.  The poll reveals that 37% of the general managers feel the Spurs are due to retain their title this year, ahead of Phoenix (26%), and Dallas (15%).  The poll also revealed that Bulls are the faves to win their division, and that LeBron James is (unsurprisingly) the likely choice to win the MVP, just edging out the Spurs’ Tim Duncan.  Other notes that pertain to San Antonio from the poll: Coach Pop was ranked the best coach; Bruce Bowen, the best defensive player; Duncan, the best center; Duncan, the best power forward; Duncan, the best interior defender; and the Spurs came in 3rd in the league in best home court advantage.  Last year’s reigning MVP, Dirk Nowitzki, received 0 votes.

Although preseason records are fairly useless indicators of anything, the Spurs are 3-2 so far.  On Tuesday, the Spurs beat the Heat, sending the Miami team to a 0-7 preseason record.  In the game, Ginobili scored 22 points, going 6-7 from the field in the teams 104-87 win.  Micheal Finley scored 14, Matt Bonner, 13, and Tim Duncan corralled 11 boards.  On Thursday, San Antonio went up against the new-look Orlando Magic and lost 99-90.  The Magic look to be much improved over last year’s team, due mainly to the addition of Rashard Lewis.  Lewis has been out of much of the preseason with a bum ankle, but returned against the Spurs to post 16 points in three quarters before resting the fourth.  The Spurs also rested Duncan for the final period, although the rest of the starters played it out.

What’s good to see for Spurs fans is that Tony Parker seems to be getting back to his old self again.  After spending the summer getting married, and then staying in France to play for the national team, it took him some time to work himself back into some big minutes.  In the game against Orlando, the speedy little Frenchman played 31 minutes and scored 18 points on 7-14 shooting.  In bad news, it looks like backup point guards, Jacque Vaughn and Beno Udrih will be out for the start of the season with injuries.

The Day of the Dead is one of Mexico's most interesting and cherished holidays, popularized and known for its dolls, art, parades, and feasts that characterize the festival. In parts of the United States, which have large Mexican populations, the celebrationCreated Thursday, 25 October 2007 20:31 is gaining popularity and renown, and is becoming well-known. Here in San Antonio, the holiday is being celebrated by businesses, groups, and citizens more than ever, and is a one of San Antonio’s most exciting holidays.

The Day of the Dead is traditionally a happy, festive occasion, where family members choose to celebrate the lives of deceased loved ones. Although, to some, it may appear as morbid to have a picnic at night in a graveyard, but for the celebrants, it is a chance to remember and commune with those who have passed on, as well as to clean the graveyard, and tombstones. Although in Mexico, it is not uncommon for people to spend the entire night in the graveyard, in the United States, the celebration is normally more symbolic.

The celebration of the holiday on November 1-2, falls close to Halloween and also several old pagan harvest rituals, which helps explain its origins. Although not celebrated in all parts of Latin America, many countries such as Guatemala, Brazil, and Haiti, and has spread to such diverse parts of the world as the Philippines, Czech Republic, and other parts of Europe.

Here in San Antonio, the trappings of the celebration have been showing up throughout the city over the past month, and preparations have been underway for quite some time. Here is a list of some of the major attractions and events that will take place over the next few days.

· Blue Star Contemporary Art Center: Some of San Antonio's most talented artists will display their altars, paintings, and other artifacts which celebrate the occasion. The opening reception will take place on November 1, from 7-11 PM. 3316 Oakwell Ct.

· Centro Cultural Aztlan: This is the 30^{th annual celebration of the Dia de los Muertos, and will feature traditional and modern displays on exhibit. Exhibition opens on Nov. 2, 6-9 PM, with daily viewings from 9 AM- 5 PM. 1800 Fredericksburg Rd., Deco Bldg.}

· SAY Si: The three-day event features workshops, live music, dance performances, art exhibits, and plenty of food. The event starts Nov. 1, 6-10 PM, at 1518 S. Alamo St.

· Conjunto Heritage Taller: Alter and musical celebration is dedicated to the Conjuntos who have passed on. This event is usually standing room only, and features great live music, delicious food, and plenty of art. Visitors are welcome to bring their own music instruments and join the jam! Nov. 2, 6-10 PM. 1014 S. Prensa St.

The Day of the Dead is one of Mexico's most colorful and unique holidays, and presents a chance to enjoy San Antonio's creative and artistic community, and to take part in one of the city's more interesting cultural events.

The Day of the Dead is one of Mexico's most interesting and cherished holidays, popularized and known for its dolls, art, parades, and feasts that characterize the festival. In parts of the United States, which have large Mexican populations, the celebrationCreated Thursday, 25 October 2007 20:31 is gaining popularity and renown, and is becoming well-known. Here in San Antonio, the holiday is being celebrated by businesses, groups, and citizens more than ever, and is a one of San Antonio’s most exciting holidays.

The Day of the Dead is traditionally a happy, festive occasion, where family members choose to celebrate the lives of deceased loved ones. Although, to some, it may appear as morbid to have a picnic at night in a graveyard, but for the celebrants, it is a chance to remember and commune with those who have passed on, as well as to clean the graveyard, and tombstones. Although in Mexico, it is not uncommon for people to spend the entire night in the graveyard, in the United States, the celebration is normally more symbolic.

The celebration of the holiday on November 1-2, falls close to Halloween and also several old pagan harvest rituals, which helps explain its origins. Although not celebrated in all parts of Latin America, many countries such as Guatemala, Brazil, and Haiti, and has spread to such diverse parts of the world as the Philippines, Czech Republic, and other parts of Europe.

Here in San Antonio, the trappings of the celebration have been showing up throughout the city over the past month, and preparations have been underway for quite some time. Here is a list of some of the major attractions and events that will take place over the next few days.

· Blue Star Contemporary Art Center: Some of San Antonio's most talented artists will display their altars, paintings, and other artifacts which celebrate the occasion. The opening reception will take place on November 1, from 7-11 PM. 3316 Oakwell Ct.

· Centro Cultural Aztlan: This is the 30^{th annual celebration of the Dia de los Muertos, and will feature traditional and modern displays on exhibit. Exhibition opens on Nov. 2, 6-9 PM, with daily viewings from 9 AM- 5 PM. 1800 Fredericksburg Rd., Deco Bldg.}

· SAY Si: The three-day event features workshops, live music, dance performances, art exhibits, and plenty of food. The event starts Nov. 1, 6-10 PM, at 1518 S. Alamo St.

· Conjunto Heritage Taller: Alter and musical celebration is dedicated to the Conjuntos who have passed on. This event is usually standing room only, and features great live music, delicious food, and plenty of art. Visitors are welcome to bring their own music instruments and join the jam! Nov. 2, 6-10 PM. 1014 S. Prensa St.

The Day of the Dead is one of Mexico's most colorful and unique holidays, and presents a chance to enjoy San Antonio's creative and artistic community, and to take part in one of the city's more interesting cultural events.

Texas A&M Ranks U.S. Traffic

San Antonio Traffic Report (Atleast it is not LA)

Texas A&M University recently released a study of the traffic trends, mobility measurements, and traffic congestion in major U.S. urban areas, and while some of the usual suspects head the chart, San Antonio remains in the middle of the pack.  Not surprisingly, in almost every category, two California cities, Los Angeles and San Francisco were atop the list.  Likewise, Texas two largest cities, Dallas and Houston suffer from high levels of congestion, delays, and wasted fuel.

The study ranks cities according to size, with those containing over 3 million people falling in the group called Very Large Urban Areas.  Between 1 and 3 million, are called Large Urban Areas, and the rest are referred to as Remaining Areas.

Los Angeles is head and shoulders above the rest in the category of Annual Hours of delay per traveler, with each Angeleno wasting 72 hours of his life in traffic each year, as well as wasting 57 gallons of fuel.  They are head and shoulders above the others because in second place is San Franciscans, who ‘only’ waste 60 hours per year, and 47 gallons of fuel.  San Antonio is 29th on the list—about midway through the Large Urban group—with its citizens sitting in traffic 39 hours per year, and idling away 27 gallons of gas.  According to the report, San Antonio ranks about the same as Las Vegas and Portland, OR.  In comparison with the other cities in Texas, people who live in Dallas and Houston waste about 58 hours and 40 gallons per person.

The study also ranks the growth of congestion in each city, and in this category, San Antonio fares quite well.  Out of 25 cities in the Large Urban Area group, San Antonio ranks 19th, which means that it ranks towards the low end of the average when it comes to how fast the congestion is growing.  Basically, this means that San Antonio is experiencing normal to low rates of congestion growth.  The leaders in this category are San Diego, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Baltimore, and Tampa.  San Antonio is just behind Orlando, and just ahead of Providence, R.I.

Some other high points that the study revealed:

· 2/3 of all cars experience delays on the daily commutes.
· The hours of congestion on the roads are increasing by about an hour every 10 years.  For example, in 1995, a city the size of San Antonio would expect 3 hours of congestion in the morning, and three in the afternoon.  A decade later, it’s almost 3.5.  In Very Large cities, such as Los Angeles or Atlanta, it’s almost 8 hours per day.

Finally, the study ranked the infrastructure improvements that each city has undertaken and how much they cost.  San Antonio has invested in freeway incident management, street signal coordination, and street access management.  The city has spent 21.9 million on this for a total savings of 1.2 million hours, and 32.2 million on public transportation for a savings of 1.7 million hours.  San Antonio ranks above New Orleans, St. Louis, Memphis, and Milwaukee in this category.

Studies like this rarely make anyone feel better.  Sitting in traffic is aggravating, wasteful, and adds stress to all our lives.  Telling ourselves that, “At least I don’t live in Los Angeles,” sounds good, but still doesn’t change the fact that all cities have the same problem.  The best news that citizens of San Antonio can take to heart, is that the congestion in the city’s roads is not growing.  That 20 minute commute should stay a 20 minute commute for the next few years.  In Los Angeles, today’s 20 minute commute could be tomorrow’s hour long nightmare.

Texas River Country

South Texas' Hill Country is world-famous for its classic vistas and panoramas which rekindle memories of the Old West and cowboys, settlers, and pioneers.  But a short drive to the west will bring visitors to another part of Texas, equally as beautiful, yet not quite as well-known: the River Region.

For outdoor opportunists, nature lovers, and fanatics of fishing, festivals, and fun, the region has a number of attractions, parks, and rich cultural sights that should appease all appetites.  Any time of the year is a good time for a visit, as the winters are never too cold, the rain is rare, and summer heat can be beaten with a dip in one of the many rivers cutting through the area.
Located in Uvalde County, about 85 miles west of San Antonio on Highway 90 is the namesake of the county, the city of Uvalde.  Featuring tree-lined streets, the Leona River cutting through the center of town, and Fort Inge, Uvalde is the jumping off point for the surrounding activities in the region. 

One of the most popular rivers is the Frio River, and its clear, quick waters are popular with locals and tourists, who can rent floats, tubes, and kayaks for relaxing daily trips downriver. The town of Concan, located half an hour's drive up Highway 83 from Uvalde, is full of outfitters for the Frio, as well as restaurants and lodgings.  Garner State Park, just 7 miles further north, is not only Texas' most famous and most visited park, but another place along the Frio where visitors and families can enjoy the peaceful serenity of the river.

Along with the Frio, the Sabanal River is another of South Texas' beautiful natural wonders.  The towns of Utopia and Sabinal are two small town offering a laid-back peek into some of the history of this region.  Both towns have a number of historic buildings, restaurants, and small museums offering displays of the Native Americans who first lived in the area, as well as the settlers, and the geological and natural history of the region.  The Lost Maples State Natural Area contains the only maple forest in the state, and is a gorgeous place to visit in the fall as the leaves change through a kaleidoscope of colors.

Although any time of the year is fine for a visit, there are several festivals and events that are put on each year that should be kept in mind when planning a trip.  The following are a few of the more popular:

· Nature Quest:  Held in two sessions, one in sping and the other in fall, visitors can learn about the native plants, wildflowers, and animals in the region from experts.  Nature Quest features programs of field trips, lectures, workshops, and seminars as well as birding expeditions.  The spring session is held in April and September 14-16.
· Bicycle Classic:  For active visitors and biking fanatics, the third weekend of each October offers riders a choice of a number of routes of differing difficulties and skill levels.  The Classic offers participants rest stops every ten miles, maps and support services, and nightly dinners and socials.  All proceeds are donated to local scout troops, fire departments, and EMS groups.

F4-Fall Fly Fishing Festival:  October 26-28 brings this interesting festival which offers programs for learning fishing techniques, as well as educational programs related to the different species in the area.  It also brings opportunities to test one's mettle against the fish in the rivers.

Many people think of South Texas as mostly an arid desert, but a trip to the river region will quickly dispel any such notion.  For outdoor enthusiasts, the region offers diverse means for enjoying the clear, clean waters of Texas' River Region.

San Antonio is home to a vibrant arts and entertainment community, and also to many unique and interesting venues.  From Broadway shows, to eclectic local productions, and from the symphony, to rock and roll, country, and Tejano music, San Antonio's theaters are always booked with everything from the local to the international, urbane to the eccentric, and from the traditional to the cutting edge.  Visitors and locals can choose to take in a concert by some of the biggest acts today at the AT&T Center, or dip into one of the city's smaller playhouses or amphitheaters to see a local play or singer-songwriter performing.  Here is a look at just a few of the more popular and interesting venues that San Antonio has to offer.

· AT&T Center:  Home to the San Antonio Spurs, the building formerly known as the SBC Center is a huge, modern arena featuring all the bells and whistles that visitors would expect.  In addition to the Spurs, the arena also plays host to rodeos, monster truck rallies, and the biggest concerts that come to the city.  Not the place to go for an intimate night, but certainly the place to be for the biggest spectacles that pass through.  October sees the NBA pre-season get underway, and also the music of Juan Gabriel and Vincente Fernandez.

· The Majestic Theater:  One of Texas' historical and architectural treasures, the Majestic was built in 1929, and for a while, was the largest movie theater in the United States.  The theater fell into disrepair over time, until an effort was undertaken to restore the landmark building in the early '90s.  Repainted, remodeled, and rejuvenated, the Majestic is once again worthy of its name, and now hosts many Broadway shows, and symphonic and intimate musical productions.  Coming up in October:  San Antonio Symphony (12th-13th), Lyle Lovett (13th), Twelve Angry Men (16th-21st), David Sedaris (22nd), and the San Antonio Symphony Pops (26-28).

· Arneson River Theater:  Located at La Villita Historic Arts District, the Arneson may be small, but this small amphitheater is certainly not lacking in charm.  The stage is surrounded by a moat with water diverted from the San Antonio River, and the audience sits on a terraced, grass hill.  The events are normally quite varied, with an emphasis on the unusual and quirky.  Coming soon: Throughout Sept., the Image Dance Company will be performing, and throughout La Villita, the month features Fotoseptiembre Photo Exhibits in adjacent galleries.  In Novernber, Bedouin Tribe will be performing Middle Eastern dances.

· Laurie Auditorium: Located on the campus of Trinity University, this small but storied hall seats just under 3,000 and has hosted the likes of Bill Cosby, Victor Borge, Jay Leno, B.B. King, and numerous political and literary luminaries.  Oftentimes, the University offers its performances free of charge to the public.