So much to do

South of the border: Who needs beaches when Mexico City offers so much toexplore?

Art pieces such as this one, are found all over the city and are quiteinteresting.
Photo by Karen Burd
Polanco Shopping District
MexicoCityExperience.com
Ecobicis are found all over town.
Innovapedia.org
Palacio de Bellas Artes
Photo by Karen Burd
Catedral Metropolitana
Photo by Karen Burd
Building in the Historical District, wouldn't you want that tile on your house?
Photo by Karen Burd
El Angel de Independencia located in Paseo de Reforma.
Photo by Karen Burd

The typical vacation spots for Mexico usually tend to be places like Cancun or Cozumel, but what about Mexico City? As one of the largest cities in the world, it has a lot to offer for vacationers. Get away from the heat and enjoy the great weather along with the occasional rains at night that help keep the city cool.

The abundance of art galleries and great restaurants in the Colonia Condesa provides a wonderful area to unwind after "must see" visits to such notables as the Museo de Antropologia and the Museo de Arte Popular, Palacio de Bellas Artes and the incredible historical district with tons of interesting architecture.

If you are feeling a little adventurous and want to get some exercise, Mexico City now has great Ecobicis (Eco bikes) that you can rent and take around town.

Zócalo is the main square or plaza inside the city's historic district and one of the largest city squares in the world. It is bordered by the Catedral Metropolitana, Palacio Nacional and the Federal District buildings.

For shopping, the city provides countless opportunities including the Polanco, home to the city's upscale residential and shopping district. You can spend all day there window shopping, finding local notable designers and enjoying a wonderful array of unique boutiques and cute little coffee shops and restaurants.

The food is fantastic; one of the best and long-standing restaurants in the city is La Hacienda de Los Morales. An original hacienda, it is now home to a wonderful restaurant and bar with flowing gardens and a welcoming and cozy atmosphere.

Whether sitting outside in the courtyard or inside by the bar, you get an incredible view of the wonderfully decorated, historic restaurant. It is a great place to go to get away from it all, listen to live music and enjoy cocktails — the "tamarind" margarita is house specialty — and specials like the famous tortilla soup.

When traveling to the capital, remember that it is 7,940 feet above sea level, so plan on taking it easy the first day to allow your body to acclimate to the altitude. It's the perfect time to enjoy an afternoon stroll down the massive Paseo de la Reforma — where you see the iconic Mexican monument of El Angel de la Independencia commemorating the centennial of the beginning of Mexico's War of Independence.

If you are feeling a little adventurous and want to get some exercise, Mexico City now has great Ecobicis (Eco bikes) that you can rent and take around town to explore the city and avoid driving in the hectic traffic.

unspecified

LIVING HISTORY

Texas Revolution comes to life at new immersive attraction in Gonzales

Facebook/Texas Legacy in Lights

'Texas Legacy in Lights' puts audiences in the midst of Texas history.

A brand new way to experience the history of the Lone Star State has debuted at the Gonzales Memorial Museum, located about two hours from Houston. Texas Legacy in Lights bills itself as the "world's first permanent, narrative-driven, live-action projection mapping film."

The film was produced and directed by Gonzales native John Franklin Rinehart, who used 3D mapping projection to bring to life the story of the Texas Revolution starting in 1835, including the Battle of Gonzales. It is projected in HD on the museum’s façade after dark, and audiences are encouraged to sit on the museum lawn to take in the one-of-a-kind visual presentation that puts them in the middle of the action.

"It's a great experience for our city," says Gonzales Mayor Isaac Anzaldua. "Everybody here seems to be enjoying themselves, and with this, they begin to understand where they came from. We still embody the same spirit of 'come and take it' that they had back in 1835."

The film delves into the little-known history of the iconic "Come and Take It" flag created by Sarah DeWitt, who sewed it from her daughter's wedding dress. Peggy Schott (Fear the Walking Dead) portrays the iconic Texas pioneer.

"I had family in Texas before the Revolution who were there, and I was so excited to join this project," Schott says in a press release. "It's hard to find stories of the women from that time. I'm honored to play Sarah DeWitt and to tell her story in a way that will inspire people for years to come."

A woman's face in the Texas Legacy in Lights Show An image from the immersive new Texas history projection show. Photo courtesy of Texas Legacy in Lights

Most stories of the Texas Revolution focus on the more famous moments at the end of the war, such as the fall of the Alamo and the decisive victory at San Jacinto. Texas Legacy of Lights, instead, highlights the opening volleys in the war for independence from Mexico, many of which took place in and around Gonzales.

"One hundred years from now," Mayor Anzaldua says, "our community will look back and see how we continued to embody the Come and Take It spirit — a spirit of determination, love, and peace. To know that we share a part in shaping the future of our great city is exciting and very rewarding."

The outdoor presentation runs Tuesday-Sunday at 8:25 pm and 9:15 pm at the Gonzales Memorial Museum (414 Smith St). Screenings are free and open to the public. Watch the trailer for the film here:

gonzales texas history entertainment innovation come and take it history museums