Cherished Houston steakhouse carves out first San Antonio location on River Walk

STEAKS ARE HIGH

Brenner's on the River Walk/ Facebook

Talk about a prime location. On July 20, storied eatery Brenner’s Steakhouse opened its first location outside of Houston on the banks of the San Antonio River Walk.

The new restaurant, located at 215 Losoya St., is only the third location under the Brenner’s name. Herman and Lorene Brenner founded the concept as a casual café in 1936 before the construction of the Katy Freeway spurred a change of location. A second outpost followed in 2007 after Landry’s Restaurants owner Tilman Fertitta revitalized the name.

Though officially part of a conglomerate that includes touristy spots like Rainforest Café and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., the new Brenner’s takes a more upscale approach. Steaks range from a six-ounce A5 Wagyu filet to an intimidating 36-ounce tomahawk, all of which can be dressed with tony accompaniments like cognac-peppercorn sauce, foie gras, or truffle butter.

For less decadent days, executive chef Abel Sanchez offers plentiful alternatives from pan-roasted chicken breast to braised short rib in mole. Naturally, the restaurant also serves plenty of surf to go with the turf, including bacon-wrapped shrimp, a pair of sushi rolls, and an indulgent seafood tower layered with king crab, lobster, oysters, mussels, shrimp, caviar, and more.

While deciding on their entrée selection, guests can rifle through a wide-ranging wine list including more than 300 bottles. Additionally, the full bar includes beefy tequila and whiskey selections, beer, and cocktails ranging from tried-and-true classics to originals like a coconut-rose riff on ranch water.

If the menu didn’t offer enough clues, fanciness is also the MO of the interior. The walls are sheathed in limestone and exposed brick, accented with dark wood. Of course, each of the three levels, containing a mezzanine, patio, bar, and main dining room, offer sweeping views of the River Walk.

As CultureMap Houston food editor Eric Sandler notes, this scenic/waterfront setup sounds similar to the posh Brenner's on the Bayou, which features a prime location next to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston's iconic Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens.

To add frisson, a live pianist will tickle the ivories. Though a press release promised a variety of music genres, surely jaws would drop if they busted out a few bars of “WAP.” Guests should also be aware that Brenner’s does not have the come-as-you-are laxity of most San Antonio joints. The dress code prohibits gym attire, beachwear, and baseball hats — presumably, even the $600 Loro Piana cashmere cap seen on Succession.

Those who don’t mind getting gussied up can visit the Brenner’s bar starting at 3 pm daily. Dinner service begins at 4 pm and extends through 10 pm most days and 11 on Friday and Saturday.

Photo courtesy of Brendan van Son

Slide into San Antonio for real mouthwatering eats and true historic sites

On the Road

When you think of San Antonio, you may immediately remember the Alamo. But in addition to that legendary Texas landmark, there’s so much more that makes this authentic city memorable.

Awash in Old World charm and a melting pot of culture, San Antonio is a kaleidoscope of history, food, art, and more.

These eight highlights cover some of the not-to-be-missed experiences you should prioritize while in this immersive destination.

Explore the River Walk
Forgive us for stating the obvious, but the Paseo del Rio — the River Walk — lives up to its reputation as the No. 1 tourist attraction in all of Texas.

The world-renowned, 15-mile urban waterway has multiple personalities: quiet and park-like in some areas, while others are brimming with activity from European-style sidewalk cafes, boutiques, art galleries, nightclubs, and gleaming high-rises.

Explore the vibrant maze of walkways, bridges, and canals by foot or jump aboard a Go Rio! river barge for a guided tour or a dinner cruise.

See history come to life
The Mission Reach, an eight-mile stretch along the San Antonio River, has recreational trails, pedestrian bridges, pavilions, and portals to the beautiful, colonial San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes Concepción, San José, San Juan, and Espada.

You can also find Hot Wells along Mission Reach. It's a one-time bathhouse-turned-resort turned-entertainment complex that burned several times over, and the ruins are fascinating.

Downtown, the Spanish Governor's Palace is the only remaining example in Texas of an aristocratic, 18th-century, Spanish Colonial, in-town residence (and it's reportedly very haunted!).

The 1731 San Fernando Cathedral is the oldest standing church and continuously functioning religious community in Texas. Four nights a week, French artist Xavier de Richemont’s The Saga is projected on the façade of the cathedral and tells the history of San Antonio through music, sound, light and visual narration.

South Texas history, culture, and natural science are the focus at The Witte Museum, where you'll find dinosaur skeletons, cave drawings, wildlife dioramas, and several historic homes.

Head to historic art districts
Located on the south bank of the River Walk, the charming La Villita (which translates to “little village”) occupies one square block in the heart of downtown San Antonio.

It was one of the city’s original settlements, and now the tiny district’s cobblestone streets are lined with an eclectic array of adobe structures and early Victorian and Texas limestone buildings that house boutique-style shops with works and wares from artists and craftsmen.

Dating to 1840, Market Square (El Mercado) is a festive combo of Tex-Mex cuisine, music, entertainment, and shopping with more than 100 locally owned businesses.

Just past the hustle and bustle of downtown you’ll find Southtown the Arts District, a trendy, creative community populated by historic houses, converted warehouses, artist lofts, shops, galleries and restaurants.

It also includes the King William Historic District, which reflects San Antonio’s German heritage in a treasured residential area that was originally settled in the late 1800s. There are many mansions in the area, and you can tour the beautiful Villa Finale while there.

Discover even more art
With more than 20 museums, San Antonio has no shortage of artistic experiences, including street murals that dot the city.

With a Mediterranean-style mansion setting, TheMcNay art museum is beautiful on the outside and inside, with 22,000-plus collection of works, including post-impressionist and modern pieces, medieval offerings, Native American art, and more.

The San Antonio Museum of Art is housed in a castle-like structure that was formerly the Lone Star Brewery. It’s notable for its antiquities collections and a 30,000-square-foot Center or Latin American Art — the largest of its kind — as well as an Asian art wing that spans nearly 6,000 years of history.

Located in a historic building with a sculpture garden onsite, the Briscoe Western Art Museum is a hub for the art and culture of the Wild West.

For an immersive and interactive experience, Hopscotch is a unique, 20,000-square-foot art gallery with 14 distinctive, playful, and whimsical installations from more than 40 local, national, and international artists.

And San Antonio’s newest contemporary art center, Ruby City, is a crimson-hued building that displays paintings, sculptures, installations, and video works.

Find The Pearl
A vibrant micro-community all its own, The Pearl is a highly curated culinary and cultural destination with multiple dining options, shops, and a weekend farmers market, all centered around a historic German brewery that was founded in 1881.

Pearl’s Bottling Department Food Hall has also risen to the rank of a must-visit culinary hub thanks to resident gems like Caribbean street food-peddler Mi Roti and tasty ramen emporium Tenko Ramen.

Just outside the food hall is the Park at Pearl, an expansive lawn where you can catch a concert, fiesta, or dance party on any given evening.

Indulge in an epicurean experience
Known as the culinary capital of Texas, San Antonio is recognized as one of only two U.S. cities designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy (the other is Tucson) because of its unique blend of cuisine options. And it’s about more than just the crazy-good food, too; local restaurants serve up experiences, traditions, and culture.

But where to start the foodie tour? In 2022 alone, dining destinations across the city received seven nominations for the James Beard Awards, one of the highest honors in the culinary industry.

Put these nominees on your short list, including Clementine for chef John Russ’s seasonal eats inspired by global flavors.

Pitmaster Esaul Ramos’s 2M Smokehouse has impressive barbecue — and desserts, too — for the ultimate savory and sweet combo. And if you get nothing else at Cured, you must order chef Steve McHugh’s ultimate charcuterie plates.

Renowned Mexican restaurant Mixtli fuses old pre-Hispanic techniques with modern, avant-garde cuisine, and the menu rotates every 45 days. Pastry chef Sofia Tejeda’s delectable desserts there are not to be missed, either.

Speaking of baking, bakery-cafe La Panaderia specializes in making handmade bread and pan dulce inspired by Mexico’s Golden Era with influences from the famous bread-baking brothers José and David Cáceres.

Modern wine bar and bottle shop High Street Wine Co. has a distinctive selection of small-production wines, and their shareable snacks and small bites are equally impressive.

Put October 27-30, 2022 on your calendar for the Tasting Texas, Wine + Food Festival, which is being hosted in historic Travis Park downtown. It’s the first-ever statewide culinary festival to partner with the James Beard Foundation and will showcase both distinguished and up-and-coming chefs from all across Texas, as well as national all-stars and diverse talent.

Attend a show — or three
Prominently situated near San Antonio’s River Walk, the Tobin Center is a world-class venue that’s a central hub for performances as well as for local performing arts groups.

The opulent Majestic Theatre, built downtown in 1929, is a stunning setting for touring Broadway shows, concerts, and the San Antonio Symphony.

The neighboring Charline McCombs Empire Theatre reflects the beaux-arts grandeur of the 1920s and hosts touring musical acts and other entertainment headliners.

The 1926-built Aztec Theatre is a beautifully restored Meso-American-themed masterpiece for live concerts and other touring productions.

Get in touch with nature
Historic Brackenridge Park is a 343-acre refuge in the heart of the city, where you'll find more than just walking trails and picnic-perfect zones. Also onsite are the Japanese Tea Garden, Sunken Garden Theater, and the San Antonio Zoo, the third largest in the nation with a collection of more than 3,500 animals representing 750 different species from around the globe.

Not far from Brackenridge, the San Antonio Botanical Garden is teeming with beautiful, lush vegetation; there’s even a sensory garden, where emphasis is placed on the texture and scent of plants. Its monumental exhibition, Rooted, is from acclaimed contemporary artist Steve Tobin and features more than 20 towering, nature-inspired sculptures — it’s on view through October 30, 2022.

Discover more to look forward to during a San Antonio sojourn and start planning your trip here.

Rendering courtesy of Overland Partners Architects

Texas firm to design new River Walk-style park at U.S.-Mexico border

International initiative

A San Antonio architecture and design firm is spearheading work on a proposed park that would straddle the U.S.-Mexico border and create a River Walk-style attraction.

Overland Partners recently secured a nearly $190,000 contract from the City of Laredo to come up with a fleshed-out concept and architectural renderings for the binational park.

As envisioned now, the 6.2-mile park would parallel the border of the South Texas city of Laredo and its Mexican neighbor, Nuevo Laredo. The park, encompassing more than 1,000 acres, would run along the banks of Texas’ Rio Grande River and Mexico’s Rio Bravo River. A pedestrian bridge might connect both sides of the park.

Early estimates indicate the binational park might cost more than $100 million. There’s no timetable for starting or completing work on the project.

“This project will rescue the Rio Grande by enhancing its ecology and the quality of our main source of water. It will also strengthen tourism, security, economic prosperity, our binational ties with Mexico, and quality of life,” Laredo Mayor Pete Saenz recently told the Laredo Morning Times. “Both cities look forward to presenting this project at a binational level and as a model to the world with the objective of keeping ‘Los Dos Laredos’ as one river, one community.”

The Laredo-Nuevo Laredo metro area is home to more than 636,000 people.

Laredo officials describe the proposed park as a “unique international landmark.” Proponents hope the park will evolve into a popular attraction like San Antonio’s famed 15-mile River Walk, which was dedicated in 1941 and now draws more than 15 million visitors a year. Because of his ties to the River Walk, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg has joined discussions about the Laredo-Nuevo Laredo project.

“Rivers are sources of life. They’re sources of culture, heritage, and history, and when properly embraced, they can be a place where people congregate and come together,” the Laredo Morning Times quoted Nirenberg as saying in December. “So the work that will take place on this beautiful binational park that brings this critical river back to its life and prominence is an opportunity again for us to establish an important future that the United States has with Mexico.”

Aside from the mayors of Laredo and San Antonio, prominent backers of the binational project include Ken Salazar, the U.S. ambassador to Mexico; Esteban Moctezuma, the Mexican ambassador to the U.S.; Deanna Kim, the U.S. consul general for Nuevo Laredo; and Carmen Lilia Canturosas, the mayor of Nuevo Laredo.

In February, representatives of Overland Partners and Laredo architecture firm Able City unveiled a preliminary site plan and initial renderings of the binational park. The firms are coordinating with the Binational Working Group, a public-private consortium, on the project.

“This park is a real solution to pressing challenges on both sides of the border — challenges that we as design professionals need to be solving in sustainable and inspiring ways,” Overland Partners says.

Photo courtesy of The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa

2 posh Houston spots check in on Travel + Leisure's list of best resorts

stay here now

Planning that perfect fall staycation? Travel + Leisure loves this two luxurious Houston stays, according to its new list of best resorts.

The esteemed travel publication ranked The Woodlands Resort third overall in its latest list of top resorts in Texas. The Houstonian Hotel & Spa, home of Houston's elite, follows at No. 4.

Surrounded by some 350 acres of a veritable forest, The Woodlands Resort boasts two on-site championship golf courses, a tennis center, a spa, walking and biking paths, and and seasonal water park complete with 1,005-foot Lazy River and 30-foot waterslide. It has become the go-to getaway for north Houstonians. Guest here can enjoy four distinct venues, from casual poolside fare to creative a la carte specialties.

Meanwhile, The Houstonian has enjoyed a 40-year reputation as one of the highest-status stays in Texas. President George HW Bush and Barbara Bush made their home there (Barbara's cookies are a favorite), as have myriad dignitaries and celebrities.

Nestled in the midst of a 27-acre oasis just off Loop 610 (and shrewdly hidden), the newly renovated rooms boast floor-to-ceiling wooded views. (Each room was redesigned in February with a base of blues, creams and golds, by award-winning design team Kay Lang + Associates, to hark to the the property's wooded acreage and heritage. Four onsite dining restaurants and a classic hotel bar provide sips and quality eats, while the popular Trellis Spa is a local oasis for rejuvenation.

Leading the list of Texas resorts is Austin’s Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection. The full Texas list includes:

Four Seasons Resort & Club Dallas at Las Colinas in Irving, No. 2.
The Woodlands Resort in The Woodlands, No. 3.
The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa in Houston, No. 4.
Gage Hotel in Marathon, No. 6.
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa, west of Bastrop, No. 8.
Horseshoe Bay Resort in Horseshoe Bay, No. 9.

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Steven Devadanam contributed to this article.

Visit San Antonio/Facebook

The surprising reason San Antonio's River Walk is going to the birds

Bird-eye View

These days, visitors might see more binoculars than margaritas down by the River Walk. That's because a recent resurgence in the native birding population along the river's Museum Reach section is impressing serious bird-watchers and casual observers alike.

Thanks to the multimillion-dollar San Antonio River Improvements Project that finished up in 2013, the birding population along the 8-mile stretch has flourished. Walking along this wilder, less-tamed section of the river, birders might be surprised by what they see flying past.

“Is that a bald eagle?” someone might say, pointing binoculars skyward. Maybe a Great Blue Heron struts past. They may even see a Lazuli Bunting, a migratory bird rarely seen in the eastern two-thirds of Texas, but has made an appearance here of late. This is all because the improvements project has transformed a neglected part of the San Antonio River into a refurbished natural habitat.

From drainage ditch to urban oasis
The project transformed what Visit San Antonio says was essentially a “drainage ditch” — a muddy trickle flowing south of the original River Walk into a mightier stream, and flanked on either side by waving grasses and native vegetation. While the new walking and biking paths now connects the Alamo with other historic missions, thus creating the Mission Reach, it has also served the avian community.

In fact, it's allowed it to flourish, according to results of the Avian Mission Reach Study, which has tracked the area's birding population since 2015 when the San Antonio River Authority launched the program. Under the leadership of respected naturalist Martin Reid, the study documented 197 species and 63,000 birds used the restored habitats — including those that are rare and endangered. Researchers have spied the Interior Least Tern, a federally listed endangered subspecies of Least Tern; the Black-capped Vireo, a state-listed endangered species; and Cassin’s kingbird, a Western species that was only recorded once in Bexar County prior to the study.

Part of the Central Flyway, the San Antonio River is now home not only to resident species but to many migrant species recorded within the Mission Reach study area.

Play ornithologist
Beyond counting birds and recording data, the Avian Mission Reach Study has two goals: to enrich and sustain life in the San Antonio River watershed and to get residents involved with their efforts. The hope is that residents and visitors alike will help track the flora and fauna along the Mission Reach, and become invested in this now-thriving ecosystem.

Use this handy bird checklist to track bird species spotted and then become a “citizen scientist” by downloading the iNaturalist app. Pictures and notes logged into the app by users is actually considered research-quality scientific data. The San Antonio River Authority will then use these observations in its continued efforts to preserve to keep this area — we have to say it — for the birds.

Other area San Antonio-area birdwatching hot spots include Friedrich Wilderness Park, Government Canyon State Natural Area, Medina River Natural Area, and the San Antonio Botanical Garden.

Where to roost
After a day nature walking in the "wilds" of downtown, rest up at area watering holes along the River Walk and at Pearl, just like the migratory birds who pause here on their journeys south. With your birding journey complete, it's time to put down those binoculars and get that margarita after all.

The San Antonio River Walk is becoming a birder's paradise.

Visit San Antonio/Facebook

The San Antonio River Walk is becoming a birder's paradise.

Courtesy photo

8 essential events to attend at 2019 Fiesta in San Antonio

Party Time

It’s time to party in San Antonio. Fiesta is arriving in the city with more events — both official and unofficial — than ever before. The traditional 10-day celebration is on now and runs through April 28, and it's worth a road trip from every corner of Texas.

Many activities are like mini-festivals, full of food, drinks, music, and games. Others are more reverential and pay tribute to the history and culture of the people who have helped to make what the Alamo City is today. Whatever your tastes, here are some of the truly essential (and officially sanctioned) Fiesta events to put on your to-do list.

Fiesta Carnival — April 18-28
You can’t have Fiesta without a multi-day carnival. The family-friendly extravaganza will be held daily in one of the Alamodome parking lots along Cherry Street. The gates open between 5 pm and 6 pm, most days, except for April 20-21 and 26-28 when they open at 11 am. The carnival provides an assortment of food, games, and rides.

Admission is free, but buying a wristband ($22-$25, depending on which evening) gets you access to all the rides.

Fiesta de los Reyes — April 19-28
Market Square is always a festive place, but during Fiesta de los Reyes, it’s pretty much ground zero for partying. There will be many bands on five stages every day. Gary Hobbs, Grupo Vida, Little Joe y La Familia, The Spazmatics, Augie Meyers, and Jay Perez are just some of the scheduled performers that are sure to attract huge crowds. If that’s not enough, there will be a variety of food vendors every where you turn.

Admission is free.

Texas Cavaliers River Parade — April 22
Thousands flock to the banks of the River Walk to see more than 50 decorated, illuminated floats as part one of the nation’s most renowned and unique parades. "Showtime in San Antonio" is the theme for this year’s river parade, over which King Antonio XCVII will preside between 7-9 pm. Created in 1926, Texas Cavaliers are one of the most well-known civic groups in Texas, which in comprised of hundreds of local community and business leaders who raise funds for local youth, first responder, and military charities.

Check the Cavaliers' website for details on ticket packages for special seating along the River Walk.

Cornyation — April 23-25
Fiesta has its reverent, regal coronation of royalty — usually family affairs and celebrations of local culture. Cornyation is not that. It's completely irreverent and very much for the adults. The annual event boasts contemporary, edgy, occasionally raunchy satire and commentary of local, state, national, and global affairs and culture. There are skits and performances galore, and the audience is encouraged to laugh, sing, and chant along. This year's theme is "The Court of Tremendous Expectations." Showtimes are 7 and 10 pm at Empire Theater.

Check out the Cornyation website for ticket information, which range from $15-$100. Act fast, it's one of the hottest Fiesta tickets in town.

A Night in Old San Antonio — April 23-26
Spanning four nights at La Villita, NIOSA is an exploration of the rich, diverse cultures that have played a crucial part in the origins of San Antonio. As such, visitors will have plenty of food and drinks from which to choose. In the mood for escargot or Blarney bacon? How about anticuchos or Yak-i-Tori chicken? La Villita will be filled with the sounds of mariachis, and German, Irish, Americana, and zydeco music, among other genres. There’s also a place for the youngsters. Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes. A lot of walking and crowd surfing lie ahead.

Tickets are $12 in advance at local H-E-B stores, or $15 at the gate.

Battle of Flowers Parade— April 26
The 128th Battle of Flowers Parade begins around 9:30 am near the Pearl. This San Antonio classic is the nation’s second largest day parade, involving hundreds of entries from around the country walking and riding through the streets of downtown. The parade is so big that it's cause for an official citywide holiday. As it should be because hundreds of thousands of spectators turn out for the lavish parade, with many setting up lawn chairs or camping out in tents to secure their prime spot along the route days in advance.

Admission for official seating: $12-$25. (A free afterparty follows at Pearl.)

King William Fair — April 27
The fair, set across much of the King William Historic District, is family-friendly and yet a little quirky. The event kicks off at 9 am with a mini-neighborhood parade, where most of the entries reflect the Southtown community’s vibe. Visitors then stay for a day full of live music on five stages, art, craft and food vendors, and a massive children’s play area. There’s all kinds of fun to be had wherever you go in the neighborhood turned fairgrounds — especially if you’re lucky enough to know someone who lives there. Such residents can be found having their own house party within a party.

Fair admission: $15 for adults, free for children 12-under. Admission to see the parade is free.

Flambeau Parade — April 27
On the next to final night of Fiesta, downtown is the place to be again for the largest illuminated night parade in the country. Festivities begin 7 pm near the Pearl. Hundreds of entries are watched by hundreds of thousands of spectators lining the streets every year. “Reflections of Music Past” is the theme for this year’s event. Take particular note of the University of Texas Longhorn Marching Band, which takes part in the Flambeau parade every year.

Official bleacher seating is $18.50-$35.

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Houston's favorite outdoor concert venue ranks No. 1 in the world in new list

CWMP ftw

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion finished its summer season as the No. 1 outdoor entertainment venue in the world with 268,000 fans attending shows between mid-June and mid-September.

The Woodlands pavilion beat the Meriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland (245,000) and Waldbuhne Berlin in Germany (198,000) for the top spot, according toPollstar, the magazine of record for the concert industry.

“It’s been a good year. We’ve hosted 38 shows so far which is a little more than usual for us,” CWMP president Jerry MacDonald tells me. “We’ll do 42 shows by year-end. We’ve had more million-dollar box office grosses this year than ever.”

Cynthia Woods’ biggest shows

Post Malone’s concert on August 8 sold more than $1.7 worth of tickets, breaking the pavilion’s all-time mark for box office receipts. Shania Twain sold $1.4 million worth of tickets for her July 22 concert. The next three biggest shows belonged to Janet Jackson ($1.28 million) on June 3, Dave Matthews Band ($1.14 million) on May 19, and Duran Duran ($1.11 million) on June 9.

Two of the CWMP’s three biggest shows of the year were headlined by women, including a Black woman. Take that Jann Wenner. Who us he? He’s the Rolling Stone magazine founder recently published a book of conversations with rock stars — all of them white males. Asked why no women were included, Wenner said “none of them were as articulate enough of this intellectual level.”

For that comment, plus a slam against Black artists, Wenner was rightly kicked out of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, which he helped create.

Not to mention his poor grammar. Shouldn’t a writer know that say, “none of them WAS as articulate enough,” which still wouldn’t have saved him, however. Cyndi Lauper, for the record, says he’s senile.

Anyway, the hottest summer on record didn't exactly help the CWMP. MacDonald notes that the pavilion lawn survived this summer’s scorching heat although he believes the weather may have lowered attendance at some events.

“We’re an outdoor venue. People arrived a little later to concerts to avoid the sun as much as possible. That probably helped local restaurants and bars, though,” he says.

How Jimmy Buffett boosted The Woodlands

MacDonald reflected on the passing of Jimmy Buffett, the artist who played the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion more times and sold more tickets than any other artist. (Editor’s note: We highly recommend Ken’s must-read memoirs on the times he spent with Buffett, here.)

Buffett performed on July 31, 1990 during the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion’s first season. His opening song was “You’ll Never Work in Dis Bidness Again.”

Buffett’s last concert at the big outdoor amphitheater in The Woodlands was June 6, 2022. His final number that night was “Tin Cup Chalice.”

In between, Buffett left his mark in Houston like no other entertainer. The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion has hosted more than 1,200 concerts since its opening. Buffett performed there 25 times. He owns three of the pavilion’s 10 highest-grossing concerts. His Parrothead fans bought more snacks, drank more beverages and purchased more merchandise than any other performer.

“No one drew the range of fans like he did. Fans from 10 to 90 years old came to his concerts. His contract rider designated tailgating areas for fans to party before his shows. His crew would video his crazy fans and show them during the concert. I have been in the concert business for 48 years and there was nothing that compared to a Jimmy Buffett concert,” MacDonald reflects.

“As a venue operator, booking a Jimmy Buffett concert meant you’d have a good season. He’d be the anchor of your lineup and helped move season subscriptions, box seats and suite sales. His per capita sales set records here and at most venues.”

The Parrotheads didn’t just leave a financial impact with tickets, food, beer and cocktails and T-shirt sales. Fans came from all over Southeast Texas, packing nearby restaurants and filling hotel rooms at premium rates, including Buffett’s own Margaritaville Resort on Lake Conroe which opened in 2020.

It’s estimated that each Jimmy Buffett concert at the pavilion pumped more than $1 million into The Woodlands economy.

Buffett meant business in Houston since the early 1970s, first working smaller venues like Liberty Hall and moving on up through the Sam Houston Coliseum, Astroworld’s Southern Star Amphitheater, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the Summit/Compaq Center, and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. All told, Buffett performed about 50 concerts in Houston during his career spanning a half-century.

During his 2016 concert in The Woodlands, Buffett introduced “another passenger on the boat to Margaritaville,” Houston Texans superstar defensive end J.J. Watt. The football legend sipped an adult beverage while playing bongos for Buffett’s most famous song Margaritaville. Before the concert, Watt traded stories backstage with Buffett and Coral Reefer Band keyboardist Michael Utley on Radio Margaritaville.

That night Buffett changed the lyrics to Margaritaville to: “Nibbling on sponge cake, watching the sun bake, all of those Texans fans covered with oil.”

Largest hot springs experience in U.S. makes splashy plans for Texas debut

Wellness wonderland

Houstonians have no shortage of wellness and pampering options, but those willing to travel for indulgence can look forward to a new wellness spa-amusement park. WorldSprings, a nine-acre outdoor mineral springs experience, will debut in Dallas in spring 2024.

According to a release, it will be WorldSprings' first location in Texas and the largest experience of its kind in the country.

"With pools inspired by the most famous hot springs from around the world, guests can explore WorldSprings’ 45 outdoor soaking pools including cold-plunge pools, Finnish saunas, and a spa which will include wellness therapies as well as a cafe and bar," says the release.

Specific highlights of the experience will include:

The Family Pool, the Dead Sea Float Pool and South Pacific Region mineral pools for all ages
The Asiatic, European, and Americas region mineral pools for those 18 years old and up
More pools, with temperatures that range from warm to hot and from cool to ice cold
The Spa, with a menu of body treatments and massages
The Sanctuary, offering sound baths and yoga, breathwork, and guided meditation classes
Aqua classes, including Aqua Aerobics, Aqua Sculpt, Aqua Yoga and Aqua Float
Performance-enhancing treatments including cryotherapy, hyperbaric chambers, and compression therapy
WorldSprings Café, from which guests can order food and drinks poolside with their smartphones and pay with a wristband

WorldSprings Grandscape The Colony There'll be adults-only pools and family-friendly pools.Rendering courtesy of WorldSprings

The wellness offerings were created by WorldSprings' in-house functional medicine practitioner, Dr. Sara Gottfried, the release says.

Of course, there are not actual hot springs located beneath Grandscape. Each pool will be "meticulously crafted to mirror the mineral content of legendary springs from around the world," explains WorldSprings.

Memberships and three-hour passes will be available, "priced for all to enjoy as a weekly ritual for well-being," they say, although pricing has not yet been disclosed. A limited number of discounted Founding Memberships will be available starting early next year.

”Our ambition is that WorldSprings will democratize wellness by opening locations throughout the country,” says Rob Kramer, managing partner of WorldSprings' owner Off Road Capital, in the release.

The Dallas-area park follows locations in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, and a similar concept in La Verkin, Utah, near Zion National Park.

WorldSprings Grandscape The Colony The pools will range from steaming hot to ice cold. WorldSprings/Facebook

Anticipated opening date is March 2024.

WorldSprings Grandscape will be at 3240 Plano Pkwy., The Colony, joining the booming 433-acre center that includes not only shopping and dining but an escape room, immersive entertainment venue, amphitheater, and more.

"Bringing WorldSprings to this ideal location is a remarkable milestone,” says Justin Foley, general manager of the upcoming Grandscape location, in the release. “As general manager, I'm honored and excited to be a part of such an amazing community and to unveil an exclusive outdoor mineral springs experience – a first of its kind destination in Texas."

3 Lubbock luminaries on what ignites the Hub City

Faces and Places

In Lubbock, Texas, where locals have been pouring their livelihood into both the city and their craft, the community has created a Texas experience like no other. What sets apart a destination from others is the welcoming faces who meet travelers with open doors and a willingness to share the West Texas way of life with all who wander through.

CultureMap recently checked in with three Lubbock luminaries to learn what drew them to the city, what dreams they're making come true, and how visitors can take part in the magic.

Matt Bostick, sommelier and hospitality director of Llano Estacado Winery
Though his roots are in Texas, Matt Bostick found his passion for wine in Italy. While studying hospitality in Florence in 2011, he met Parisian sommelier Quinton Paillard, who encouraged his budding love of vino and set Bostick on the path toward becoming a sommelier himself.

After earning his degree in restaurant, hotel, and institutional management from Texas Tech University in 2012, Bostick joined Jackson Family Estates in Los Angeles. From there, he further honed his expertise as the lead sommelier for Pizzeria Mozza and Osteria Mozza, under the mentorship of Sarah Clarke A few years later, Bostick co-founded a restaurant called Baldoria and even developed a line of ready-to-drink cocktails with his business partner, David King.

"When David and I decided to create B&K Cocktail Company, our business venture brought us back to Texas," Bostick says. "With my family residing in Lubbock, it was a natural choice to settle here. Lubbock holds significant personal and professional values for me. It's my hometown, where I was born and raised, and where most of my family continues to live and contribute to this community."

Today, Bostick is the events director and sommelier at Llano Estacado Winery, Texas’ second oldest winery. Bostick guides visitors through a sensory journey, introducing them to the complexities of different wines, regions, and vintages while offering insights into history, production techniques, and the unique characteristics of each varietal.

"I help individuals identify tasting notes, appreciate nuances, and even recommend food pairings that enhance the overall culinary experience," he says.

Grape Day on October 21 is an ideal time to visit the winery to see Bostick in action. To celebrate the end of the harvest, which spans late July to early October, Llano features captivating self-guided tours, diverse art booths, delicious offerings from the finest local vendors, exciting games for kids, and a mesmerizing lineup of live music on the Lubbock Listening Room stage.

Admission is free, but for $35 attendees will receive a commemorative Grape Day wine glass along with two tickets redeemable for a glass of wine. Pre-sale drink tickets will also be available for purchase in a bundle of three tickets for $15 (otherwise each ticket is $8 at the event).

"Grape Day holds immense significance to me. It's a celebration that represents the culmination of hard work and a sense of community," Bostick says. "Llano Estacado Winery has not only been a pioneer in the Texas wine industry but has also contributed to our local community's growth. Events like this shine a light on the rich heritage and traditions of winemaking, connecting our community to a broader narrative of craftsmanship and appreciation for the finer things in life."

Ian Timmons, pitmaster and third-generation owner of Tom & Bingo’s BBQ
It's been called a West Texas legend since 1952, and as soon as you step inside Tom & Bingo's BBQ, you'll understand why. This old-school barbecue joint — and Lubbock’s oldest restaurant — is packed with nostalgia and dishes out authentic barbecue that would make original owners Tom and Bettye Clanton proud, and current owner Ian Timmons intends to keep it that way.

While studying at Texas Tech, Timmons worked under Dwayne Clanton (Tom and Bettye's son, who gained ownership of the restaurant in 1980) and earned hands-on experience as a pitmaster. Upon graduation, he moved to Denver with his wife, Kristi, where he worked at Denver Biscuit Company.

"I’ve always worked in restaurants," says Timmons. "From my first job at Dairy Queen to a local restaurant called Orlando’s, where I was a server and got fired for making pizzas during my shift."

Timmons' wife also happens to be Dwayne and Liz Clanton's daughter, making him the obvious choice to carry on the legacy when the couple was ready to retire in 2017.

Now, Timmons pays homage to Tom & Bingo's 70-year legacy by smoking modern bark-on-brisket, his own coarsely ground smoked beef sausage, and pork spare ribs on the original brick pits the predecessors used for decades. He's also expanded the menu to include scratch-made potato salad and slaw, but one item remains a constant since the early days of the restaurant: the steak burger.

"This fall we are switching from our legendary brick pits to a new Centex offset smoker, so it’s back to square one for us," reveals Timmons. "This fall will be a learning season for us! But we are excited to see what a new smoker can do for us."

You can also catch the eatery's new food truck out and about and look forward to more biscuit collaborations with Monomyth Coffee (inspired by Timmons' time in Denver, of course). "We'll also hopefully open a Biscuit Club location to help grow the breakfast scene in Lubbock," Timmons hints.

But perhaps the tastiest way to experience Tom & Bingo's, besides visiting the restaurant itself, is by sampling its goods at the Texas Monthly BBQ Fest in November. Held in Lockhart, November 4-5, the event helps raise funds for Feeding Texas and a network of food banks across the state.

Yung Cry Baby, aka Aaliyah Limon, resident artist with Charles Adams Studio Project
Full-time musician and vocalist Aaliyah Limon was born and raised in Lubbock, but when she was younger, she didn't feel the city had a place for her yet. After graduation, the aspiring talent took off to explore both coasts, working as a model and artist, but after a while realized she wasn’t as fulfilled as she had hoped and missed her family.

"I needed a break from my fast-paced lifestyle," she says. "I came back home to be with family, take a step back, and reassess what I really wanted to do with my life. When I moved back, my music took off much faster than I ever anticipated."

Now Limon is professionally known as Yung Cry Baby and serves as a resident artist with the Charles Adams Studio Project, a nonprofit that supports working artists in Lubbock.

"Because I'm passionate about it and motivated by the people who resonate with what I sing about, I've kind of kept with the momentum of things," Limon says. "I'm excited about what I do, and I love helping people heal through my music. Even if it only helps a little, it gives me a lot of joy knowing I can maybe help someone not feel alone."

Fans can see Yung Cry Baby perform not only at the karaoke bar she hosts at, but also at First Friday Art Trail, a monthly arts festival located in downtown Lubbock with a mission to bring together collectors, artists, and community friends for an evening of art, music, and fun. Participants are ever-changing, offering something for everyone.

"I love doing community-based things, especially when it comes to art," Limon says. "First Friday is always a blast for me."

Yung Cry Baby is currently working on her first full album, following the earlier release of her EP. Follow her on social media for updates.

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Experience the people and places of Lubbock yourself by planning your next vacation here.

Photo courtesy of Visit Lubbock

Matt Bostick helps visitors appreciate the wine at Llano Estacado Winery.

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