A City for Taquitos, Tequila and Texas Trails

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👋 Mariah
🎂 30-something
💼 Freelance Creative and Founder of been
♍️ Virgo Sun

THE INTERVIEW

Favorite Travel-related Experience:

Not my favorite (I never pick a favorite) but my first! In the summer of 1999, I went on a long road trip from Dallas, Texas to Durango, Colorado to camp along the Animas river. On the night of our arrival there was a storm. In the torrential downpour we drove up a severe and swirling mountain road and my parents worked rapidly to put a tent up in the pouring rain so we could have a dry place to sleep. Luckily this was the worst part of the trip; the rest was magical for my little Matilda loving, Brownie Girl Scout self. I spent the week sitting down on a rock by the river writing about my experience there in a black and white composition book. The trout fishing, river rafting, and tent camping with mountain views made for a great story. The impact of this summer vacation will always be marked as the moment I opened my notebook to write about travel for the first time. The mix of desire for adventure, insatiable curiosity and the observer’s urge to document has unknowingly become a guiding force of my life.

Where are you a local?

I will always be a local in Dallas, no matter where I reside. As much as Dallas changes, the history there, my history there, is in the soil.

How do you approach travel planning?

Like a virgo! In advance, at the best possible price with a well-researched map and curated list. I’ve learned to let go of building full itineraries and instead embrace the spontaneity of picking a different area to walk around each day. I am a big fan of slow travel.

What do you prioritize?

I try to anchor every trip around the best possible accommodation. I scour maps for a design-forward, affordable stay whether that’s a boutique hotel, a cozy inn or an Airbnb with good vibes and even better location. Good sleep and inspiring interior design are the foundation for a good getaway.

How do you know San Antonio so well?

My husband and I moved to San Antonio in 2021 for his job. We only remembered the Alamo and watching whales in an oversized pool from our respective childhoods. Aside from his job, we liked the city’s proximity to Hill Country and Austin. After four years of living here, San Antonio has showed us it’s a promising place with a substantial culinary scene, several gorgeous parks and a perfectly laid-back South Central Texas atmosphere.

Describe San Antonio to people who haven’t been.

San Antonio is a storied city; one of the oldest cities in Texas with a complicated past and a vibrant culture. The historical mix of Mexican, Spanish, German, Tejano and Indigenous cultures makes for a proud city of people who love celebrating their heritage.

Most overhyped tourist trap?

The Alamo, Seaworld, Six Flags, the zoo, and the Tower of the Americas. Most of the downtown area of the river walk aside from a few exceptions.

What is worth the hype?

The extended trail of the river walk from King William to the Missions and The Museum Reach are the most peaceful for a stroll or bike ride.

Any cool history there?

The amount of history here is the cool bit, similar to New Orleans.

Something unexpected?

San Antonio is very goth and has a thriving jazz scene! There are several goth bars and even a coffee shop. The jazz scene can be seen throughout the week at various venues like River Sun, Jazz TX and Sternewirth. I wish I knew more about both scenes! There is a big working artists community, likely due to the relatively low cost of living compared to other major Texas cities.

City rivalries to note?

San Antonio does not enjoy being compared to Austin. Austin has long overshadowed San Antonio and locals here won’t have it any longer. Texas city-based pride goes hard, and you can’t argue with that.

What about San Antonio exceeded your expectations?

I did not expect to become such a park goer. This city is surprisingly nature forward in a way I haven’t seen in other Texas cities. Parks like Phil Hardberger and trails like Salado Creek Greenway are my favorites for their immersive access to the native plant and animal life.

How did you get around?

Ugh, by car! Although I see a lot of residents using the bus system, I wouldn’t suggest it for visitors. If you’re flying and staying downtown you can easily stroll the riverwalk or rent bicycles or scooters to ride around some of the best neighborhoods like Southtown and King William.

What packed outfit did you end up loving the most?

Linen clothing! Down in South Central Texas, a breathable material is best for hot summer days and nights.

Favorite meal?

Pollo con mole or mole enchiladas with a margarita or michelada.

Best way to spend an afternoon?

Walking along the river near Confluence Park or through the King William neighborhood. There are little local shops and galleries in the Blue Star Arts Complex and along South Presa and South Alamo streets in Southtown. Confluence Park hosts one of my favorite free community yoga sessions on Sundays.