SAN ANTONIO, TX

I'm baaaack!

I know it's been awhile, and I apologize. After I returned from Colombia, I was focused on graduating and preparing for my summer internship. But you know the first thing on my list after those was traveling. I just got back from a five-day trip to San Antonio, and I'm ready to share the fun things to do (and consume) there.

THINGS TO DO

Float the Comal River

The Comal River is in New Braunfels, Texas (about 30-45 minutes from San Antonio depending on where you're driving from), but it's worth the drive if you have a fun crew. If you recognize these faces from my D.C. blog posts, you're a real one. I was in Texas to visit friends I met last summer while interning in the nation's capital. But back to logistics:

Tubing on the river is free if you have your own tubes. Rental tubes are available if you don't have your own. I'm not sure of the pricing, but there are multiple shops posted up, so at least one has to be reasonably priced because of the competition.

If you're planning this in advance, I'd definitely recommend bringing a cooler and a tube for it, too. You can stock it with drinks and snacks — it takes about two hours to complete the river's loop, so it's worth it.

There are a couple of little rapids that'll shake you around a bit (and make you have to hold on to your bikini bottoms), so I wouldn't recommend bringing your phone unless you have a waterproof case — shoutout to Lifeproof — or one of those airtight baggies. You really won't need it because you'll be having such a great time. Also if you can avoid them, DON'T bring or rent black tubes. Your skin will thank you in the Texas sun.

Lounge at the JW Marriott Resort and Spa

I will admit, it's hard to get in here unless you have connections (I was not checked in as a guest). But if you know someone staying at the resort, they get unlimited wristbands for the pool and other outdoor activities (and a little birdy told me that they use the same two wristband colors, so once you have those you can come and go as you please).

There's a lazy river, an adult pool, a water park and a kids play area. My friend Taylor in the pink floaties made me go down the slide with her three times. Fun, but a workout getting up the steps. The resort also has restaurants, but I wouldn't recommend eating there unless you want to spend $20 on chicken tenders and fries (we did not).

Deol Bar I

Disclaimer: There are TWO Deol bars. I've only been to one of them, so don't go to Deol's II and send me mean messages if it doesn't live up to the hype, please.

Deol's is an inside-outside bar, and we spent the entire time outside, so I can't say much for the inside vibe, but outside was lit. There are fairy lights hanging above the space and a lot of seating — until it gets packed, but the night breeze makes it tolerable. Also the drink specials. You're not going to buy anything over $5, so if you wanna buy rounds for the gang, this is the spot.

There are also games to play outside, like a basketball shoot-off station, ski ball, and a couple of others. On a good night, you won't even have to bar hop because everything you need is right there.

Hills and Dales Ice House

One thing I learned about San Antonio is that there's a move every day of the week. You want to go out on a Monday? There's a spot for that. You want to go out on a Sunday? There's a spot for that, too, and it's Hills and Dales.

The bar hosts what they call Sunday Funday. We got there around 10, and it was already packed (which is unusual for any place this North Carolina girl is used to). It's also an inside-outside spot, and both are lit. There's a lot more outside space than Deol's, so if you're rolling with a larger crew, I'd say this should be your first choice. The drinks are strong, the bartenders are nice and the DJs know how to move the crowd.

The Riverwalk

This is the thing to do in San Antonio. We went when everything was closed because it was an impromptu trip (thank you Southwest for cancelling my flight and letting me stay another night), but it's nice to just walk around when the heat isn't as intense. Yanaguana Garden is a short walk away and a nice place to swing and play or just sit and chill (we did both). You also get a nice view of Tower of the Americas and the downtown skyline if you go when the sun is down.

PLACES TO EAT

Mama Margie's

This was my first ever meal in Texas and honestly set the tone for the entire trip. I'm talking take-one-bite-and-instantly-fall-in-love type of food. I later found out that Mama Margie's is considered a basic spot for SA natives, but for an out-of-towner I'd say it's a spot that you absolutely must try. They also have cheap margaritas — lots of flavors and they fill your jug up to the top. I ate off of this quesadilla for two days, and my total was around $13 (including the marg).

Taco Jalisco

To continue the thread of eating at Mexican spots and disappointing the locals, I ordered a pancake combo. In my defense, it was my first meal of the day, but I did try horchata for the first time and I now understand that Cardi B line. If you go here, definitely order horchata or lemonade to drink (and I don't need to say it, but get some authentic Mexican food). I don't know what they do to the ice, but it stays frozen for like 12 hours, so order your drinks in a to-go cup.

Whataburger

Did you think I was going to forget? I don't have anything to say. Just get a burger.