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Area Attractions Blog Family Fun TX

Weekend Getaway to San Antonio

San Antonio is one of the oldest cities in Texas and became a city nearly 60 years before the United States gained its independence. Most famously known for the Alamo and the bloody battle that took place there during the Texas Revolution, there’s plenty for modern-day visitors to discover in this historic and vibrant city that’s only an hour’s drive from Kyle. 

 

Stroll the Riverwalk

 

No weekend getaway to San Antonio is complete without a stroll along the Riverwalk. Truth be told, you could probably spend an entire weekend just in the Riverwalk area and not get bored with all there is to do. 

 

Kick things off with a Go River Cruise to see things from a floating perspective and then simply explore it on foot, stopping in at any shops or restaurants that happen to catch your eye. There are also plenty of spots along the Riverwalk, like the Red Tunnel, Grotto, and Casa Rio umbrellas that make for amazing photo opportunities

 

Take in the Nightlife

 

There are plenty of bars to grab a cocktail at along the Riverwalk, but if you’re looking to venture out a little bit more, San Antonio has lots of nightlife to offer. 

 

Paramour is one of the city’s premier rooftop bars and offers fantastic views of the city along with an extensive cocktail and wine menu. There’s even bottle service if you want to feel extra fancy. 

 

If you’re looking for something a bit more chill, then consider checking out El Camino in downtown SA. There’s always a collection of food trucks parked right outside and with a full beer and cocktail menu, it’s hard not to have a good time at this festive spot. 

 

San Antonio has some great live music venues, and Paper Tiger holds its own. Most shows are under $30, and with acts spanning indie, punk, hip-hop, electronica, and country, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular with music fans. 

 

Shop ‘til You Drop

 

With everything ranging from name-brand stores to local boutiques, there’s plenty of reason to work a little bit of shopping into a San Antonio weekend. 

 

If you’re a sucker for a good mall, then be sure to check out North Star Mall on busy San Pedro Avenue. You’ll find major retailers and department stores such as Louis Vuitton, Juicy Couture, H&M, Apple, Dillard’s, and JCPenny. And like any good mall, the food court has plenty to offer when hunger hits. 

 

Be sure not to sleep on the many boutique stores found throughout San Antonio as well. Historic Market Square is a three-block outdoor plaza that is home to the largest Mexican market in the United States, offering everything from clothing to art and jewelry. 

 

Eats and Drinks

 

Downtown boasts well over 100 restaurants with favorites like NONNA Osteria and Domingo Restaurante finding themselves on nearly any “must-visit” list. 

 

Venture over to the Pearl District and you’ll discover everything from mouth-watering Mediterranean at Ladino to American comfort food at Full Goods Dinner. Whatever you’re craving, you can probably find it here. 

With so much to do in San Antonio, it’s easy to see why this Texas city has been attracting visitors for over 300 years. But after a long weekend, it’s always good to come back to a home you love. If you’re looking for your dream home, reach out to our team to learn more about the master-planned Crosswinds community.

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Amenities Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas Tips

Packing Tips and Must-Have Items for Your Summer Trip

Is there really any vacation that embodies the summer experience more than a trip to the beach? Families have been loading up their cars, spreading out on the sand, and soaking up the sunshine amid dashes into the water for generations. 

While there’s not a lot of complexity to enjoying a few days at the beach, a little bit of planning can go a long way. 

Sun Protection Essentials

No matter what beach you visit, packing the right sun protection is key – especially if you have young children in tow. Don’t head to the beach without these essentials. 

  • Waterproof sunscreen (dermatologists recommend SPF 40 or higher for kids)\
  • Sunglasses
  • Hats
  • UV shirts or UV suits
  • Lip balm with sunscreen
  • Sunburn relief cream

When it comes to applying sunscreen, it’s good to apply it at least 10 minutes before heading outside and reapply every two hours, especially if your child is doing a lot of swimming. Pay special attention when applying sunblock to areas more prone to sunburn, like the shoulders, back, nose, neck, and ears. 

Keep Cool

Small children can’t stay out in the sun as long as adults, and providing some relief from the sun’s rays will help to keep everyone more comfortable. Consider bringing a beach canopy that you can set up or renting an umbrella if you’re at a beach that provides them. 

Be sure to also bring along plenty of snacks and drinks to keep everyone happy. Soda or sugary drinks may be popular, but water is your best bet when it comes to preventing dehydration. 

Fun in the Sun

It’s easy to have a good time simply splashing in the surf, but beach toys will take the fun to a whole other level. Just don’t make the mistake of taking more toys than you can carry. A good rule of thumb for the kiddos is to remind them that if they want to play with it, then they can help carry it. 

A few classic toys to consider bringing:

  • Sandcastle buckets and shovels
  • Frisbee
  • Kite
  • Skimboard
  • Water guns
  • Floats
  • A mask, snorkel, and flippers

If your beach crew is all about some friendly competition, beach games like volleyball, tidal-ball, spike ball, or a portable cornhole set can provide plenty of fun. 

Keep Things Easy

A relaxing day at the beach should be a simple affair, but that doesn’t mean that items of convenience should be ignored. One of the great things about stopping at those giant beach stores every touristy beach town has is that they’re full of items you don’t think you need until you need them. 

These items may not be essentials, but they’re nice to have:

  • Cooler bags
  • Mesh or waterproof bags
  • Sunglass straps
  • Aloe vera gel
  • Sand remover wipes
  • Insulated water bottles
  • Bug repellant
  • Trash bags
  • Rash guards
  • Beach chairs

The awesome thing about Kyle is that it’s only about 3 and a half hours to Gavelston, and if you’re simply looking for a beach day at the lake, well, that’s only a 10-minute car ride away. Kyle’s easy access to so much that Texas has to offer is one of the things that makes it such a wonderful place to live. 

Until you can get to the beach, you could enjoy a stay at home Sunday at Windy Point Amenity Center, which features a large pool with beach access, shade structures, and a spray park! If you’re looking for a home here, reach out to the Crosswinds team to learn more about this master-planned community.