By Chris Hauck
HauckEye
Longmont, Colorado
chris@hauckeye.com
By Michelle Lemire
Festive Road
San Antonio, Texas
mllemire@gmail.com
The conference will be held at the Westin San Antonio North, with easy access to the Hill Country and downtown San Antonio. So, join us and explore the captivating cowboy and Mexican heritage that defines this vibrant city!
Co-author Chris Hauck reflects on his experience and perceptions of Texas.
There are some things about going to college in Texas that make returning to the Lone Star State an absolute pleasure. San Antonio is awash with those pleasures. There are two cultures to be experienced in San Antonio. Cowboy culture is a reminder of the days when the most popular TV shows were in black and white and all about westerns. You’ll see more than a few Clint Eastwood- and John Wayne-looking guys walking San Antonio’s streets. Mexican culture offers great rhythms and food that you can experience in every corner of the city. You’ll fully appreciate the concept of a siesta after a Tex-Mex feast for lunch. All this culture intersects in San Antonio’s history and is preserved on its streets and cultural landscapes today. Now, where did I put those cowboy boots that I haven’t worn since college—yet could never get rid of?
San Antonio Founded as Mission and Outpost
First, some background on this Texas city: San Antonio was founded in 1718 as a Spanish mission and outpost with the establishment of the Alamo (Mission San Antonio de Valero) and a presidio (military fort). The town of San Antonio de Bexar was laid out in 1731 around the Alamo and quickly grew into the largest Spanish settlement in Texas. The city would be designated the capital of the Spanish and later the Mexican province of Tejas.
In the 1800s, San Antonio was at the heart of the Texas Revolution. The Battle of the Alamo in February–March 1836, which was really a butt-whooping by Mexico, introduced the Texas rallying cry: “Remember the Alamo.”
The Battle of San Jacinto in April 1836 pushed Texas to independence, with San Antonio as the capital of the Republic of Texas during those days. Texas would remain independent until 1846, when it joined the United States, becoming the 28th state.
This history leads us to the intersection of these unique cultures, all living together in the city of San Antonio, affording us great culture, food, and entertainment. So, let’s go on a journey to experience some of the rich cowboy and Mexican heritage that San Antonio has to offer.
Ride into Cowboy Culture
How about we begin our adventure in the historic district of La Villita? Here you can stroll through charming streets lined with adobe buildings and artisan shops where you can grab a hearty breakfast at a local café. If you plan to stay a little longer in the city, the 2026 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is scheduled from February 12 to March 1.¹ You’ll certainly witness a thrilling rodeo, where local cowboys showcase their bull riding and roping skills.
Next, head down and visit the Briscoe Western Art Museum. It’s full of exhibits dedicated to the American West for you to explore. The museum’s extensive collection of cowboy art and artifacts will give you a deeper understanding of the cowboy heritage that permeates the region. Don’t forget to do a little shopping while you are there. You’ll want to look the part, so find a good pair of boots, a pair of jeans, and the right cowboy shirt that’ll take you into the evening. Remember, straw hats are for the summer. In February, you’ll want a felt hat. Now, don’t buy one of those fat belt buckles; you have to earn that on the back of a bucking bronc or an ornery steer. I personally think there should be a modern-day version where you can earn one with an amazing presentation or by successfully putting your child through college.
Wrap up your day with dinner at a traditional Texas steakhouse, where you can savor mouthwatering dishes that celebrate the local cuisine. Some that we recommend you try include The Barn Door Restaurant & Meat Market, a locally owned and locally sourced restaurant serving the community for 72 years; The Cottage Pub, a cozy Irish Pub off Broadway; or, for a more upscale experience along the famous San Antonio River Walk, Dean’s Steak & Seafood can’t be beat.
Embrace the Mexican Influence
To immerse yourself in San Antonio’s vibrant Mexican heritage, begin by visiting the historic San Fernando Cathedral. There, you can marvel at the stunning architecture and learn about its significant role in Texas history.
Next, head to Market Square, the largest Mexican market in the U.S. Browse through colorful stalls filled with handcrafted goods, enjoy live mariachi performances, and indulge in authentic Mexican street food. Don’t miss trying the freshly prepared tamales or a refreshing agua fresca to cool off.
Enjoy a boat tour that offers a unique perspective of the city while soaking in the beautiful surroundings. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along the famous River Walk. For dinner, you might seek out a riverside restaurant serving up delicious Tex-Mex cuisine, all while the sounds of live music enhance your dining experience. A place we recommend you try is Mi Tierra, a historic Mexican café and bakery that offers a full, unforgettable experience. We also recommend Domingo Restaurant or the famous Iron Cactus Mexican Restaurant and Margarita Bar for modern fare. Check out La Cantina by Cuishe for another popular spot for contemporary Mexican street food. If you want shopping that never stops, and want a good meal all in one spot, head to Lupe Tortilla in the popular Alamo Quarry Market.
A Fusion of Cultures
After visiting the original versions of these unique American and Mexican cultures, explore the cultural fusion that defines San Antonio. Begin at the historic Alamo, where you can learn about the pivotal battle that shaped Texas’ independence and enjoy the surrounding gardens.
Afterward, visit the Spanish Governor’s Palace, a National Historic Landmark that showcases the Spanish colonial architecture integral to San Antonio’s identity. Spend your afternoon at the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Go ahead and take a walk from one historic mission to the next, starting at Mission Espada in the south, heading north to the fifth mission, The Alamo. It’s a long walk; you can also bike it or take a bus tour.
You can also enjoy the relaxation of the Texas Hill Country and meet yet another one of the important cultures of Texas, the German immigrants. The best way to experience the Hill Country is with a visit to Fredericksburg, an hour north and a little west of San Antonio. This lively town has made the most of its German heritage and offers a fantastic variety of entertaining experiences. You can shop the crafts and antique stores, take square dancing lessons, and finish your evening at one of the many breweries for a traditional German dinner with one of several local German Bocks—this is a really delicious German beer for y’all who ain’t from around here.
Getting Around
Getting around San Antonio is relatively easy; though, like many Texas cities, it’s quite spread out—so having a plan for transportation is key. While the downtown area is walkable and home to many top attractions like the River Walk and the Alamo, venturing out to places like the Missions, Pearl District, or Hill Country requires a car. Visitors can rent a vehicle, but rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available and are often more convenient for shorter stays.
So, See You in San Antonio
There are many cultures to explore when you visit San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country. Slow down a step and enjoy a casual and laid-back Texas experience. As local San Antonians and QRCA members Marta Villanueva and Michelle Lemire can attest, their hometown city has so much to offer. Just reach out and ask them about it. They all have a lot of pride for their hometown in the Texas Hill Country.
We look forward to seeing you deep in the heart of Texas. Join us in San Antonio in February 2026 for a unique conference experience in a town that swoons to the pulse of Tejano music and projects the warmth of an immersive Texas experience. Meet us in the bar for a Steiner Bock and some really good stories (most likely exaggerated stories) about my glory days as a mediocre college athlete (in another city, not all that close to San Antonio, but still) in Texas. I have a bunch of them.
Resources
- 2026 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, online resources: www.sarodeo.com/p/rodeo
