Are you looking for fun and unique ways to celebrate Valentine's Day this year?Look no further! We have compiled a list of fun events and activities to help you celebrate Valentine's Day all week long! San Antonio Stock Show & RodeoThursday, Feb 9, 2017 - Sunday, Feb 26, 2017 AT&T Center/Freeman Coliseum Grounds 3201 E. Houston St., San Antonio, TX 78219 210-225-5851 When you team up the internationally recognized San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo with the #1 tourism destination in Texas—that adds up to a serious reason to hit the trail for San Antonio February 9-26, 2017. Awarded the PRCA Large Indoor Rodeo of the Year for an unprecedented 12 consecutive years, you’ll see the nation’s top rodeo athletes vie for a $1.7 million purse. Add world class entertainment following the Rodeo to the history and tradition of livestock events, shopping and family friendly entertainment on the grounds for a ticket price that starts at $15—that’s an experience that defines the great state of Texas. Pony Express Love LettersTuesday, Jan 31, 2017 - Sunday, Feb 12, 2017 Briscoe Western Art Museum 210 W. Market Street, San Antonio, Texas 78205 210-299-4499 Visit during Museum hours and create a handwritten letter, compose a sonnet on our vintage typewriter, or fill in a Valentine’s Mad Lib for a loved one. Members of the San Antonio Calligraphers' Guild will also be on hand to hand address your written masterpieces. Modern day “Pony Express” riders (bicycle volunteers from SATX Social Ride) hand-deliver the letters on Tuesday, Feb 14 to all recipients in the downtown area. Letters outside the delivery area will be mailed on us with our special Pony Express stamp. (museum admission is FREE every Tuesday from 4:00-9:00pm) Cupid's Chase 5KSaturday, February 11, 2017 10:00 AM OP Schnabel Park Graff Pavilion 9606 Bandera Rd, San Antonio, Texas 78250 210-212-4969 Support people with disabilities in San Antonio! Community Options, Inc. invites runners, walkers, and rollers (baby strollers and wheelchairs) to help make difference in the lives of people with disabilities by participating in our annual Cupid’s Chase 5K. Because of you...we can make a difference! Free finishers medals! Free Long Sleeve Shirt! Free Goody Bags! Enter for a chance to win a $500 HEB Gift card. Raffles prizes worth over $3000 total! Valentine's Dinner & Ghost ToursFriday Feb. 10th, Saturday Feb. 11th and Tuesday Feb. 14th 2017 Tour Times Vary. Check Website. The Haunted Menger Hotel 204 Alamo Plaza 210-638-1338 www.sistersgrimmghosttour.com Looking for something truly unique to celebrate Valentine's Day? Look no further than the annual Valentine's Dinner and Ghost Tours. Sisters Grimm invites you inside the Menger Hotel this Valentines to celebrate the most romantic time of the year. Feast upon a three course meal by candlelight inside one of the most haunted hotels in the United States! Tour inside the Haunted Menger Hotel and hear the spine chilling ghost stories and find out why it is the most haunted hotel in Texas! After dinner, choose to join us for a Ghost Walk of the city or else hop on board the Haunted Ghost Bus Tour! Take a Stroll Through the Beautiful King William DistrictWith majestic homes, Mission Reach, romantic restaurants and friendly watering holes, the King William Historic District is no doubt one of the most romantic places in San Antonio. And according to a new ranking by Thrillist, it is actually the “most beautiful historic neighborhood” in Texas. What better place to spend this Valentine's Day than taking a romantic stroll through the historic neighborhood, stay the night at one of the many B&B's and enjoy lunch at the Guenter House. Horse Carriage Rides DowntownPerhaps one of the most romantic things to do in San Antonio is take a horse carriage ride through the downtown area. Your driver will often serve as a tour guide and tell you historical facts a long the way. This is a must do for both locals and tourist.
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It’s coming. Fall in San Antonio. The season doesn’t officially start until September 22 but the moment September hits stores break out the fall decor and Halloween costumes, Starbucks begins brewing Pumpkin Spice Lattes and we begin to wish for a break in the weather. Because San Antonio offers so many Fall Festivals and Halloween events we’re bringing you our Ultimate Guide to Halloween and Fall Fun in San Antonio 2016. El Día de los Muertos Festval October 29th & 30thSaturday, October 29 & 30, 2016 Día de Los Muertos Celebration brings together traditional art and culture with the best in live music entertainment to create a two-day destination event for the City of San Antonio to celebrate the Day of the Dead. The event hosts a variety of activities over the weekend celebration including the largest open altar exhibition in the city. Saturday, October 29, 2016, 10am - 11pm Sunday, October 30, 2016, noon - 10 pm Events are free and open to the public including: live music at Arneson River Theater; original Day of the Dead art; living altar; dance, drum and puppet procession; live poetry and more! Website: http://www.muertosfest.com/ Voices From The Grave Cemetery TourSaturday, October 15th 2016 Walk amidst the cemetery’s beautiful tombstones, escorted by acostumed docent. Witness the magnificent final resting place of San Antonio's sons and daughters as they tell their stories during the Voices From the Grave Cemetery Tour. Engage all of your senses and step back in time as you play audience tofirst-hand re-enactments, narrated by a host of San Antonio's eternal“residents,” which bring to life the city’s past. Be inspired by the cemetery’s nighttime views during this one-of-a-kind event. What This Tour Includes:
WHEN: Saturday October 15th Tours Starting from 7:00 p.m. WHERE: Historic City Cemetery #1 San Antonio, TX Tour last 90 minutes. Please wear comfotable walking shoes and bring water. PRICE Online: $20 per Adult and $15 per Child Ages 5-12 At the Door: $25 per Adult and $20 per Child Ages 5-12 (if available) Phone: (210) 638-1338 Tickets sell out fast for this event so make sure to book in advance! Sold online at: www.SistersGrimmGhostTour.com South Texas Corn MaizeSaturday, Sep 17, - Sunday, Nov 20, 2016 The South Texas Maize in Hondo is a family experience — with food and fun for all! Open weekends in the Fall. Just a short country drive from San Antonio in the heart of South Texas. Get Lost in a 7- acre Maze • Pick a few Pumpkins Two Jumping Pillows • Matter-Corn Mountain Slide • Farm Hayrides • Twin Cow Train Campfires • Weekend Entertainment • Lots to Eat Location: 911 US Highway 90 East Hondo, TX 78861 Phone 830.741.3968 Website http://southtexasmaize.com/ BOOtanica at San Antonio Botanical GardensSaturday, Oct 1 - Saturday, Oct 29, 2016 Join the San Antonio Botanical Gardens every Saturday in October to have some Halloween FUN! You and your kids cannot miss this opportunity of having some seasonal family fun! Each week we they will focus on a different fall theme with fun, hands-on activities. Fee: Free with admission. October 1- Monarch Madness October 8 – AgriLife Day – Harvest October 15 – Let’s Get Batty! October 22 – Wild About Scarecrows October 29 – Dia de los Muertos San Antonio Botanical Garden 555 Funston Pl, San Antonio, Texas 78209 210-536-1400 Floresville Peanut FestivalTuesday October 4th- Saturday 8th, 2016 Twenty miles southeast of San Antonio sits Floresville, Texas, the peanut capital of Texas. In celebration of its most viable crop, the city hosts the annual Floresville Peanut Festival on the second weekend of October. This family-friendly festival has a variety of children’s activities such a parade and “Goober Games.” Local talent entertains throughout the weekend on several stages situated around the Wilson County Courthouse. Website: http://floresvillepeanutfestival.org Phone (832) 721-3874 FLORESVILLE PEANUT FESTIVAL P.O. BOX 81 FLORESVILLE, TX 78114 All Hallow's Eve Dinner & Ghost TourFriday October 21- Monday 31, 2016 Join Sisters Grimm for their annual "All Hallows Eve Dinner & Ghost Tour" Inside the Menger Hotel. Feast upon the delights of the season as you enjoy a special three course dinner inside the haunted Colonial Room Restaurant. Dine by spooky candlelight at your Halloween inspired dinner table. After dinner, follow your tour guides as they take you through thehauntingly historic hotel and recount the stories of it's past. Step inside the King Ranch Suite, reported to be the most active and haunted room inside the hotel. Following the Menger, enjoy a "Ghost Walk" of the downtown area.Make this Halloween One to Remember! What This Tour Includes:
WHERE: The Haunted Menger Hotel 204 Alamo Plaza San Antonio, TX PRICE: $75 PER Adult Tickets sell out weeks in advance so make sure to purchase well in advance! Phone: (210) 638-1338 Website: www.sistersgrimmghosttour.com 204 Alamo Plaza San Antonio, TX Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber Of Fleet StreetFriday, Oct 7, 2016 - Sunday, Nov 6, 2016 Sweeney Todd, whose real name is Benjamin Barker, uses his new alias to resume work in his barber shop above Mrs. Lovett’s struggling pie shop after being wrongfully sentenced to life imprisonment by the corrupt Judge Turpin. After swearing vengeance against the judge that tore his family apart, Todd and Lovett plot a unique plan that helps them both and leads them down a dangerous, thrilling path with deadly consequences. To purchase tickets visit www.woodlawntheatre.org/tickets or call 210-267-8388. Box Office is open Tuesday through Friday 10 AM – 5 PM and an hour before each show. San Antonio ZOO BOOSaturday, Oct 1, 2016 - Sunday, Oct 30, 2016 Every weekend in October, little ghouls and goblins can trick-or-treat inside the zoo in a safe and non-scary Halloween habitat. This event is included with Zoo admission, and Zoo members get in for FREE! Zoo Boo! is an exciting, safe, and non-scary Halloween event for families with children 12 years of age or younger, held on the grounds of the San Antonio Zoo. Guests are encouraged to wear non-scary costumes. Adults over the age of 12 are kindly asked to refrain from wearing masks. Activities include trick-or-treating, entertainment, and games and costume contests. San Antonio Zoo 3903 N. St. Mary's St, San Antonio , TX 78212 210-734-7184 Riverwalk Halloween Float FestFriday, October 28 2016 Music, costume contest, parade and adult beverages combine for a ghoulish good time and a family-friendly Halloween Party. Professionally decorated floats with costumed participants travel along the 2 1/2 mile Downtown River Walk area. This is a popular event so come early. Ninety people participated in the costume contest in 2015. Bring your A-game to win! Please wear a family-friendly costume. The parade will make 2 laps around the River Walk, beginning at the International Building traveling through Restaurant Row, the horseshoe bend, the River Walk Extension, Rivercenter Mall and through Arneson River Theatre. FRIDAY, October 28, 2016, 7-9:30PM, Arneson Theatre Halloween Spook-Track-UlaSaturday, Oct 22, 2016 & Saturday, Oct 29, 2016 If you are searching for a family friendly Halloween Show in San Antonio that isn't too scary for the little ones and won't break the bank, look no further than "Halloween Spook-track-ula" at the Texas Transportation Museum. It is designed for younger children so it's a little scary but not too frightening. Our huge site is dressed up for the show and so are most of our volunteers. You can ride on the "Transylvania Express," walk through the "Ghost Train," take a haunted train ride, plus see the whole museum in an entirely new, spooky, way. It's fun, it's affordable and it's not too far to travel. Parking is free. 11731 Wetmore Road San Antonio, Texas 78247 (210) 490-3554 Website: http://www.txtransportationmuseum.org Monarch Butterfly And Pollinator FestivalSaturday October 22, 2016 San Antonio’s Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Festival at Pearl will take place October 21 – 22 this fall during peak Monarch butterfly migration week. Enjoy arts, crafts and learning activities for kids of all ages plus a People’s Pollinator Parade and butterfly bike troupe. Hundreds of tagged Monarch butterflies will be released in waves during the Festival. 303 Pearl Pkwy, San Antonio, Texas 78215 http://texasbutterflyranch.com Masquerade BallSaturday October 29, 2016 Join the Masquerade party for an elegant three course dinner paired with Messina Hof wines followed by some spooky Halloween music to dance the night away to. Don't forget to visit the candy bar! The guest with the best Masquerade Mask wins a prize, so choose your disguise wisely... TICKETS $80 (plus tax and gratuity) Includes general admission, three-course dinner, and two glasses of wine. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29TH 7:30PM-10:30PM For tickets or more information on how to sign up call: (830) 990-4653 or email: hillcountry@messinahof.com Hoot & Harvest FestivalSaturday October 29, 2016 Pumpkin decorating, live owls, crafts for kids, native plant sale, and various nature walks are just a few of the activities you will encounter throughout the day. Vendors and partners, local art, and food trucks available, so bring your allowance. Everyone is encouraged to dress in costume! The event is FREE, donations appreciated. Saturday, October 29, 2016 9:00am - 2:00pm Mitchell Lake Audubon Center 10750 Pleasanton Rd., San Antonio, 78210 http://mitchelllake.audubon.org/events/hoot-harvest-festival-and-native-plant-sale Texas Clay FestivalSaturday October 22-Sunday October 23, 2016 The 24th annual Texas Clay Festival will be held in the Gruene Historical District of New Braunfels on October 22 & 23 2016. Featuring the work of over 60 Texas potters and clay artists, the festival offers the opportunity to view and purchase a wide variety of pottery, from traditional to sculptural by the top clay artist in the state. Take this unique opportunity to watch and learn as demonstrations are held in four tents throughout both days. From forming on the potters wheel to hand-building to raku firing, there is something for everyone. Saturday 10 am - 6 pm Sunday 10 am - 5 pm San Antonio Light FestivalSaturday October 22, 2016 The Lights Festival is a evening like no other. Imagine entering a place of peace, tranquility, and acceptance while enjoying laughs, smiles, and a little bit of dancing with the ones you love most. Never has there been an experience that allows you to throw your inhibitions to the side, and let your dreams fly. Join this one night experience of music, food and memories. Saturday October 22nd 4:30 pm Floresville, Tx www.thelightsfest.com Who Was Sandra West?Sandra Ilene West was born January 2, 1939 in Beverly Hills, California. Her parents owned and operated a children's clothing store where Sandra often watched the wealthy and famous come and go. Growing up she realized that her dream was to become just like them- wealthy and famous! As she grew older, her looks attracted many men including Frank Sinatara and even Elvis Presley. She eventually started to date an heir to a wealthy oil family from Texas named Sol West. Sol was said to be quite the ladies man and wasn't very faithful to Sandra. Realizing this and eventually finding out that Sol had an older brother who was the true heir- she left Sol in search of his wealthy older brother Ike. Marriage to Ike WestIke West had disappointed his wealthy parents too many times with his obsessive drug habits and alcohol abuse. So in order to keep him from ruining his family's reputation, they sent him off to live in Mexico with his body guard. When Sandra found out about the wealthy heir, she decided to travel down to Mexico and meet Ike West. And with "loving patience" Sandra cleaned up Ike and convinced his family that he had turned over a new leaf and was ready to take the reigns of the company- with of course with her by his side. They were married shortly thereafter and moved to California to live the high life. Sandra West, Beverly Hills SocialiteWith this new life came the trappings of 1960s excess, a Beverly Hills Mansion, flashy clothes and fast cars. Shortly after her arrival, Sandra came to own the car that would make her famous, a 1964 Ferrari 330 America s/n 5055. Her blue America was imported by Chinetti Motors and appears to have been with the West’s throughout their stay in California. The West’s lived the 60s fast life but it didn’t last for Ike Jr. He had a history of drug use and health problems caused by rapid weight fluctuation. He died under mysterious circumstances at the Las Vegas Flamingo Hotel in 1968. With his demise, his widow now became known to the press as “Sandra West, Beverly Hills Socialite and Heiress”. She dated a slew of entertainers (including singer Engelbert Humperdinck) and generally lived the high life. During the 1960s she was known as fun loving with a fondness for attention grabbing behavior. Never one for subtlety, she was seen about town dressed in large amounts of jewelry and a mink coat or in a “Texas Rodeo Queen” ensemble complete with rhinestones and a stylish hat. She motored to society events and dinners in one of a fleet of cars that included a Stutz Blackhawk and at least three Ferraris, the 330 America, a 1969 365GT 2+2 and a 1973 Dino. On one occasion she drove in all her finery to Chasen’s, the landmark Beverly Hills eatery frequented by Johnny Carson and the Reagan’s, where she made a grand entrance, and then ordered a hamburger to go and sped away. Though Ms. West’s behavior would seem to be that of an extrovert, her associates (sadly, mostly doctors, nurses and lawyers) described her as lonely person with few true friends. She was known to give extravagant gifts to those who provided some small service to her. Shortly before her death she presented a $250,000 platinum and diamond cross to a part time nurse. Most gifts were unconditional, but she saved her most sizable gift, a gift worth millions, for one who would render a service to her and her favorite Ferrari. Egyptology and the Writing of the WillSandra became obsessed with the ancient Egyptians and their practices of being buried with their world possessions. She thought if they could do it- she would as well! So as she became more a recluse inside of her house and cut the outside world from her presence, she began to create a will that would one day shock the world. Unfortunately soon after Sandra wrote her will, she passed away from a mix of her previous injuries she had sustained from a car wreck and her abuse of drugs. She was only 38 years old. When her will was discovered, Sol West (her previous lover and now brother-in-law) was charged with the commission to have her be buried in her favorite powder blue Ferrari, in her white lace nightgown with the seat comfortably reclined. She also wanted to be buried next to her husband in their family cemetery plot in San Antonio, Tx. And if he did not follow these instructions he would not inherit the rest of their fortune. Sol was furious he had to comply with his sister-in-laws ridiculous will, so he went to court. But after three months, the court ordered him to do as Sandra had asked. Burial of Sandra WestSandra's body was dug up from a temporary grave in California, dressed in her white night gown and seated in the front seat of her Ferrari, with the chair comfortably reclined. She and the car were put into a large wooden box that was then driven on the back of a semi all the way to San Antonio, Texas. On May 19, 1977 Sandra Ilene West finally received the funeral she desired in the glare of television lights and in front of over 150 spectators. The box containing Ms. West and her beloved Ferrari 330 America was lowered into the 20 foot long grave and then covered with cement. The funeral director indicated that the cement was added as the cemetery was in a high crime area and he feared the car would be back on the street in a day! Today the blue Ferrari, the 1964 330 America s/n 5055 and its owner rest together under a simple stone at the San Antonio Masonic Cemetery, likely the most bizarre if not the most famous burial in San Antonio's history. Find out more about Sandra West and others buried in the Eastside Cemetery District during Sisters Grimm Annual Halloween Cemetery Tours in October.Friday 13th has long been associated with bad luck and generally staying indoors to avoid black cats and falling ladders. But what are the facts behind this age-old superstition? |
Sallie Haunts the Menger Hotel TodayThey say Sallie White's spirit can be seen today, roaming the hallways of the Menger Hotel and carrying on with her normal chambermaid duties. Guests that stay the night at the hotel have reported to see a maid in an old fashioned uniform coming into their rooms and disappearing right in front of their eyes. One woman saw a maid at the end of the hallway and approached her to ask for more towels, but when she called out to her, she ignored her! Perplexed, she walked closer to the maid who then turned and walked into an empty room. When she approached the room and looked inside there was no one in it. The maid had disappeared! A few months back one of our staff members had just finished a Dinner and Ghost Tour inside of the Menger Hotel. As they were putting the remaining supplies into the storage closet, the door suddenly slammed behind them. Startled they turned and saw the door knob begin to twist and turn violently. They approached the door, turned the still moving knob, and slowly opened the door. But they found no one in site! Perhaps this was Sallie continuing on with her daily duties. |
"On Dec. 1, 1938, a school bus was heading to Jordan High School through a dense winter storm as a loaded Denver and Rio Grande freight train rolled north toward Salt Lake City, according to information posted on the city's website. |
"TRAIN WIPES OUT PARTY OF 6 MOTORISTS |
The Sisters Grimm Ghost Tours visits this site and many others on their Haunted Ghost Bus Tour
The Sisters Grimm offers award winning ghost tours in San Antonio, TX
Visit our wesbite at www.SistersGrimmGhostTour.com
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