By Jim Peterson Wine Enthusiast & Instagram Wine Influencer I first visited Sicily in 1995. The Air Force would use Sigonella Naval Air Station as a stopover point when we were redeploying our A-10 fighter jets from Kuwait. As you flew into Sigonella, it was impossible not to be awed by the sight of the active volcano Mount Etna. There was a small stream of billowing smoke making it seem peaceful. Still, I couldn’t help wondering, “What if it erupts?” It was both daunting and fascinating. I knew very little about wine back then, but I do remember sipping Sicilian wine while enjoying charc ..read more

By Nancy Foster With Spring Break approaching, you might want to consider a getaway to the land of sun and sand, tropical seas, and blissful sunsets. If that sounds appealing, and you’re looking for a getaway that won’t break the bank, a trip to award-winning St. Pete Beach on Florida’s west coast may be just what you are looking for. This sun-drenched destination is easy to get to by air. Southwest Airlines has direct flights from San Antonio to Tampa International Airport that will get you there in just over two hours. Then, after a stop for a rental car (or Uber it), it’s a quick and easy ..read more

The Spectacular Show Brings You In…… But It’s The Food That Brings You Back! “No matter how many times you see the show, the teppanyaki chefs are always adding a new and exciting skill to entertain our captivated diners,” says owner, David Sumo Meltzer. Located on IH 10 in San Antonio, Sumo delivers a memorable evening with knife juggling, an onion volcano that shoots out flames high into the air, flying shrimp and Hibachi chefs showing off their fire blazing skills. There’s even a fire breathing dragon made from fruits and vegetables! Each chef has their own set of skills that they use to en ..read more

By Marc Hess, Editor Gardening South Texas newsletter Early spring is a time of transition in your garden. The days get longer, the soil starts to warm and your outdoor garden beds are clamoring for your attention. You find yourself outside cleaning out plant stock, fallen branches and debris left by the winter. You are also envisioning the possibilities for this year’s plot. Gardeners are the world’s premier optimists, as every new season is the start of the best garden ever—your masterpiece, and early spring is your blank canvas. It’s time to start working. Starting your planting in March m ..read more

April 18-28 The extravagant, fun filled, annual city-wide festival is San Antonio’s signature event commemorating the Battle of The Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. Fiesta has grown into a celebration of San Antonio’s many and diverse cultures and is one of the nation’s premier festivals with an economic impact of more than $340 million. More than 100 local nonprofit groups benefit by staging events, including three major parades! Residents and visitors can collect Fiesta pins or medals from various dignitaries, organizations and Fiesta royalty. Be sure to wear your brightest colors in an ..read more

By Lisa Dante   Brights, pastels and florals stand out from the bunch every spring. They’re always a happy staple at this time of year and the undisputed stars of the season. Year after year they continue to prove their relevance and staying power. With Easter and Fiesta right around the corner, what could be more perfect for spring.   Ultra Feminine Bow Details Anything new? Well, yes. Floral patterns for spring are not exactly groundbreaking but there is another trend that has captured the season like no other. It’s girlhood. It includes all things sweet and innocent, even if you ..read more

By Bill Dante NBC Meteorologist A total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth. On April 8, 2024, daylight will turn to night in certain cities in Texas for over 4 minutes. In Texas, the total eclipse will begin at 1:30p.m. near Del Rio and then continue its path over central Texas. I heard some people mention that we just had an eclipse in Texas this past October. We did…..but that was an Annular Solar Eclipse, NOT a Total Solar Eclipse. As a matter of fact we get a few partials during the year but not a full solar eclipse. Write this down, you’ll sound smart, a ..read more

By Matthew Harvey Well now, how tired are we? We’re only three months into the new year. The holidays are over and spring is officially knocking on our door. Family is long gone, (until Easter), drama unfolded, people wept, people fought, and that was just over the Super Bowl. By now, you should be fully back to the grind. You’re primed and ready to commit to cooking more at home. Remember those New Year resolutions? Well forget the one that said eat healthier. Let’s change it up to just eat better. You don’t have to make major changes to your diet. The amount of times we eat out away from ho ..read more

Fresh peach summer cocktail With this sweet and spicy concoction who needs candy from the Easter Bunny? Juicy peaches, perfect for spring, combine with well rounded and complex flavors. Close your eyes and pretend you’re on the beach without a care in the world! Ingredients 2 large, ripe peaches (you can use 100% peach juice OR frozen peaches) 5 ounces of tequila (preferably Reposado or splurge and use Anejo) 2 ounces of Peach Schnapps (Mr. Stacks is rated 5 stars and is inexpensive) 2 ounces lime juice (fresh squeezed is always better) Splash of Grenadine (optional) Added just before serving ..read more

By Bill Dante   The western craze remains alive and well! For us Texans, it’s a way of life. According to retailers, more hats and boots were sold in 2023 across the nation than in any other year. The postponement of the popular TV series, Yellowstone, which started the massive increase in western wear sales did not dull the resurgence of the western craze. Now you toss in the buzz about the new 4 Sixes series (6666 Ranch) plus throw in a few spinoffs and the western train keeps roaring down the track.  Just recently it was announced that Texas’ own favorite son, Matthew McConaughey ..read more