New Year’s Resolution for 2023? See More of San Antonio’s Southside

Make a resolution to get around town more in the new year. Here are a few places to see and things to add to your 2023 must-do list, exclusively from San Antonio’s Southside.

Mitchell Lake Audubon Center surrounded by native San Antonio plants.
Image: Mitchell Lake Audubon Center

The Mitchell Lake Audubon Center is South San Antonio’s hub for habitat conservation and outdoor education. The 1200-acre natural area consists of the 600-acre Mitchell Lake, 215 acres of wetlands and ponds, and 385 acres of woodlands, grasslands, and south Texas brush. More than 120 plant species have been identified, as well as a large variety of reptiles, amphibians, insects and mammals, and over 300 bird species. Take a nature walk to see some of the plants native to our South Texas region and southward, be sure to stroll through the center’s native gardens.

Go mural hopping and soak up the Southside love. Community First Health Plans and San Antonio Street Art Initiative partnered to organize a one-of-a-kind mural on the exterior wall of the EZ Wash Laundromat at 1519 W. Southcross San Antonio, TX 78215. It was painted by artists Eva Marengo Sanchez, Joe De La Cruz, Shek Vega and Nik Soup of Los Otros. Titled We Love Our Southside, it is the first mural of the Southside Mural Project to place unique and culturally relevant murals in high traffic, urban areas and the SASAI mission to create The Largest Outdoor Gallery in Texas™.

Madla Greenway Path Photo VIDA San Antonio
Image: Madla Greenway

Start off the new year by trekking some of the newest greenspaces in San Antonio. The first mile of trail in the 35-acre Madla Greenway is now open to the public. Connecting the VIDA community to Texas A&M University – San Antonio campus, the Madla Greenway trails run along a seasonal creek bed lined with ancient oaks and natural seating. Fun fact: The trail path is made of recycled asphalt, which is a more sustainable material that supports water flow along the creek bed.

Fly into the new year with an appreciation for the aviary arts. At the Texas Air Museum, a dedicated group of volunteers are devoted to restoring, preserving, and sharing the history of military aviation. From retelling the stories of past military aviators to flying and maintaining the museum’s airworthy exhibits, the museum educates future generations about the adventures and sacrifices of the pioneers who helped bring aviation to where it is today.

A waiter serves a guest at B&B Smokehouse, San Antonio.
Image: B&B Smokehouse/Web

Leave 2022 in a cloud of smoke. B&B Smokehouse opened for business in September 1984. The father of Bruce Finley (current owner), Harold Finley had operated Hal’s Drive-In and Bar-B-Que at the same location starting in 1958. That means they’ve been cooking up great BBQ and more for over fifty years! Whether you call ahead, use the drive-thru, or drop in for the friendly atmosphere, everything is prepared carefully by hand.

An upward view at San Jose Bell Tower with a blue sky and clouds in the sky
Image: NPS photo

If you’re a San Antonian and you haven’t been to one of these World UNESCO designated sites yet, well, 2023 is your year. Known as the “Queen of the Missions,” Mission San José is the largest of the missions and was almost fully restored to its original design in the 1930s. Spanish missions were not churches, but communities with the church as the focus. Mission San José captures a transitional moment in history, frozen in time.

Fulfill your San Antonio foodie fantasy with savory snacks and sweet treats at Chamoy Dreams. Whether you want to drown in cheese, or load it up with jalapenos, this food trailer is open every day and ready to crunch your cravings. Be sure to try their award-winning mangonadas.

We hope this bucket list of local spots inspires you to get out and about. Enjoy sightseeing, exploring, and eating your way through San Antonio. Happy New Year from VIDA!

Check back soon for more updates on progress at VIDA and sign up to receive email updates, or visit us on social media at @LiveVIDASA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

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