Afternoon trip to San Antonio

We recently celebrated our ninth wedding anniversary, but since it fell on a Thursday, we couldn't go anywhere because I was at work. Now that we live in San Marcos, San Antonio isn't as far away as it once was. It's a great place to spend the day. Since gas prices are so high now, it's nice to be able to go somewhere fun on less than a tank of gas.
On our previous trip to San Antonio, we attempted to go to the Tower of the Americas, but it was closed for renovations. This time, our attempt was successful. I almost didn't want to do it when I saw how much it was going to cost ($23 for two adults). The price was worthwhile, and the views were incredible. On the elevator ride up, a recording plays, telling about the Tower. One side is glass, so you can see the ground quickly leaving. Thoughts of the elevator stopping and suddenly crashing to the ground crossed my mind, but I was able to get over that fear and enjoy the ride.
There's a small cafe at the top with drinks, coffee, snacks, and a machine that allows you to make your own pixie stix. There's also a revolving restaurant, but we didn't explore that. Along the wall are pictures of the tower and blurbs about its history. There's a handful of coin-operated binoculars to allow a longer view.
We spent most of our time in the outer ring, which is glassed in except for the top part, which has wires placed horizontally to prevent jumpers. It's really neat being able to see the city from so high up. I especially like the way highways seem like a snake moving through the city. Cars and people look so tiny.
The elevator ride down was much more populated than the ride up, and I once again had to assure myself that the added weight would not cause the car to crash down into the ground. A different recording played, thanking us for visiting the Tower of the Americas.
At the bottom of the tower, there's a gift shop and a 4D theatre. Admission to that is included, but we were too hungry to hang around to check it out.
The Tower of the Americas is located in Hemisfair Park, in downtown San Antonio.

Ka Prow Pan-Asian Bistro

When Mother's burned down last year, I remember checking their website, hoping they would rise from the ashes as soon as possible. One of the entries on their website recommended eating at Ka Prow while Mother's was out of commission. So I looked it up, saw that the restaurant was way up on Howard Lane, and figured I'd never actually go somewhere so seemingly far away. On trips up I-35, I'd occasionally see Ka Prow when we passed and think about how we should try it someday. That day finally came last Saturday. My husband and I traveled up to Ikea to purchase a few things for our new place, and we needed somewhere to eat that wasn't too far south, since we'd be meeting some friends at Trudy's North later that night. It was the perfect opportunity to try something new.
Ka Prow is located in a shopping center right off of the Interstate. I have to admit my low expectations going in. I wasn't sure there'd be much we could eat. Boy, was I wrong. Almost every dish on the menu could be made with tofu. For an appetizer, we had tofu spring rolls that came with an amazing peanut sauce. It was thicker than I expected, and it tasted slightly sweet. I had the Pad Puk, which was a dish of tofu and assorted vegetables. My husband had the yellow curry with tofu. I dare say this was the best Thai food I've had. Everything tasted light and fresh. We both ate everything on our plates, leaving no room for dessert.
If you're looking for some excellent Thai food, and you're willing to make the trek up I-35, I highly recommend trying Ka Prow.
Ka Prow is located at 1200 W Howard Lane. If you're headed north on I-35 from downtown Austin, the restaurant is on the right side of the Interstate.

New location

My husband and I moved to San Marcos at the end of May, hence the altering of my blog's title. The focus of the blog will shift toward things to do in San Marcos, but I'll still write about places in Austin, since it's only 30 minutes away, and I'll be visiting regularly.
I've only been in San Marcos a little over a week, and I am already in love. I cried when we left Austin because I couldn't help but think of all the things I would miss, and I thought life in San Marcos just wouldn't be as good. Actually, the reverse has happened. There are so many pluses about San Marcos that I don't miss living in Austin. For one, there is far less traffic. Everything I need is really close, and if I want to go somewhere in town, it doesn't take me forever to get there. I found a fabulous health foods store called The Cornucopia. It reminds me of a miniature Wheatsville Co-op. I expected to have to stock up on items like nutritional yeast flakes if I shopped at Whole Foods, but I can get pretty much everything I need from The Cornucopia.
San Marcos has a certain charm that appeals to me. Parts of it remind me of Austin in the early 90s. I don't know that I can describe it. It's a smaller city, but it is a college town, so there's a lot to do, and there's a good mix of people.
I haven't done too much exploring, other than scoping out the public library, Wal-Mart, The Cornucopia, and HEB, but I intend to do so in the near future.

Disc golf

My husband and I, thanks to my brother's encouragement, have started playing disc golf. It is so much fun and a great way to get some outdoor exercise! I've driven around many times and seen the baskets at Zilker Park and Pease Park, but I never thought to try it myself. The great thing about disc golf is that it doesn't require a huge investment to play. You can expect to spend about $20-$25 for the two essential discs: driver and putter. Once you get really into it, you can buy other discs, like a mid-range driver, but those aren't totally necessary for the amateur. No carrying case is needed, although it is handy to have a backpack for your discs and a water bottle.
If, after reading this, you are inspired to try, I recommend buying your discs from a place like Play It Again Sports or Disc Nation, where the employees can help you pick out the right discs. There are so many discs to choose from, and it helps to have guidance. Also, ask for a quick throwing lesson. I highly recommend buying brightly-colored discs, as they will be easier to find in the bushes. Before you go, check out these websites: Texas Disc Golf and Professional Disc Golf Association. Both have excellent course information.
Whatever you do, don't call it a Frisbee.

Spiderhouse Cafe

As far as I know, this place is not known for spiders. Recently, I was there with some coworkers during happy hour on a Friday, and I fell in love with the place again. My last visit was a few years ago, back when I was a UT student--due to the close proximity to campus, you'll likely see many people studying.
The large outdoor patio has plenty of seating, making it a suitable place for groups to hang out. Large trees shade a majority of the patio. Christmas lights--most of which are burned out--line the fence, and you'll notice some neat metal signs propped along the back wall. If the weather's bad, you can sit inside, although there is limited seating, so you may want to head elsewhere.
Spiderhouse has a good selection of beer on tap--my favorite being Fireman's Number 4--as well as a wine selection and a full bar. If you go during happy hour, you can get some decent drink specials. Table service is available from 4 to closing Monday through Friday, and 11 to closing on the weekends. Don't expect fast service. If you need that coffee or beer right away, you're better off ordering at the bar.
In addition to drinks, you can order food. The menu has a good vegetarian selection, and most of it can easily be made vegan. I recommend the hummus and chips.
Spiderhouse is located at 2908 Fruth Street. Parking may be difficult, depending on when you go, so be prepared to walk.

Scholz Garten

If you don't like seeing tons of burnt orange, move along to another bar. Scholz Garten is within walking distance of the University of Texas, so you'll see a lot of Longhorn fans--especially if it's game day. I've only been to the place twice, and both times it was a different experience. My first visit coincided with a UT men's basketball game (the game was ending when we arrived). There was barely enough room to elbow my way to the bar. Somehow we grabbed a table as a party was leaving. Once we were seated, we were able to enjoy ourselves, drinking beer in clear plastic cups. My second visit occurred on a Sunday afternoon, and the place was nearly empty. We had our choice of tables. I was surprised to see a veggie burger on the menu--if I ever go back for food, I'm trying it. We split an order of fries, which were quite tasty. It's been a while since that visit, so I don't remember much about the fries, other than they were delicious.

If you like draft beer, this is your place. The old (possibly original) wooden bar hosts several taps of good quality beer. Of course, the old standbys--Lone Star and Miller Lite--are available.

There's an outdoor patio, but when I was there, it was way too cold to sit outside, so I'm not sure what it looks like. I just know it exists. The inside section is covered in pictures and memorabilia, making for an interesting atmosphere.

Scholz Garten is an Austin original. Even if you're not a Longhorn fan, this place is worth visiting.

Hole in the Wall

I can't believe I've walked by this place so many times and never went in until a few days ago! Don't let the name fool you; this bar is much bigger than it appears. When you walk in, there's a tiny stage on the left, a bar on the right, and if there's a band playing, barely enough room to maneuver. Keep walking towards the back and you'll find a larger room with a bar and pool tables. And if you go outside, you'll see yet another bar in a large room. There are many picnic tables, so you'll be able to chat with your friends while drinking and smoking--the room is covered and has garage doors for ventilation. You can only hear the band if you're in the front part of the bar. Jukeboxes--with a decent selection of music--are there for your listening pleasure.

I don't know if other clubs with multiple bars allow this, but at Hole in the Wall, you can access your tab from any of the three bars. This is really awesome because if one bar is crowded, you can go to one of the others, instead of having to elbow your way to an empty spot and hope the bartender notices you.

I really like this bar and hope to go back soon. Food is served, although I didn't look at a menu, so I'm not sure what their vegan options are. The only bad part is parking. You might have to drive around a bit until you find a spot. If you're willing to pay for parking, you can park in one of the university garages.

Hole in the Wall is located on the north end of the Drag, at 2538 Guadalupe.