Sponsored by and benefiting the San Antonio Conservation Society, the 64^th presentation of NIOSA will be held Tuesday through Friday evenings, April 24-27, 2012, on the grounds of the La Villita National Historic District—the 18th century Spanish neighborhood  that now serves as arts village, bounded by the San Antonio River and Alamo, Nueces and Presa streets (approximately five acres).

Founded in 1924, the San Antonio Conservation Society (one of the nation’s

oldest and most active historic preservation organizations) began with efforts to preserve such unique features as the San Antonio River Bend (now the cornerstone of the famous San Antonio Riverwalk) and the city’s four Spanish Colonial Missions.  The Society has been responsible for saving most of the historic attractions which make San Antonio one of the top tourist destinations in the south.

NIOSA chairman Kathy DeWaal, elected by the Conservation Society as its Fourth Vice President, volunteers her time all year to plan and coordinate the event, and is assisted by three NIOSA vice chairmen, Loraine Zaiontz, Missy Fertitta and Charlie Hansen, and treasurer Barb Machado (all of whom are appointed and are also volunteers) in leading the team of 16,000 volunteers that work at the event.

NIOSA is one of the top—if not the top—fundraisers for historic preservation in the nation and truly lives up to its motto as a “Celebration for Preservation.”  Funds raised enable the Society to continue its mission of preserving historic buildings, objects, places and customs relating to the history of Texas and all that is admirably distinctive to the state.  Out of the roughly $1 million in profits from NIOSA, the Society spends nearly $350,000 annually supporting restoration and preservation of historic properties and parks throughout the city and neighboring counties, plus more than $400,000 annually supporting education and advocacy programs and projects such as the Heritage Education tours, seminars, community tours, scholarships, the resource library and the house museums.  Additionally, the Society has also donated $600,000 since 2000 to historic restoration projects in La Villita, HemisFair and historic neighborhoods throughout the city through special funds set up with the City of San Antonio.

The Conservation Society also stages NIOSITAs (a private mini-NIOSA) throughout the year for conventions, meetings, and festivals—for groups from 300 up to 10,000—to raise additional preservation funds.  Just as NIOSA commemorates the ethnic and cultural influences of San Antonio with food and entertainment, NIOSITAs reflect the diverse cultures of San Antonio.

What makes NIOSA unique over the zillion run-of-the-mill festivals around the world?

• All food items are created, perfected, and prepared by NIOSA volunteers on-site and truly reflect the areas where they can be found.  In fact, sometimes the only place they can be enjoyed is at NIOSA.
• Many booths are run by volunteers from the second or third generation of a family.
• Not only do these unique foods reflect the ethnic cultures of San Antonio, but they have been sought-after mainstays of our event for many, many years.
• On the average, NIOSA revelers annually consume over 31,000 lbs. of beef; 14,750 lbs. of chicken; 4,500 lbs. of sausage; 3,000 turkey legs; 56,500 buns, rolls and bolillos; 36,645 flour tortillas; 11,000 tamales; 29,120 lbs. of fruits and vegetables; and 4,000 lbs. of guacamole.

TICKETS: Gate tickets are $12 for adults and $2 for children six to 12 years; children five years and under are free.  Discount advance tickets are available online at www.niosa.org and at locations around San Antonio around March 1; visit the website for specific locations.

For more information visit www.niosa.org or contact (210) 226-5188 or niosa@niosa.org.

The festival line-up features Patty Griffin, Barbara Lynn, Black Angels, El Cosmico Family Band Starring Alejandro Escovedo, Erika Wennerstrom of the Heartless Bastards, Adam Bork, Amy Cook, Ben Kweller, Tiff Merritt and more.

Additional entertainment includes a pop-up shop with unique vendors such as Nashville’s Imogene + Willie, land art and video installations, baseball game, and a breakfast benefit for KRTS, Marfa’s local radio station.

Shop at the Trans-Pecos Festival vendor marketplace for art, clothing and other survival necessities from Nashville’s Imogene + Willie, Alabama Chanin, Squashblossom Vintage and many others. Enjoy land art installations by the UT School of Architecture and video projections by local and national artists. As always, the epic sandlot baseball rivalry continues on Saturday at 4 pm at Vizcaino Field as Austin’s Texas Playboys take on Marfa’s Los Yonke Gallos. The event will also include a Sunday charity breakfast benefiting KRTS, Marfa’s local radio station.

The Trans-Pecos Festival of Music and Love is sponsored by Shiner. Food will be available onsite from Food Shark, Frank and others. In kind sponsors include Topo Chico and Tito’s Vodka.

WHERE: El Cosmico, Marfa, Texas

WHEN: September 22-25, 2011

TICKETS:
$30 per night for just music, no camping
$100 for two nights of music with camping
$125 for three nights of music with camping
*Prices will increase on September 5.

To reserve your campsite and register for the Trans-Pecos Festival, please go to www.elcosmico.com. For RV inquiries, please email us at info@elcosmico.com about your machine and we will try to accommodate. Note: there is no RV hookup on site.

It’s the perfect excuse to experience an incredible hotel in an equally incredible city. I recommend requesting a lakeview room with a balcony so you can soak in all of the aspects of downtown, including one of Austin’s largest tourist attractions–the largest urban bat colony in the country. Every night, hundreds of people walk to the Congress Avenue Bridge to witness more than 1.5 million bats emerge at dusk, but Four Seasons guests can see it all from their balconies.

The hotel bar even has a drink named after the batty tourist attraction—the Batini Black, a tasty cocktail with Tito’s Vodka, muddled blackberries and a bat-shaped mint leaf, which won the “Drink of Austin” award in 2006. It’s not on the hotel’s official menu anymore, but in the know travelers will be served with a smile if they ask for the signature drink. After all, who said it had to be your birthday to celebrate?

For more information visit: http://press.fourseasons.com/austin/hotel-news/four-seasons-hotel-austin-celebrates-25-years-with-birthday-offers/

Ramona Flume is an insatiable world traveler who has spent the past two summers exploring her favorite country, Colombia, alone and armed only with her notebook and film cameras. She recently graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in journalism, which has significantly cleared up her schedule to see more of the world. She is currently based in Austin, Texas and writes about her travels at her blog: http://ramonaflume.wordpress.com.

I like to call Lake Austin Spa Resort my lake house. Not just because I wish it was mine. But also because it feels like home. I always have to remind myself I’m even at a resort when I’m there because of the décor, the staff, and the ambiance, which reminds me of staying at a friend’s house or my own fantasy getaway rather than at a hotel.

The spa is one of the nicest I’ve ever experienced. And I’ve been to spas all around the world. The property itself is gorgeous with a lake to waterbike or kayak in, a pool to swim in, and studios for every possible type of fitness class.

The rooms are cozy and have gorgeous bathrooms. And I LOVE the bath products. The food is stellar (and very healthy!) and you can eat every meal in your spa robe if you like. My kind of place.

They also offer special guests and lecture series, including art and cooking and writing and wellness. I thought to write about this now one, because I’m longing to go back now that the lazy days of summer are behind us and, two because I wanted to share this offer they just sent to me.

You can get a bonus $300 spa & fitness allowance when you stay on a three-night or longer spa escape in Premier accommodations by December 26, 2010. Plus you can combine that bonus with their Restore More special which allows you to book three nights and stay an additional night free or book four or more nights and stay two additional nights free.

If you go to Lake Austin, will you please take me along too…

Jenny Block is the author of “Open: Love, Sex, and Life in an Open Marriage” (Seal Hardcover, June 2008 and Seal Paperback, March 2009), which has been nominated for a Lambda Literary Award. She writes a weekly column for the Dallas Morning News publication Quick called “Sex Talk with Jenny Block” (quickdfw.com). Jenny holds both her BA and her MA in English from Virginia Commonwealth University and taught college composition for nearly ten years. She writes for a wide variety of publications and websites, including huffingtonpost.com, yourtango.com, American Way, Veranda, the Dallas Morning News, the Dallas Voice, edgedallas.com, literarymama.com, Spirit, chow.com, and ellegirl.com.

Santa was there. There was a shop set-up where you could decorate gingerbread houses. Lights were everywhere. And the place was packed when I was there the weekend before Christmas, which was great fun except when it came to dining. There are only 2 casual choices there and both were PACKED come dinnertime. Even room service was on a dreadful delay. My advice. Go for the holidays for sure. But either make dinner reservations or go “off campus” to eat. There are plenty of places nearby. My ten-year-old just loved it and it sure beat having to go somewhere cold to inspire holiday cheer!

Jenny Block is the author of “Open: Love, Sex, and Life in an Open Marriage” (Seal Hardcover, June 2008 and Seal Paperback, March 2009), which has been nominated for a Lambda Literary Award. She writes a weekly column for the Dallas Morning News publication Quick called “Sex Talk with Jenny Block” (quickdfw.com). Jenny holds both her BA and her MA in English from Virginia Commonwealth University and taught college composition for nearly ten years. She writes for a wide variety of publications and websites, including huffingtonpost.com, yourtango.com, American Way, Veranda, the Dallas Morning News, the Dallas Voice, edgedallas.com, literarymama.com, Spirit, chow.com, and ellegirl.com.

Halloween activities begin Friday evening as Antlers Lodge plays host to a Murder Mystery dinner where guests will take part in solving an eerie mystery. After dinner take part in spooky stories and S’mores by the fire pit, a movie beneath dark skies, and a special showing of Rocky Horror Picture Show for grownup goblins, which wraps up day one of the Hill Country Halloween.

Children and adults dress up in their favorite costumes as the weekend festivities continue on Saturday at Spooktacular Central, a pumpkin patch filled with wicked activities to include a pumpkin-carving contest. The fun goes on at the Halloween Bash with music, games and other spooky surprises. The evening is just beginning as we prepare a Halloween dinner with uncannily creepy culinary creations and then venture by moonlight into Aunt Mary’s Trick or Treat Haunted Trail with 12 different candy stations throughout the property.

“What better place to celebrate this frightfully delightful holiday than at Texas’ favorite family friendly resort,” said General Manager Gino Caliendo. “Our guests have come to expect an authentic experience for the entire family at Hyatt Regency Hill Country and we are excited about adding another memorable event to all the great family offerings we have in place.”

Hyatt Regency Hill Country will continue to celebrate the holidays with two spectacular events; Lighting of the Hill Country at Town Square on Saturday, November 29 and Hill Country New Year’s Eve Celebration on Thursday, December 31.

To reserve the Hill Country Halloween package visit www.hillcountry.hyatt.comor call 800 55 HYATT.

About Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa
The Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa is located on 300-scenic acres in the heart of San Antonio and features 500 guestrooms, 58 suites and 33,000 square feet of meeting space. With four restaurants, a lounge and coffee bar, guests can enjoy superb epicurean dining or cocktails with colleagues overlooking a lushly landscaped 27-hole Arthur Hills-designed golf course. Amenities include a four-acre water park with three swimming pools and a 950-foot Ramblin’ River, as well as, Windflower – the Hill Country Spa with 21 treatment rooms and spa services using all natural products and botanicals. For reservations or information contact The Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa at 210.647.1234 or visit us at www.hillcountry.hyatt.com.

About Global Hyatt Corporation
Global Hyatt Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is one of the world’s premier hotel companies. The hotels owned, operated, managed or franchised by its subsidiaries provide authentic hospitality to guests in 44 countries through a passionate commitment to personalized service, cultural relevance, and the environment. Global Hyatt subsidiaries own, operate, manage or franchise more than 370 hotels and resorts worldwide under the Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt Resorts™, Grand Hyatt®, Park Hyatt®, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt Summerfield Suites® and Andaz™ brands with additional properties under development on five continents. Global Hyatt Corporation is also the owner of Hyatt Vacation Ownership, Inc., operator of Hyatt Vacation Club®. The success of Global Hyatt is driven by the commitment and energy of the thousands of men and women around the world who provide exceptional service to hotel guests.

For international stories: For travel in the United States visit In The Know Traveler USA

For USA stories: For travel around the world visit In The Know Traveler

It is easy to spend hours here looking over the walls, spotting Nintendo controls dangling from guardrails or monkey masks staring out at you from a hidden corner. A friend of mine even found a long-lost childhood toy amid the wreckage, a Ghostbusters firehouse. It is a must-see for anyone wanting to truly see how weird Austin can get.

The Cathedral of Junk is located at 4422 Lareina Drive. It’s a good idea to call first to make sure it’s open.

Adam Breckenridge is a graduate of the MFA in creative writing program at Antioch University in Los Angeles and currently lives in Oklahoma City where he works on classified military documents. He has traveled much of the United States and Europe and plans on taking on the rest of the world. He also writes a film column for http://www.examiner.com/x-3282-Oklahoma-City-Film-Examiner.

A regular showing will introduce you to some of its charms, the pre-show that screens tie-ins to the film (you’ll want to arrive about forty-five minutes ahead of time to catch the whole thing) and the film-related cuisine (Alamo Drafthouse has a full kitchen so you can eat during the show), but to really get the full experience you have to go to one of their special events. You should plan to do this well in advance, as shows frequently sell out days ahead of time. The midnight screenings are good, but don’t miss Master Pancake Theatre, a live MST3K where they skewer big Hollywood movies. It’s really a great take on what makes Austin such a distinct city.

For more on the Alamo Drafthouse

Adam Breckenridge is a graduate of the MFA in creative writing program at Antioch University in Los Angeles and currently lives in Oklahoma City where he works on classified military documents. He has traveled much of the United States and Europe and plans on taking on the rest of the world. He also writes a film column for http://www.examiner.com/x-3282-Oklahoma-City-Film-Examiner.

This weekend I caught a ride around town with Austin Overtures, a service that offers a 90-minute guided tour of Austin and environs. It’s a fantastic way to get an overview of the city. 90 minutes covers an astounding amount of ground, from the hill country outside of Austin to the south part of town, downtown and the UT area. Along the way they point out a huge array of the attractions Austin offers, from restaurants to parks to museums and a great deal in between. You’d actually do well to bring a notebook along to keep track of destinations you want to check out later. If there’s any downside it’s that photo-ops are a bit tricky because the van is always on the move, but they offer a CD with professional photos of the route for $7.95.

Contact them at 512-659-9478 or at www.austinovertures.com.

Adam Breckenridge is a graduate of the MFA in creative writing program at Antioch University in Los Angeles and currently lives in Oklahoma City where he works on classified military documents. He has traveled much of the United States and Europe and plans on taking on the rest of the world. He also writes a film column for http://www.examiner.com/x-3282-Oklahoma-City-Film-Examiner.

Even in the depths of the park’s seven mile hiking trail, the signs of the 1.3 million people surrounding you are still there, houses crop up along the edge of the cliffs, car and airplane engines waft their way towards you, but overall the trail is a peaceful getaway, with an abundance of wildlife, several rock-climbing spots and, I have been assured, a number of hidden swimming holes during times when the region’s not in a drought. And it’s shady enough that even in the summer it’s not too overbearing a hike. It’s a convenient escape.

Adam Breckenridge is a graduate of the MFA in creative writing program at Antioch University in Los Angeles and currently lives in Oklahoma City where he works on classified military documents. He has traveled much of the United States and Europe and plans on taking on the rest of the world. He also writes a film column for http://www.examiner.com/x-3282-Oklahoma-City-Film-Examiner.