20 state parks within a dayโs trip from San Antonio that are perfect for fall camping
Saturday marks the first official day of the fall season, meaning cooler weather (should) be ahead. If youโve been wanting to spend time outdoors but have been avoiding it due to the heat, nowโs the time to plan for those fall camping trips.
2022 is in the lead for the driest year San Antonio has experienced so far
Itโs no secret that this year hasnโt been particularly kind to us in terms of rainfall. As we get ready to flip the calendar over to the month of October, hereโs a look at our rainfall stats through the first nine months of the year so far.
Money-saving fall chores you shouldnโt ignore
Fall is the perfect time to make those necessary home fixes that may have slipped through the cracks over the summer but should definitely be addressed before winter. Not sure where to begin? Consumer Reports reveals the fall chores you canโt afford to ignore.
7-year-old San Antonio girl creates โBlessing Bagsโ and donates to those struggling with homelessness
Fallโs Blessing Bags have already benefitted 150 people across the city. Blessing bags were created and distributed to the homeless by a San Antonio 7-year-old. The bags are filled with different items including snacks, toiletries, socks and items specific to the season including a beanie and gloves. โItโs a poem by Ben Harper.โAdShe hopes her Blessing Bags encourage others to get involved with her mission or one close to their heart. For more information on the project or to make a donation, visit Blessing Bagsโ Facebook page here.
This month's Paris Fashion Week goes totally digital
FILE - In this March 1, 2020 file photo, a model wears a creation for the Valentino fashion collection during Women's fashion week Fall/Winter 2020/21 presented in Paris. Ending the confusion over the fate of Paris Fashion Week, French fashion's regulatory body has said that this month's Paris men's and haute couture fashion shows will be strictly audience-free over coronavirus fears. (AP Photo/Francois Mori, File)PARIS โ Ending the confusion over the fate of Paris Fashion Week, French fashion's regulatory body has said that this month's Paris menโs and haute couture shows will be strictly audience-free over coronavirus fears. They were among four brands planning live shows this round. The Milan Fashion Week calendar from Jan. 15-19 is much scaled back from usual, with just 40 brands participating.
Rare opportunity to kayak along San Antonio River Walk business district extended through January
SAN ANTONIO โ A rare kayaking excursion along the San Antonio River Walk has been extended through the holidays and into the new year. The City of San Antonio on Wednesday announced that the โpopularโ kayaking program will be offered on weekends through Jan. 31. โKayaking on the River Walk is a unique experience that gives participants the opportunity to experience the beauty of the River Walk from the river itself,โ Mayor Ron Nirenberg said in a news release. City officials said about 1,800 people have kayaked throughout the River Walk so far. A portion of the funds from the kayaking reservations go to the San Antonio River Walk Association.
Which chainsaws are the best for fall cleanup?
CR looks for a number of safety features when assessing chainsaws. CR also looks for a chain break, which is designed to engage and stop the blade from spinning if you get a kickback while youโre cutting. The EGO CS-1804 for $350 is the best of the battery-powered models and is very easy to use. For smaller jobs, consider a CR Best Buy, the Ryobi 40550 for $250. For lighter-duty jobs, the Stihl MS-180 C-BE for $250 is a CR Best Buy.
San Antonio drive-in announces fall move lineup, appearance from โJasonโ actor
SAN ANTONIO โ Halloween may be over, but the โchh chh chh ahh ah ahโ is still echoing at the Mission Outdoor Theater. Jason Vorhees, or at least an actor who played him, will be at a meet-and-greet for a double feature of โFriday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives" and โFriday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan." Additional movies are playing at the Mission Outdoor Theater this weekend. Fred Reyes, the owner of the Mission Outdoor Theater, previously told KSAT that โthereโs a lot going onโ at the theater right now as the drive-in concept becomes more and more popular. Mission Outdoor Theatre is located at 8069 Challenger Blvd.
Have fallen tree leaves covered your lawns yet?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, leaves and other yard debris account for 34.7 million tons of waste per year in the U.S. Experts say yard waste generates methane gas, which pollutes the air we breathe, as well as the soil and water. Experts say instead of raking fallen leaves, mow over them with a lawn mower to cut them down. Experts say fallen leaves will help your grass if they are cut down, rather than lying flat on top. You can use shredded leaves as mulch to use in perennial garden beds before winter comes, and they will also help replenish your soil.
Hereโs how to get into Texas State Parks for free Sunday
SAN ANTONIO โ Texans needing a day of rest and relaxation after the chaotic election season can get into any state park for free on Sunday. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is waiving fees at all of the state parks in honor of Veterans Day. โThe Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas State Parks are proud to honor the men and women that serve our country in the military,โ Rodney Franklin, director of Texas State Parks, said in a news release. โWhat better way to celebrate their service and dedication than by spending the day at a beautiful Texas State Park.โVeterans Day lands on Wednesday, Nov. 11. TPWD is reminding happy campers that parks have capacity limits, and it is recommended that they reserve a day pass online or by calling 512-389-8900.
Tips for creating a warm and cozy patio space
This summer, many of us turned to the outdoors as a safe space to relax and get together with others. And as we head into fall and winter, they can still be a safe and cozy space to use with the help of a patio heater. Angie Hicks, co-founder of Angieโs List says gas heaters use either propane or natural gas and are a very effective way to quickly warm your space. Propane heaters come in many portable options, while natural gas heaters do require professional installation. Keep in mind that the average electric heater or fire table wonโt be able to warm as large of an area as a gas heater.
Do these fall checks now, save hassle later
SAN ANTONIO โ As your change your clock and fall back to standard time this weekend, itโs a good time to test and replace smoke detector batteries and start checking off your fall to-do list. Fall back this weekend with end of daylight saving timeRoutine home maintenance now can save you headaches, hassles and money down the road. Fall back this weekend with end of daylight saving timeNext, take your tools and vacuum to the laundry room. Draining it once a year can help prevent water deposit buildup, extend the life of the water heater, help it run better and help you avoid cold showers. RELATED: 20 state parks for fall camping within a dayโs trip from San Antonio
Enjoy shopping, rides, festivals and food at Traders Village this fall | SA Live | KSAT12
Enjoy shopping, rides, festivals and food at Traders Village this fall | SA Live | KSAT12Published: October 15, 2020, 1:46 pmThe Corny Maze is the largest in South Texas sitting at 10 acres and San Antonioโs first and only corn maze.
San Antonio Botanical Garden hosting Halloween events for families, adults throughout October
SAN ANTONIO โ Several autumn and Halloween events are on the San Antonio Botanical Gardenโs schedule this weekend โ a perfect combination with the upcoming cold front. The Botanical Garden is hosting Fall-O-Weekends this month, along with other events for adults, children and horror fans. Tickets to the scavenger hunt cost $35, and they include a โgarden-inspired tasting menuโ and a pumpkin sangria. San Antonio Botanical Garden Chef Katrina Flores and Silo Terrace Oyster Bar Chef Joseph T. Martinez will be the instructors. From 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Oct. 29-31, Horror on the Lake will put a frightful twist on the Botanical Garden.
San Antonio drive-in theater adds Halloween lineup; โChildโs Playโ actor to attend showing
SAN ANTONIO โ A drive-in movie theater in the Brooks community is serving up screams this month with a slew of scary movies. The Mission Outdoor Theater, which opened last month to give residents an outdoor entertainment option during the pandemic, has released its movie lineup for October, with more to be added. Fred Reyes, the owner of the Mission Outdoor Theater, said โthereโs a lot going onโ at the theater right now as the drive-in concept becomes more and more popular. On Oct. 17, the theater will present โGreaseโ for free, but guests must sign up online first. Hereโs the movie lineup at the Mission Outdoor Theater in October.
DIY Fall wreaths and pumpkins
San Antonio โ Design Improvisedโs owner Haeley Giambalvo shows how you can create fall themed wreaths and pumpkins yourself and keep it inexpensive. The wreath that Haeley creates is made from a wire wreath form and burlap ribbon, and just requires you to bunch the ribbon through the wreath form, glue on your flowers and you are all set to hang it on your door this fall. For the pumpkins you can use vinyl stickers and spray paint from the craft store. You can set the stickers, spray paint the pumpkins and remove the stickers to spell out whatever you wish. For further instructions and more DIY design ideas, go to Design Improvisedโs website.
Recipe: Get your pumpkin fix this fall with some pumpkin bread
SAN ANTONIO โ Nothing is better on a cool, crisp, fall morning than sitting with some coffee and a slice of pumpkin bread. You can add your own variations by adding nuts or making pumpkin muffins instead of a loaf. In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder and spice mix. Once mixed, add an egg and mix, then add the second egg and mix again. Now add the can of pure pumpkin and mix.
Multi-day, drive-in EDM, comedy, music performances headed to Freeman Coliseum
Electric-Fiesta has planned for a variety of drive-in performances, including comedy and EDM, for the Freeman Coliseum for Halloween weekend. The multi-day series starts with an interactive sing-a-long edition of the โRocky Horror Picture Showโ and a โnon-essential comedyโ show on Oct. 29. On Oct. 30 and 31, the EDM Drive-In, Volume 2, will call Virtual Riot, Etc! To adhere to social distancing guidelines, venues and promoters have switched to the drive-in experience for movie showings, concerts and performances. This summer, the EDM Drive-In made its debut at the Freeman Coliseum, with towers set up so Bexar County Sheriffโs Office deputies could monitor at a safe distance and officers patrolling the grounds.
Recipe: Vanilla poached apples with granola and yogurt
Fall is officially here, and to kick off all the wonderful flavors of apples and cinnamon, H-E-Bโs chef Scott Tompkins has the perfect recipe for breakfast. Allow to sit for 30 minutes or until apples are very tender and easily pierced with a toothpick. Strain off liquid place apples into a container with and refrigerate until fully cooled. For best results refrigerate apples overnight. To serve, place yogurt into bowls, top with apples and finish with granola.
Take advantage of rare opportunity to kayak along San Antonio River Walk business district
SAN ANTONIO โ For the first time in 30 years, you can kayak through the business district portion of the San Antonio River Walk. Officials with the River Walk told KSAT this limited-time opportunity is only available on weekends in October, including Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 8 to 11 a.m.Reservations are required and cost $50 for two hours. If you chose to launch your own kayak, a reservation is still required and costs $15. โWeโve seen an enormous uptick in reservations the last 2 days, so we definitely expect a sellout,โ said River Walk spokesperson Maggie Thompson. A portion of the funds from the kayaking reservations will go to the San Antonio River Walk Association to help fund future events as this yearโs events have been mostly canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Get into the Halloween spirit with... pumpkin spice margaritas?
Well, Taco Cabana may have just the thing to snap you into a festive fall mood: Seasonal margaritas, including pumpkin spice, sour gummy and blood orange flavors. Rich Stockinger, CEO and President of the Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., said the company is releasing three seasonal margarita flavors following the success of the companyโs summer margarita lineup. The new fall margaritas will be available at all locations in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, El Paso, Houston and San Antonio. For more information on Taco Cabanaโs new seasonal margarita offerings or other menu items, please visit TacoCabana.com. Related: Taco Cabana adds sopapilla shots and other adult beverages to menu
12 things to look forward to in San Antonio now that weโve made it to October
SAN ANTONIO โ Now that weโre past the first presidential debate in the year that feels like it wonโt end - we have earned the right to celebrate making it to October. 2020 is not the kick-off to a new decade we were hoping for but thankfully there are some things to look forward to. San Antonio residents, in particular, have several things to be happy about this fall. Hereโs a list of some of the things we are looking forward to:
Dรญa de los Muertos celebrations should be kept small, outdoors due to COVID-19 risk, CDC warns
โMany traditional activities can put you at higher risk for exposure to COVID-19," the CDC states. โThere are several safer, alternative ways to celebrate Dรญa de los Muertos. If you may have COVID-19 or you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should not participate in in-person Dรญa de los Muertos festivities.โThe CDC listed out three categories of activities โ low, moderate and high risk โ for Dรญa de los Muertos, as well as Halloween and Thanksgiving. Moderate risk activities include hosting an outdoor parade, visiting cemetery graves and hosting small dinner celebrations. Higher risk activities include attending large indoor celebrations with singing or chanting or holding large dinner parties.
Backcountry campsites, overnight floating on Rio Grande reopen at Big Bend National Park
The Big Bend National Park is expanding its campsite options and recreational offerings after they were forced to close due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Rio Grande will be available for overnight river trips, both commercial and private, too. The Chisos Basin Lodge and Restaurant, park visitor centers, Rio Grande Village campground, the Cottonwood campground and the Rio Grande Village RV campground remain closed at this time. Big Bend National Park's phased re-opening continues. The next stage will occur on Tuesday, September... Posted by Big Bend National Park on Wednesday, September 23, 2020Read also:
8 orchards and farms where you can pick-your-own produce in the San Antonio-area
Orchards are a great way to practice social distancing while still enjoying the freedom of leaving your house. KH Farms, which grows strawberries for the Poteet Strawberry Festival every year, is located at 200 W Tank Hollow Road in Poteet. Kosub FarmsThis pick-your-own strawberry farm is closed for the season but itโs a great place to visit when it reopens for the next season. Sonlight Apple Orchard is located in Mason at Hwy 29 East, just under half a mile from the courthouse. Call ahead to the particular farm or orchard you are hoping to visit to make sure they are open and accepting visitors.
Autumn road trip? Hereโs where to see fall foliage in Texas
Hues of yellow, orange and red will soon begin to paint over the Hill Country and Texas state parks now that the fall season has officially arrived. Images from last year show Lost Maples reached peak fall foliage by Nov. 26. A 2020 fall foliage prediction map by the website, Smoky Mountains, states the Hill Country will begin to see minimal fall foliage by Oct. 19. (Smoky Mountains)The Fall Foliage Map serves a planning guide for those wondering when changing leaves are coming. Here are some of the Texas state parks where fall foliage is common.
Too much fall? Kraft unveils pumpkin spice flavored macaroni and cheese
Nothing says fall like a mouthwatering cup of Kraftโs macaroni and cheese... with pumpkin spice! Kraft Heinz is branching out of its comfort zone and stepping into the all-things-pumpkin-spice trend with a new macaroni and cheese flavor. The food and beverage company announced its new pumpkin spice macaroni and cheese in a Starbucks-style coffee cup earlier this week on social media. Orders of the mac and cheese will be delivered in October, according to the companyโs website. RELATED: Cheetos Mac 'n Cheese?
COVID-safe Halloween celebration ideas from San Antonio doctor
SAN ANTONIO โ As the holiday season approaches, many families are wondering about the safety of Halloween traditions like trick-or-treating, gatherings or haunted houses in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Whatever you do for Halloween, those things still have to be going on,โ Berggren said. โI think the old traditional Halloween evening of clumps of kids going along and pressing doorbells, maybe with sticky fingers and then footing. If you are hoping to spend the holiday with friends and family, trying coordinating a virtual meetup where everyone watches the same movie. Experts are promoting outdoor activities and warn against indoor activities like haunted houses and large parties.
20 state parks for fall camping within a dayโs trip from San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO โ Itโs officially fall and temperatures are (slowly) dropping, meaning itโs the time of year when itโs pleasant enough to head outdoors without immediately bursting into a sweat. Weโve compiled a list of Texas state parks around the San Antonio area that are perfect for a quick autumn outdoor getaway. Overnight camping is now allowed at these parks as Texas Parks and Wildlife has since lifted restrictions on new reservations. Some capacity limits, however, are still in place. Here are 20 Texas State Parks worth a quick drive for overnight stays or day use.
Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg going virtual due to coronavirus pandemic
FREDERICKSBURG, Texas โ A year without Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg is difficult to imagine. But, thatโs why the annual event is going virtual this year. Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg was originally canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, as announced in July. The virtual Oktoberfest celebration is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Oct. 3 on the eventโs website, www.oktoberfestinfbg.com. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg.
KSAT Kids: Flu season arrives just as more children are returning to classroom
Fall is officially here, even though the temperatures in San Antonio may not exactly feel like it. In this weekโs KSAT Kids' student spotlight, we highlight 13-year-old Joanna Sohn, who was named a Top 30 finalist for Broadcom MASTERS, a national middle school STEM competition. And donโt forget, KSAT Kids has recently teamed up with the San Antonio International Airport in the creation of a coloring book campaign and we want your colored pictures. (KSAT)Do you know a classroom or school that is doing amazing work and deserves to be featured in KSAT Kids? Where to find pumpkin patches around the San Antonio areaNow that itโs officially fall, pumpkin patches are starting to pop up in San Antonio and the surrounding areas.
As seen on SA Live - Wednesday, September 23, 2020
SAN ANTONIO โ Today at 1 p.m. on SA Live, Jenโs live at The Bread Box with fall and Hispanic Heritage Month treats! Plus, family game night, the best tech for remote learning, how to de-skunk your pets, our โDancing with the Starsโ challenge and more. First, we want to know which fall flavor you like best: pumpkin or apple? Those fall treats are all the rage right now, and Jen is giving us a taste at The Bread Box! Stream the show anytime from the KSAT TV app on Roku, Fire Stick, a smart TV or smartphone.
Fiona + Mike show us how to get โthat fall feelingโ
SAN ANTONIO โ The first day of fall is here! Mike and Fiona share with us where to find pumpkin spice lattes, camping spots, pumpkin patches, corn mazes and more near San Antonio. Check out these South Texas and Hill Country businesses and state parks where you can load up on autumn goodness:Bonus: Watch the video above for a fun fall pumpkin ring toss!