A HOLIDAY MOVIE FILMED IN SAN ANTONIO
The One I Wrote For You is a family film shot entirely on location in San Antonio. The film opens across Texas in early December. Starring Cheyenne Jackson, Christine Woods, Kevin Pollak and Christopher Lloyd, it follows the story of Ben Cantor, a past-his-prime songwriter turned family man, who is entered by his daughter into a reality TV singing/songwriting contest and embarks on a life-altering journey. The film was produced by locals David Kauffman, Page Brown and Fernando S. Cano II. Kauffman also wrote the screenplay and the 14 original songs. For more information, check out www.theoneiwroteforyou.com.
A PASS TO HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT
Wondering what you are going to do with holiday guests? Culture, art, museums and wildlife provide an answer — a seven-day consecutive pass to all the museums up and down Broadway awaits those interested in history, the outdoors, paintings and more. San Antonio Botanical Garden, the San Antonio Zoo, the Witte (which has been named a Smithsonian affiliate), the McNay, Brackenridge Park, San Antonio Children’s Museum and the San Antonio Museum of Art should keep your company entertained and offer a wealth of knowledge about the happenings, exhibits and other top attractions. Passes can be purchased at the Visitor Information Center, (800) 447-3372. What a great gift for that difficult-to-buy-for-person on your shopping list!
VISIT THE SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN THIS MONTH
The San Antonio Botanical Garden is the perfect place to unwind or take your company to enjoy Holidays in Bloom during the month of December. Viewing holly berries, poinsettias, pinecones and wreaths, holiday ornaments and blooming cacti and taking a nice stroll through the garden is the perfect way to spend an afternoon outdoors. Remember the camera for a family photo, or go early and gather the family to snap the perfect holiday card you can share with others. And I always love sharing these “winter” photos with those who are digging out from under 2 feet of snow and freezing cold!
KEEPING ROOM INTERIORS
Look no farther than The Keeping Room Interiors for that special gift this holiday season. Pillows, lamps, rugs and accessories galore are what you will find in this new Alamo Heights boutique. Offerings include a beautiful selection of designer fabrics from Thibaut, Highland Court, Duralee, Stroheim, Vervain, Fabricut and more. In addition to great fabrics, they offer custom drapery and bedding, lighting, wallpaper and rugs. The Keeping Room Interiors will ensure your home is the place you want it to be. It is conveniently located in the Collection Shopping Center at Broadway and Sunset and is open Monday through Saturday, or call (210) 474-6585 for an appointment.
TIME TO BUY YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE
Texas’ oldest and largest Christmas tree lot is open and ready for purchases. The Alamo Heights Optimist Club tree lot at 200 Austin Highway (the same location since 1954) offers the perfect USDA grade 1 noble firs from Oregon, the best tree you can purchase. Best of all, 100 percent of the money raised on this tree lot will support local charities in and around our city. Open daily10 a.m. – 8 p.m., till all the trees find a happy home. There’s nothing like the smell of a fresh Christmas tree to get you in the mood for the holidays! And don’t throw away that tree too quickly — you can cook, bake and smoke meats with pine needles. They can also be used in marinades, teas, spices, sauces and oils, or create your own cocktail. Pine needles are loaded with vitamins A and C. Drink to your health.
EMERGENCY TREATMENT CENTER OPENS
Emergency treatment centers are popping up everywhere. Now, the Quarry/Alamo Heights has 24/7 emergency care at Metropolitan Methodist Emergency Center at 250 E. Basse Rd., just in time for flu season and seasonal allergies.
LEARN TO MAKE TAMALES
For most of us San Antonians, it wouldn’t be the holidays without our tamales — everyone has a favorite place to purchase them, and everyone enjoys sharing with others. If you have never tried your hand at making tamales — it’s involved, to say the least, but well worth the effort. The Witte Museum will be offering one session to explore the art and history of making tamales with comadre Gloria Solis. Sign up quickly: December 13, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., (210) 357-1910, for a lesson you’ll not want to miss!
