Real Estate Photographer in San Antonio, TX

Listen folks, I'm just the messenger. You may end up holding your chicken on a stick in one hand, and an umbrella in the other this week, as forecasters are predicting rain and thunderstorm chances could stick around the entire week as Fiesta hits its stride.

The National Weather Service is reporting that beginning Sunday night, April 27, mild and humid conditions in South Central Texas will persist with mostly cloud skies. Temperatures will be in the mid-60s to low 70s. Sounds OK right? Well, that's when things start change. The NWS says it'll be "unseasonably warm and humid" as the week goes on.

Wind gusts will be on the higher side, going up to as high as 25 miles per hour for the better part of Monday, April 28 heading into Tuesday, April 29. And as the winds stay strong Tuesday night, a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms hits the area.

That will carry into Wednesday, April 30, as the NWS says the chance for precipitation will increase to 60%, but especially after 1 p.m. And those who live farther west of San Antonio in the Del Rio and Eagle Pass areas could even expect high temperatures teasing triple digits. The chance for showers will decrease to 20% Wednesday night, and remain steady at a 20% chance of storms until Thursday evening, May 1.

Does that mean we made it? Not quite. Because as the city shuts down for the Battle of Flowers Parade on Friday, May 2, some may need to bring their panchos and rain boots instead of chanclas to their seats, as there's a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms. It'll also be partly sunny with highs near 89. Just what the doctor ordered, right? And a 40% chance of storms remains heading into Saturday.

Things could change between now and then, but it's best to be ready for anything this week. Better to be prepared than to have your turkey leg and drinky-drink ruined by the rain.

As for other parts of Texas, the NWS Fort Worth office said severe weather potential will increase across North and Central Texas starting Tuesday across the Northwest. Threats include damaging winds and large hail, while localized flooding is possible in the area.

Same goes for parts of Midland off to the west, as storms have already developed in the area, according to the NWS Midland office. As of this writing, they are also expecting large hail and damaging winds in the area.

New Braunfels' Gruene Historic District has stood the test of time. From Gruene Hall to the Gristmill to the non-rooftop seating Mozie's, it's more or less held the same shape for decades. Yes a putt-putt might pop up every now and then, but Gruene has remained a staple in the I-35 corridor.

That makes it even more notable when something like the Gruene Antique Company, which has been operating for 39 years, announced it'll be closing its doors this summer. The shop, situated inside the H.D. Gruene Mercantile building, will return to its roots as an actual mercantile store when it closes on July 20, according to a new release from the Molak Corporation, which owns the property.

"After prolonged consideration, we are excited to return the building to its former glory as a mercantile store," Susie Molak, wife of founder Pat Molak, said in the release. "We aim to preserve the legacy of Gruene while looking intentionally to the future, and we believe this shift will highlight the history of this iconic location.

The Mercantile building was erected in 1904, according to the Texas Historical Commission, and was the second of two stores built by Henry D. Gruene in the German settlement. The release shared that it served as the "community's business and social center and carried everything from cheese to farm implements to buggies and ready wear."

For context, the Gruene Antique Company sits right across the street from Gruene Hall. Eighty-nine feet according to Google Maps, but who's counting.

It received its Official Texas Historical Building designation in 1987 one year after becoming the Gruene Antique Company. It had previously served as the Gruene Brothers Store until 1938, then as a variety of businesses such as a western saddle tree manufacturer before its current design, according to the release.

"The Molak Corporation team and I are deeply appreciative of the dedication, creativity, and passion that our antique vendors have shown over the years," Molak Corporation CEO Ryan Weinbrandt said in the release. "As we transition to what's next, we take with us the pride of knowing that Gruene Antique Company brought joy to so many and will always be a cherished part of Gruene's history."

Find it: 1607 Hunter Road, New Braunfels, TX 78130

In the war over who has the best tacos in Texas, a massive part of the state often gets overlooked — the Rio Grande Valley.

Which is a shame, because the birthplace of fajitas and home to the only restaurant in the state that still prepares barbacoa the old way — in a hole in the ground — is also the place for the best breakfast tacos you can find.

Sorry, not sorry, San Antonio.

And they come from a gas station.

You read that right. A gas station. Multiple gas stations, actually.

Meet the Q-taco, an invention of the Laredo Taco Company, which operates hot kitchens inside Stripes Convenience Stores across the 956 from Brownsville to Laredo.

The Q-taco could easily be called the “everything” taco because it’s a full breakfast wrapped inside a piping hot flour tortilla.

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It begins with a pillowy soft tortilla made fresh in front of customers by a cook standing beside a mountain of small masa balls and bearing a floured rolling pin that moves almost faster than the eye can see.

In no time at all, the cook turns the masa mountain into a mesa of perfectly circular tortillas waiting to be cooked atop an industrial-sized comal, or griddle.

Steam rises from a warming counter, where rectangular stainless steel serving dishes are piled high with any sort of taco filling you can imagine.

Barbacoa. Eggs scrambled with bacon, chorizo or potatoes. Papas a la mexicana — country-diced potatoes sauteed with tomato, Serrano peppers and onions. Refried beans. Machacado.

And occasionally, something my late father referred to as “special recipe eggs” — scrambled eggs tossed with diced hot dogs and a dollop of picante sauce.

But the Q-taco is something far more special.

What is in a Stripes Q-taco?

A cook dressed in the Laredo Taco Company’s iconic yellow begins by slapping one of those freshly made tortillas down onto a cut-to-size piece of lined foil emblazoned with the words “For the love” and “Hecho con gusto.”

First comes a layer of refried beans spread with a spatula. If you’re extra fancy, you can request chorizo beans instead.

Then comes a generous scoop of eggs scrambled with chunky potatoes.

And last, the taco is topped with a handful of shredded cheese and a slice of crispy fried bacon before being expertly rolled in its foil blanket, ready for gluttonous consumption in your car because there’s no way you’ll be able to wait before devouring it.

I like adding picante sauce to mine, which I grab from the salsa bar you’ll find inside every Stripes store with an LTC inside.

The always-cold salsa bars feature your typical picante sauce, pico de gallo and green sauce, but also freshly sliced lemons, onions, and sometimes even fresh fruit — all of it prepared in-house from scratch.

To say the Q-taco is divine would be to undersell it.

The company itself calls its Q the “ultimate taco.”

Why is it called a Q-taco?

According to the Stripes website, radio stations from the Rio Grande Valley competed to create the best taco. Ultimately, it was The Q 94.5 KFRQ FM, known as The Rock Station, that delivered the winning combination, leading to the name Q-taco.

April 27, 2025

In Texas, there are plenty of Gulf cities to visit, like South Padre Island or Corpus Christi. Southern Living recently praised two beach towns in Texas in its annual "Best of the South" ranking in March.

Southern Living listed Port Aransas at No. 21 and Rockport at No. 45 in its "50 Best Beach Towns In The South 2025" ranking. To compile the list, an online survey was conducted by a third-party agency, asking Southern Living consumers to rate their favorite places across the South. The survey was fielded from July 10 to August 21, 2024, and had over 10,000 respondents.

For Port Aransas, Southern Living called the town a "big destination for deep-sea charters" and noted its many eateries across town and on the water. The magazine highlighted beloved dive bar Shorty's Place, the pier and the annual Texas SandFest in April. Port Aransas is a city in Nueces County and about 180 miles southeast of San Antonio.

Rockport was listed for its Gulf "charm" that can apply to everyone, "from artists to bird-watchers to anglers." Southern Living pointed out that all must stroll along Fulton Beach Road thanks to its "sparkling waters and wind-swept oaks." Rockport is just north of Corpus Christi, about 161 miles southeast of San Antonio.

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In the ranking, St. Simons Island, Georgia, took the top spot, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama, placed in second and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, claimed third.

Recently, Southern Living ranked popular Franklin Barbecue as the best in Texas for the fourth straight year.

Traveling through the Texas Hill Country, you realize that the scenic landscape embodies what people refer to as state pride — this must be the place where the stars at night truly shine big and bright.

You've finally ventured deep into the heart of Texas and can confirm that the prairie sky is vast and high. The first thing you notice when you step out of your car is the enticing aroma of barbecue. It's a quiet town, with perhaps a dozen visible buildings lining either side of the highway along Sisterdale Road and Farm to Market 473.

Nestled in the Texas Hill Country, just 13 miles from Boerne, Sisterdale is a quaint unincorporated community that combines rich history, scenic beauty, and authentic Texan charm. While there isn't an official population estimate, locals believe the town likely has fewer than 65 residents.

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Although you may not immediately see signs of residential life, community members say the area's wineries, wedding venues, historic dancehall and local small businesses contribute to its unique character.

What is Sisterdale known for?

According to the Texas State Historical Association, Sisterdale was one of several “Latin settlements” established by German intellectuals and abolitionists in the mid-1800s. These early settlers promoted progressive values, including opposition to slavery and support for public education. During the Civil War, Sisterdale became known as a center of German Unionism. After the conflict, the town faded into a quiet Hill Country hamlet.

Today, Sisterdale is recognized for its historic dancehall, wineries, and authentic barbecue joint. The Sisterdale Dancehall and Opera House, which features structures dating back over 140 years, is now used for weddings and community events, serving as a testament to the area's cultural roots.

Where is Sisterdale, Texas located?

Sisterdale is situated about 13 miles north of Boerne in Kendall County, within the Hill Country. It lies along Farm to Market Roads 1376 and 473, approximately an hour's drive from San Antonio.

What to do in Sisterdale?

For wine enthusiasts, Sister Creek Vineyards is a must-visit. According to a winery staff member, the business was founded in 1988 by a local entrepreneur who was determined to promote Texas wine long before the industry gained traction. The tasting room is housed in a historic 1885 cotton gin.

During a weekday visit, tourists came in for tastings and to pick up their weekly supply of wine.

At Saint Tryphon Farm and Vineyards, visitors can meet owners Silouan and Andrea Bradford, who opened the business seven years ago. Silouan explained that they chose the name in honor of Saint Tryphon, the Christian patron saint of grape growers. It is one of the Hill Country's closest wineries to San Antonio.

Andrea Bradford said she and her husband have been conscientious about keeping the trust of their neighbors in the small town. The pair close the winery early most days and try to keep the area tranquil.

"We embrace that sort of quiet, country living." her husband, Silouan agreed, laughing. "I don't think we even had a stop light until about a year and a half ago."

Locals told MySA that the small town is also a haven for motorcyclists who enjoy traversing the long stretches of scenic highways for a fun getaway.

Is Sisterdale worth visiting?

On Thursday evenings, Black Board bar bq hosts a community-style burger night featuring a limited tasting menu that includes truffle fries and creative burgers. Owner Melissa Garza notes that the event attracts locals from across the area, and live music is often performed by her father. The kitchen is run by Chef and Pitmaster Joe Rodriguez, who serves creamy jalapeño slaw, charro beans, and homemade desserts alongside the main smoked dishes. Garza also said that even the famed Von Erich family occasionally stops by.

"It's a small community, with not many people here, but we don't feel isolated," Garza said as guests poured into the BBQ joint.

What are places to stay in Sisterdale?

According to Marco Palacios, the barbecue joints marketing coordinator, there are a few Airbnbs available in Sisterdale, and additional accommodations can be found in nearby towns like Boerne and Comfort. Corrival Ranch and Marquadt Ranch are popular venues for weddings and weekend getaways.

Sisterdale's remoteness adds to its charm, providing visitors with a tranquil, unplugged experience.

April 26, 2025