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What to do on race weekend: Explore San Antonio, Helotes and Bandera


What to do in San Antonio

San Antonio’s River Walk, Spanish colonial architecture and parks and plazas make it one of America’s most picturesque cities. As one of the fastest growing cities in the nation, San Antonio offers modern convenience in the middle of a historic city with diverse culture, ethnic cuisine and exciting attractions. Check out some of the to-dos!


Fiesta

If you’re coming for L’Étape San Antonio, you’ll be here right in the middle of Fiesta® San Antonio, taking place March 31 to April 10, 2022! This city-wide festival started in 1891 as a one-parade event to honor

the memory of of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. That historic commemoration still takes place, but for more than a century, Fiesta® has grown into a celebration of San Antonio’s rich and diverse cultures and today is one of this nation’s premier festivals! As part of Fiesta FitFest, L’Étape San Antonio is an official Fiesta event!


River Walk

Much of the city’s unforgettable landscape has grown along the banks of the River Walk where stone paths run aside the San Antonio River connecting hotels, restaurants, shops and the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in the downtown core. The 15-mile River Walk also links Spanish Colonial Missions (a World Heritage Site, along with the Alamo), museums, public art and the Pearl, a former brewery reborn into an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants and entertainment.


Food

Famed for Tex-Mex, San Antonio is gaining attention for Tex-Next as the nation’s next big culinary destination. From notable restaurants to the Culinary Institute of America, there’s something to satiate every palate.




What to do in Bandera

50 minutes northwest of San Antonio, you'll find Bandera—the Cowboy Capital of the World! Dude ranches, Saturday afternoon "gunfights", nightly music, big skies, and friendly folks. If you’re looking for a Texas-feel, you’ve come to the right place!


FanZone: Bandera Brewery

This local watering hole has a selection of locally brewed, carefully crafted beers. Each flavor has been hand-picked including familiar tastes, new creations and seasonal favorites. On race-day, Bandera Brewery is set to be a L'Étape San Antonio FanZone! You can come cheer on the riders an grab a couple glasses. And, as a little incentive, enjoy a two-for-one special! Take a screenshot of this post and show it to your server to enjoy the extra bevey.



What to do in Helotes

Surrounded by the beauty of the Texas Hill Country, located just northwest of San Antonio, Helotes is part of the truly-Texan scenery L’Étape San Antonio racers and riders get to take in. Ripping through Old Town Helotes, passing the legendary John T. Floore’s Country Store, you’ll be riding through history!


FanZone Wine 101

For the spectators and fans, Wine 101 is going to be one of your favourite ‘viewing points’ and it's set to be another great L'Étape San Antonio FanZone! For the cyclists, you’re going to want to make a mental note of this place when you fly past. Wine 101 is a rustic wine and tapas bar, and retail wine store, located in Old Town Helotes, right along the course! In the area, you’ll also find a coffee spot, quaint seating, and more! Check out Wine 101 here.


Floore’s Country Store

Opened in 1942, John T. Floore’s Country Store is a Texas and national landmark located in Old Town Helotes. The dance hall has hosted Texas and American music legends, from Willie Nelson, Bob Wills, Ernest Tubb, Patsy Cline, and Hank Williams to Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Jerry Lee Lewis, B.B. King, Little Richard and more. Often called the musical “birthplace” of Willie Nelson, Willie immortalized John T. Floore in his hit recording “Shotgun Willie and John T. And, it's still going strong today. Check out upcoming events at Floore's and add it to your L'Étape San Antonio weekend itinerary!

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