Experiencing a new city is exciting and overwhelming, all at the same time. Even if you grew up here in San Antonio, exploring the city with fresh eyes brings new opportunities.
I have lived in nine different cities in five different states and in two countries outside of the United States (shout-out to my hometown of Cleveland, Ohio). Each city had its own culture, its own way of doing things and its own personality. Getting to know your new “hometown” is like building a relationship with a new friend. It takes time, curiosity and a willingness to say “yes” to experiences that may be outside your comfort zone.
My family and I moved to San Antonio two years ago, and this is how we have been building our friendship with San Antonio:
Learn about San Antonio
One of the easiest ways to get to know a new city is to learn its story. I joined several social media groups that highlight San Antonio restaurants, hidden gems and local events — and no, Facebook is not just for old people.
San Antonio also has a rich and vibrant history. It’s perfectly OK to be a tourist. Visit the Alamo, stroll along the River Walk or spend an afternoon learning why this city is so special.
Explore San Antonio
Some of the best discoveries happen when you allow yourself to wander.
Grab a few friends and explore. Just around the corner from Trinity is the San Antonio Zoo and the Japanese Tea Garden. Hop on a VIA bus and head downtown for great restaurants, local shopping, a haircut or whatever little piece of home you may be missing.
There are incredible parks throughout the city as well. I love running at McAllister Park, where the deer graciously allow us to run through their neighborhood and occasionally provide a good jump scare as you round a corner on the trail. My family has also enjoyed visiting Natural Bridge Caverns and spending an evening at the Boerne rodeo. Every outing has helped San Antonio feel a little more like home.
Appreciate the Culture
One of the things my family has appreciated the most is the genuine kindness of the people in San Antonio. Everyone has been incredibly welcoming as we stumble our way through new traditions and events.
Catch a show at the Majestic Theatre, a concert at the Paper Tiger (my oldest son’s favorite concert venue), experience Fiesta at least once and do not be afraid to try a new cuisine. My family has made it a priority to discover our favorite places to eat. Judging by my growing waistline, I would say we have been successful.
Embrace this New Friendship
My husband grew up in Philadelphia, and both of our boys were born there. They remain devoted Philadelphia sports fans, especially the Philadelphia Eagles. While they will never be persuaded to cheer for the Dallas Cowboys — maybe the Houston Texans — they have enthusiastically embraced the San Antonio Spurs and the Missions.
Even new, San Antonio inspired language has found its way into our home. “Y’all” has become a part of our everyday vocabulary, “yes ma’am” comes naturally now, and somewhere along the way, a Buc-ee’s shirt became perfectly acceptable daily attire.
The point is not to leave behind where you came from. It’s to give San Antonio the chance to become part of your story. Just as friendships are built one conversation at a time, your relationship with this city will grow one adventure, one meal and one memory at a time. College is about discovering who you are, and sometimes that journey begins by discovering the place you now call home.
So get out there. Try a new restaurant. Explore a neighborhood. Cheer for the Spurs. Find your favorite taco spot. Build your own friendship with San Antonio. And, if you happen to see me wandering around town looking for the best breakfast taco, feel free to say “hello.” I am still conducting very important research.
Written by Jessica Edonick, associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students.