When we heard Hawaiian surf artist Elise Nicole K had a solo exhibition opening up in Texas– Saltwater in San Antonio– we tapped her to give us the scoop on where to go and what to chow down on.

"Aloha! This week, I’m spending some time in the groovy and vibrant city of San Antonio, Texas. It’s surprising to find myself hanging in the urban, green mecca of the Spanish flair city. Before my solo art exhibition (yippie!), I explored a little and was stoked to find a few very unique shops, each bright and bold with splashes of color of course.

Adelante Boutique was my first stop, a fabulous third generation boutique that changes almost daily with eclectic and hip finds. Between the home goods, accessories, clothing and shoes, I could have stayed in this yummy boutique for hours!

Right around the corner is the luscious Green Vegetarian Cuisine and Coffee, a cafe that completely lives up to its name. Between the installed energy efficient thermal roof barrier to reduce energy consumption, to the reused structure (circa 1896) to help revitalize an area of downtown, all the way down to the biodegradable cups and straws.. This earth-friendly café is my kind of establishment! My favorite menu item is the perfectly prepared Raw Burrito. Yum!

Just before sunset, I cruised only a few blocks away to San Antonio’s historic neighborhood of Tobin Hill for an entertaining evening filled with music, art, a digital animation shows on the walls of the buildings. I am tickled pink to have had my art in a gallery for San Antonio’s second Friday Art Walk and also to have been there for the unveiling of this cultural city’s artist-driven "Adopt-A-Park" project at Urban Art Island.

San Antonio is filled with rad musicians, including emerging coffee house guitarist Michelle Peters, a softer more modern day Janis Joplin, in my opinion. Her raspy melodies and sweet smile amount to bucket loads of songs everyone should have on their playlist. Be sure to check her out if you are in town, all of her shows can be found on her band Facebook page.

If you ever find yourself in the funky city of San Antonio, Texas, be sure to drop into any or all of these awesome establishments, I’m already craving that burrito again, Aloha!"