Oakwell Farms - San Antonio, TX Area Guide

Oakwell Farms, a gated community in northeast San Antonio, was once a sprawling estate owned by Edgar Tobin, owner of an aerial photography company. Upon his untimely death in 1954, his son Robert took over the estate, vowing one day to redevelop it into a planned community rife with nature trails. After his passing in 2000, the Tobin Endowment followed through with the building of the neighborhood and the on-site, 89-acre park.

When you want to meet an unforgettable local craftsman, head to Barney Smith's Toilet Art Museum on Abiso Avenue in Alamon Heights. This retired master plumber shows off his embellished toilet seats and provides humorous anecdotes about many of the one-of-a-kind pieces.

Mingle with thousands of local residents at the yearly Snowfest Carnival at nearby Universal City Municipal Park. This family-friendly event features hay rides, moon bounces and live entertainment.

Oakwell Farms hosts a small collection of bars and restaurants, mostly on Broadway Street and Austin Highway.

When you find yourself craving a big bowl of pho, head to Pho Plus on Austin Highway. This casual spot serves up flavorful broth and tasty noodles, or you can grab a delicious banh mi sandwich. Order a black tea boba made with real tea instead of a powdered mix.

Also on Austin Highway, Jamaica Jamaica Cuisine usually runs out of its house specialties by dinner time, so get there for lunch to ensure that you get what you want. This homey hole in the wall's melt-in-your-mouth oxtail stew and curry goat stand out among the other tasty menu selections.

Much closer to the neighborhood, the Big Bib barbecue restaurant at Austin Highway and Lanark Drive serves up succulent brisket, sausage, rib tips, pulled pork and chicken. Order the sweet potato casserole for an extraordinary spin on the common side dish.

Oakwell Farms' quick access to Interstate 40, Austin Highway, Connally Loop and Harry Wurzbach Road makes commuting to and from your job a relatively hassle-free endeavor. Since the area's businesses and entertainment venues are spread out throughout this neighborhood and its bordering communities, Oakwell Farms does not cater to walkers or cyclists outside of the on-site Robert L.B. Tobin Park.

Most businesses provide free parking, but if you have a lot of stops to make, you might want to take the bus from one of the VIA Metropolitan Transit stops on Hildebrand, Perrin Bietel or Austin Highway. If you'd rather take a cab, reserve one by phone or through Uber since hailing a cab here isn't an option.

Walk or bike through the trails of the neighborhood's free Robert L.B. Tobin Park when you want to feel the sunshine on your face. Perfect for on-leash dogs, the paved nature trails of the park are sprinkled with grazing deer and beautiful wild flowers.

When you want to keep your kids entertained, take the whole family to nearby MacArthur Park on NE Loop 410. This free community park houses numerous play areas, pavilions and tennis courts.

Check the Robber Barn Preserve schedule for the park's annual on-site cave tour. Located on Camellia Way in the Oak Park neighborhood, this event, held by the Bexar County Speleological Society, allows you to witness rare fauna as you climb down through the cave's dusty passageways.

One-bedroom rentals average just $758 a month, putting the lease price in line with the rest of the area. However, expect to pay premium beer prices of at least $6 a pint at the pubs near the affluent neighborhood.

The low transportation costs of the area give you more money in your pocket to enjoy your days off. Taking a one-way bus ride to the middle of the community runs you a measly $1.20, while each gallon of gas that you put into your car generally costs about 20 percent less than what others in the nation are paying.

Your Oakwell Farms address gives you convenient access to two of the best shopping opportunities in the nearby Oak Park/Northwood neighborhood. Ann Pearce Jewelry & Beads on Nacogdoches houses a knowledgeable DIY jewelry staff that helps you find just the right pieces for your hand-crafted necklace, bracelet or earrings. Featuring an array of gorgeous pre-made pieces for every occasion, this funky shop also holds stringing and beading workshops.

Second Looks for Men looks and feels like a prestigious men's clothing and accessory store until you see the price tags. This store's collection of gently used consignment pieces provides the best selection of pre-owned designer-quality duds in the area.

When you want to treat yourself to an on-trend outfit or a just-released home decor item, browse the national retail shops at the nearby Forum at Olympia Parkway shopping center. Pier One, Old Navy, Michael's and Target all have locations at this mall.

For ethnic fare, head to Rittiman Road and check out Seoul Oriental Food Market & Cafe. Purchase all of your spices, produce, canned goods, and more for the home. Cheap prices and wide selection make shopping a breeze. When you need to pick up a few kitchen staples, head down the street to Trader Joe's or to Central Market on Broadway Street in neighboring Alamo Heights.