The Where I Live series aims to showcase our diverse city and region by spotlighting its many vibrant neighborhoods. Each week a local resident invites us over and lets us in on what makes their neighborhood special. Have we been to your neighborhood yet? Get in touch to share your story. If your story is selected and published, you will receive a $250 stipend.

After 36 years in Fredericksburg, I finally moved to Monte Vista in the summer of 2022. It wasn’t a snap decision; this neighborhood has actually been my favorite place to visit for years. There  is something special about the houses here. They have this incredible resilience, probably because they aren’t cookie-cutter — you have a huge variety of sizes and designs by some really noted architects. Since the neighborhood became a national landmark in 1998, it’s managed to keep that unique, eclectic soul. 

I wanted to make sure I was contributing to that spirit. Since opening my shop, URBANherbal, I’ve been working to enhance the block with native herbs. It’s about more than just a pretty garden; these plants bring in the bees, butterflies and birds, supporting the pollinators that our environment really needs to thrive.  

I live in a beautiful old historic home that was built in 1914 and was once home to a prominent doctor. It has a separate front door next to the house that was his doctor’s office, now my herb shop. Hidden in the back is a little guest house that’s now my Airbnb, The Botanist Bungalow. 

Bill Varney enters the Airbnb unit in his backyard that he refers to as the “Botanist Bungalow.” Credit: Clint Datchuk for the San Antonio Report

The main house was also the childhood home of Richard Harrell Rogers, born in 1941, who was a famous artist and very successful in modern design. His works have been exhibited at many museums and had many awards and recognitions for his art. I was able to place a historic medallion on the front of my home after purchasing it. 

Bill Varney poses for a portrait outside his herb store in Monte Vista. Credit: Clint Datchuk for the San Antonio Report

A few things that I really enjoy about Monte Vista is that every month, many of the neighbors get  together for a social evening at a different person’s home and everyone brings a little something to eat and drink. It is a great way to get to know your neighbors. In February, they always host a “I LOVE Monte Vista” afternoon, which is really a lot of fun. Every year Monte Vista hosts an elegant evening of fine dining and drinks that raises money for the neighborhood association. 

I have also enjoyed hosting many parties for friends or family with many herb infused foods and drinks. When my son and daughter-in-law were expecting their first baby, I hosted an English-style Afternoon Tea baby shower for them. I was so happy to welcome my first granddaughter, soon after.  

In my personal, spiritual journey, I am also so happy to be just a few blocks away from Christ Episcopal Church on Belknap Place. 

Another neighborhood perk is that a half a block from my home is a little strip with a couple of restaurants and a wonderful art gallery. Art Gallery Prudencia hosts art events every month, which are really fun. The gallery’s owner recently hosted a book signing for me.  

I’ve been in the herb business for 40 years now, but I still get a rush when I share what I know. I’ve always believed that to really “get” herbs, you have to use all your senses — sight, touch,  smell, taste and even sound. It’s something that feeds the spirit. I actually just released my  latest book on this exact topic, titled “The URBAN HERBAL: A Texan’s Guide for Enhancing All of Your Senses with Herbs.”  

Bill Varney poses for a portrait with his newest book, “The Urban Herbal,” at his herb store in the Monte Vista neighborhood. Credit: Clint Datchuk for the San Antonio Report

La Fonda on Main is close by and so is Capparelli’s and Vegan Avenue. Then just a couple of blocks away is Barbaro which is open seven nights a week until midnight, and right behind my home is Extra Fine, a coffee and lunch spot. Salon Visage is a wonderful hair and skin care care studio just two doors down. More recently, South Barbecue has just opened in a newly renovated old service station. It is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, and is within walking distance. 

I am only five minutes away from St. Mary’s Strip and Pearl, which are always fun hangouts. In the past year, what I have really gotten into is cycling around Monte Vista. It is a great way to stay fit and healthy, and get up close to see all of the beautiful nature and architecture the neighborhood has to offer.

Bill Varney tends to herbs growing in the backyard of his Monte Vista home, which is also the location of his business, Urban Herbal. Credit: Clint Datchuk for the San Antonio Report

I’m also working hard to grow our local community. I recently helped start the SATX Herb  Society, our local unit of The Herb Society of America. We’re actually hosting the 2026 national  conference right here in San Antonio from April 15-17. It’s called “It’s Spicier in Texas,” and it’s  a great chance to dive deeper into the world of herbs. We have day passes available, and I’d love for y’all to join us!