Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk has Valentine’s Day and Galentine’s Day specials to help you celebrate in style. Photo: Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, used with permission.
Now that February is here, it’s time to start planning for this month’s celebrations. Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk is having Valentine’s Day / Galentine’s Day specials this month. So whether you are celebrating with your Valentine or want to plan a special occasion friends, here are some ideas if you plan to be in San Antonio. (Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, 2024)
For the Couples
Couples can book the new SuiteHeart Romance Package for a $200 Property Romance Credit to be used at the full-service Thompson San Antonio Spa, dining at signature restaurant Landrace, minibar, or parking. Guests will also arrive to a beautiful rose petal setup and a bath/shower welcome amenity for deserving R&R with their loved one. Offer Code = SATROM for Booking Dates: 1/4/2024 – 2/14/2024; Stay Dates: 2/9/2024-2/18/2024.
Couples can also indulge in the epitome of romantic bliss with the property’s highly sought-after CabanaCuddle Up, an experience that seamlessly melds ultimate relaxation with unparalleled luxury. Begin your journey with an opulent 80-minute massage for two in the exquisite couples’ room, where tranquility and connection intertwine. Following the rejuvenating session, continue the enchantment as you and your favorite person nestle into the sumptuous embrace of one of the poolside daybed cabanas. Here, amid the soothing ambiance, revel in the shared joy of sipping on chilled champagne and partaking in a curated picnic, where every bite is a celebration of love and indulgence.
For the Gals
Perfect for Galentine’s Day with friends and family, up to 20 guests can have private access to Thompson San Antonio Spa when booking The Late Night Escape Spa Party package. You bring the party, and Thompson brings the pampering.
This package includes access to all spa facilities (Eucalyptus Steam Room, Dry Sauna, Scrub Bar, Locker Rooms, Relaxation Area, and the showstopping Cenote Pool Deck), complimentary champagne, handcrafted dessert board, massage services for up to two hours by one expert therapist, and valet service. Guests can call the spa at 210.942.6027 to book the experience and discuss how they can customize their special Galentine’s celebration.
Not to be missed: cocktails, live music and twinkly city and star views at The Moon’s Daughters, the enchanting indoor-outdoor rooftop restaurant and bar floating high above the River Walk that dazzles from its 20th-story perch over the city.
Bakery Lorraine’s pecan pie. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.
With the Holiday season upon us and people searching for gifts to give and ways to celebrate this year, nationally recognized pastry shop Bakery Lorraine, flavor factory Twang and the iconic Lone Star Beer have some gift ideas. (Bakery Lorraine, Twang, Lone Star Beer, 2023)
Bakery Lorraine offers delectable pastries perfect for any holiday gathering this season, including holiday pies and a traditional Bûche De Noël available for local pick up at all locations. Twang presents a festive stuffed stocking filled with cocktail, beer and seltzer salts and koozies that are available for national shipping while supplies last. Lone Star Beer offers limited time merch in partnership with Morgan Mercantile that’s available for national shipping.
Bakery Lorraine
Bakery Lorraine offers delectable holiday pies and traditional Bûche De Noël for pre-order from Monday, December 11 to Sunday, December 24. Items need to be pre-ordered with 72 hours notice to the desired pickup date through the custom order request page. The traditional Bûche De Noël is made with tart cherries, vanilla mousse, and chocolate sponge cake soaked in a spiced kirsch syrup.
Each of Bakery Lorraine’s nine inch holiday pies serve between 8 – 10 people and can be ordered for pick up at all Bakery Lorraine locations.
Flavors include:
Whiskey Pecan – made with Jack Daniels No. 7
Dutch Apple – made using five varieties of apples and topped with a cinnamon streusel
Apple Cranberry – made using a variety of apples similar to their Dutch Apple Pie but cranberries are added for a beautiful flavor and extra color and topped with Christmas spice
Price:
Bûche De Noël – $48
Whiskey Pecan Pie – $28
Dutch Apple – $32
Apple Cranberry – $32
Twang
Twang offers their festive Twang Stuffed Stocking this holiday season while supplies last and available for national shipping. Customers can use the code “HOLIDAYCHEER” for 10% off stockings. Twang is a family owned manufacturer of premium flavored salts, seasonings, cocktail mixes and more based in Texas.
Packed with Twang favorites, the festive stocking includes:
Lone Star Beer partners with Morgan Mercantile for the perfect Texan gift this holiday season. The national beer of Texas offers limited time merch for guests to order through its online shop beginning Thursday, December 7.
All items are available for national shipping, including:
This Halloween, let ‘Sip and Shade Art Book: A Gathering of Haunted Creativity and Inebriation’ by Sunny J Shores inspire you. Photo: Sunny J Shores, used with permission.
Halloween is right around the corner and if you are hosting a Halloween party and looking for original ideas besides the tired old costume contest, I have an exciting and creative idea. How about hosting your own Sip and Shade Party with this Halloween-themed edition book?
Adult coloring books have gained popularity in recent years because they can be therapeutic. Some studies have shown that focusing on the complex drawings on these coloring books can actually put your mind into a relaxing and meditative state. So why not get together with friends this Halloween, put on your best costume, and enjoy some adult beverages, all while bonding, expressing yourself, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
“Sip and Shade Party: A Gathering of Haunted Creativity and Inebriation: Halloween Edition” by Sunny JShores is more than just a coloring book; it is also a party planner to help you host the best spooky get together this season. It is made from high quality paper perfect for all types of mediums, from colored pencils to markers. The padded pages are sure to handle all types of artists, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing experience. Do you have guests who are left handed? This coloring book is formatted to complement left handed or right handed artists. It even comes with a guest list and memories page perfect for capturing every moment. (Sunny J Shores, 2023)
So this year surprise your friends with a unique Halloween party courtesy of the Halloween edition of “Sip and Shade Party.” Set aside a space for creativity to bloom surrounded by spooky Halloween decorations, drinks, and a variety of art supplies to fit every artist’s needs. Of course, costumes are always encouraged! And remember, if it is not on social media, it did not happen, so share your experiences online by using the hashtag #SipAndShadeParty.
“Sip and Shade Party: A Gathering of Haunted Creativity and Inebriation: Halloween Edition” is available online. For bulk orders of 10 or more, you can order directly from the publisher’s website. Happy Halloween!
Events include a Father’s Day celebration and other art events. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
Hands-on fun, free family activities and saddling up with sci-fi fill the summer with art and adventure at the Briscoe Western Art Museum. The Briscoe is hosting an array of programming to explore the Southwest influence on Western art during Southwest Rising: Contemporary Artand the Legacy of ElaineHorwitch Now through September 4. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2023)
The summer exhibition celebrates one of the most powerful and influential art dealers in the Southwest. Horwitch was responsible for launching the careers of hundreds of artists and was a leader in fostering “new Western art” or “Southwest pop.” During the exhibition, Southwest Rising artists will demonstrate their techniques and lead sessions where everyone can create a masterpiece of their own. Along with artist talks, monthly hands-on learning, free Locals Days and the museum’s annual National Day of the Cowboy celebration on July 22, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
The summer line-up includes:
Celebrate the opening of Southwest Rising by exploring the way light and color interact with one another. In the exhibition’s interactive gallery, visitors can construct a display that will allow them to experiment with how light can change the way our eyes see color. This hands-on program is family-friendly, and all ages are welcome. Children 12 and under always receive free admission to the Briscoe.
Southwest Rising with Mark McDowell – Saturday, July 8, 1p.m. – 3p.m. $25 for non-members, $20 for museum members
Southwest Rising artist Mark McDowell leads guests in creating a work of art with colored pencils on wood, his preferred technique. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, McDowell has been featured in more than 40 one-man shows and numerous group exhibitions in museums, art centers and galleries across the United States and Europe. His work is in many public, corporate, and private collections. Class size is limited, so register today to ensure your spot. All skill levels are welcome and supplies are included with registration.
Art-FULL Summer: Painting Sessions
Enjoy painting sessions led by energetic and charismatic international artist Gio DiZurita. Based in San Antonio, DiZurita tells stories through her art, an everlasting transformation of life experiences.
Two summer dates include:
Father’s Day Fun: Painting with Gio – Saturday, June 17, 10a.m. – Noon, 2p.m. – 4p.m.
Bring your dad jokes and have some hands-on fun. Fathers and their children (5 years or older) can enjoy a creative and fun family painting adventure, creating a Western scene in acrylic on an 11 x 14 canvas. Tickets are $45, or $35 for museum members. Registration is needed for each participant over the age of 12 and includes all supplies. The class size is limited, so register early to ensure your space.
Create Together: Painting with Gio Date Night at the Briscoe – Thursday, July 13, 6:30p.m. – 8:30p.m.
Let love and creativity bloom during a hands-on date night under the stars. Create a work of art during a relaxing evening sipping beer and wine in the museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden. Couples will enjoy a creative painting adventure creating a Western scene in acrylic on an 11 x 14 canvas. Tickets are $45, or $35 for museum members. Registration is per person and includes beer, wine, and all supplies. The class size is limited, so register today to ensure your spot.
Add Some STEAM to Your Summer: Hands-on Learning
The Briscoe’s free monthly education series “Full STEAM Ahead” sprinkles educational fun into the summer the first Sunday of each month. Learners of all ages work together and learn about the American West by engaging in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) learning experiences. Full STEAM Ahead is designed for all ages to enjoy, making it a terrific family activity. Enjoy STEAMing with your family 1p.m. – 3p.m. on the first Sunday of every month at the Briscoe – the same day that locals are welcome to enjoy the museum for free.
Summer 2023 Full Steam Ahead dates and topics include:
August 6: Full STEAM Ahead – Gone for the Winter
Learn more about wildlife and the fall migration of hummingbirds. After a short presentation, families will have the opportunity to create a hummingbird feeder using found and recyclable materials.
September 3: Full STEAM Ahead – Art in the Sky
Study the night sky through Kim Wiggins’ “Colonel Crockett’s Return to Cibolo Creek.” After a short study of the painting, everyone will create a bedroom planetarium to take home.
Free Cowboy Fun: National Day of the Cowboy Celebration
Tippin’ its hat and celebrating the legacy of the cowboy, cowgirl and vaquero, the Briscoe Western Art Museum presents its annual National Day of the Cowboy celebration on Saturday, July 22, 10a.m. – 4p.m. at the Briscoe. The free community event, which includes free admission to the museum and its exhibitions, features indoor and outdoor activities for cowpokes of all ages. Saddle up with your family and head west for a day you will not forget.
Whataburger’s new Father’s Day Collection has a variety of gifts for Father’s Day. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.
Whataburger
Everyone has come to love the Whatastore, which has Whataburger gear for every occasion. The new Father’s Day Collection makes it easy to get the perfect gift for the dad in your life, whether he is out on the lake or just enjoying a classic #1. To make things even easier, Whataburger is offering 20% off the Father’s Day Collection in the Whatastore on June 13. Just load up your cart and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout. (Whataburger, 2023)
To pair with Dad’s favorite taste-tee meal, the newly designed golf gear is a hole in one. The course will know just how he likes it with the new Mint Golf Hat. Help him tee off in style with the Otterbox Golf Kit or keep his clubs looking crisp with our Day Dot Golf Head Cover. They are guaranteed to make it look like he shoots a low score.
If golf is not his game, tackle Father’s Day for your favorite fisherman with a variety of new gear. Premium activewear is built for his favorite hobby, like the Whatacatch UV Tee, or go lightweight with the Magellan Outdoors Toile Sketch Print White Short Sleeve Shirt. Every Whataburger dad needs that signature orange-and-white accessory that matches everything. For the ultimate in refreshment all summer long, the Whataburger YETI stainless steel Rambler® tumblers are iconic for a reason. Grab the 30-oz. stainless steel Rambler® tumbler that is designed to look just like Whataburger drink cups. This double-walled tumbler will keep his drink icy cold from the cupholder to the course.
iFLY Indoor Skydiving
Father’s Day is this Sunday and if you are looking for last minute gifts, iFLY Indoor Skydiving will make fathers feel like the super hero they are, briefly giving them the power of flight. At an iFLY tunnel, they can experience body-flying “indoor skydiving” in a vertical wind tunnel either with the whole family or on an adventure of their own. (iFLY Indoor Skydiving, 2023)
Instead of searching for another baseball cap or goofy trinket, iFLY offers digital gift cards Dad will not lose and can redeem whenever they are ready to take flight. Digital cards include Dad worthy designs with phrases like “From your least disappointing child” to “Hope your Father’s Day is better than your Dad Jokes.”
Give dad the ‘gift of flight’ this Father’s Day. Photo: iFLY Indoor Skydiving, used with permission.
Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk’s open-air Cenote Pool Deck. Photo: Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, used with permission.
Happy Pride Month! Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk will celebrate with a special pride package available throughout the month of June, including pride-themed cocktails, delicious bites, and striking city views from the hotel’s vibrant rooftop lounge, The Moon’s Daughters, and open-air Cenote Pool Deck, complete with luxury cabanas and a poolside bar for all-day entertainment. (Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, 2023)
This June, San Antonio is full of pride parties and rainbow-hued festivities, including the biggest pride parade in South Texas on June 24, featuring live music, family-friendly drag performances, and LGBTQ-run artisan and food vendors along the San Antonio Riverwalk.
Children’s Ballet of San Antonio presents Sleeping Beauty. Photo: Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, used with permission.
In an extraordinary collaboration between Children’s Ballet of San Antonio and the American Ballet Theatre (ABT), Principal Dancers Skylar Brandt and Herman Cornejo will share their remarkable talents with San Antonio for the first time in this classic fairytale. These epic performances will take place Friday, May 12, and Saturday, May 13, at the beautiful Majestic Theatre. (Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, 2023)
The CBSA production of Sleeping Beauty has all the romance, enchantment, and beauty you would expect from this classic fairytale, told through the magic of dance. The story opens with the christening of the beautiful Princess Aurora, who receives a curse from the evil fairy Carabosse. The curse states that Aurora will fall into a deep sleep on her sixteenth birthday, which, in this reimagining, is a Quinceñera. Only a kiss from her one true love can awaken the princess.
A talented cast of roughly 200 young CBSA artists will bring the characters and story to life through creative performances. The performers, ages 3-19, include internationally acclaimed classical dancers, gymnasts, actors, vocalists, special needs artists, and other exceptional young people. Filled with spectacular digital and physical scenery, live music, grand special effects, and interactive elements, CBSA’s Sleeping Beauty will expose audience members of all ages to an enchanting world where love conquers all.
The Majestic Theatre 224 E. Houston Street San Antonio, TX 78205
Performance times: Friday, May 12, 7p.m. Saturday, May 13, 2p.m. Saturday May 13, 7p.m.
*********************************** Looking for a unique gift for the adventurous moms in your life? Take flight this Mother’s Day at iFLY Indoor Skydiving. (iFLY Indoor Skydiving, 2023)
With no need for a parachute or a plane, iFLY is fun for the whole family (ages 3+). Experience the thrill of freefall in iFLY’s state-of-the-art wind tunnels are designed to provide a safe flight experience and memories that will last a lifetime and a thrilling story to tell! Flight vouchers are available online
iFLY Indoor Skydiving. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
**********************************
Lighthouse Immersive is excited to announce a Mother’s Day ticket discount for Disney Animation: Immersive Experience from now until May 14. All tickets will be 20% off the experience for loved ones to celebrate mom with the magic of Disney Animation. In addition to the discounted tickets, all mothers will receive a carnation upon their visit. (Disney Animation, 2023)
Disney Animation: Immersive Experience is the perfect place to celebrate mom with iconic animated stories suited for all ages—from hits of today like Encanto, Zootopia and Frozen, to all of the classics including The Lion King, Peter Pan and Pinocchio. Relive heartwarming moments and reminisce with the magic of Disney for an unforgettable experience together.
Discounted Mother’s Day tickets will be available for purchase through their ticketing site. The last day to purchase the discounted Mother’s Day tickets will be on Sunday, May 14.
Lighthouse ArtSpace San Antonio 221 Burleson San Antonio, TX 78202
Smirnoff ICE Preparadas. Photo: Chris Perez, used with permission.
Cinco de Mayo is this Friday, and if you are looking for cocktail ideas for your get together, here are two of them. (Giant Noise, 2023)
Cantina Margarita:
Austin-based CANTEEN Spirits launched a Mexican-inspired, margarita-style hard seltzer in February 2023. It is currently available throughout Texas with national distribution coming soon. Dubbed the Cantina Margarita, the new seltzer is available in three flavors — original (margarita), strawberry, and mango. Each 12-oz can contains only 110 calories, 1 gram of sugar, and 1 gram net carbs and is brewed at 6% alc/vol, higher than most big brand hard seltzers. Unlike their previous lines, the Cantina Margarita is made with alcohol produced from cane sugar, a departure from the company’s spirit-based model.
“After carefully examining the current RTD market, we saw the popularity of hard seltzers declining, with one exception: Mexican-inspired cocktails like margaritas and agua frescas are still growing, and doing so at a rapid pace. Expanding from spirit based RTDs into the hard seltzer realm was a natural evolution for CANTEEN.” said CANTEEN’s co-founder and CEO, Brandon Cason.
CANTEEN Spirits’ new Cantina Margarita-Style Hard Seltzer. Photo: CANTEEN Spirits, used with permission.
Smirnoff ICE Preparada:
The Smirnoff ICE Preparada is over-the-top, bright, and colorful, just like Cinco de Mayo. It showcases an array of ingredients and flavors and is endlessly customizable. Made from a refreshing combo of Smirnoff ICE, fresh chopped fruit, chamoy, chili salt, and spicy/sour Mexican candies, the drink was first popularized at drive-thru daiquiri shops in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley.
Preparadas skyrocketed in popularity at San Antonio’s iconic Fiesta celebrations in 2011 and have been a staple of the city-wide party ever since. They are now regularly enjoyed at bars, restaurants and festivals throughout Texas in the spring and summer months. Here is a recipe to make one of your own at home:
Ingredients
1 (one) 11.2 oz bottle of Smirnoff ICE (Original, Spicy Tamarind or Green Apple flavor)
1 oz chamoy
chili salt (for rim)
1/2 cup diced pineapple
1/2 cup diced strawberries
sour gummies, and Mexican candies
1 package dried chili mango
1 bamboo skewer
Instructions
Rim your favorite glass with chamoy and chili salt
Fill glass with ice
Add in diced pineapple and strawberry
Fill glass with your favorite flavor of Smirnoff ICE
Gift ideas for moms at Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk include a Mindful Moms Retreat and more. Photo: Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, used with permission.
Mother’s Day is right around the corner, so if you are looking for gift ideas, consider Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk.
A spa day is one of the most rewarding Mother’s Day gifts, and this year Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk is offering moms everything from luxurious spa treatments to specialty cocktails at the rooftop bar and lounge to provide them with all of the celebrations that they deserve. (Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, 2023)
Over Mother’s Day weekend from May 12-14, guests can enjoy the following Mother’s Day programming:
Mindful Moms Retreat: For the month of May, moms can enjoy a mindful mimosa to kick off their spa day and choose from two restorative treatments, including a 50-minute Brighten & Renew Facial, a 50-minute Sleek & Slim Body treatment, and a 50-minute pedi or 50-minute “mommy” mani. Guests can enjoy the sauna and steam room before their treatment and afterwards cheers to self-care with a complimentary glass of champagne while unwinding in the spa’s relaxation area. $275.00 (discounts cannot be applied).
Ario Launch Party: Kick off the summer at the hotel’s Cenote Pool Deck on May 13 from 2p.m. – 4p.m., where the Thompson Spawill debut its summer hydration product line.
Mother’s Day Brunch: On Sunday, May 14, families can gather at Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk’s signature restaurant, Landrace, helmed by James Beard Award finalist Steve McHugh, for a special family-style Mother’s Day brunch featuring a seafood display, brisket carving station, lemon prickly pear cupcakes, banana cream parfaits, mimosas, and more.
Bad Moms Event: On May 12, moms can gather with their girlfriends for the “Bad Moms event” at the hotel’s enchanting rooftop bar and lounge, The Moon’s Daughters, for a well-deserved night out perched over the city with specialty cocktails and live DJ performance at 8p.m.
Photo: Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, used with permission.
The San Antonio Museum of Art will have free admission and a day of family-friendly activities. Photo: San Antonio Museum of Art, used with permission.
The San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) invites the community to join them for Spring Break Free Day on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. The Museum will have free admission from 10a.m. to 7p.m. and a full slate of family-friendly activities from 10a.m. to 3p.m. (San Antonio Museum of Art, 2023)
Visitors will be able to enjoy story time with the San Antonio Public Library; participate in gardening and planting activities with Gardopia; and pet alpacas from Black Barn Alpacas while youth DJs with the AM Project, an arts and digital music program for kids, keep the music flowing.
Visitors also will be able to take a guided tour of the exhibition Roman Landscapes: Visions of Nature and Myth from Rome and Pompeii, now on view in the Cowden Gallery; go on a scavenger hunt organized by the Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy; learn how mosaics are created with artists Oscar Alvarado and Armando Vasquez; and make leaf texture rubbings with the San Antonio River Foundation. The San Antonio Food Bank’s Mobile Mercado will hold cooking and nutrition demonstrations and provide free, locally grown produce to the first 130 families.
Refreshments will be available from on-site food trucks Love is Sweets, Tastes Like More, Cori Jean Ice Cream, and Akhanay Coffee Roasters.
Free Museum and Exhibition admission: 10a.m.–7p.m. Artmaking and activities: 10a.m.–3p.m.
Participating Community Partners: San Antonio Public Library Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy The AM Project Oscar Alvarado (Artist) Armando Vasquez (Artist) Love is Sweets San Antonio River Foundation Tastes Like More (Food Truck) Cori Jean Ice Cream (Food Truck) Akhanay Coffee (Food Truck) Dream Partiezzz Tots San Antonio Audubon Society Gardopia Gardens Black Barn Alpacas Mobile Mercado San Antonio Food Bank SAMA Free Little Library
The San Antonio Museum of Art serves as a forum to explore and connect with art that spans the world’s geographies, artistic periods, genres, and cultures. Its collection contains nearly 30,000 works representing 5,000 years of history. Housed in the historic Lone Star Brewery on the Museum Reach of San Antonio’s River Walk, the San Antonio Museum of Art is committed to promoting the rich cultural heritage and life of the city. The Museum hosts hundreds of events and public programs each year, including concerts, performances, tours, lectures, symposia, and interactive experiences. As an active civic leader, the Museum is dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the city and the region, and to supporting its creative community.
SA Examiner 