From Spa Days to Whiskey Nights: Unique Father’s Day Experiences in San Antonio

Hotel Contessa is offering a unique rooftop spa experience designed especially for dads. Photo: Garrett Smith, used with permission.

Last-Minute Father’s Day Gift Ideas in San Antonio

Still searching for the perfect Father’s Day gift? Treat Dad to an unforgettable experience this year with luxurious offerings from Hiatus Day Spa • Med Spa, Omni La Mansión del Rio, Mokara Hotel & Spa, and Hotel Contessa. From spa indulgences to tableside whiskey dinners and rooftop experiences, here’s how to make this Father’s Day the best yet. (Hiatus Day Spa • Med Spa, Omni La Mansión del Rio, Mokara Hotel & Spa, and Hotel Contessa, 2025)


Relaxation & Golf at Hiatus Day Spa • Med Spa

Dates: June 14–15 (Activation) | Gift Packages Available: May 29–June 16
Location: Hiatus Day Spa • Med Spa

Surprise Dad with the ultimate relaxation experience at Hiatus Day Spa • Med Spa. During the 19th Hole at Hiatus event, dads can unwind while catching the U.S. Open Golf Tournament across nine serene Relaxation Lounges. Sip on a cold EIGHT beer—crafted with just three clean ingredients—or enjoy an “Arnold Calmer” after a rejuvenating treatment.

Father’s Day Gift Packages at Hiatus

  • The Dad Bod | 2 hours | $220 ($260 value)
    Choose from two Essential Services: Signature Massage, Tailor-Made Facial, The One and Only mani/pedi, or The Body Wrap.
  • The Back Swing | 60 minutes | $155 ($175 value)
    Includes a 60-minute Knockout Massage, Energizing Scalp Massage, and Knot Bot Add-Ons for total body relief.
  • The Gentleman’s Tips & Toes | 85 minutes | $99
    A pampering mani/pedi with a cocoa + shea butter wrap—book online or purchase as a gift card.

Carved Tableside Dinners & Giveaways at Omni La Mansión del Rio

Date: Sunday, June 15
Location: Omni La Mansión del Rio, San Antonio

Celebrate Dad with a Garrison Brothers whiskey cocktail and a courtyard cookout with Executive Chef Robert Cantu grilling prime meats tableside. Try your hand at a mini putting contest—those who sink a hole-in-one will be entered to win:

  • A two-night stay at Omni PGA
  • A new putter
  • A day of golfing

Beards & Bourbon at Mokara Hotel & Spa

Dates: Saturday & Sunday of Father’s Day Weekend
Package Price: $395
Location: Mokara Hotel & Spa, San Antonio

Gift Dad the “Beards & Bourbon” package for a well-earned escape. This experience includes:

  • 50-minute custom massage
  • 50-minute beard-focused facial
  • A curated glass of Milam & Greene Whiskey

DIY Grooming on the Rooftop at Hotel Contessa

Date: Father’s Day
Time & Reservations: Call 210-298-8038
Price: $85 per person
Location: Hotel Contessa, 306 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205

For dads who enjoy crafting and self-care, Hotel Contessa’s rooftop spa experience is the perfect fit. This hands-on session teaches skin-care techniques and includes a take-home self-care travel kit. Enjoy craft cocktails—like High West Bourbon and Old Fashioned Pecan—and light bites from Ambler as you relax above the city.


Don’t wait—Father’s Day is almost here. Give the gift of experiences, indulgence, and quality time.

Elevate Your Space: How 6Stringers Transforms Guitar Passion into Custom Wall Art

Musicians and music lovers are sure to enjoy custom wall art from 6Stringers. Photo: 6Stringers, used with permission.

Personalized wall art is a unique gift idea. For guitar lovers, it adds a distinctive touch to any space, celebrating their passion for music. Custom pieces can feature favorite song lyrics, iconic guitar silhouettes, or even artwork of cherished instruments. These creations transform walls into a vibrant tribute to one’s musical journey, making them perfect for homes, studios, or practice spaces. Whether it’s a framed print, canvas, or metal sign, personalized art captures the essence of a guitarist’s identity. These thoughtful decorations not only enhance the aesthetic of a room but also serve as daily inspiration, reminding them of their love for music and creativity.

With the holiday shopping season among us, it’s time to start thinking about gift ideas. If someone you know loves guitars and would appreciate a personalized gift, consider 6Stringers. Or treat yourself and show off your guitar passion with customized wall art. (6Stringers, 2024)

6Stringers creates world class personalized wall art for guitar lovers. Their custom wall art includes:

  • Canvas Wall Art – Claim your spot as the headliner of your Guitar Room with a beautifully customized guitar canvas.
  • Metal Wall Art – Create your personalized Metal Sign to showcase in your Guitar Room.

Featured Products:

Why you should buy customized gifts from 6Stringers:

  • Made in the U.S.A. – their products are crafted in the U.S.A with high-quality materials. Each product is customized with meticulous attention to detail to inspire and enhance your guitar space.
  • Preview & Edits – your satisfaction is their top priority. Your masterpiece will begin production after you approve the preview proof email.
  • Fast & Reliable Shipping – they use reliable and trusted shipping partners (UPS, USPS, and FedEx) to deliver your orders quickly and safely. You’ll receive a tracking number by email once your package ships.

So what are you waiting for? Order your very own wall art from 6Stringers for your music room, jam room, or wherever else you ROCK OUT, or surprise your loved one with their very own wall art. They’ll love you for it.

Canvas wall art. Photo: 6Stringers, used with permission.

Gift giving made easy: East Washington St Gifts

East Washington St Gifts has personalized t-shirts, among other gifts. Photo: East Washington St Gifts

Gift giving is an age-old tradition that transcends cultures and eras, symbolizing sentiments of love, gratitude, and celebration. Whether grand or modest, gifts symbolize thoughtfulness and care, strengthening bonds between giver and recipient. They express appreciation and are excellent ways to celebrate special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, and holidays. In a world often bustling with the mundane, gift giving stands as a timeless reminder of the beauty found in both giving and receiving gestures of kindness.

Although a gift is always welcome at a special occasion, I tend to live day to day and prefer not to wait on a specific date to give someone a gift. Everyday we are alive is a special occasion, so if you’re looking for a gift to brighten someone’s day, to commemorate a special occasion, or even as a treat for yourself, consider East Washington St Gifts by Allen Kimble. (Allen Kimble, 2024)

These gift ideas include customized scented candles, personalized t-shirts (astrology shirts, astrology flower with personalized name and birthdate – perfect for a birthday), and even t-shirts for animal lovers and those who love fishing and the outdoors. So why not surprise your loved one with a comfortable and fashionable addition to their wardrobe?

This being graduation season, the personalized funny scented graduation candles are perfect for the graduate in your life. You can customize it with the occupation, name, and scent.

Occupations:

  • Pharmacist
  • Veterinarian
  • Psychologist
  • Dietician
  • And others

Scents:

  • Coconut Cream + Cardamon
  • Apple Harvest
  • White Sage + Lavender
  • Cinnamon Vanilla
  • Unscented
  • And more

Gifts from East Washington St Gifts are an excellent gift idea for any occasion. Customized gifts are more personal and thoughtful than just picking out some mass-produced generic gift. So don’t wait, check out the wide selection of gifts and start shopping!

Photo: East Washington St Gifts

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Gift guide: make Mother’s Day extra special this year

Treat mom to some special treats from Bakery Lorraine. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

Mother’s Day is this Sunday May 12 and if you’re still looking for ideas to celebrate mom on her special day, several businesses in the San Antonio area have special offerings available. Whether mom likes a spa day, brunch, sweets, or a day at the theater, here’s a selection of what’s hot this year. (Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, Bakery Lorraine, Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, 2024)

** Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk **

Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk has special offerings where moms can enjoy a much-needed spa getaway and delicious brunch.

The Mother’s Day Brunch will be from 11a.m. – 3p.m. on Sunday, May 12 at Landrace. Menu highlights will include classic brunch delights like French toast topped with seasonal compote, buttermilk biscuits with maple gravy, and fresh breakfast pastries, alongside a champagne wall and mimosa cart to clink cheers. 

The Thompson Spa will be offering special Mother’s Day treatments throughout the month of May, so that children can treat their mothers to the ultimate day of relaxation. Treatments for mom include a “Spring Goddess Glow Package” with a green tea firming body treatment and 50-minute massage, a “Royal Rose Package” with a deeply nourishing facial and body treatment, and a “Love Yourself Peppermint Mani-Pedi.” The full spa menu is available here. 

** Bakery Lorraine **

Bakery Lorraine has special treats that will be sure to make any mother feel appreciated on this special day. 

For lovers of flowers and sweet treats, Bakery Lorraine is excited to offer a petite bouquet with a box of 6 Parisian macarons, perfect for celebrating Mother’s Day. The Macarons — whose flavors include Triple Vanilla, Pistachio, and Raspberry — will be elegantly stored in a unique and limited time floral box. This special offer can be purchased for $50 online through the Bakery Lorraine website or in store (all stores except the Doseum location in San Antonio). 

The last day to order one of these bouquets and macarons will be on Thursday, May 9. Each order is available for pickup at the Bakery Lorraine location of choice between 10a.m. and 6p.m. on Saturday, May 11, or Sunday, May 12, 2024.

In addition to pre-orders, Bakery Lorraine is hosting a small make your own Mother’s Day Card at all locations (except Doseum in San Antonio) from 2p.m. to close on Thursday, May 9. This is a free event that will be available while supplies last. Additionally, guests in San Antonio can visit Bakery Lorraine at Pearl on Saturday, May 11 for a flower shop pop-up to purchase locally made bouquets.

** Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa **

Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, the recently opened Autograph Collection hotel in downtown, is pleased to announce its Mother’s Day (May 12) offerings to pamper moms this season. Bridging Downtown and Southtown neighborhoods, the Plaza San Antonio’s lush garden oasis and reimagined environment is a sanctuary of connectivity with extraordinary cuisine, culture, creativity, and community. Mom can enjoy an onsite garden oasis bar, pool, spa, and a lively restaurant with honest food and drinks ranging from hearty to healthy. Below is a breakdown of the specials available for Mother’s Day. 

Nestled within the historic grounds of San Antonio’s only Autograph Collection Hotel, The Spa Plaza San Antonio offers a restorative approach to health and wellness. To help pamper moms, local or visiting, the hotel will offer several limited-time treatment packages at its luxurious spa. All the treatments can be booked through the Spa’s website and are included below:  

  • Side-by-Side Mani Pedi – $200
  • Side-by-Side Massage – $350
  • Treat Yourself – $150

In addition to the unique offerings at the hotel’s Spa, guests can also celebrate mom and elevate the day with a brunch feast at Corinne San Antonio. With a modern, comfortable design and refreshing menu that offers a new take on San Antonio dining, Corinne provides a perfect place to gather for Mother’s Day. The Brunch menu includes Chorizo Devilled Eggs, Mezcal Shrimp Cocktail, Sweet Corn Cake Eggs Benedict, Lump Crab Frittata, and more. 

To cap off the delightful brunch, guests can then head over to Anaqua Garden Bar for a celebratory drink with mom. Anaqua Garden Bar is a hidden gem located in the heart of Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa’s garden oasis. Inspired and named after the property’s champion Anaqua tree, this garden bar features a menu highlighting the fusion of Japanese flavors with Latin tradition, botanical cocktails, lush seating and a curated soundtrack to create a chill Zen oasis to celebrate mom. 

Limited Time Specialty Spa Treatments:
Valid Wednesday, May 1, 2024 through Friday, May 31, 2024* during Spa operating hours
*Excluding Memorial Day weekend (May 25-27)

Corinne San Antonio Sunday Brunch Hours:
7a.m. – 2p.m.

Anaqua Garden Bar Sunday Hours:
11a.m. – 10p.m.

The Spa Plaza San Antonio & Corinne San Antonio
555 S Alamo St
San Antonio, TX 78205

Valet parking is available at the hotel at $15 for three hours.

** Children’s Ballet of San Antonio **

The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) invites you to a magical ball you don’t want to miss. The company will bring to life the classic Cinderella, the timeless love story, complete with a wicked stepmother, clumsy stepsisters, a fairy-godmother, and of course a handsome prince. Experience an enchanting performance for the whole family with opulent costumes, dreamlike digital and physical scenery and award-winning performers and choreographers, all set to the soaring score by Sergei Prokofiev. Taking place at the stunning Majestic Theatre on May 10 and 11, Cinderella is a dream come true that is sure to awaken child-like wonder in all ages.

A talented cast of roughly 200 young CBSA artists, ages 3-19, present this romantic fairy tale as only the Children’s Ballet can. The audience will be swept away by original Disney ballads such as “So This is Love” performed through stunning ballet artistry and incredible vocal talent transforming Cinderella into an avant-garde fairy tale classic. Classical ballet combined with an eclectic mix of awe-inspiring aerial acrobatics, hip-hop, and gymnastics create an exciting 90-minute production that will transfix even the youngest audience members.

Guests are encouraged to don their finest frocks, present their prettiest princess dresses, or come as a quinceañera queen to make it a truly magical affair to remember. Upon arrival, guests can take photos with the cast and even purchase tiaras, tutus, and fairy wands on-site! All audience members are sure to be wowed by the venue: downtown’s stunning Majestic Theatre. It’s the perfect place for a Cinderella story fit for a princess.

The Majestic Theatre
224 E. Houston Street
San Antonio, TX 78205

Friday May 10, 6p.m. doors, 7p.m. show
Saturday May 11, 1p.m. doors, 2p.m. show
Saturday May 11, 6p.m. doors, 7p.m. show
Tickets are available on the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio website.

 

 

 

Valentine’s Day cocktails and gift ideas

The Love Paloma made with Cantera Negra Silver Tequila. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Red alert!! Valentine’s Day (February 14) is less than a week away. If you are still looking for gift ideas and cocktail recipes to celebrate the big day with your loved one, check out these gifts and festive new recipes from Gray Whale Gin, Cantera Negra Tequila, and Bib & Tucker Small Batch Bourbon. (Create Entertainment/Create Studios, 2024)

Gift ideas:

The new Bib & Tucker Double Char Bourbon (best gifts under $55), the entire portfolio of certified additive-free, celebrity-free tequila made from 100% fully mature Blue Weber Agave, Cantera Negra Tequila (including Silver, Reposado, Añejo, Extra Añejo and Café), and the Gray Whale Gin Sustainable Apparel Collection and upcycled candle, both benefitting Oceana.

Cocktail recipes:

Valentine Cheers

  • Ingredients:
    • 1.5 parts Gray Whale Gin
    • 1 part Pear juice
    • 0.5 part Simple syrup
    • 0.5 part Fresh lemon juice
    • 3 parts Josh Prosecco
    • Garnish: Green grapes and rosemary sprig for garnish
  • Instructions:
    • Set aside 2 green grapes for garnish.
    • Combine remaining ingredients except for Josh Prosecco in cocktail shaker.
    • Lightly muddle grapes, then shake vigorously.
    • Double strain into champagne flute and top with Josh.
    • Garnish with rosemary sprig skewered with grapes. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Love Paloma

A delightful blend of Cantera Negra Silver, pomegranate juice and zesty fresh lime juice, the Pom Paloma is a twist on a classic. Allspice Dram adds a hint of winter spice that balances the tart pomegranate and will have you coming back for more.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1.5 parts Cantera Negra Silver Tequila
    • 0.75 part Pomegranate Juice
    • 0.75 part Allspice Dram
    • 0.25 part Fresh lime juice
    • Top with soda
  • Directions:
    • Combine all ingredients (except soda) in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously. Strain into Collins glass over fresh ice. Top with soda water. Garnish with a blood orange slice. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Date Night Old Fashioned

  • Ingredients:
    • 2 parts Bib & Tucker Double Char Bourbon
    • 0.25 part Maple Syrup
    • 2 dashes Coffee Pecan Bitters
    • 2 dashes Black Walnut Bitters
    • Garnish with Orange Peel
  • Instructions:
    • Add Bib & Tucker Double Char Bourbon, maple and bitters to mixing glass over ice. Stir for 30 seconds until cold. Strain liquid over fresh ice into rocks glass and garnish with orange peel. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Bib & Tucker Small Batch Bourbon: The name, bottle and small batch approach were inspired by the turn of the century in America, a time of unprecedented progress and adventure when all bourbon was small batch. Aged in the rolling hills of Tennessee, Bib & Tucker doesn’t cut corners and uses no additives, artificial flavors or artificial colors. In a time when other brands are taking their age statements away, Bib & Tucker proudly puts the age statement on the front of every bottle. Bib & Tucker 6-Year-Old was awarded 93 Points from Whisky Advocate, ranking #14 out of the Top 20 Whiskies in 2021, and the bourbons are best enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in whiskey-forward cocktails.

Cantera Negra is an award-winning, ultra-premium tequila, hand-crafted in small batch quantities from 40 years of family tradition in Mexico. Decades ago, Don Alberto Becherano began making tequila as a hobby, and he has been perfecting his proprietary method for making undoubtedly the best tasting tequilas in the world ever since. Cantera Negra means “Black Quarry,” inspired by the rich volcanic soil from where our agaves grow. Their tequila is handcrafted in small-batch quantities using 100% fully mature Blue Weber agaves. Cantera Negra does not believe in cutting corners and permit only time-honored traditional production methods, and unlike others, they never add sugars or colorings.

Gray Whale Gin was founded on the principle that a consciously crafted spirit can bring people together for good times while doing some good in the world. Every bottle of Gray Whale Gin gives back through 1% for the Planet and partnership with Oceana, the largest organization in the world devoted to ocean conservation. In less than 5 years, Gray Whale Gin has already helped make legislative change, permanently protecting the oceans off the West Coast. Gray Whale Gin is perfected with sustainably sourced and wild harvested botanicals foraged along the migratory path of the California Gray Whale.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with sweets and special treats

Sweeten your Valentine’s Day with special offerings from Bakery Lorraine. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and if you are still looking for inspiration on how to celebrate the big day, here are a couple of suggestions from Bakery Lorraine and iFLY Indoor Skydiving. Whether you like celebrating with something sweet or looking for something adventurous, unique, and special to do with a significant other or friends, read on for more details. (Bakery Lorraine, iFLY Indoor Skydiving, 2024)

Bakery Lorraine is adding an extra touch of romance to the big holiday. For foodies looking forward to delectable Valentine’s sweets, Bakery Lorraine has pastries exclusive to the Valentine’s Day holiday available in-store at all locations.

The sweets include: 

  • Strawberry Pop Heart
  • Heart Moonpie
  • Japonaise
  • Berry Tart

In addition to themed desserts, Bakery Lorraine is offering Valentine’s Day bouquets with macarons for pre-order now online until 12p.m. on Sunday, February 11. Pickup is on Valentine’s Day at the Bakery Lorraine location noted on the order.

For guests in San Antonio, Bakery Lorraine at Pearl will have a flower pop up tent from 4p.m. to 7p.m. on Valentine’s Day (February 14) with beautiful florals available for purchase.

Bakery Lorraine is a San Antonio favorite and nationally recognized pastry shop famous for its colorful macarons and exquisite French pastries. Owned by chefs Anne Ng, Jeremy Mandrell, and operator Charlie Biedenharn, Bakery Lorraine was named one of the best new bakeries in the U.S. by Food & Wine as well as one of the “13 Destination Bakeries” by Conde Nast Traveler. Bakery Lorraine serves handmade French pastries and macarons using the finest ingredients. The bakery serves an all-day menu including items like its Croque Madame, the quiche Lorraine, an assortment of salads and soups and artisan sandwiches. Bakery Lorraine has four locations in San Antonio including one in the Historic Pearl district, one in the Medical Center, one in the RIM shopping center, and one inside The DoSeum. Bakery Lorraine also has an Austin location at the Domain NORTHSIDE and a Boerne location.

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In celebration of Valentine’s Day, iFLY Indoor Skydiving is spreading the love by offering a special “Love Is in the Air” package for first-time flyers that includes four flights and two videos shared by two people. This package is a perfect idea for adventurous couples, friends, and families seeking a thrill this Valentine’s Day. Whether it’s for a unique Valentine’s Day date night or a one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day celebration, iFLY brings loved ones together for an unforgettable experience.

The exclusive package is available for purchase online and at iFLY tunnels from now through February 19. Flights must be purchased, booked and used at a participating U.S. iFLY Indoor Skydiving location within the promotional timeframe (2/1/24 – 2/19/24) for flights to be redeemable.

iFLY is a sports and recreation company with the mission to deliver the dream of flight. The company pioneered the body-flying “indoor skydiving” experience and is the world leader in vertical wind tunnel technology. Guests don’t need to be athletes or in the best shape of their lives. iFLY’s world-class instructors are pros at making flying safe and fun for everyone. Prices vary per iFLY location.

Austin-based iFLY Holdings, LLC, is the world leader in the design, manufacturing, sales and operations of wind-tunnel systems for indoor skydiving. The company has flown more than 9,000,000 people in a dozen countries and at sea since launching the modern vertical wind-tunnel industry in 1998. iFLY has over 70 facilities operating worldwide and close to 40 in the U.S. iFLY supports and utilizes the safety and training guidelines set out by the International Bodyflight Association (IBA) to ensure the safety and progression of the sport of indoor skydiving.

For a totally unique Valentine’s Day gift idea, consider iFLY Indoor Skydiving. Photo: iFLY Indoor Skydiving, used with permission.
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Valentine’s Day

Celebrate the holidays with foodie gifts and merchandise

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:

  • 1 Twang Stocking
  • 2 Christmas Koozies
  • 4 Beer Salts (Lime, Lemon Lime, Cucumber Chile Lime & Grapefruit)
  • 1 Twang-A-Rita Rimming Salt (Chile Lime)
  • 1 Mango Chile Twangerz

Price: $20

Lone Star Beer

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:

  • Patch Rope Hat
  • Pennants
  • Diner Mug
  • Pin
  • Beanies
  • Trucker Hat
  • Hoodies
  • Crewnecks

 

 

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Book of the week: ‘The Life And Times of Vinny The Pug’ by Allen Y Kimble, Jr

‘The Life And Times of Vinny The Pug’ makes the perfect holiday for dog lovers. Photo: Allen Y Kimble, Jr, used with permission.

Don’t look now, but there are only 14 days until Christmas and if you still need some gift ideas, may I suggest a book? For the dog lover on your list, especially if he or she likes pugs, consider “The Life And Times of Vinny The Pug” by Allen Y Kimble, Jr. When Vinny’s family had to move from Florida to Arizona after the September 11 attacks, Vinny The Pug had to adjust from living in lush and green surroundings to an arid desert. He adapted, of course, and learned to pose atop boulders. Follow Vinny’s journey in this gorgeous picture book that is perfect for dog lovers everywhere. Aside from pictures, it includes coloring projects and is suitable for all ages. It is available on Amazon. Learn more about the Kickstarter campaign.

Allen Yhorst Kimble, Jr is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana and grew up in the mid-1950s. Upon turning a young man, he entered the United States Air Force and served one year in Vietnam, eight years in Asia, and a total of 11 years total service time. While in South East Asia, he picked up photography as a hobby, which he still enjoy today. In 2001, he acquired a little pug in Orlando, Florida and named him Vinny. As a result of the 9-11 Terrorist Attacks, he took the family out west to Phoenix where Vinny learned to climb and pose atop boulders. His new book “The Life And Times of Vinny The Pug” is a picture story book of his best friend Vinny. (Allen Y Kimble, Jr, 2023)

“The Life And Times of Vinny The Pug” – This is a true-life picture book of the life and times of Vinny the Pug. It began on September 12, 2001 following the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington. Florida’s economy was left in shambles after the attacks. Overnight Orlando’s tourism industry ground to a halt, forcing Vinny’s human to move the family. They went out west to Arizona to find better employment opportunities.

Vinny The Pug atop a boulder. Photo: Allen Y Kimble, Jr., used with permission.

When they arrived, Vinny was still just a puppy, not yet one year old. However, he was mature enough to be surprised by what he saw. Arizona was very different from what he remembered back home in Florida. Orlando was lush with greenery; there were trees, vegetation, and lakes everywhere. All at once it hit the little pug; his new home in Phoenix, Arizona was in the desert. This book of photographs shows how the little pug adapted to the harsh realities of living in Arizona. It shows how Vinny the Pug came to appreciate his new home in the the desert. Before a year had passed, he had even launched a challenge to set a new Guinness World Record.

Vinny the Pug’s picture book is an enjoyable experience that will work well in classrooms. It is suitable for all ages from 5 through adults.

It includes:

  • 50 – Color Pictures
  • 87 – Black & White Graphic Arts
  • 5″ x 11″ pages for best viewing
  • Includes coloring projects

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Father’s Day gift ideas from Whataburger and iFLY Indoor Skydiving

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.

Mother’s Day gift ideas

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.

Tickets are available online.

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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.

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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