Tag: Valentine’s Day

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at a luxury Texas retreat

The Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk is a modern retreat in downtown San Antonio. Photo: Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, used with permission.

This year for Valentine’s Day, couples are seeking romantic weekend getaways for a change of scenery that is still close to home. Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner reservation or planning a sweet staycation, these three Lone Star State destinations are offering the perfect getaways for couples. (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, Thompson San Antonio, Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection, 2022)

JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa | SONORA, TX
Located on 13,000 acres in the heart of Texas Hill Country, JL Bar Ranch is the ideal destination for couples seeking an off-grid getaway this Valentine’s Day. From relaxation at JL Bar’s spa to outdoor excursions on horseback or ATVs, couples can choose their own adventure while visiting the ranch. JL Bar also offers wine tastings with the property’s resident Sommelier, outdoor games, an infinity pool and hot tub with unrivaled sunset views, shooting instruction, romantic outdoor dining, and more. For added seclusion, each of JL Bar’s 32 luxury accommodations boasts a private patio. With Valentine’s Day on a Monday this year, guests can extend their romantic weekend and receive a fourth night free when booking a three-night stay.

Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk | SAN ANTONIO, TX
Opened in February 2021, Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk is a modern retreat soaring 20 stories above San Antonio’s celebrated River Walk– capturing the contemporary spirit of this historic Texas city and this year, promises to be the ideal Valentine’s Day destination. Couples can enjoy a romantic date night at landmark restaurant Landrace, from James Beard Award finalist Steve McHugh, including a Valentine’s Day menu, rose table décor, and special entertainment. The enchanting rooftop lounge, The Moon’s Daughters, which floats high above the River Walk, is going all out with a “Love Stinks”-themed singles vibe Monday – Thursday leading up to Valentine’s Day. Events include pre-fixe menu, live entertainment and a Sexology Pop-Up on January 29, and February 5 and 12. On Superbowl Sunday, February 13, The Moon’s Daughters will be hosting a Thompson Tailgate, with grilled menu items and large format drinks. Guests can also book the Thompson San Antonio Spa Spatastic Room Package, which includes champagne, a $100 spa credit and a spa retail amenity item. Lastly, the hotel is offering a new Thompson Temptation Room Package, which includes a bottle of prosecco delivered to the room, a special amenity from San Antonio’s Sexology Institute, and a late 2p.m. check out on Sundays.

Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection | AUSTIN, TX
With intimate spaces tucked throughout the historic property, Commodore Perry Estate offers the perfect retreat for a Valentine’s Day filled with vintage, one-of-a-kind charm and romantic moments. The resort has special offerings for the holiday, from private couples yoga classes and gourmet fireside s’mores on the Estate grounds, to a ‘crafting your own vintage Valentine’ experience, perfect for families, featuring snacks, beverages and a wide selection of art supplies. Couples can also arrange a romantic picnic on the lawn, featuring a cozy blanket made for lounging and a basket filled with chilled Champagne and a selection of gourmet bites. Feel the warm embrace of romance in the Mansion’s oval library. For the Valentine’s Day weekend, the luxury resort will have a lush Valentine’s floral installation in the sophisticated library that offers the ideal backdrop to snap some instant photos of your romantic moments together. Reserve your experience and savor floral-inspired cocktails paired with a selection of canapes and bite-sized sweet treats.

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Bluegrass Pride presents virtual Valentine’s Day sing along

Bluegrass Pride invites public to join them for a special Valentine’s Day edition of their series. Photo: google

Bluegrass Pride, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to uplifting LGBTQ+ folks in American roots music, invites the public to join them for a special Valentine’s Day edition of their monthly livestream series, Live With Bluegrass Pride. On Sunday, February 14, 2021 at 1p.m. PST / 4p.m. EST old-time musicians, multi-instrumentalists, and educators Rachel Eddy & Em Hammond will lead Bluegrass Pride members and fans in a beginner-friendly jam-along of queer-centered love songs to celebrate the occasion. Viewers will be able to watch via BGP’s Facebook page, YouTube channel, and website. (IVPR, 2021)

Live With Bluegrass Pride benefits each month’s featured artists as well as supporting the ongoing work of Bluegrass Pride. The virtual event is free to attend, but there is a suggested $25 donation.

Launched in the fall of 2020 after the smashing success of Bluegrass Pride’s flagship virtual event, Porch Pride, Live with Bluegrass Pride is a periodic livestream series celebrating LGBTQ+ folks and their allies in bluegrass, old-time, country, and beyond. Most months, viewers enjoy songs and casual conversation from the Bluegrass Pride family of artists and bands, but on occasion, they like to include the public. So, on February 14, BGP and featured musicians Rachel Eddy (they/them) & Em Hammond (they/them) will also display lyrics, chords, and simple instructions so that anyone can play along and enjoy a beginner, slow-jam flow. As a holiday celebrating traditional and consumerist ideas of love and romance, BGP realizes that Valentine’s Day can leave queer folks feeling erased, left out, and isolated. As such, BGP has purposefully created this space for queer folks and roots music fans from across the country and around the world to join the music, fellowship, and celebration of queer, non-binary, non-heteronormative love.

Rachel Eddy is a native of West Virginia who grew up in a musical family steeped in the traditions of Appalachian music and dance. Now based in Washington, D.C., they are known throughout the world as both a dynamic, emotionally powerful performer and an engaging, thoughtful teacher. Eddy’s soulful singing and multi-instrumental finesse—including fiddle, banjo, guitar, and mandolin—may be heard on numerous solo and collaborative recordings as well as at dances and jam sessions, where they are dedicated to fostering community and sharing a love of music with others. Eddy will be joined by special guest, their partner, multi-instrumentalist Em Hammond.

Celebrate February holidays at Taco Cabana

Taco Cabana’s specials this month make celebrating Galentine’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Mardi Gras, and National Margarita Day so much sweeter. Photo: Giant Noise for Taco Cabana, used with permission.

In celebration of Galentine’s and Valentine’s Day, Mardi Gras and National Margarita Day, Taco Cabana is expanding its margarita offerings with new limited-time flavors. (Taco Cabana, 2021)

Starting on Friday February 12, 2021, enjoy Taco Cabana’s “Love Potion” margarita, made with pomegranate and lavender; available through Monday, February 15, 2021 for $2. Sweeten the deal with the purchase of the “Be Mine” bundle for $19.99, featuring two “Love Potion” margaritas (or any flavor), 12 chicken flautas, an order of small chips, three quesos, and 5 pecan sandies cookies. 

Getting into the Mardi Gras spirit? From February 14-18, 2021, stop by Taco Cabana to try the MardiGraRita for $3. The MardiGraRita is a colorful and flavorful blend of strawberry, blue curacao, mango, and lime. This is a great way to toast and celebrate Mardi Gras.

Celebrate National Margarita Day all weekend February 19-22, 2021 with limited-time Mango Jalapeño and Strawberry Mint margaritas for just $2. TC guests can also enjoy lime, strawberry, mango, strawberry mango and mangonada margaritas for $2, or go all-in with the purchase of a lime, strawberry or mango margarita gallon for $29.99. Guests can add chamoy to any margarita for no extra charge.

Hungry too? Enjoy a soft taco (choose from Ground Beef, Shredded Chicken, Chicken Fajita or Bean & Cheese) + any choice of margarita flavor for $3.

New menu items will be available for in-store, drive-thru and online ordering in participating Texas locations in Austin, San Antonio, DFW, Houston and El Paso.

• Galentine’s & Valentine’s Day Specials: February 12-15, 2021

• Mardi Gras Specials: February 14-18, 2021

• National Margarita Day Weekend Specials: February 19-22, 2021

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRGI), was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of beer and tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up, and delivery. As of Jan. 1, 2021, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., owns, operates and franchises Pollo Tropical and Taco
Cabana® restaurant brands. The brands specialize in the operation of fast casual/quick service restaurants that offer distinct and unique flavors with broad appeal at a compelling value. The brands feature fresh-made cooking, drive-thru service, and catering.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day the Whataburger way

Whataburger has Valentine’s Day gifts for the ultimate Whataburger fan. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.

No matter if your loved one is fancy or spicy, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and Whataburger has gifts bae will love. (Whataburger, 2021)

Whataburger’s new t-shirt, just in time for Valentine’s Day, reads, “Love me like you love Whataburger.” Plus, today, Whataburger is also launching brand-new socks to share with your favorite Whataburger fan. The t-shirt is available online for $19.99 and the socks are $12.99/pair while supplies last. Ground shipping is free for orders over $50. Order before Tuesday, February 9 to receive your items before February 14.

Whataburger has been making burgers since 1950 when Harman Dobson opened a humble hamburger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas.  He wanted customers to take one bite and say, “What a burger” so he named his stand on Ayers St “Whataburger.” Whataburger now has over 800 locations across the country and continues to deliver fresh, made to order meals every day with superior customer service.  Community support includes charitable giving and volunteerism to nonprofit organizations that focus on children’s charities, cancer research, hunger assistance, disaster relief and military support.

Valentine’s Day deals from Pluckers Wing Bar

Pluckers Wing Bar is having Anti-Valentine’s Day trivia nights, 75 cent wings deals, and more. Photo: Melissa Skorpil, used with permission.

This Valentine’s Day, Pluckers Wing Bar is the place to be on February 14. Texas’ favorite sports bar and wing restaurant will be offering an Anti-Valentine’s Day special featuring 75-cent wings (dine-in only), a free brownie dessert with every takeout purchase ($30 order minimum) and will be offering double points for Pluckers Club members on February 14. In addition, Pluckers will be hosting two virtual Valentine’s-themed Trivias on February 10 and February 14. (Pluckers Wing Bar, 2021)

ANTI-VALENTINE’S THEMED TRIVIA
• On Wednesday, February 10 beginning at 7:30p.m., participants can access the Anti-Valentine’s themed live stream trivia on Facebook Live. Round up your team for an evening featuring 10 questions in each round: sports, nerd, movie lines, movie quotes, name that tune, random, and more.
• Guests can complete the form HERE to participate and all participants will receive a freebie menu item on their next order just for playing. All you must do is submit your entry before the start of the following week’s trivia night to receive your coupon code in your confirmation email. The order must be $30 or more to qualify.

VALENTINE’S-THEMED FAMILY TRIVIA GAME NIGHT
• On Sunday, February 14 beginning at 6p.m., Pluckers’ weekly Sunday Family Trivia Game Night will return on Facebook Live for three rounds of Valentine’s-themed trivia and fun physical challenges, both kid-friendly. Pair with a Pluckers’ family meal pack and you are sure to have a safe and fun night with the kids.

Easy to make cocktails for Valentine’s Day

Twang’s Galentine’s Day Pink Drink. Photo: Twang, used with permission.

Valentine’s Day is just two weeks away and many couples will be celebrating at home this year. Below are a couple of the best easy-to-make, cocktails lovers can shake up from the comfort of their own kitchens to share with their valentine or best gal pals. Best of all, all spirits mentioned are available nationwide for door-step delivery. (Garrison Brothers Distillery, Twang, 2021)

Garrison Brothers Distillery – the first legal whiskey distillery – Sweet-Mash Texas Bourbon Kicks Up A Decadent Chocolate Strawberry Martini
Recipe – Chocolate Covered Strawberry Martini; Glassware – Martini
Ingredients:
• 2 oz. Garrison Brothers Small Batch Bourbon
• 1.5 oz. Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
• 1 oz. half-and-half
• simple syrup to taste (1/2 oz. to 1 oz.)
• 2 whole strawberries, washed & stemmed
• 1 bottle Hershey’s dark chocolate shell

Instructions:
• prepare martini glass by dipping the rim in chocolate syrup and allowing it to harden
• swirl chocolate syrup in circular pattern inside the martini glass, place in freezer to chill
• dice one strawberry and place in bottom of mixing tin
• add bourbon, Godiva, half and half
• muddle until strawberry becomes pulp
• add ice
• Shake
• strain into martini glass
• garnish with upside down strawberry strawberry slice

Twang – Celebrate Girls’ Night In this Galentine’s Day With This DIY Cocktail
Recipe – Galentine’s Day Pink Drink; Glassware – Margarita glass
Ingredients:
• Twang-A-Rita Citrus Splash
• 4 oz. Strawberry lemonade
• 1 oz. lemon juice
• 1 oz. Dulce Vida Tequila
• 1 oz. triple sec

Instructions:
• Run a lemon along the edge of a highball glass and rim with Twang-A-Rita Citrus Splash
• Add ice, strawberry lemonade, lemon juice, triple sec, and tequila. Stir to combine
• Garnish with lemon wedge

Valentine’s Day offers from local businesses

Bakery Lorraine’s Flower Box for Valentine’s Day. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

This year for Valentine’s Day, whether enjoying a romantic night in, a Galentine’s Day get-together, or more of a ‘treat yourself’ day, local businesses are offering ways to enjoy Valentine’s Day safely. The San Antonio Museum of Art is hosting an outdoor, socially distanced picnic, The Jerk Shack is offering heart-shaped boxes of tacos, and Twang is offering up unique cocktail recipes to make at home and more. (San Antonio Museum of Art, Bakery Lorraine, EVO Entertainment, La Panaderia, The Jerk Shack, Twang, 2021)

San Antonio Museum of Art
A Heartfelt SAMA Valentine’s Day – The San Antonio Museum of Art is offering couples and Galentine’s Day pals a private escape. The exclusive “Night at the Museum” experience includes a private dining experience catered by Tre Trattoria with optional alcoholic beverages. Guests will have VIP access to an after-hours, self-guided tour through the galleries and be able to create a small artful token with their loved ones. Tickets are $155 for a 2-person party are $235 for a 4-person party, with discounts for members.

Bakery Lorraine
Dessert Boxes and Bouquet Packages – This year Bakery Lorraine is partnering with The Vintage Bouquet to create an enchanting Flower Box and a romantic Bouquet. The Flower Box includes an assortment of Parisian macarons (9 pack) that include chocolate, grapefruit, and Almond Joy flavors ($38) and is delicately decorated with fresh flowers. The Petite Bouquet is a fresh bouquet of dreamy flowers and includes twelve macarons, including chocolate, strawberry, pistachio and grapefruit flavors ($60). There are no substitutions for either of these packages. The Dessert Box comes tied with bakers twine and a heart-shaped tag. This package includes a 3 pack of lavender shortbread heart-shaped cookies, a heart-shaped Moonpie, a raspberry chocolate tart, and a raspberry rose Japonaise ($26). Customers will be able to add a 375ml bottle of Laurent Perrier Brut champagne for $24. Champagne additions are available at all locations except the Bakery Lorraine at the Medical Center.

Please note that the flower boxes and bouquet packages are limited and are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Preorders started on Tuesday, January 26 and orders can be placed online or in-person. The last day to place an order will be Wednesday, February 10 by 12p.m. Order pickups will be available Saturday, February 13 or Sunday, February 14.

EVO Entertainment
“Beer My Valentine” – This year, EVO Entertainment Springtown is hosting a socially distanced, seven course Valentine’s dinner with beer pairings for each course from local San Marcos brewery, Middleton. The event will be 21+ with a maximum of 40 guests to maintain social distancing guidelines. Each ticket will be $50, and groups will be capped at 4.

Valentine’s Day Date Night Package – EVO will once again be offering the ultimate date night packages in store at Kyle, Schertz, Springtown and Belterra locations on Sunday, February 14. For $60, couples can enjoy a bottle of champagne or house wine, an appetizer, two entrees, and a dessert. After dinner, couples can stay to catch a movie, show off their bowling skills, or explore the state-of-the-art gaming centers.

La Panaderia
Mimosa Kit for Take-Away – La Panaderia’s mimosa kits are perfect for couples looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day at home this year. They are also perfect for Galentine’s brunches and singles. The kit comes with a bottle of JP Chenet Brut and half a gallon of fresh orange juice, and it pairs perfectly with a box of La Panaderia’s signature pan dulce.

Strawberry Heart Mousse – In addition to the traditional pan dulce classics, La Panaderia is bringing back the delectable Strawberry Heart Mousse this Valentine’s Day. The treat is made of a rich, vanilla mousse with strawberry cremeux and coated with a red chocolate mirror glaze. Spread a little love and sweetness by giving a loved one La Panaderia’s Strawberry Heart Mousse.

The Jerk Shack
Heart-Shaped Box Filled with Jerk Chicken Tacos – The popular Caribbean restaurant is offering the key to anyone’s heart this Valentine’s Day – a heart-shaped box full of jerk chicken (or pork) and tortillas. The special boxes will be available for preorder prior to Valentine’s Day in person at the restaurant or online. Please note, the Jerk Shack will be closed on Sunday, February 14. The boxes include six tortillas, 16 oz. of jerk chicken or jerk pork, pineapple habanero slaw, pico and an avocado cremé sauce. The boxes feed two people and will be sold for $20.

Twang
At Home Cocktail Recipes
See below for two curated cocktails courtesy of Twang that are perfect Valentine’s libations to make at home. Recipes courtesy of Aaron Peña, owner/bartender of the Squeezebox in San Antonio.

Love Potion with Twang-A-Rita Paloma Love
Ingredients:
• Twang-A-Rita Paloma Love
• 1 oz. green apple liqueur
• 1 oz. Deep Eddy Peach Vodka
• 4 oz. cranberry juice
• Orange wedge, for garnish

Directions:
1. Run a lime along the edge of a highball glass and rim with Twang-A-Rita Golden Roar
2. Pour the liqueur and vodka into a highball glass filled with ice
3. Top with cranberry juice and stir
4. Garnish with orange wedge

Galentine’s Day with Twang-A-Rita Citrus Splash
Ingredients:
• Twang-A-Rita Citrus Splash
• 4 oz. Strawberry lemonade
• 1 oz. lemon juice
• 1 oz. Dulce Vida Tequila
• 1 oz. triple sec

Directions:
1. Run a lemon along the edge of a highball glass and rim with Twang-A-Rita Citrus Splash
2. Add ice, strawberry lemonade, lemon juice, triple sec, and tequila. Stir to combine
3. Garnish with lemon wedge

 

Pearl’s February programming and curated Valentine’s Day gift boxes

Pearl Farmers Market Curbside Sweets for My Love Valentine Gift Box. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

This Valentine’s season, Pearl is thrilled to offer Month of Love programming. February will be filled with socially distant activities on site or virtually. Throughout the month of February, Pearl will offer “Surprise & Delight” musical acts for guests strolling the property. Pearl offers beautifully curated Valentine’s Day gift boxes in partnership with its farmers market vendors via Curbside. The property will also host the SA is Amor photo wall installation in partnership with Martha Martinez’s SA is Amor campaign benefiting local nonprofits. (Pearl, 2021)

Pearl’s 2021 February offerings include:

Pearl Farmers Market Curbside Valentine’s Gift Boxes: Order January 31 through February 11
This year, Pearl Farmers Market Curbside debuts a variety of curated boxes filled with themed artisan products from regional producers and family farms. Shoppers can pre-order their products packaged in a beautiful, hand-printed Pearl gift box starting on January 31 through February 11. Orders can be placed online and picked up on Sunday, February 14. Gift Box offerings include: Pasta Lovers for Two | $100; Filet Mignon for Two | La Babia $125, Startz Wagyu $200; Ms. Chocolatier Assorted Truffles | $60; Sweets for My Love | $75; Charcuterie for Two | $75

SA is Amor Photo Wall Installation: February 1 – 28
During the Month of Love, Pearl will create an interactive SA is Amor photo wall installation by local graphic designer Martha Martinez to raise support and awareness for local nonprofit Martinez Street Women’s Center while highlighting why San Antonio is so special. The wall will be available from February 1- 28 at the Pearl Shade Structure near Pearl Park and serve as a backdrop for guests to take photos and share on their social channels. There will be a QR code that will allow guests to send an AMOR e-card (a virtual love letter) to someone special.

On Valentine’s Day (1/14), Wide Awake Creative will set up a photo booth at the installation for guests to enjoy. Feliz Modern POP will set up an “Amor” pop-up during Farmers Market to sell SA is Amor merchandise, with proceeds benefiting local nonprofits. A new product will be released in February, the proceeds of which will benefit the Martinez Street Women’s Center.

Love, San Antonio Notes: February 1 – 28
Pearl is a place where San Antonio gathers and special moments happen—from the mundane to the monumental. During Month of Love, Pearl will collect stories that illustrate the power of love and human connectedness. Pearl invites the community to share their stories of love from time spent at Pearl. Submissions can be sent from February 1 – 28 to love@pearlbrewery.com or by using this online form. All submissions will be entered to win a $200 gift card to a restaurant of their choice at Pearl.

Love Song Sessions & Playlist: February 1-28
In honor of Month of Love and Valentine’s Day, Pearl will celebrate San Antonio’s legendary music scene with the debut of the Love, San Antonio playlist and with Love Song Sessions music showcase throughout February. The Love Song Sessions will feature songs of love and heartbreak from San Antonio’s esteemed artistic community. The musical acts will be at random dates for guests strolling the property to enjoy, acting as “surprise & delight” moments. The Love, San Antonio playlist will be available on Spotify and feature legendary San Antonio musicians along with many artists that have performed at Pearl over the years. Pearl will announce via social media once the playlist is available to download.

Pearl Farmers Market Heart Healthy Campaign: February 1-28
During the Month of Love, Pearl will encourage self-care by promoting heart healthy produce at the weekend Farmers Market and Curbside. Pearl will promote heart healthy produce and recipes via its social media and newsletter. Leafy greens and other heart healthy produce will be the focus throughout the month at the weekend Farmers Market.

Pearl Restaurants & Retailers: February 1-28
Pearl’s restaurant and retail tenants will be offering their own specials throughout the Month of Love. Pearl will be highlighting the options via its social media and newsletter.

“February is Month of Love at Pearl. Our culinary, cultural, and maker community is at the center of our love-inspired efforts with campaigns promoting positivity, self-care, and human connectedness. Initiatives include surprise and delight music activations, invitations to share love memories from time spent at Pearl, the installation of a SA is Amor wall, and the debut of Valentine’s Day Gift Boxes through Farmers Market Curbside.” – Elizabeth Fauerso, Pearl’s Chief Marketing Officer

Texas style Valentine’s Day getaways

Commodore Perry Estate in Austin, Tx. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

This year for Valentine’s Day, couples may be looking for romantic weekend getaways that are close to home. These two Lone Star State destinations offer couples escapes from the daily grind and are perfect for Valentine’s Day weekend. (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa; Commodore Perry Estate, 2021)

JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa – Sonora, TX
Lonestar Lover’s Weekend: The boutique ranch and resort located on a sprawling 13,000 acres in the heart of Texas Hill Country is offering several romantic packages for couples seeking a secluded, naturally distanced getaway this Valentine’s Day between February 10 – 14, including:

Romantic Dinner for Two: Guests and locals alike can enjoy an intimate happy hour with live music before enjoying an exclusive 4-course dinner developed by the JL Bar culinary team. The 4-course meal will include an array of Texas’ finest locally inspired dishes alongside elevated favorites, such as Seared Scallop with Citrus Shaved Fennel and Grapefruit; Bone-in Beef Filet with Yukon Gold potato puree, roasted fennel and asparagus, and a red wine demi-glace; and Chocolate Caramel S’mores Tartlet. Seatings at 5p.m. and 7:30p.m. ($150/couple, alcohol not included)

Lover’s Weekend Getaway: Starting at $499 per night ($399/night when booked alongside other couples), guests will experience couples activities and romantic amenities including a “Wine Down Happy Hour” with live music on Friday; a complimentary bottle of Prosecco and chocolate-covered strawberries upon arrival (option to upgrade with additional bottle of wine, fresh flowers, and more); complimentary Valentine treats in-room daily during their stay; and additional daily activities including horseback riding, hiking, spa and salon services, and wine tasting.

Commodore Perry Estate – Austin, TX
Cupid’s Arrow Heads to Austin: From the rosy hues of the Mrs. Perry Suite to the fragrant rose gardens, every corner of the estate exudes an intimate romance. Spend the day on a sprawling picnic blanket or cuddled up by a fire. Foster harmony in the body and mind with couples yoga or add a little spark with a private tequila tasting. Surround yourself with flowers as you sip on cocktails and chef-prepared snacks in the elaborate Library of Flowers installation by Gypsy Floral. Plan the perfect date or gather for Galentine’s in the Mansion Library for a memorable experience within a cascade of fragrant florals. Abundant range of experiences exclusively available throughout the long weekend. Receive a flexible $200 resort credit to utilize for dining and activities; two night minimum required. Reserve online.

Library of Flowers: Surround yourself with flowers as you sip on cocktails and chef-prepared snacks in the elaborate Library of Flowers installation by Gypsy Floral. Plan the perfect date or gather for Galentine’s in the Mansion Library for a memorable experience within a cascade of fragrant florals. Reservation required, Private bookings for 1.5 hours, Friday 4p.m. – 9:30p.m., Saturday 11a.m. – 9:30p.m., Sunday 11a.m. – 9:30p.m. Includes 2 cocktails per person, spread of canapes and mignardises (5 kinds). Polaroid camera provided to capture snapshots of the experience – Price: $75 pp

Valentine’s Day at Briscoe Western Art Museum

Enjoy Valentine’s Day at the Briscoe’s ‘Sips and Sounds of the West’ this February 12. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

Start your Valentine’s weekend under the stars at the Briscoe Western Art Museum’s “Sips and Sounds of the West” series on Friday, February 12. With live music, drinks, and tasty bites in the museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden, kick up your heels with your Valentine or enjoy a night out with friends surrounded by the beauty of the fantastic bronze sculptures and lush greenery that create the perfect getaway on the banks of the River Walk. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2021)

Each Sips and Sounds ticket includes chocolate covered strawberries from Choco Fresitas and a Pony Express Love Letter calligraphy kit with everything you need to pen a love letter to your valentine. A virtual option includes a front-row livestream with contact-less curbside pickup of your Pony Express Love Letters calligraphy kit and sweet treats. The calligraphy kit is a nod to the Briscoe’s beloved annual Pony Express Love Letters program, cancelled this year due to COVID. With the antiqued stationary paper and envelopes, mock wax seal, decorative stickers, calligraphy pen kit and ink, a how-to guide and Western love poetry prompts, everyone who enjoys Sips and Sounds will take home all they need to craft the perfect love letter.

Sips and Sounds of the West is the Briscoe’s seasonal music series that kicked off last fall with a safe, socially distanced, limited attendance sold out evening. The second event in the series is the perfect way to kick off Valentine’s weekend with Ty Dillon, a singer-songwriter who will fill the garden with a fantastic acoustic set. The socially distanced evening features a margarita bar and food available on site by True Flavors. Doors open at 6p.m. with music, drinks, and food until 9p.m.

Sips and Sounds of the West flows in the museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden, a lush public outdoor space featuring a beautiful courtyard surrounded by bronze sculptures that depict iconic figures of the American West. The sculpture garden offers the perfect respite during any River Walk visit, with tables, chairs, and benches to rest and enjoy the view. With the lights of downtown in the background, and the River Walk’s famous holiday lights glowing through Valentine’s, the garden becomes magical at night, making it the perfect spot for a date night or a night out with friends.

If purchased in advance, tickets for Sips and Sounds of the West are $20 per person for museum members and $25 per person for future members and include an admission ticket to come back and enjoy the Briscoe’s full collection during regular museum hours, as well as a 20% off coupon to the Museum Store. To safely ensure proper social distances are maintained, groups are asked to purchase tickets in one transaction. A minimum of two tickets must be purchased to ensure guests are seated appropriately. Groups of three to five are seated at a larger round table. Groups of two are seated at intimate cocktail tables. Tickets will be sold at the door as available and are $25 per person while supplies last. To enjoy the at-home livestreamed evening, a single ticket reserves your front row seat and includes four chocolate strawberries for sharing, as well as a Pony Express Love Letters calligraphy kit.

The museum’s health and safety protocols require that both staff and guests wear masks. Temperature checks are also part of this protocol.