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Great First Dates

5 great San Antonio first date ideas that aren't dinner and a movie

Lauren Thomas
Jun 7, 2016 | 1:05 pm

With endless dating apps for people to choose from, it seems easier than ever to secure a first date. But what makes one date stand out from the next? While the biggest factor is winning chemistry between two people, where the date takes place can be just as important. So instead of going with a traditional dinner and a movie (or a millennial Netflix and chill), here are five spots around San Antonio for a memorable first date.

Play a few rounds at TopGolf
This ginormous indoor driving range is a perfect spot to take a first date and show off your athletic prowess. Doing an activity together is always a great way to break the ice, and TopGolf offers more than just golfing: There are also gaming consoles, billiards, televisions, shuffleboard, and much more. Wait times for a golfing bay can be lengthy on the weekend, so consider going on a weeknight or for a brunch date. Additionally, there is a bar and lounge on every level of the complex, and the top floor lounge with rooftop views and fire pits is practically made for dates. Bonus: The large golfing bays have ample seating, which makes TopGolf a nice place for double or group dates too.

Make friendly conversation at The Friendly Spot
If you are looking for a low-key first date where you can just enjoy each other's company without pretense, The Friendly Spot is a wonderful option. The crowd at this Texas icehouse is usually a mix of young families and singles, and the warm and inviting atmosphere makes it easy to relax. Most of the patrons are in the outdoor patio area, but there is also a small bar inside. Couples can unwind with a pitcher of beer, sangria, or homemade Micheladas while the eats are casual yet delicious. Movie nights here are always good times to go, but with over 100 beers on tap, there's no wrong time to visit The Friendly Spot.

Take in a show at The Majestic Theatre
The Majestic is both a local gem and historic landmark, and what could be a more memorable first date than taking in a Broadway show or concert performance? If you are looking to impress a first date, a show at the Majestic will surely wow him or her. Event acts range from comedians and musicians to hit Broadway shows like The Phantom of the Opera and fun local event nights like Jurassic Park in Concert (where the classic movie will be projected onscreen while the San Antonio orchestra performs the score live).

Get spooked by a Bad Wolf Ghost Tour
This option may be for the more adventurous among us, but really what could be more memorable than visiting all the local haunts of San Antonio? Not all residents know about our city's extensive ghost history, so you and your date can potentially learn something new while learning about each other. These tours even include ghost detection equipment, so best-case scenario, you become a ghost hunter while a potentially scared date seeks comfort in your arms. One popular option is the Haunted Pub Crawl where local (haunted) bars offer drink specials for participants to "have some spirits with our spirits."

Have a coffee or cocktail (or both) at Halcyon
This trendy coffeehouse and full bar is located in the Blue Star Arts Complex. While this spot is great for a quick first date of coffee, Halcyon is not just a typical neighborhood coffee shop; in the evening, it transforms into a lively, social bar. The coffee cocktails such as the chocolate espresso martini or potent Long Island iced coffee are highlights, but guests can also keep it simple with a cappuccino or glass of wine. Set the mood for your date with one of Halcyon's popular s'mores kits, which includes a mini-fire pit for your table to roast marshmallows on. There might be a rowdier crowd there on the weekends, so weeknights like Monday (when live jazz ensembles perform) are better if you prefer a quieter date night.

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Doing an activity together is always a great way to break the ice.

TopGolf smiling woman
TopGolf/Facebook
Doing an activity together is always a great way to break the ice.
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Hot Headlines

Healthy grocery chain sprouts new San Antonio location, plus more top stories

Hannah J. Frías
Nov 12, 2022 | 12:00 pm
sprouts market
Photo courtesy of Sprouts Farmers Market

Sprouts Farmers Market has opened a third San Antonio store.

Editor’s note: It’s that time again — time to check in with our top stories. Here are five articles that captured our collective attention over the past seven days.

1. Healthy grocery chain sprouts new location for San Antonio's Far West Side. Sprouts Farmers Market has opened a third San Antonio store, and it's celebrating this weekend with several days of events and promotions.

2. Here are the top 5 things to do in San Antonio this weekend. Magic, live music, and merrymaking are on the Alamo City agenda this weekend.

3. Beat the crowds for a weekday jaunt through Wurstfest. Wurstfest is in full swing again, running from November 4-13.

4. Texas will host CMT Music Awards for the first time ever in 2023. Airing April 2, 2023, the awards ceremony will be hosted in Texas for the first time ever.

5. San Antonio Auto & Truck Show cruises back bigger than ever. The show is only in town this weekend at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

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Texas will host CMT Music Awards for the first time ever in 2023

6 unique ways to savor the arts in San Antonio this November

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Fancy cars

San Antonio Auto & Truck Show cruises back bigger than ever

Katherine Stinson
Nov 11, 2022 | 10:53 am
San Antonio Auto & Truck Show
Photo by Mikie Farias
The San Antonio Auto & Truck Show is the largest showroom in South Texas.

Live your best Top Gear life with the return of the San Antonio Auto & Truck Show, only in town this weekend at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

The largest showroom in South Texas is back and bigger than ever. Not only will the 2022 San Antonio Auto & Truck Show have a larger assortment of electric vehicles than the show has ever had, but guests can also enjoy a wide array of classic cars, pet adoption opportunities, food trucks, and so much more.

Not a car enthusiast? There's a good chance you'll change your mind after attending the San Antonio Auto & Truck Show, and veterans get in for free on November 11 (which is Veterans Day).

The San Antonio Auto & Truck Show is in town for one weekend only, so don't miss out if you need inspiration on a car-shopping journey. Other nice discounts for the weekend include $6 tickets for kids 6-10 years old and free admission for children 0-5 years old. If military vets can't actually make it on Veterans Day, they can still get a discount ($8 for a day pass) on Saturday and Sunday. Senior citizens also get discounted $8 day passes for whatever day they choose to attend.

If you're wondering what could possibly be more fun than getting a discounted ticket to wander a whole day gazing at a showroom full of luxury automobiles, the show has a surprise for gear-heads and casual car lovers alike. Featuring a drawing every hour during the show, some lucky guests will have the pleasure of taking home one $100 gift card. It may not be a Lamborghini, but hey, it's something, right?

The official San Antonio Auto & Truck Show has been teasing upcoming attractions for this weekend's show experience on their social media channels, previewing the return of old and brand new auto-themed exhibits. One returning kid-friendly exhibit is the History In Motion tour bus. Another familiar weekend event is the Battle of the Bands, in addition to a full slate of incredible cars on display to admire from afar (there will also be opportunities to test drive select cars).

For more information on show hours and tickets, visit saautoshow.com

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Texas will host CMT Music Awards for the first time ever in 2023

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Joy to the (Sea) World

The holidays splash into Sea World San Antonio with parades, parties, puppets, and more

Hannah J. Frías
Nov 10, 2022 | 10:54 am
Santa Sea World
Courtesy of Sea World
In total, Sea World will feature 12 uniquely themed holiday areas for this 42-day Yuletide extravaganza.

In Texas, we like to claim that everything is bigger here. We also like to compete for biggest of the big, which rings true for Sea World's self-ascribed "biggest Christmas event in Texas," kicking off this week.

Starting Thursday, November 10, the marine life park transforms into a holiday wonderland for 42 full days of sparkling lights, holiday festivities, and, of course, tasty seasonal treats. This year also marks the premiere of a new live-action musical, O Wondrous Night, as well as a new Christmas party zone, Snowman Jam. In the former, the Nativity story comes to life through the eyes of the animals who experienced it, thanks to puppetry, carols, and special effects. Meanwhile, Snowman Jam invites park visitors to enjoy festive flurries and specialty cocktails from the Frozen Fusion Bar while bopping to the sounds of a DJ.

Returning favorites include the Sesame Street Christmas Parade, Christmas Market, meet-and-greets with Santa and Rudolph, and the "largest light display in the state" – according to the release. In total, the park will feature 12 uniquely themed holiday areas, from a 1950s-inspired Christmas cove; a whimsical Snowman village with life-sized snowman; and the country-themed Christmas Market, which houses a Christmas tree made entirely of cowboy boots.

Other highlights include:

  • Holiday shows and festive animal presentations, from Merry Mariachis to a festive beluga whale and pacific white-sided dolphin presentation.
  • An immersive Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer experience: Hear the story of the world's most famous reindeer when strolling past life-size story book vignettes featuring the classic tale before meeting the beloved characters including Rudolph himself.
  • The Sesame Street Christmas Parade: Festive floats feature live performances and celebrate the magic of the holiday season with Sesame Street friends, including Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, and more.
  • Coca-Cola presents Fireside S’mores and a holiday scavenger hunt: Families and friends can create memories while cozied up around the fire roasting marshmallows for delicious holiday s'mores. Afterwards, guests can participate in a photo scavenger hunt for Coca-Cola-themed festive prize and the chance to be featured on billboards around San Antonio.
Don't forget the festive food and drinks, either: The park will offer no lack of seasonal candies, baked goods, hot cocoa, and more. Winter cocktails include a new Santa-Gria and melon liqueur-based Grinch cocktail. For a traditional holiday meal, guests can enjoy dinner with Santa or Rudolph (reservations required).

SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration runs from 1 pm until 9 pm on select days between November 10 and January 2, 2023. Head to SeaWorld.com to plan your visit or learn more about 2023 Season Passes, which includes free Christmas ornaments, a free ticket for a friend to join in the Christmas festivities, and more benefits.

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Texas will host CMT Music Awards for the first time ever in 2023

6 unique ways to savor the arts in San Antonio this November

Texas voters re-elect Abbott, Patrick, and more of the same in mid-term election

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