Spark Up Some Romance This Spring

What do The Pandemic, working from home, and a freak winter storm in Texas have in common? If you guessed the ability to put a damper on the romance in your relationship, then you’re right! These days, we are spending an unprecedented amount of time with our partners. All of this time spent focused on the mundaneness of day-to-day life can slowly erode away at the romantic time we would otherwise spend together—if we aren’t purposeful about it. Here are a few new local date night ideas to reawaken the romance this spring! After all, mother nature is not the only one concerned with the birds and the bees this time of year.

For the Foodies

San Antonio recently welcomed its newest luxury hotel and it is GORGEOUS! Enjoy dinner at Landrace Restaurant, featuring local celebrity Chef Steve McHugh. (If you don’t know him by name, maybe you will know him by his other local restaurant: Cured at Pearl.) Landrace makes every effort to source their ingredients locally whenever possible, which makes this one a must-visit in my book! After devouring a delightful, locally-sourced meal, head upstairs to The Moon’s Daughters, a rooftop restaurant and bar, to sip a cocktail and take in its far-reaching, 20th-story city views. (This offering from Thompson San Antonio serves a Mediterranean fare if that’s more your fancy.) Bonus: if ending the night under the stars and above our gorgeous, twinkling cityscape is what the doctor ordered, then you could easily and conveniently turn this little outing into a staycation!

For the Art Lovers

The McNay Art Museum opened the doors to its new exhibit “Limitless! Five Women Reshape Contemporary Art” on March 4 and it will run through September 19, 2021. This exhibit not only showcases a diverse group of female artists, but does so across a variety of mediums, offering something of interest for everyone. For me, a great date always involves delicious food and tasty drinks. Fortunately, the McNay Art Museum is surrounded by a whole host of San Antonio’s favorite eateries, all within walking distance or a short drive.

For the History Buffs

If history is your jam, (or if you are getting to know the area), why not play tourist in your own town? Even if you’re a longtime local of the Alamo City, when is the last time you enjoyed one of the many historical or ghost tours? They offer an exciting way to enjoy our glorious spring weather and get your steps in at the same time. Afterward, rent a scooter and head over to Hemisfair Park Historic District, one of San Antonio’s best-known historical sights. Its location, which is incredibly convenient to the Institute of Texan Cultures, has been beautifully restored in recent years and now features a nice variety of restaurants or grab-and-go refreshments. Afterward, enjoy a cocktail by sunset at the Tower of Americas to finish the day!

For the Outdoorsy Types

Staying safe and socially distant is at the top of everyone’s minds. One great way to ensure distance is to consider a fun outdoor activity, like kayaking the San Antonio River in the newest section of the River Walk, or biking Mission Reach. Both options allow for a romantic picnic lunch, either on the grounds of one of the missions, or at one of the many pavilions or picnic tables along the 16+ miles of historic trails. Hopefully a good dose of sunshine and quality time will heat up more than just the sidewalk!

No matter what style of date suits your fancy, be sure to spend some time prioritizing your romantic life this spring, whether it is newly budding, or in full bloom. No beaux? That’s ok, too! Take yourself on a romantic date and spend some quality time with YOU, or call up your galentine from last month and ask for a second date!

Cara
Raised here since the age of five by “yankee” parents transplanted by the US military, Cara was brought up with a strong sense of appreciation for the unique culture of San Antonio and a deep love for the innate beauty of the Texas Hill Country. In 2015 she met the love of her life at the practically ancient and unmarriable age of 35. (Obviously a ridiculous sentiment, but tell that to an unwed 35 year old.) As she laid eyes on her now wife, she knew instantly that this person would change everything about the trajectory of her future. Many happy years later she is a stay-at-home stepmom (lovingly referred to as CaraBee) to two big-hearted, fun loving, interracial teenage boys. Motherhood came in a different package than it does for many, but Cara knows in the depths of her soul she gets to parent the two kiddos that were intended for her. She and her wife help to raise them with their very, very amicable modern family. Favorite Restaurant: The Point Park and Eats Favorite Landmark: Mission Trail Favorite San Antonio Tradition: JAZZ'SALIVE