Whether your favorite person is a traditional hearts-and-flowers sweetheart or a modern, platonic Galentine, we’ve got some fresh, creative, and affordable ways to celebrate St. Valentine’s Day 2018 in the Texas Hill Country.
Be a Book Lover
Through February 14
Boerne
The Patrick Heath Library in Boerne is running a nifty campaign right up through the big day. Donate $25 to the library in honor of your sweetie, and the staff will purchase a book for their collection in honor of your relationship. The gift will be acknowledged, too, through a Valentine sent to the recipient–and on a bookplate in the donated book. Address: 451 N. Main St., Boerne, TX 78006. Telephone: (830) 249-3053.
Feel the Love at The 8th Street Market
Saturday, February 10
Comfort
One of our favorite places for high quality Hill Country junkin’—The 8th Street Market in cozy Comfort—is hosting a day-long event featuring wine and creative workshops—plus stuff for kids. (We love this idea so much that we showcased it in our February 2018 calendar.) Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: Varies; pre-registration is required for some activities. See their Facebook event page for details or call the market. Address: 529 8th St., Comfort, TX 78013. Telephone: (830) 201-0214.
Make an Old-Fashioned Valentine
Through February 11
San Antonio
The Briscoe Western Art Museum is helping keep the art of traditional correspondence alive with the help of vintage typewriters, writing materials, and poetry books for inspiration. On Saturdays, members of the San Antonio Calligraphers’ Guild will be on hand to help you with the finer points. Plus, if your Valentine lives or works in the downtown area, modern “Pony Express Riders” will hand deliver the letters for you on bicycles. Free with museum admission. See website for hours and admission fees. Address: 201 W. Market St., San Antonio, TX 78205. Telephone: (210) 299-4499.
See the Sophienburg
Continuous
New Braunfels
Back when ol’ Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels came over to Texas with the first round of German immigrants in 1845, he set up his new community where the Sophienburg Museum and Archives now stands. In fact, the name Sophienburg comes from his settlement’s original name, “Sophie’s castle,” which was selected in honor of the prince’s beloved. The facility that carries the name today is a remarkable cultural touchstone honoring the German influence upon our region. And it makes for a fun excuse for a New Braunfels day trip or weekend getaway with your own Prince or Princess Charming. For hours and admission, see website. Address: 401 W. Coll Street, New Braunfels, TX 78130. Telephone: (830) 629-1572.
Fall in Love with Luckenbach
February 9 and 10
Luckenbach
It’s time for the 43rd Annual Luckenbach Hug In and Valentine Ball! With two nights of performances (Jesse Dayton on Friday and Gary P. Nunn on Saturday) plus the option of camping overnight in one of the most famous towns in country music, there’s a lot to love for fans of historic Texas dance halls. Doors at 8 pm; shows at 9 pm. Tickets for the entire weekend are $45 (includes camping). Dale Watson’s show ticket is $15. Gary P. Nunn’s show ticket is $20. Kids age 12 and under are free. See website for more details. Address: 412 Luckenbach Town Loop, Fredericksburg, TX 78624.Telephone: (830) 997-3224.
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