Sunday, February 12, 2012

Romance at the rodeo? No, really.


Newlyweds Julie and Rodney Meyer share a kiss in the Wine Garden at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Feb. 9.Photo: Robin Jerstad

By Jennifer Hiller

From: mysanantonio.com

Saturday, February 11, 2012
Ah, the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, where romance blooms amid the sweet smell of thousands of animals and under the bright lights of signs advertising “Giant Turkey Legs.”
No, really.
Sure, carnival rides, noisy distractions and educational attractions abound for kids, but the Stock Show & Rodeo also has plenty to offer couples on a date or those looking for love.


Sam and Heather Graves enjoy a romantic moment while attending the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Feb. 9. Photo: Robin Jerstad

For the second year, the Wine Garden offers visitors the chance to sample and purchase 53 Texas and domestic wines. There's a burbling fountain, outdoor space heaters, lots of landscaping and wrought-iron cafe tables and benches where patrons can enjoy wine and bistro snacks such as cheese, fruit and deli meats.
“It's a nice little venue to relax,” said volunteer and wine enthusiast Dinah Covert. “You know how when you're in Napa and you just want to relax and have some cheese and wine? That's what we're going for here.”
Tasting samples start as low as $1 and glasses of wine cost $3 to $14. The acrylic wine glasses — safe to have around animals — are welcome almost everywhere throughout the grounds. So you can, as Covert said, “Take your glass of chardonnay and go look at the pigs.”
After each rodeo, some of the biggest acts in music perform — an obvious date-night choice.

But Dale and Holly Schlundt said they usually skip the shows and enjoy seeing the livestock and horses instead. Dale Schlundt grew up showing goats, sheep and turkeys, and admits that the awe of animal-admiring is more his thing that his wife's, whom he describes as a “city girl.”
“This is my treat,” he said.
But the couple plans to return for Valentine's Day — Holly Schlundt's suggestion.
“I do like shopping,” she said.

Chloe Hamm rides piggyback on Jacob Daily while attending the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Feb. 9.Photo: Robin Jerstad

Guys looking for ways to please their better half would be wise to let her wander — without complaint — through booth after booth of shopping, advised Sharron Arnold, the Stock Show & Rodeo's marketing coordinator.
“Women love to shop,” she said.
Alternatively, those wanting to impress their date with feats of strength can head to the Army Interactive Zone and do some pushups and pull-ups.
And there's no reason couples can't enjoy the activities and attractions geared toward kids.
Roxanne Huron and husband Austin Jimenez happily wandered the grounds Friday afternoon holding hands, planning to do just that.
“We came here for the petting zoo,” Huron said..




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