LIVING BETTER
Going out on dates can be great for connections, but sometimes the person you most need to connect with is yourself.
I call these solo outings self-dates, and especially as an introvert who recharges with “me-time,” they’ve become the highlight of my week.
Self-dates offer a chance to explore and enjoy San Angelo in your own way, and on your own terms.
Everyone’s ideal self-date looks a little different. These are just a few of my favorites.
For the Shopper
Venture 19 & Cold Smoke: grab a specialty coffee and then mozy next door to shop clothes, gifts, jewelry, and kitchenware. It’s easy to spend around an hour here – perfect for a self-date.
Tip: Try their warm chocolate croissant for the perfect coffee dessert.
Location: 1819 Knickerbocker Rd.
The Shops at Stadium Park: wander through If Walls Could Talk to jaw-drop at the most eclectic decor in San Angelo, reminisce over classic games at Specialties Toys Games and Gifts, treat yourself to a manicure at VIP nail spa, try on cute dresses at Revival Boutique, then get inspired for your next camping trip and Happy Trails. This shopping center has something for everyone.
Tip: Specialities sometimes sell 1-player board games – perfect for a solo night at home.
Location: 1821 Knickerbocker Rd.
Southwest Plaza Shopping Center: check out the discounts and deals at Bealls, grab a bouquet of your favorite flowers from Southwest Florist, then head across the street for a boba tea at Rice Food and Boba. While you’re there, you could always pop next door to plan your next tattoo at Trufant Bros Tattoo.
Tip: Southwest Florist will wrap even a two-stem bouquet beautifully upon request.
Location: 3540 Knickerbocker Rd.
For the Bargain Hunter
College Hills Shopping: take your time shopping the aisles, fawning over that perfect Y2K denim skirt you found for $4. When you’re done, if you’re looking to shop with all that money you didn’t spend, walk over to Pure Heart Pet and pick up a sweet treat, or a boujee sweater for your dog. Then drive home with some gorgeous hydrangeas from the Marketstreet floral department.
Tip: Marketstreet has $5 sushi deals on Fridays.
Location: 4216 College Hills Blvd. and 3121 Sunset Drive
Garage Sales: get yourself a gas station lemonade, put those sunshades on, and get to shopping. You never know what deals you’ll find digging through your neighbors’ stuff.
Tip: Check out this article to learn more about why neighborhood sales are beneficial for the individual and the community, and how to get the most out of your solo sale time.
Location: All around San Angelo!
For the Reader
Stephens Central Library: find your next favorite mystery novel, pick a comfy spot, and enjoy endless hours of reading on your own time. On your way out, check out the current lobby display and grab a slice of pie from Helen’s Bistro – you’re going to love it.
Tip: For more reading on-the-go, download the Libby app, which gives you mobile access to ebooks and audiobooks from libraries all over the world.
Location: 33 W. Beauregard Ave.
Banned Book Library: visit the welcoming team at Open Arms Advocacy Center and check out their free little collection of banned books from all over the world. Take your pick with you to your favorite reading spot and bask in the pride of doing your part to preserve literature.
Tip: Open Arms also offers a small selection of free books either written or inspired by the LGBT+ community.
Location: 113 N. Harrison St.
For the Big Stepper
Sunset Mall: charge that Apple Watch and see how many steps you can get as you strut the mall floor. While you’re there, it wouldn’t hurt to grab a juice from Smoothie Bae, play some Guitar Hero at the arcade, buy something you definitely don’t need at Marshall’s, and enjoy a pickle shot and elote on the way out from the Dippin’ Dots kiosk.
Tip: If you really want to brighten your day and someone else’s, gift your arcade tickets to a child – their face will light up and you’ll feel good for having made them smile.
Location: 4001 Sunset Drive
Concho River Walk: stroll down the river and soak in the true beauty of San Angelo. Pay close attention to the world around you, appreciating the splashing ducks, the sounds of those around you, and that gorgeous skyline.
Tip: each time you go, choose a different color and see how many photos you can get with that color in it.
Location: 330 S. Irving St.
KOA Loop: run your little heart out at the KOA trail, breathing in nature and solitude. Let your worries fade away as your feet hit the pavement.
Tip: Mornings at the KOA are a beautiful thing. The earlier you can make it, the more breathtaking the scenery.
Location: 6699 Knickerbocker Rd.
For the People Watcher
Downtown San Angelo: after having a beer from SoCo Taphouse and checking out some cool vintage finds at Concho Confetti, grab a seat outside and be that nosy neighbor. You’ll see an interesting mix of people walking the streets, and that diversity is what makes our city great.
Tip: take a sip of your drink every time you see someone pat a sheep statue on the head.
Location: 24 W. Concho Ave.
The Garden Lounge: unwind and let your hair down at this charming local lounge. This spot is perfect for those who crave the ambiance of sociality while also having some space for “me-time”. There is live music, laughter, and warmth offered around each corner. Afterward, you can take a short stroll to the Lily Garden and meditate on the colors of the beautiful water blooms.
Tip: Try one of their signature mushroom mocktails for an alternative to alcohol.
Location: 19 S. Park St.
For the Giver
Trash Clean-Up: find a small area in your favorite part of town, and challenge yourself to pick up as much trash and debris as you can. Then treat yourself to an iced coffee for helping to keep our city clean.
Tip: Make sure to bring a trash bag, gloves, and a mobility aid if needed.
Location: Any public area where you can safely pick up trash.
Volunteering: reach out to your favorite local organization and see how you can help. This might look like assisting with food distributions for Meals for the Elderly, checking people in at Homeless Navigation Day, or organizing shelves at the Rainbow Room. You can make a real difference, and your help will be greatly appreciated.
Tip: If you’re not sure where to start, think about what causes mean the most to you. Cancer research? Environmental conservation? Animal welfare? Then research local efforts and make an introduction. You’ll be surprised to find out the help that’s needed in our community. Remember, you can always donate if volunteering isn’t an option, too!
Location: Anywhere and everywhere.
Random Acts of Kindness: roll up those compassionate sleeves and do as many small acts of kindness as you can. Donate a box of canned goods to the food bank, help someone across the street, carry groceries in for your neighbor. There are endless ways to offer warmth and kindness to others in our community – and this will make you feel good, too.
Tip: Write down all your good deeds in a notebook and, if you’re ever feeling down, refer to that list – know you’re part of what makes this world beautiful!
Location: Anywhere there are people.
Expressing Gratitude: before you leave home, grab a stack of blank thank-you cards and a pen. Visit some of your favorite places around town and write personalized notes expressing your gratitude for their service to our community – it’s not something most service workers hear every day!
Tip: If able, leaving a $10 gift card or tip in the card would go a long way.
Location: Your favorite restaurants, stores, and other establishments.
Cultivating a Balanced Life
No matter what your ideal self-date looks like, you’re sure to find something that speaks to you here in San Angelo – a place or activity that makes you feel closer to yourself.
These moments of solo exploration are important because they help us maintain curiosity, inspire contemplation, and restore connection not just to the world around us – but to the person we’re becoming.
And we all deserve the chance to romanticize our alone time. So, where might your place be?
— Chrysanthemum Crenshaw Cohen covers a wide variety of topics for The Concho Observer, and has an extensive background working to improve social services and animal welfare. Write to her at ccohenshaw@conchoobserver.com.
