Best Of 2023

Best Motorcycle Shop

Winner: Caliente Harley-Davidson

7230 NW Loop 410

(210) 681-2254

calienteharley.com

2. Dream Machines of San Antonio

12241 San Pedro Ave.

(210) 463-9090

dreammachinesofsanantonio.com

3. Schoffer Brothers Motorcycles

3119 Fredericksburg Road

(210) 735-7737

facebook.com/schofferbros

Shopping

Shopping

Winner: Sexology Institute

707 S. St. Mary's St.

(210) 487-0371

sexologyinstitute.com

Paddles, nighties and lube — oh, my. This Southtown spot has all most folks need for a naughty evening and then some. And we're not just talking adult toys and sexy attire but instructional classes on subjects such as fellatio and sexy selfie-taking. Locally owned and operated, the Sexology Institute is a haven for all, from those completely comfortable in their sexy skin to those still getting acquainted with their erotic identities. If you're a bit shy, don't worry: the entire staff is trained on how to help even the most demure San Antonian get their freak on in the safest, most satisfying way.

2. Shades of Love

300 W. Bitters Road, Suite 150

(210) 494-3006

shadesoflove.com

3. Love Shack Boutique

Multiple locations

theloveshackboutique.com

Winner: Karolina's Antiques

1709 Blanco Road

(210) 731-9787

karolinasantiques.com

2. Grey Moon Vintage

2202 Broadway

greymoon.online

3. The Junction Antiques

1704 Blanco Road

(210) 273-3439

facebook.com/thejunctionsanantonio

Winner: Brick at Blue Star

108 Blue Star

(210) 262-8653

brickatbluestar.com

We are your blank canvas — where your ideas and vision will come alive," the management of Brick at Blue Star promises on the space's website. And that's a pretty good summation of the gathering space's appeal. Thanks to its Blue Star location, Brick's Sunday Art Market offers an artisan shopping experience that gives a variety of local artist and craftspeople a chance to show wares in an environment accessible to both visitors and residents. Periodic Saturday markets introduce themes, ranging from pop-up pulgas to showcases for artisans who specialize in spooky items. Throw in a bar offering wine and a surprisingly deep selection of craft beer, and you've got a perfect excuse to browse away a weekend afternoon while supporting local creators.

2. The Eagle's Nest of San Antonio

1235 Basse Road

(210) 354-7343

facebook.com/thehealingartsfestivalandmarket

3. SA Local Market

115 N. Main Ave.

salocalmarket.com

Winner: Bike World (Purchased by Trek since voting)

Multiple locations

bikeworld.com

2. Blue Star Bike Shop

1414 S. Alamo St.

(210) 858-0331

bluestarbikeshop.com

3. Level Up Bike Shop

1802 E. Commerce St. #101

(210) 505-7686

levelupbikeshop.com

Winner: Half Price Books

Multiple locations

hpb.com

Although this year's runners up certainly have a leg up when it comes to signings and author events, it's clear San Antonio readers love a bargain — and the Half Price Books chain has delivered just that for more than half a century. In addition to the expected well-thumbed genre paperbacks, each of the Dallas-based chain's stores includes an array of other selections ranging from cookbooks to history to art. A wide selection of comics, music and gifts augments the offerings. Despite the chain's continued expansion — now at more than 120 shops in 17 states — Half Price's outlets still maintain a funky, homespun appeal that makes it feel like one is shopping at a family-owned business. As part of the company's commitment to education, teachers and librarians get a year-round 10% discount and each store holds an annual drive to collect children's books to create "Half Pint Libraries" at nonprofit organizations and schools in the communities where it operates.

2. Nowhere Bookshop

5154 Broadway

(210) 640-7260

nowherebookshop.com

3. The Twig Book Shop

306 Pearl Parkway, Suite 106

(210) 826-6411

thetwig.com

Winner: Red McCombs Ford West

7111 NW Loop 410

(833) 711-9378

mccombsfordwest.com

2. North Park Lexus of San Antonio

611 Lockhill Selma Road

(210) 308-8900

northparklexus.com

3. Ancira Winton Chevrolet

6111 Bandera Road

(210) 681-4900

ancirachev.com

Winner: Bee's Wellness Cafe

3030 Thousand Oaks Drive, Suite 102

(210) 836-8141

beeswellnesscafe.com

There's no shortage of CBD retailers eager to evangelize for the hemp derivative. Owner Brook "Blazey Bee" Richie prides herself in being a CBD evangelist who's done her research. While combating health issues with various forms of CBD, she discovered that the products' quality varied greatly and that many retailers were unable to recommend appropriate dosages. As a result, her business samples CBD and hemp products from across the country to ensure quality, according to an online statement. What's more, she and her family put the products they carry through rigorous testing. In addition to informed opinions on CBD, the cozy retail spot prides itself in offering a wide array of wellness options, including cold-pressed juices made daily and classes in breath work, reiki and yoga.

2. Natural Goods

1802 E. Commerce St.

(210) 257-8546

naturalgoodstx.square.site

3. CBD Pros

19179 Blanco Road #111

(210) 462-1434

cbdprosusa.com

Winner: Crib & Kids

1309 N. Loop 1604 W. #106

(210) 764-2742

cribandkids.com

2. Fox & Tots

502 Embassy Oaks, Suite 109

(210) 502-0004

foxandtots.com

3. Bambinos

4940 Broadway, Suite 120

(210) 824-7676

bambinosboutique.com

Winner: Defiant Boutique

11858 Wurzbach Road

(512) 710-9099

defiantboutique.com

Navigating brick-and-mortar retail amid the e-tail landscape can be an unrewarding and risky prospect — especially if your concept doesn't have a point of view. Billed as a "women's clothing and accessory boutique for the trendy young adult," Defiant goes beyond offering a smartly curated assortment of casual yet stylish day and evening wear by offering shoppers a sense of community. In addition to being a key member of Elysia Collective Co. — which comprises 20 women-owned San Antonio businesses — Defiant builds community through Sip & Shop events with discounts, snacks and libations. Plus it even donates a portion of its proceeds to area nonprofits. In keeping with the Barbie fashion fever leading up to one of this summer's most anticipated movies, Defiant has assembled a pretty-in-pink collection inspired by the American icon — complete with ribbed tanks, crop tops, minidresses and platform slides.

2. Fox & Tots

502 Embassy Oaks, Suite 109

(210) 502-0004

foxandtots.com

3. Beauty Blvd Boutique

8811 Adams Hill Drive

(210) 685-4724

beautyblvd.xyz