Scary times are here: Halloween is upon us. This year, make sure you're less startled and more prepared than you were this time last year.
To help you out, Hoodline rounded up some of San Antonio's most popular Halloween institutions, from candy shops and spots to score the perfect costume.
Whatever you're trying to convey, impersonate or hide with your Halloween costume, one of these popular San Antonio costume shops should be able to get you on the right track.
1. Knight Watch Games
Topping the list is Knight Watch Games. Located at 16350 Blanco Road, Suite 116, the hobby shop, which offers tabletop games, costumes and more, is the highest rated costume spot in San Antonio, boasting five stars out of 25 reviews on Yelp.
As the name suggests, it's strongly focused on medieval-themed products, offering costume pieces such as armor, helmets, leather jerkins, tunics, swords, shields and more. While they can be used at a Renaissance festival or to roleplay, they're also great for an authentic Halloween costume. If you're going for a Game of Thrones character, you'll find what you're looking for here.
Roy Q., who reviewed it on October 10, wrote, "Knight Watch Games provides supplies to enhance your board gaming experience, from specialized little props and figurines to realistic costumes for those wanting to level up their medieval vibes."
2. Atlantis Discovered
Next up is Atlantis Discovered, situated at 7038 Bandera Road. With four stars out of 22 reviews on Yelp, the spot to score costumes and accessories has proven to be a local favorite.
This one's a bit more general than the previous entry, offering a wide range of costumes suitable for whatever idea you've cooked up for Halloween. It carries custom individual pieces rather than prepackaged Halloween costumes, which allows you to piece together your outfit.
Maria D. said, "This place is so neat! Lots of costumes and jewelry to choose from. Very clean and organized. Two gentlemen helped me find the perfect mask for an event, price was very fair for the great quality of the mask. Can't wait to shop here for all of my theme parties."
3. Starline Costumes
Donaldson Terrace's Starline Costumes, located at 1286 Bandera Road, is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the spot to score costumes and more 4.5 stars out of 14 reviews.
The large costume shop is open year round and offers theatrical-quality costumes and rentals for both kids and adults. It carries masks, wigs, clothing, accessories, makeup and packaged costumes.
Ricardo R. wrote, "By far one of the best costume shops I've ever visited. In addition to being very reasonably priced, the costumes at Starline are of excellent quality. Lastly, but most importantly, they have great customer service."
Not finding what you're looking for at local costume shops? Thrift stores are often the best sources for the creative (or cash-strapped) costume seeker who's willing to let fate take a hand in their final look.
1. Boysville Auxiliary Thrift Shop
Your best bet is Boysville Auxiliary Thrift Shop. Located at 307 W. Olmos Drive, it's the highest rated thrift store in San Antonio, boasting four stars out of 52 reviews on Yelp.
It sells a wide selection of new and used items across a range of categories, including clothing, collectibles, jewelry, furniture, antiques and more. In business for over 50 years, all proceeds go to benefit the boys and girls of the Boysville children's home. With sections for men, women and children, you could find what you need for your costume and score a bargain while you're at it.
Yelper Sandra V., who reviewed it on July 27, wrote, "Looking for a way to spend an afternoon? If you have some time and want to search for some gems, this is a great place to stop by! ... The store is organized and clean. They have sales sometimes and the staff is friendly. It's a fun shopping experience, and you will likely find something that is in gently used condition and at a great price."
Let's be honest: the candy isn't for the trick-or-treaters, it's for you. Before All Hallow's Eve gets here, stock up on your favorite sweets at one of these top candy shops.
As always, sharing your bounty is up to you.
1. Kernel Corner
Topping the list is Kernel Corner. Located at 6511 W. Loop 1604 North, Suite 121, the popcorn shop and candy store is the highest rated candy store in San Antonio, boasting five stars out of 19 reviews on Yelp.
The store specializes in custom flavored popcorns, but also carries a full complement of candies, which can be bought in bulk.
Kourt S. said, "Great little business! They were so helpful and had a large variety of both popcorn and candy. They even helped carry the birthday basket I purchased to my car when my hands were full! Excellent customer service."
2. Alamo Candy
Then there's Edison's Alamo Candy, situated at 2738 Blanco Road. With 4.5 stars out of 46 reviews on Yelp, the candy store has proven to be a local favorite.
The sprawling candy store offers a wide selection of candies from both America and Mexico, plus candies that it creates locally at its own factory. It also offers hard-to-find and obscure candies. You'll see options like candy bars, gummies, sour balls, paletas, tamarindos and more.
Shae L., who reviewed it on September 22, said, "It was like entering paradise! They have the best candy selection I have ever seen. I was overwhelmed and we spent way more money than we should have — a must go for candy lovers."
