Cool Crest Miniature Golf is entering a new era without losing its retro charm.

Why it matters: The century-old destination, one of the world's oldest continuously operating miniature golf courses, is a local institution.

The latest: Los Leones — a local hospitality group — bought Cool Crest in February, becoming the business' third owners, co-owner Elizabeth Lyons Houston tells Axios.

• Cool Crest celebrated a grand reopening this month.

Flashback: Cool Crest opened in 1929 during America's miniature golf craze and survived the Great Depression. It later earned local historic landmark status, spent more than 60 years under Harold and Maria Metzger's ownership and was restored in 2013 by the Andry family, who added the Metzger Biergarten.

Between the lines: Los Leones operates some of San Antonio's oldest businesses. Schilo's is the city's oldest restaurant, while Casa Rio is among the River Walk's longest-running eateries.

What they're saying: Houston says Cool Crest is "as San Antonio as it gets," reflecting the city's identity even as it evolves.

• "We're all very eager to hold tight to things like Cool Crest that are so representative of that identity and that history," Houston says.

What they did: Los Leones wants to build on Cool Crest's identity as a gathering place for families with live music, events and updated menus at the biergarten.

• "We start with preservation and protection, and then carefully integrate innovation," Houston says. "You have to keep the core of what Cool Crest is but also introduce new concepts."
• Schilo's is taking over the menu with Reubens, smash-style sliders and canned Chenin Blanc and Prosecco on tap.

What's next: Plans include returfing the course, bringing fish back to the ponds, adding a playground and activating the space with holiday lights and art installations.

If you go: Tickets cost $15 for adults and $12 for kids.

• Rad and The Artifax play tonight and tomorrow at the Metzger Biergarten.

👋 It's Madalyn! Cool Crest got me thinking about other local treasures that feel frozen in time.

Zoom in: A few came to mind, like cheap snacks at San Antonio Shoes or handmade paletas at El Paraiso Ice Cream that stayed the same price for decades.

State of play: My family has been stopping at San Antonio Shoes on the South Side for generations — not really to shop for shoes, but for the treats. The general store still has old-school prices: 25-cent sodas, 5-cent popcorn and $2.50 ice cream.

• El Paraiso Ice Cream near Woodlawn Lake Park kept its handmade paletas at 50 cents for 38 years before raising prices to 55 cents in 2022 and then to 69 cents in 2024 — still worth every penny.
• And I'd be remiss not to mention Kiddie Park, which has been around since 1925 and says it's the oldest children's amusement park in the nation.

Tell us: What are other San Antonio spots that feel stuck in time in the best way?

• Hit reply and let us know. Your answer could be featured in a future newsletter.

San Antonio police arrested a 26-year-old man on felony terroristic threat charges after investigators said he posted and emailed threats to kill Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk ahead of an upcoming local event. (Express-News 🔑)

Houston-based Bludorn Hospitality Group will open its first local restaurant this fall in the former Carriqui space at Pearl. (CultureMap SA)

Stat du jour

San Antonio Animal Care Services responded to 523 dangerous dog cases and 3,810 animal bite and scratch reports in 2025, and new data shows the city is on pace to exceed those totals this year. (KSAT)

Warmer temperatures and the aftermath of recent rain mean mosquitoes in San Antonio, and we've got tips for repelling the pests.

Why it matters: Mosquitoes are not only a hard-to-avoid nuisance — they can pose public health risks.

Driving the news: John Wolf, professor of dermatology at Baylor College of Medicine, says mosquitoes are most active around dusk and dawn and likely to proliferate near standing water.

• If you must be out during that time, Wolf suggests using products with at least 30% DEET or picaridin.
• DEET can provide protection for up to 10 hours but should not be applied to the face, Wolf says.

Pro tip: "Wearing bright-colored clothing, cologne or perfume will attract mosquitoes to you," Wolf says.

• He suggests wearing loose-fitting, full-coverage clothing made from light fabrics.

Reality check

👋 Madalyn again. I recently checked out Miles, the new bar in St. Paul Square.

The vibe: It has the friendly, laid-back feel of a neighborhood bar with the lively energy you want for a night out.

What to try: The snapper ceviche ($20) is bright and spicy, balanced by sweet melon and smoky guajillo oil. The Miles burger ($18) is rich and savory with creamy fried egg mayo and white cheddar.

• Wash it all down with the Pink Noise cocktail ($15), a bright, floral mix of tart citrus and smooth tequila.

What's next: Dreamers & Doers, the local group behind Miles, plans to open Condor — a South American-inspired wine bar next door — in the coming weeks.

Six-word review: A neighborhood bar worth lingering in.