'Tis the Season to Shop

Find one-of-a-kind treasures by shopping San Marcos' specialty boutiques

You might already associate San Marcos with its outstanding outlet shopping, but there's more to this Central Texas spot than big-name brands at steep discounts.

Dig a little deeper, and you'll discover one-of-a-kind treasures, amazing artisan finds, and superb gifts. Here's your guide to shopping off the beaten path in San Marcos:

Specialty shopping
Soap and body products are always a hit, so hit up Douglas Smith Artisan Soap Co. for plant-based, handcrafted soap and shave products with heavenly scents. There's even a collection dedicated to those with sensitive skin.

Truly Pure Refillery lets you bring your own containers (or you can purchase some there) to take home non-toxic, all-natural, organic, vegan, and cruelty-free products.

In that same vein, San Marcos is home to several apothecaries that carry herbs, teas, crystals, essential oils, meditation essentials, and more. Atypical Apothecary, Herbs & Oddities, Everyday Zen Gifts & Tea, and Solidago-Wade Vetiver's Apothecary & Esoterica will surely have what you're seeking.

Bring nature into your home with a visit to Daughter of the Wild, a cool little shop which stocks house plants, succulents, handmade stone jewelry, and adorable home goods.

Music-lovers should seek out Sundance Record Lagoon for new and used vinyl records, posters, incense, and other music memorabilia.

Games and toys
Wow the kids — and kids-at-heart — in your life with a trip to Got Toys. Just as its name suggests, you'll find novelty toys, retro games, arts and crafts kits, puzzles, and countless other fun discoveries here.

Ecclectic knick knacks and one-of-a-kind items can be found throughout the city's boutique shops.

Photo courtesy of Visit San Marcos

Eclectic knick knacks and one-of-a-kind items can be found throughout the city's boutique shops.

Gamers will be right at home at Alpha Strike Games, which not only carries vintage video games but also popular card games, board games, and so much more.

Art for all
Locate local artists at the San Marcos Art Center, which is packed with works created by the city's own budding Picassos.

Head one block over to explore the Price Center, which combines art with antiques in its in-store Shop 1893.

Enjoy the gorgeous fall weather while browsing al fresco art markets like Art Squared, which happens on the second Saturday of the month (plus a bonus on November 25 for Small Business Saturday), Martian Culture at Zelicks on the second Sunday of the month, and the Full Moon Makers Market at Stonebound Treasures on the fourth Sunday of each month.

Stumped about what to get the host with the most or the person who already has it all? Make their holiday season with a colorful glass creation. Wimberley Glassworks lets you see the artists at work during glass-blowing demonstrations, and then you can purchase completed pieces from the gallery.

Silo Glass, just down Ranch Road 121, is the largest purpose-built, warm glass studio in Central Texas. Take your pick from works made by more than two dozen Texas artists specializing in 3-D art forms.

---

See all there is to do in San Marcos by visiting here.

shopping vacation holidays promoted

New Parks

54,000-acre Hill Country ranch to become Texas' 2nd largest state park

Photo from property listing by Icon Global

Silver Lake Ranch adds 54,000 acres to Texas' public lands.

Texans will soon have a massive new state park to explore, second only to Big Bend Ranch State Park in size. Silver Lake Ranch, the 54,000-acre plot of land spanning Edwards and Kinney counties, was owned by the Moody Foundation, and now, largely thanks to a major philanthropic gift, it's headed into public hands.

The Moody Foundation gifted its 87.5 percent ownership interest in the ranch to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), with TPWD purchasing the remaining interest for $11.85 million. The funds come from the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund and Sporting Goods Sales Tax — both approved by Texas voters.

“The Moody Foundation is proud to help preserve this remarkable stretch of Texas Hill Country and make it accessible for generations to come,” said Ross Moody in a press release. “Silver Lake Ranch represents the natural beauty, history, and spirit of our state, and we are honored to make this gift to Texas Parks and Wildlife to ensure it remains protected and enjoyed by all Texans for years ahead.”

The property will officially become Silver Lake State Park, named for the spring-fed 30-acre lake at its heart. Sitting roughly 350 miles west of Houston, nestled between Rocksprings and Uvalde, the land is home to some beautiful hill country wildlife and nature at a Texas manageable drive of about two hours from San Antonio.

Currently the park is in its most rugged and undeveloped form: steep limestone canyons drop into rolling hills lined with live oaks and juniper trees, with miles of river frontage tracing the West Nueces River. Several creeks wind through the property, including Sycamore Creek, Lost Creek, and North Spring Creek, along with Blue Waterhole and Dutch Waterhole.

Caves and other landmarks dot the landscape, and wildlife includes white-tailed deer, turkey, javelina, and dove. Portions of the property have even been identified as a potential habitat for the endangered golden-cheeked warbler.

According to the press release, this land, previously used for sheep and cattle ranching, will be developed in phases over the next several years, also using the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund. Initially, access to the park might look like guided tours and limited day-use opportunities while planning and infrastructure are underway. Later, trails and basic visitor facilities will be added, and ultimately, the park will include expanded recreational amenities like camping and paddling access.

Now that the acquisition is complete, TPWD staff and private contractors plan to gather feedback from the public and surrounding communities to help map out recreational opportunities. This may take "many months to complete," says the press release. TPWD will communicate any upcoming milestones, including a potential opening date, at TexasStateParks.org

"This is an exciting addition to our state park system, and we are grateful to our partners at the Moody Foundation for their philanthropy and for bringing this slice of the hill country to the people of Texas," TPWD Executive Director David Yoskowitz says in the press release.

And as folks are pointing out on TPDW's reel announcing the new park: it's "Better than any subdivision."

silver lake ranch state parks parks nature wildlife animals