LOCAL BUSINESSES
Bowling is typically a fun night of pizza, the loud sound of pins colliding and high fives among competitors and teammates.
But for patrons of Sunset Bowling Lanes, located at 1304 TX-123 and complete with 24 lanes, it’s more than just a pastime — it’s a way of life.
“We know them,” Jenifer Jenkins, Sunset Bowling Lanes manager, said. “We know what they drink and eat. It’s like family.”
That familiarity breeds a sense of community and makes Sunset Bowling Lanes feel like home to many.
From competitive leagues to casual games, the alley offers an escape where the community thrives, and bonds are formed.
Jenkins, who’s been a fixture at the bowling alley for five years, started in the snack bar, but her love for bowling and serving people led her to manage the alley.
“I like serving people,” Jenkins said with a genuine smile. “It’s all about making people feel welcome, like they belong here.”
Jenkins’s connection to bowling runs deep.
“I’ve been bowling since I was a kid,” she said, recalling family nights at the lanes. “It was a family thing that stuck with me.”
She’s quick to notice when someone new steps up to the lanes.
“You can always tell when someone’s new. They don’t know the etiquette — like waiting for the lane to clear before stepping up,” she said.
Longtime regular Joshua Berry didn’t always take bowling seriously.
“I used to focus all my time on football,” he said. “But after I graduated, I found myself with a lot of free time, and bowling became a way to deal with stress.”
His interest in the game shifted from casual to competitive after buying his own bowling ball.
“I’m a competitive person,” Berry admitted. “Seeing others with their own gear made me think, ‘I want to be like them.’” Owning his own equipment made a noticeable difference.
“It’s a huge advantage. I didn’t realize how much hand placement, ball spin and lane knowledge matter,” he said, adding that his new understanding of the sport has only deepened his passion.
Bowling is an outlet for Berry — far more than just a game.
“It helps me get out my frustration. It’s a way to deal with stress and still find happiness through it,” he said, emphasizing how the physicality of the game allows him to “hit my marks” while releasing frustration in a controlled way.
Anthony Aranda is a recent addition to Sunset’s staff. He was hired only a few months ago, but he’s quickly become a part of the family. Initially unfamiliar with bowling, its rules and intricacies, he grew to appreciate the game after enrolling in a bowling class. He was impressed by the amount of skill and focus it requires, and he found that the mental break it provides was quite appealing.
“When you’re on the lane; it’s just you and the game. Nothing else matters,” he explained. “It’s a great way to reset your mind.”
The intense focus required by bowling helps him forget the stresses of daily life, offering a mental escape and much-needed reprieve.
Blake Gates runs Sunset’s pro shop and is another critical piece of the puzzle. Gates, a former league bowler, offers valuable insight into the technical aspects of the game.
“When you use a house ball, you’re at a disadvantage,” Gates says. “With your own ball, you get something that’s personalized to your throwing style. It makes a huge difference.”
Gates is passionate about helping bowlers find the right equipment for their game.
“A good ball fit is everything. You have to find the right size and weight for your hand,” he explained, noting that the pro shop’s equipment and expertise can drastically improve a player’s performance. “You have to know your grip, your spin and how to control the ball.”
He said he believes that the right equipment can make all the difference between a casual hobby and a serious sport.
“Bowling isn’t just about throwing a ball down the lane. It’s a science,” he said.
Staff members and regulars contribute to the special atmosphere at Sunset Bowling Lanes.
“It’s a friendly environment,” said Joshua Berry, another regular bowler. “The staff makes it feel like home, and the people here are always welcoming.
“It’s more than just a bowling alley — it’s a place where you feel connected.”
Gates also spoke to the sense of camaraderie that makes Sunset Bowling Lanes special.
“This place is built on community,” Gates said. “The regulars are here to have fun, but they also help each other get better. It’s not just a competition. It’s about the relationships you build along the way.”
Sunset Bowling Lanes isn’t just an entertainment venue; it’s a cornerstone of the San Marcos community. Whether it’s Jenkins greeting newcomers, Berry embracing the competitive side of bowling, Aranda appreciating the mental escape the sport provides or Gates fine-tuning bowlers’ gear — everyone plays a part in making this place special.
“It’s all about the people,” Jenkins said. “We know them. They know us, and that’s what makes it feel like home.”
For those who haven’t yet experienced it, Sunset Bowling Lanes offers more than just bowling — it offers an invitation to join a community where everyone is ready for the next strike.
Charles Adkins is a graduate student in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Texas State University.
