LOCAL BUSINESSES
The holidays are here and there’s no better way to show your love than with a gift sourced locally. This season is a time to reflect on the year and show gratitude towards friends and family. Traditionally, this is done through gift giving, big or small. Truly, the thought is what counts.
San Marcos is overflowing with local businesses that not only offer unique products but special experiences that make the perfect gift for those near and far. This article is just a starting point to guide shoppers to local resources so one can find the perfect gift while also supporting local businesses that are at the heart of our economy and community.
Merry Markets:
We live in a creative community and The San Marcos Art League is a big part of curating connections. They are hosting Art Squared Saturday Nov. 29 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. around the Historic Hays County Courthouse. Be sure to pop into The San Marcos Art Center that day for their special indoor market from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to explore works from many of their members. There will be another Art Squared market on Saturday Dec. 13. The Art Center is open six days a week, Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for shoppers to explore the best that the local art scene has to offer.
Right around the corner is the Price Center, a long-time community center where they have been expanding their Shop 1893 concept. This is a unique collection of curated antiques and vintage goods that’s open Wednesdays through Fridays from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. They will be hosting a Holiday Market Saturday Nov. 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday Nov. 30 from noon to 4 p.m. The Shop 1893 will be open to explore along with dozens of pop up vendors throughout the Price Center and in the garden.
For those who love home baked treats and local delights, the Free Range Farmers Market is hosting their 3rd annual Holiday Bazaar Sunday Nov. 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at La Cima. This market will have vendors ready to sell specialized holiday wares but one can find their curated farmers market every Friday at Wake the Dead Coffee House from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Other local farmers markets include the San Marcos Farmers Market, hosted every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on San Antonio Street in front of The Marc. Other unique finds can be found at the San Marcos Flea Market, hosted every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Wonder World Park.
The Angels and Mistletoe Holiday Market will be Nov. 28, 29 and 30 at the San Marcos Conference Center at the Embassy Suites. There is a special first-look preview on Friday with Saturday being 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday being 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is a ticketed event but bringing a nonperishable food donation will get you a discount. This is the seventh year for the event, which is always a huge hit and a great way to explore new small businesses. Santa is even rumored to make an appearance so bring your kids since 12 and under are free.
The Black Friday Winter Festival & Market is open to the public and free to attend. It will be Friday Nov. 28 from noon to 4 p.m., located at 4766 Highway 123 in Building One. This market will include local food and craft vendors, a free petting zoo from noon to 2 p.m. and photos with Santa, The Grinch and Suzy Lou Who. This one is for the kids, with balloon twisting, face painting, games and giveaways.
Balanced Nutrition will host a Christmas Bazaar on Sunday Dec. 7 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public with vendors, crafts and kids games, plus free pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Many local gifts can be found at this event but bring the kids for an allout holiday experience.
Merry on the Squarey is back this year and better than ever. Hosted by the Visit SMTX team, this is a downtown-wide event that not only offers fun activities, but a great opportunity to explore local businesses. The event takes place Saturday Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. There will be a holiday market around the courthouse from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and DIY Gift Wrapping and Letters to Santa stations as well as free face painting and photos with Santa. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., explore the Holiday Trail which will lead you on an arts and craft adventure through 17 downtown local businesses. The event ends with an outdoor screening of “The Polar Express” under the stars on the courthouse lawn.
All of these local markets are the perfect opportunity to check off your list and check it twice. Not only will you find new local businesses to support but you and the whole family can have a blast doing so.
Stuff your Stockings in San Marcos:
The 78666 is brimming with entrepreneurs who took a dream and made it a reality, offering the public unique shopping experiences year round. When looking for the perfect gift or just something fun to add to a loved one’s stocking, check out these local spots.
Fen and Hallow: Located just off the square at 165 S. Guadalupe is a holistic haven. This gift shop offers a curated collection of transformative products from candles to natural beauty care and everything in between, perfect to find that special gift for someone in your life who needs some extra pampering and peace.
The San Market: This award-winning gift shop has been open for just over a year and has already made a name for itself beyond our little Texas town. The shop is constantly rotating local goods as well as specialty San Marcos gear. Whether you’re a Rattler, TXST fan or just a lover of San Marcos, this store has special gear for locals of all walks of life. Located right on the square this store is open seven days a week and has much to explore.
While making your holiday rounds, stop by Douglas Smith Soap Co. for handmade soaps, Daughter of the Wild for plants and unique finds and Over the Moon Popcorn for an endless selection of candy and homemade flavored popcorn.
For media lovers, head to San Marcos Film Lab for cameras and to peruse their huge selection of DVDS and VHS. Sundance Records offers music from all genres as well as posters and gifts for music lovers of all shapes and sizes.
Book lovers rejoice, Green Heron Bookshop and 2nd Chance Books have unique finds and deals that will keep the pages turning. If committed to comics, one can find a large selection at Comic Relief, Alpha Strike Games and Dragons Lair Comics and Fantasy.
For the fashionable, San Marcos is filled with curated vintage and resale stores including Old Soul Vintage Exchange, Vagabond, Rhinestone Cowboy and Love Buzz. From clothes to decor and more, treasures await.
Don’t forget the kids on your list or the kids at heart, explore Got Toys and Freaky Findz, right near each other on the square. Both stores offer a large selection of toys and treats for all ages.
Gift Cards Galore:
When in doubt a gift card to a local store is like giving an experience wrapped in a bow. From shopping to dining, many businesses offer gift cards as the perfect last minute gift or stocking stuffer.
For San Marcos foodies consider a gift card from a local spot such as Sylvia Pizza, Sea Barra, Valentino’s, Root Cellar Cafe, Palmers, Pho Tran 88, Babes Donuts, Don Japanese Kitchen, Italian Garden, The Pita Shop, Industry, Mile High Mo’s, Grins, Ivar’s River Pub, Alvin Ords, Balcon Comerdor y bar, Blue Dahlia Bistro, Cafe on the Square, Rogelio’s, Prik Nam Pla, Ollie’s Market, Cornucopia, Howdy Boba, Three Six General, Rhea’s Ice Cream, City Bakery, El Arco Pupusas, Fresco, Gil’s Broiler, Gumby’s, Herbert’s Taco hut, Jax Burgers and Jax Bros Sandwich Shop to name a few.
For the coffee lover, gift cards can be purchased from Wake the Dead Coffee House, Jo’s Cafe, The Coffee Bar, Triple Six Social, Archie’s Coffee Lounge, Fairview Coffee and Mochas and Javas.
Shopping small makes a big difference, not only in the community but under one’s tree. A unique, local gift will bring memories and merriment throughout the holiday season. To explore more local businesses check out the city’s resource guide at visitsanmarcos. com/shoppingsan- marcos.
