August 2014

P.10 PARTIES

In The Streets & On The Water

P.14 VINTAGE CHIC

Styles Perfect For A Warm Summer Night

P.12 HAPPY HOUR

Taxi’s New Cocktail Line-Up

SHOW’EM STATE! TXST Football Kickoff

AUGUST 30

AUGUST | 2014

Anna Beth, at the headwaters of the San Marcos River

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Contents | AUGUST 2014 |

22 BOBCATFANS

SMTX

10. HAPPENINGS

06. TIDBITS

12. HAPPY HOUR

08. SO SAN MARCOS

14. FASHION

10. YAKONA

16. WOMEN’S LACROSSE

12. STREET SIGNS

20. PAINTING HEADS

14. MAIN STREET Q&A

22. TWENTY-FIVE REASONS

16. STAY IN STYLE

30. BACKSTAGE

20. FIFTY MOMENTS

32. FOOTBALL POSTER

28. CHEWED & BREWED

bobcatfans.com 6

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@bobcatfans

/bobcatfans

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COVERS

BOBCATFANS photography

by Eric Morales

smtxmagazine.com

@smtxmag

/smtxmagazine

PUBLISHER Rick Koch

ART DIRECTOR Will Bowling

PHOTO EDITOR Eric Morales

COPY EDITOR Pam Bowen

FOOD EDITOR Katie Ogletree

DEVELOPMENT Steve Huskey

LEAD WRITER Xander Peters

CONTRIBUTORS Tiffany Matthews Jordan Gass-Poore Brodie Corinth Heather Yzaguirre Paul Collins Devin Glenn Andy Heatwole (smtxphotos.com)

ADVERTISING 512.619.0494 marketing@bobcatfans.com

FEEDBACK smtxmagazine@gmail.com bobcatfans@gmail.com

Copyright 2014, BOBCATFANS LLC 139 E. Hopkins Suite B San Marcos, TX 78666 All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited.

SMTX | BOBCATFANS Magazine is not affiliated with Texas State University.

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Events & Happenings | AUGUST 2014 |

KICKOFF @ Bobcat Stadium August 30

After becoming bowl eligible last year for the first time in school history, the Texas State Bobcats are ready to make a historic run and represent Bobcat Nation in the college football post season.

When middle linebacker Mike Orakpo (@Raknation) was asked at Sun Belt Media Days if Texas State will go to a bowl game in 2014, he responded, “Definitely!”

(tack it to your wall)

Saturday, August 30, 6pm @ Bobcat Stadium 1100 Aquarena Springs Dr, San Marcos

PASSPORT SMTX August 22

The City of San Marcos welcomes TXST students to downtown with a blockparty event featuring a live DJ, games and interactive activities. Free samples from downtown eateries will be provided as well as an interactive scavenger hunt where participants will “check-in” to downtown businesses by scanning QR codes. Each scan enters players into a drawing to win prizes like an Apple iPad and gift certificates. The scavenger hunt will run through the weekend.

Friday, August 22, 4-8pm @ The Square Downtown, San Marcos 10 BOBCAT FA NS | SMTX | 08.14

TXST Football Schedule on P.32 Show’em State!

TAX FREE WEEKEND August 8-10 No taxes? Yes, please! Get your shop on at San Marcos Outlets and local shops this special weekend. Most clothing, footwear, school supplies, and backpacks priced under $100 are exempt from sales tax during the annual weekend holiday.

Shoppers are estimated to save over $74 million in state and local sales tax.

Weekend of August 8-10, All day @ Retail Shops Near You All over Texas

CONCERTS IN THE PARK August 7 & 14

Enjoy a fun-filled summer evening, free of charge at the beautiful San Marcos Plaza Park along the San Marcos River. Listen to live performances from the Terri Hendrix Band with Lloyed Maines on August 7.

Followed by Two Tons Of Steel on August 14.

Thursday, August 7 & 14, 7:30-9:30 pm @ Plaza Park 206 N CMAllen Parkway, San Marcos

COMEDY OPEN MIC NIGHT Every Wednesday

and celebration as they play along with some of their favorite local celebrities and compete to win prizes and bragging rights.

Wednesday, August 6 & 20, 8:30-10:30pm @ Triple Crown 206 N Edward Gary, San Marcos

Got Jokes? What to hear some? Get your feet wet and prepare a five minute set or come grab a drink and enjoy a laugh at San Marcos’ newest den of comedy located on the second floor of Harper’s Hall. Every Wednesday night sign-up by 10pm to tell jokes or take a seat and see if local comics can tickle your funny bone.

Wednesdays, 10:30pm @ Back Alley Comedy Lounge 139 E. Hopkins, San Marcos

SAN MARCOS GAME NIGHT August 6 & 20

Come join in the fun at San Marcos’ new comedy event modeled after the hit NBC show Hollywood Game Night with Jane Lynch.

The San Marcos version is much lower budget but far more outrageous, hosted

by Kelly Stone. This comedy game show allows two contestants to add hilarity to their everyday lives in a night of fun

MARGARITAVILLE STREET PARTY August 23 “The Lost Shaker of Salt Street Party” otherwise known as “Margaritaville in August” takes place when Chimy’s expands their outdoor patio into the street for good times with friends. Enjoy a laid back vibe and embrace a delicious celebration of award-winning margaritas.

Live music, games and more.

Saturday, August 23, All day @ Chimy’s Cerveceria 217 E Hopkins, San Marcos

#TXRiverFest @ TX State Tubes August 29

Texas State Trendsetter, Endless Entertainment and the man who throws pool parties so outrageous that they make the local news, is now hosting an epic float. Connect w/ @BigNeechi to find out where the fun is at, 200K followers can’t be wrong.

Friday, August 29, 1pm @ Texas State Tubes 2024 N Old Bastrop Hwy, San Marcos

FLOAT FEST @ Cool River Ranch August 31 Grouplove, RUN DMT, and TXST’s own Zeale, among a large line-up of artists will grace the stage at the very first Float Fest.

Sunday, August 31, noon-10pm @ Cool River Ranch 601 Dupuy Ranch Road, Martindale

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Happy Hour Specials | AUGUST 2014 |

TAXI’S PIANO BAR Taxi’s is not only a piano bar, it’s an entertainment bar, featuring live music, open mics, comedy and more, almost every night. But while, Taxi himself, is banging on the drums and taking requests. The tunes sound even better when Alby (pictured above) mixes you up a fresh made cocktail.

(Front row, L to R) Fog Horn, Dark and Stormy, Cucumber Citrus Mule, (Back row L to R) Mango Rum Stormy (seasonal item) Kraken Cephalopunch, Dragon Berry Black Tie, and Deep Eddy Sparkling Cranberry Madras 202 N. LBJ Dr. San Marcos (512) 392-3031 fb: taxispianobar @taxis78666 12 BOBCAT FA NS | SMTX | 08.14

| Photos Eric Morales |

RESTAURANTS BOBCAT NATION $.50 Chips & Salsa $2 Wells & Domestics Daily @ 3pm – 6pm 700 N LBJ (512) 667-6393

LOUIE’S BEER GARDEN $3.99 Street Tacos $1.50 Ritas (All Day) $2 Domestic Bottles $2.50 Wells $3 Infused Liquors Daily @ 3pm – 7pm 119 E. Hutchison St. (512) 878-8862

CHIMYS CERVECERIA $2 Ziegen & Cans $3 Fireball $3 Cuervo $4 Special Shots Everyday Specials 217 E Hopkins (512) 216-6175

SEAN PATRICK’S $3 Off Select Appetizers $1 Off ALL 100 Drafts $1 Off Specialty Drinks $3 Off All Pitchers Mon-Fri @ 3pm - 7pm 202 E. San Antonio St. (512) 392-7310

GRINS $.99 Margaritas $5 Baby Beer Buckets Mon-Th @ 2pm - 10pm 802 N. LBJ Dr. (512) 392-4746 GUMBY’S $1.50 Ziegenbock (All Day) $4.20 Ziegenbock Pitchers Mon-Wed @ 9pm-11pm 403 N. Guadalupe St. (512) 754-8629

VODKA ST. Half Price Appetizers $3 Wells, $1 Off Drafts Mon-Fri @ 3pm - 7pm 202 N LBJ Dr. (512) 396-4260

BARS BLACK RABBIT SALOON $2.50 Pints Every Monday 127 E. Hopkins St (512) 667-6313

TAXI’S PIANO BAR Various Daily Specials

BARFISH LOUNGE $2 U Call It’s Every Tuesday 141 E. Hopkins (512) 558-7399

TRIPLE CROWN $1.75 Shiner & XX $2.50 Big Bark & Guinness $1.75 Wells

HARPER’S PUB $2.50 Wells $2.50 Dom Bottles Daily @ 3pm – 7pm 139 E. Hopkins St. (512) 878-2448

Mon-Fri @ 6pm - 8pm

202 N. LBJ Dr. (512) 392-3031

Mon-Fri @ 5pm - 8pm

206 N. Edward Gary St. (512) 396-2236

SHADE ROOFTOP PATIO BAR $1 Off All Liquor $2 Off Craft Cocktails Daily @ 5pm – 9pm 127 E. Hopkins St (512) 667-6313

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BO BCATFAN S | FASHION

Ca sua l Vin tage Chic Vintage chic is in, and these breezy looks are perfect for any warm summer night. A perfect balance of casual and elegant, these can be dressed up or down for any occasion. Best of all they’re one of a kind, so you don’t have to worry about someone showing up with the same outfit. Langford Market has a huge selection of vintage chic styles.

A little black dress never goes out of style, especially when complimented with heels that showcase the benefits of hiking up and down the San Marcos hills. The subtle print and simple cut give a vintage charm in front but the unique strapping on the back gives this dress some effortless head-turning flare.

Skater-style cocktail dress $29.90 Gold and black beaded necklace $22.90 Cork platforms in gold $29.90

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This look brings a sun-kissed elegance with cute and casual high wasted shorts, white and taupe lace crocheted top and a decorative free flowing cover up adds a bold flare. Paired with a pair of cork heels, it’s the perfect mix of classic summer ware and outgoing chic.

Embroidered kimono in champagne $34.90 Lace crocheted top in white and taupe $29.90 Pink high waisted tapestry shorts $24.90

| Clothing courtesy Langford Market | Photos Eric Morales |

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BO BCATFAN S | ATHLETES

Profiles

RACHEL CA RR

Carrying A Big Stick For Women’s Lacrosse There are currently 27 student-run club sports offered at Texas State, each a unique recreational outlet for students to gain a new skill, meet new people, and develop new passions.

Four years ago, Rachel Carr stepped onto a lacrosse field for the first time, and since then, she has become President of the Women’s Lacrosse Team and a leader in the Bobcat community.

Having spent her former years as a swimmer, she embraced the opportunity to be a team player and learned how to work with others to achieve goals.

Carr’s lacrosse career began her freshman year, where she began learning from scratch how to play lacrosse. It’s important to her that students understand that a large number of girls who join do so without having any experience, and she herself is an ideal example of just how valuable a club sport can be.

Since then she has become a pillar on and off the field. Although their season is during the spring, she continues to practice and condition with the team throughout the fall.

Since joining the team, she has adopted the role of managing team business, such as events, branding, and advertising. All of which are direct contributors to the steady growth of the team, which has grown from a 16 to 25 player roster.

She anticipates an even larger turnout for the upcoming year. Her dedication to keep developing the lacrosse team not only enhances student life but also provides positive experiences to promote teammate’s personal growth in areas outside the classroom.

Along with team events, Carr also organizes volunteer events within the San Marcos sports community, giving young - particularly female athletes the chance to try a new sport.

The lacrosse team plays 10 games a season against major universities in the surrounding area and participates in tournaments throughout the year.

TxStateWomensLacrosse

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TxStWomensLax

IT’S IMPORTANT THAT STUDENTS UNDERSTAND THAT A LARGE NUMBER OF GIRLS WHO JOIN, DO SO WITHOUT HAVING ANY EXPERIENCE.

TexasStateWomensLacrosse | By Heather Yzaguirre | Photo Eric Morales |

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PROMOTION

Cool River Ranch

SAN MARCOS’ NEW TUBING PARADISE There’s no lack of things to do any time of the year in San Marcos, but if you’re looking for that last hurrah for your summer, look no further than Cool River Ranch.

which is sure to get any participate’s blood pumping. But it’s the mix of concerts and floating that is making tubing connoisseurs take notice of Cool River Ranch.

Like nothing San Marcos has every seen, it’s a mega river retreat paradise that spans over 200 acres of riverfront with sprawling grassy fields that scream out, “spend a day on the river!”

The concerts and frequent live music events at the ranch, plus a few massive festivals throughout the year, one of the major ones being the upcoming Float Fest on August 31, make it a great place to float and keep the goodtimes rolling long after your group exits the water.

And in no way can the newest addition to the San Marcos tubing scene be described as a typical river outfitter.

Being only 15 minutes from the center of San Marcos, Cool River Ranch hosts an annual running with the bulls festival

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Cool River also has party patios available to rent for group events, which provide tables, parking, and shade – which we all know can be a hot commodity in the middle of a Texas summer.

FLOAT FEST 2014 AT COOL RIVER RANCH An all day celebration about combining the two greatest things about summer in San Marcos: live music and floating the river.

With a hefty lineup of diverse musicians including Grouplove, Zeale, Whiskey Shivers and Portugal, the music is sure to keep the party going after you’ve floated yourself into a prune.

Packages for attendees to setup campsites for the weekend are also available.

Cool River Ranch 601 Dupuy Ranch Road Martindale, Texas 78655 Phone: 512-212-0449 info@coolriverranch.net /mycoolriver /coolriverranch /_coolriverranch

r o F g n i t i a W s I Fun s i x a T t A u o Y - GAMES Y D E M CO EAGUE L G N O -P ARAOKE K S D N A R - LIVE B A B O N PIA

SUNDAYS

Live Bands Open Mic $3 U Call Its Half Price Pitchers

MONDAYS S.I.N. Night Discounted Drinks

TUESDAYS

WEDNESDAYS THURSDAYS

DJ JoKin $2 U Call Its

$4.50 Specialty Drinks

Pong League Karaoke

Funk Jams Reggae Bands

Comedy Live Bands Karaoke

$2 Fireballs

g n o L A g n i S l l o e lounge &R

k c oke in th o a r a R K + The y & Saturday ida Ever y Fr

| Words & Photos Eric Morales |

BO BCATFAN S | THE ARTS “I went in there (TXST) not realizing how great the program really was,”

“ H ea d i n g ” O ut To Ne brask a Texas artist Michael Villarreal didn’t know what to do with his life until he started to paint people’s heads. Now his mind is blown by the possibilities his future holds out west.

“I’m trying to just live in the moment right now,” said the recent Texas State alumnus.

This month Michael Villarreal is heading to the University of Nebraska in Lincoln for a three-year master’s program, where he accepted a scholarship and a graduate teaching assistant position for his art.

For Villarreal, 26, the idea of obtaining a master’s degree seemed very farfetched not so long ago.

“It took me a while to realize I wanted to get an education,” he said, adding that although

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his parents did not graduate from high school, they encouraged him to do what he wanted.

But Villarreal didn’t know what he wanted once he graduated from high school. So, he got a job in his hometown of Lockhart, waiting for a wake-up call. That call came when his dad told him to either “get a better job or go to college.”

artist that he enrolled at Texas State, after completing a threeweek course through the Kerrville-based Western Art Academy that inspired him to major in painting.

So, Villarreal drew on his high school art class experiences and enrolled at Austin Community College.

At Texas State, Villarreal was a studio monitor, giving artistic advice to fellow students. “I went in there not realizing how great the program really was,” said Villarreal, who credited the faculty and staff of the university’s art department for inspiring him to “push [his art] even harder.”

But it’s when he took steps toward becoming a professional

The boundaries of Villarreal’s future and art continue to be pushed

since he graduated from Texas State and had his work displayed in the Nebraska National Collegiate Juried Art Exhibition.

His work was nominated for a 2014 Hunting Art Prize, and he was chosen for the Navasota Artist in Residence program.

Like any young adventurer heading west, the change of scenery excites him because of the possibilities it holds for artistic inspiration. It’s a city looking for pillars like him to help build up its art scene. And he’s ready to paint the town...heads.

| By Jordan Gass-Poore | Photos Eric Morales |

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#1 BECAUSE

San Marvelous protects the flow You have not fully experienced San Marcos until you’ve been submerged into the fountain-ofyouth like powers of its naturally spring-fed river. It’s religious!

Although usually more Zen-like, river enthusiasts have been known to throw down over litter. This summer alone witnesses reported an unruly litterer catching a beating after accosting a fellow tuber who asked him politely to pick up the beer can he threw into the river. The crowd cheered.

#2 BECAUSE

WE’RE THE CREME IN THE OREO COOKIE With Austin and San Antonio

to both the north and south, the San Marcos area is the sweet sugary stuffing in the middle—or, ideally thinking, the best part of the treat.

The secret of the ‘Creme Corridor’ of I-35 is out, and with the staggering population boom in recent years, it is about to become double stuffed.

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#3

With the small town atmosphere comes small town mannerisms.

With the massive growth of Austin in the past few years, we’ve seen many implant residents discover the natural beauty of its cousin to the south.

Although a large portion of them are young adults because of the vicinity to the university, we’re not just talking student living. Young professionals have learned that they can get more bang for their buck, and owning a piece of lush Texas land is just too good to pass up.

Now we natives just hope this will remain true as San Marcos continues to lead the country in growth.

Each fall the annual Pet Fest, a massive festival for you and your pet to socialize, is celebrated with all proceeds going towards the PAL foundation.

San Marcos maintains Texas style hospitality, the kind of place where you’ll receive directions with a smile from a stranger.

BECAUSE

BECAUSE

Many dogs also enjoy floating the river just as much as we do, fetching sticks, or if you’re lucky, your beverage.

With several off leash dog parks located around the city, the naturally beautiful and plentiful land make it a great place to have a dog.

Welcome to San Marvelous!

The drinks are cheap

Quality housing is affordable

It's Four -Legged Friend Friendly

people still wave and open doors for strangers

#4

#5

BECAUSE

BECAUSE

One of the great things about San Marcos is that it’s a college town. The students of Texas State lend San Marcos its vibrant energy, and Sewell Park has remained as the student refuge. The grassy knoll right on the banks of the mouth of the river provides a chance to study while working on your tan. Sunlight is good for the brain!

There is absolutely no better city to drink on a budget. Bars fighting for the college crowd’s attention can sometimes resort to outright absurd drink prices.

As a result, the bars specializing in quality crafted drinks tend to be way lower than their Austin counterparts, giving the more sophisticated drinker an excellent value on the dollar.

#7

#6

BECAUSE

studying in a swimsuit is socially acceptable

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#

BECAUSE

San Marcos is GROWING

According to articles recently published in Texas Monthly and Austin American-Statesman, ol’ San Marvelous is growing at an astounding rate of 8% per year, while Forbes Magazine now incorporates it into Austin’s annual growth rate of 2.8%.

In fact, four of the ten fastest-growing cities in the country are located in Texas.

developing as the fun loving, charming river town where people go to get away from it all. Although San Marcos is growing in a similar way that Austin did several years ago, sharing similar traits like low crime, superb natural amenities, low unemployment rate and (although a bit hot at times) fantastic weather, its character is one of a kind.

especially in the summer, as kind of a reminiscence of long summers playing outside.

Topping the list of fastest growing cities in that nation 2 years in a row now, San Marcos is making a splash, and along with the influx of new residents, there is an influx of entertainment, dining, and events.

The lush river, great shopping, convenient location between two major cities, diverse recreational activities, young energetic vibe and the multitude of opportunities that come along with growth has been drawing people in for years.

Either way, it would appear that people are gathering here from all parts of the nation, having met people from very different places the last few weeks: a musician from Nashville and a dermatologist from Wisconsin. In addition, one couple recently moved here from Colorado to pursue their BBQ sauce and rub business.

One thing we could learn from our neighbors to the north is that a growing community doesn’t just mean more people but also means a greater identity. Austin has developed an image of cultural paramount that can’t easily be rivaled and now with San Marcos’s being a large part of its future growth, its character is quickly

Artists have continued to trickle down from Austin, finding a new scene with a totally different vibe to it, from painters to musicians to filmmakers and photographers.

Perhaps it’s the outdoorsy-ness of the town that draws them in, with the prospect of discovery and adventure,

Since then it’s been a slow but steady increase, making it the 5th fastest growing university in the nation, and although the student population is a large contributing factor it’s not the central drive.

In other words, expect a lot more changes and a lot more construction, but rest assured that the slow rise of San Marcos has only just begun.

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#14 BECAUSE

#9

A SLICK SET OF THREADS ISN’T HARD TO COME BY

BECAUSE

IT's A Tubing Mecca Grab a cooler, mesh litter bag and an inflatable tube. Once in town, the way you spend your free time will change forever. Texas State Tubes, Cool River Ranch and Lion’s Club Rentals are local favorites. Check out the TUBING GUIDE in the May 2014 issue.

Shoppers save big and generate millions in tax revenue for the city, some of which is being used towards the beautification project to revamp the downtown area, further diversifying the local shopping experience.

#10 BECAUSE

we live on the edge

You may or may not be aware, but the city as a whole is situated on the Balcones Fault line—which separates the Hill Country and the Coastal Plains.

The fault was created after a massive earthquake approximately 15 million years ago and San Marcos’ geographical location reaps the benefits.

BECAUSE

We have room for ALL sports fans

From tailgating at Texas State to watching games The Wonder Cave is a show cave at Harper’s Pub or Bobcat located in the Balcones fault, Nation, transplants from all which is visible in its ceiling, and directions make up a large is the primary attraction at the portion of locals, which Wonder World amusement park. make watching sporting events more interesting The cave is believed to be the being as not everyone is only commercially operated dryinclined to root for the same formed cave in the United States. team—besides our beloved Dry-formed means that the fissure Bobcats, of course. was opened by the earthquake that produced the Balcones Fault, as This past summer during opposed to erosion. As if a cave crethe World Cup there was ated by an ancient earthquake wasn’t no better place to watch enough, other attractions at Wonder than Sean Patrick’s, with World include an anti-gravity house, crowds breaking out in a trackless motor train and songs and chants to cheer on the USA. a wildlife park.

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Annually, about six million tourists frequent the San Marcos Outlets in order to save a few bucks at what The View named the third-best place to shop in the world in June 2006.

Those willing to brave the outlets during the holidays or Tax Free Weekend can really clean up.

#12

BECAUSE

THE SQUARE IS NEVER SQUARE Structured in a European-style fashion, the square is the central hub and where the heart of San Marcos beats. A lively nightlife scene with several pour houses provide vast outdoor terraces, rooftops and patios to enjoy the year round weather.

Comedy is also alive in SMTX. For a laugh check out the many hot spots hosting the city’s bright young comics.

| By Jordan Gass-Poore | Photo Eric Morales |

Equally as enticing are the unique boutiques that sell locally made jewelry and accessories scattered about town. Filled with assortments of carefully selected items, these small businesses thrive off of the eco-conscious locals who want fresh styles from local vendors and guests looking for a unique piece that will remind them of their days in San Marcos.

Shopping at vintage shops can provide timeless fashion at an economic price. There are several high quality second hand shops that leave an abundant amount of locals preferring to wear re-sale duds instead.

#13 BECAUSE The community is riverbed rich in art and culture While mingling in and out of most shops and locally owned businesses throughout town, the chances are you will notice a plentiful amount of artwork for decoration—no matter the medium. You’ll find several special pieces at Art Unhitched taking place at least monthly at The Hitch Mobile Eatery. Follow @TheHitchSM for more info.

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T H E S A N C T UA R Y L O F T S . C O M

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#25 BECAUSE

POOL PARTIES, MAN!

#22

#21

BECAUSE

BECAUSE

OF THE CITY’S DIVERSE INHABITANTS San Marcos’ population may be diverse but so too is the city’s wildlife. The San Marcos River is home to the site-specific, endangered plant species Texas Wild Rice and is considered to be one of the most biologically diverse aquatic ecosystems in the southwestern U.S. In addition to the wild rice, the springs and the 3.8 mile stretch of the San Marcos River below them have been designated as critical habitat for a number of endangered and threatened species.

While the river attracts all walks of life with its magnetic scenery, a trip to The Meadows Center for a glass bottom boat tour will enlighten your view of the vast beauty that we inhabit. The center focuses on “developing and promoting programs and techniques for ensuring sustainable water resources for human needs, ecosystem health and economic development.” Their dedication to eco-education is a great asset to visitors and native alike, as they’re informative as well as enjoyable, including nature hikes and kayak tours.

There are events organized throughout the year like the San Marcos River Cleanup, EPA Fix a Leak Week, and the Texas Wild Rice Festival, all of which are aimed at keeping our resources clean. Educational awareness is also a top priorities at these events, particularly the Central Texas Water Symposium held in February. The city has developed an intricate sustainability program to accompany their city growth plans, because “any development that is not sustainable is not development.”

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Bobcat Nation The brand new stadium has reignited the love of football that’s correlated with Texas roots. Along with the football comes tailgating, which is especially exciting considering the location of the university on the river. There’s nothing better than a game of corn hole on a grassy knoll and a dip before heading into a football game. Their football program is also expanding, currently playing in the Sun Belt Conference, as is their fan base continues to grow with it. Games are now starting to get airtime on television, but if there’s a home game, do yourself a favor and head on over to Bobcat Alley, the official tailgating spot of Texas State located in the Strahan Coliseum lot, to submerge yourself in Bobcat nation.

#23 BECAUSE

San Marcos embraces change, then prepares for it.

With a rapidly growing population here in San Marvelous city officials have been striving to maintain the quaintness, modernize accordingly, and make the adjustments as seamless as possible. The massive construction projects going on around

town are a part of the approach they’re taking to accommodate the growth.

The series of projects include vast pedestrian improvements, making it easier for students to get to campus and allows those who live close to their workplace a safe area to bike to work, clearing up the roads significantly as well as provides a reduced carbon footprint and healthier lifestyle.

#24 BECAUSE

Texas State University As the 5th fastest growing university in the nation, the Texas State campus is a hub for young adults who keep the town active and full of excitement.

Local businesses thrive, night life flourishes, and creativity embellishes every aspect.

A student population promotes fresh perspectives and creative new ideas for more efficient problem solving.

New business models can flourish in the San Marcos market. The success of young entrepreneurs inspires others to follow their dreams.

Texas State has recently completed a brand new Performing Arts Center that intends to attract a large variety of highbrow performance artists and musicians.

Already having an annual collaborative performance with Juliard,

the buzz is spreading quickly.

It will serve as a great platform to showcase the talent of rising stars, as well as enable the community at large to attract national and international productions to town, becoming a cultural hub for San Marcos and its visitors.

When it comes to pool parties, San Marcos reigns supreme. It’s not really even fair to categorize them as ‘pool parties’ to someone who has never had the pleasure of witnessing the TXST version.

During the hot summer months, when not enjoying the river, eager students turn apartment pools into their own personal spring break holiday.

The attendance numbers can reach numbers of epic proportions. Imagine nearly 2,000 of your closest friends getting together for a couple of drinks and a dip in the pool. It is an experience worth bragging about. Hell, sometimes it can make the news in Austin. S/O to @BigNeechi!

For years, pool parties have been a long-standing Bobcat tradition; however, the new class of students rolling through the university are upping the ante and taking the massive gatherings of swimsuits and bikinis to unseen heights.

During the summer, students from other universities across the state travel to San Marcos to experience the greatness of a Bobcat pool party. Why? Maybe it’s because San Marvelous is full of gorgeous, friendly and fun loving people. Or maybe it’s the nature beauty of the town, campus or one of the other 24 reasons why we love SMTX. Who knows? You’re better off concentrating brain time on maintaining a quality GPA. That way you get to enjoy San Marcos a whole lot longer.

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BO BCATFAN S | BACK STAGE

I n t i m ate Storyte lli ng “There’s something really special about sharing a song on a warm summer night at a venue exposed to the stars among the Texas live oaks.”

In an industry that’s constantly looking for the next new thing, the Dan Adams Band roots its appeal in classic country.

Classic country is typically characterized by its storytelling lyrics that tell stories so descriptively the events unfold seamlessly in your mind.

Influenced by country greats like Garth Brooks, George Strait, their traditional country sound hits all the nostalgic notes. It has that familiar country twang, those rockabilly undertones, and of course those age-old commanding lead vocals that have a way of drawing you in and playing your emotions.

Dan Adams says, “The greatest moment comes during a set when the band is really hitting it off collectively, and the crowd starts to sing along with you. That crowd interaction is ultimate.”

To fully achieve that moment has traditionally been a battle for independent artists. Getting discovered, getting signed onto a record label, releasing an album, then going on tour was always the way it was done, but now home studios and laptop rigs enable musicians to publicize their music with ease. This also makes things like the choice of gig venue and overall look an increasingly important part of their art.

This is part of the reason the Dan Adams band has decided to relocate to this area from Nashville. The unique feel of Texas venues paired with the state’s deep roots in country music make it a great place for their style of music. So many people in cities across Central Texas harbor a love for original, live music.

There’s something really special about sharing a song they wrote on a warm summer night at a venue exposed to the stars among the Texas live oaks. It’s like a very intimate storytelling session of sorts.

Their lyrics are particularly special, capturing the spirit of Central Texas as they so creatively relate to real life experiences and relationships inspired by their view of the world around them.

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danadamsband

/DanAdamsBand | By Heather Yzaguirre | Photo Eric Morales |

L I V E G R E AT

With a classic country style, The Dan Adams Band found their mojo in Central Texas.

LIVE RETREAT

A P P LY TO DAY & S AV E $1 5 0 W I T H Z E R O D E P OS I T

close to campus • roommate matching available • resort-style pool • fitness center • media room private bedrooms & bathrooms • unique townhome floor plans • furnished or unfurnished available

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| By Jordan Gass-Poore |

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Flip over to SMTX

From PADDLING ACROSS THE LONE STAR STATE To WATCHING AN EXPERIMENTAL RIVER DOCUMENTARY To “SQUARE DANCING” ALL OVER DOWNTOWN Plus HOW THE STREETS GOT THEIR NAMES PAGE 12

AUGUST | 2014

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Experience is the best medicine.

Not all ERs are alike.

Urgent care, new and free-standing facilities don’t always have the experience, technology and treatment options to intervene in true emergencies. Central Texas Medical Center’s Emergency Services provide you with the diagnostic technology and the expertise of more than 400 physicians and clinicians who manage emergencies every day.

Emergency Services

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SM TX | TIDBITS

Texas is home to some of the fastest growing cities in America, and paddling--canoe or kayak--is the fastest growing outdoor sport in the country.

Paddling Texas is a guide for those who are new to either and all those who love both. Featured trips offer easy access, secure environments, good facilities, great fishing, superb wildlife viewing and beautiful scenery.

Get Paddling

Shane Townsend, senior advisor with The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University, has

authored Paddling Texas: A Guide to the State’s Best Paddling Routes, the newest addition to Falcon Guides’ popular paddling series.

Paddling Texas gives recreational paddlers and anglers all the information they’ll need to paddle many of the best trips in Texas, from the canyons of Big Bend National Park to the cypress swamps of Pine Island Bayou.

Central Texas highlights of the book include the Comal River, argued to be the shortest river in the world, and the four-day, 260-mile route of the Texas

Water Safari, which Canoe & Kayak Magazine referred to as “The World’s Toughest Canoe Race.”

Townsend has hiked the Andes, fished with machetes in the Amazon basin, and paddled dugout canoes deep within Southeast Asia’s Ring of Fire. He is a lifelong outdoorsman and a former Peace Corps volunteer.

His writing has appeared in Field & Stream, USA Today Hunt & Fish, GAFF Magazine, Canoe & Kayak and Native Peoples, among others.

The Robots Will Save Us Since becoming the first hospital between Austin and San Antonio to offer the faster, safer, robotically assisted procedures in 2012, The Central Texas Medical Center (CTMC) has grown its program to record performance in the device’s history.

program grew faster and more diverse in specialties and procedures than any other previous da Vinci start-up site. To date, more than 700 patients have benefitted from faster healing, less pain and little-to-no scarring after surgery, thanks to CTMC’s da Vinci program.

“We love San Marcos,” said Miriam McCoy. “We feel so fortunate to have a hospital right here in town and felt this is the best way to help the hospital that has been so good to our family and community.” CMTC received a $1.2 million gift from the McCoy Foundation in support of the purchase of a second da Vinci robotic surgical system.

“A thriving hospital is a major economic driver in whichever community it resides.

CTMC’s growth and success helps propel San Marcos’ growth and success.

Hospital success helps drive new, quality jobs with good salaries and benefits, helps attract more specialty physicians to move here and helps us continue developing and expanding services to meet the needs of our rapidly growing and competitive market,” said Clay DeStefano, director of public relations

According to Initiative Surgical, da Vinci’s corporate parent, CTMC’s da Vinci

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and marketing for CTMC. This $1.2 million gift is the largest in CTMC’s history. Since the creation of the CTMC Foundation in 1982, Emmett and the rest of the McCoy family have helped lead and fund major capital campaigns for CTMC. In fact, it was Emmett and Miriam’s leadership that helped raise the $800,000 to fund the original CTMC structure on Wonder World Drive in 1983.

“We are so grateful to the McCoy family for this amazing gift and gesture,” said DeStefano. “The timing of it is crucial in terms of CTMC’s and San Marcos’ continued health and well-being.”

JUNE/JULY | 2014

A Word From Our Readers

Blend and Tube Doing its best to live up to the name,The Coolest Cooler, the Frankensteinian creation of Portlander Ryan Grepper, promises to be everything you ever wanted or needed in a cooler.

Touted as “60 quarts of awesome” on its campaign page, this device now has a space for a knife and cutting board, so bystanders can either rejoice in the fact that its users may push back drunk o’ clock by eating, or worry that they may be in harm’s way. It also comes equipped with waterproof wireless speakers and a built in 18-volt battery-powered rechargeable blender.

More than 30,000 Kickstarter backers aren’t afraid to show their support of the Coolest Cooler. At the time of publication, more than $6 million has been raised. Right now the Coolest Cooler is a prototype, but those pledging at least $185 are promised one for less than the estimated retail price.

In your segment In Case of Emergency San Marcos Finest, I was saddened to see that you did not mention one of the groups that make up the emergency response team. You did articles on Police, Fire, Swat, and even a section on a response Tahoe, however you did not even mention the group that is responsible for a major part of emergency calls. You failed to include Emergency Medical Services. You covered who will come put out the house fire or cut you out of your car in an accident. You covered who will come to help you when the law has been broken and you need protection. You completely forgot about the people who come when you are sick or injured. The people who can restart your heart, help you breathe, deliver your baby on the side of the road. The people who take you to the hospital when you can not take yourself. EMS is often over looked, until you need us.

We hold a very important job. Next time that you do an article on emergency response teams please don’t forget about EMS. We work very hard as well.

- Amanda ------------------------------------------------------------Just read your June/July issue of SMTX. Great issue!

Unfortunately, I missed the article on another, most important service; San Marcos Hays County EMS. They seem to have been overlooked. We see the ambulances, around town, running to the sick or injured.

Probably even a few folks that might not be alive today had our EMS service not been there. I speak from experience!!!

Check out how it all works coolestkickstarter.com

- Jon Write Us: smtxmagazine@gmail.com @smtxmag

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SM TX | SO SAN MARCOS

“SQUARE DANCING” Ever since the second downtown watering-hole opened, “Square Dancing” has been an vital part of San Marcos social life. Known more commonly as bar-hopping, Square Dancing offers a uniquely intimate experience moving from bar to bar in close proximity.

Spending a least one night a week downtown is common for many, but changes in frequency occur due to special events, parties and the occasional festival.

GROUPS Just like the actual dance, square dancing is about a company of people – eight being the standard – moving about simultaneously. The best groups generally coordinate in such a way that all the members move in the same direction downtown, at the same time.

REPERTOIRE

Solid groups perform together. For example, when it comes to taking shots, everyone in the group is present. Why? Unity! People tend to scatter when entering a bar; the call for a shot will get the group back in step.

As the night goes on, losses are inevitable. Members will make maneuvers that lead them away from the group.

Accept it gracefully. Someone will hook up, get lost, or fall victim to drinking inexperience. Regroup and keep moving.

Square Dancing and pub crawling are two very different things. A pub crawl is a predetermined event where you know beforehand exactly which pubs you’re visiting. While some fall into the monotony of repetition, Square Dancing, in its purest form, is a freewheeling spectacle that knows not where it goes. It just knows it’s going – moving fast and frequently.

CUT-IN Sometimes sensing your groups insatiable quest for good times, individuals and even members of other groups will want to join you.

Let them! Absorb their strengths and learn new moves, making each square dance a difference experience.

FITNESS An evening of Square Dancing provides exercise and fun to thousands.

Many receive a solid work out without even realizing it.

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“Calls.” This refers to the cues given to the group signaling a time to gather or move on. The longer you stay in one place, the less likely you are to leave. And while there’s nothing wrong with that, it’s not square dancing. Tempo is important; forty-five minutes at each bar is clutch.

DOSEY DOE

ONE MORE THING

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CALLS A good night has many

| By Brodie Corinth | Illustration Devin Glenn |

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An Experimental Documentary In an age where large parts of the world live in stacked cubicles and squeeze into small pockets grey concrete slabs, the San Marcos River is a rare paradise of visual beauty.

It’s the central nerve to a subculture of unique cast and characters distinctive only to San Marcos, who when capture on film, are perfect for the big screen.

“The biggest and most important challenge of all was to get on film things that were rarely seen.”

LtoR - fellow filmmaker Zack Godshall, with Jillian Hall and Paul Collins (Yakona producers).

This area is widely acknowledged by experts to be one of the longest continually inhabited areas in North America.

When other parts of Texas remain dry, the river fuels the fastest growing metropolis in the United States. It’s an ideal metaphor for the life of growth and change even when it “yearns to remain unchanged despite

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everything that is changing around it.”

Capturing the rich life of a river which contains over 200 natural springs and remains home to endangered species like the Texas Blind Salamander, the Cascade Caverns Salamander, the Dryopid Beetle is was not an easy feat for any filmmaker.

Winner of 2014 SXSW -Audience Choice Award

“Yakona” is an experimental documentary. In the nearly 4 years since the filmmakers and Texas State graduates, Anlo Sepulveda, and Paul Collins, set out to tell the tale of the San Marcos River, they have achieved enormous goals.

Since completing the film and opening to three sold out world premiere screenings at SXSW film fest,

they have received critical acclaim by critics from New York to Los Angeles who raved about Yakona’s ability to capture raw beauty and human emotion without so much as a single line of narrative.

The duo is currently making rounds at film festivals around the country and collecting awards for best cinematography along the way. A remarkable feat for

| By Heather Yzaguirre | Photos Paul Collins |

Yakona uses unusual cinematography techniques to give the river a voice. A primary focus was making the camera Experimental cinema uses the basic itself a medium, not narration, to elements of film like cinematography, fully give perspective to the river and sound, music and editing to create show its relationship with humans. a piece of purely aesthetic art. It’s a delicate process to use these to evoke The resulting images are inspirational audience emotion; however, it proved visions of positivity, hope, and magical honesty. to be the perfect tool for telling this particular story.

Its method of storytelling is a visual exploration in lieu of a narrator reciting The experimental format was somea list of things you should know about thing the directors decided to take on the San Marcos River. The film dives for several reasons. One being the into the river and lets you see as if you voice they wanted the film to have.

Using this kind of format gives viewers yourself were swimming in it. a chance to more freely interpret the It shows you the constant force of the things that they see, ultimately giving water sprouting up through the sand it a much stronger emotional impact. in little spouts. It gives us intimate The river’s versatility is a big part of glimpses of rare salamanders clingthe significance and beauty of why it’s remained a centerpiece of Central ing to greenery, alligator gar floating along languidly, and small battles Texas. fought each day under the calm waters The other major incentive to using this among animals: primarily ducks and turtles. type of format is the current state of the film industry. Collins and Sepulveda knew that to stand out in the The two hour film is made from over increasingly competitive independent 300 hours of footage. A large part of film scene there had to be something the process was showing up consisreally unique or controversial about tently and being in tune with what was their work. going on underwater in the river. an experimental documentary.

In a scene with a gar, a rare sighting along many parts of the river, the mesmerizing creature ever so leisurely glides along seemingly not even aware that it is being filmed. Collins, who filmed that particular segment, described the experience as one of the most intense moments of the entire film for him.

Using a rather wide lens for this sequence, he was actually quite close to the gar, which he said allowed him to trail closely behind for quite a while.

It’s these moments that independent filmmakers live for, and ones that only patience and persistence provide.

Of course like anything worth doing, this film was laden with challenges: using underwater equipment, working with natural constraints like light and weather, filming skittish animals in their natural habitat.

Despite those natural challenges the biggest and most important challenge of all was to get on film things that were rarely seen, but not just film them, but to capture them in a way that also carries the weight of their significance.

LI G H TS, CA M ER A , ACTIO N F I L M M A K E RS For the two directors, who both relocated to San Marcos to attend Texas State, this independent film project, like most, began as a pipedream.

Canada describes moving to San Marcos as a kind of rediscovery of that childhood wonder of exploring and discovering new things while being surrounded by nature.

To finance the project, they surpassed their Kickstarter campaign goal by $3,000, raising an impressive $43,000 budget.

He and Anlo Sepulveda, originally from Austin, saw the river’s importance in the community as something really unique only to San Marcos. The goal from the start was to showcase that intricate beauty.

Paul Collins, born in Vancouver,

O L D RIVER AMUS EMEN T

AWARD WIN N IN G FIL M

Although long since closed, the film also features glimpses into the past.

Viewers are reminded of the swimming pigs and underwater mermaids at Aquarena Springs Amusement Park through a dramatic scene capturing the removal of the park’s once bustling underwater theater.

Winner of Best Cinematography at the Rainier Independent Film Festival, Grand Jury Feature Documentary & Muybridge Filmmaking Award at Oak Cliff Film Festival, and the highly sought Audience Choice Award in the Visions Category

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How Streets Got Their Names

Perhaps the ultimate compliment to one’s legacy is having a street named in one’s honor. There is no escaping it, the names on which contributed to the San Marcos of today are around every corner, guarding every turn—guiding us, hopefully in the right direction, down a one-way street.

EDWARD GARY This once quiet downtown street will become unrecognizable in the next few years with high-rise apartments and urbanization.

Within the first 24 hours of World War II—shortly following President Roosevelt’s declaration of war against Japan and their allies, Germany and Italy—news about the late Lt. Arthur Edward Gary, the community’s first wartime casualty, hits the home-front sooner than expected.

In remembrance of the city’s first soldier killed in WWII action, the San Marcos Air Force Base was renamed the “Gary Air Force Base” on May 10, 1953 until the base’s essential closure a decade later.

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Soon after his re-election, on Nov. 20, 1964, President Johnson announced the assembly of a Job Corps facility in place of the abandoned base. What had been “Camp Gary” would soon become the “Gary Job Corps Center” — offering 2,200 men and women training in 26 different trades.

SESSOM

Besides the bleak

A hilly and winding San Marcos favorite. To the novice driver, it can be as scary as it is beautiful.

Not much is known about Michael Sessom’s origins before he made his way to Texas in 1822. But sometime after the Tennesseenative arrived in the San Marcos River valley, the former Texas Ranger served as an interpreter

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in the Spy Company commanded

by Captain Thomas G. McGehee during the Texas Revolution and was a Spanish language-translator between Texians and Mexicans, as well as between Native Americans and whites.

Once his military career officially came to a close, Sessom would go on to become the community’s first blacksmith after settling down with his wife, Elizabeth, along the river bottom. His shop was located about one block north of where the county courthouse sits today.

However, the legend behind Sessom extends beyond living a long and fruitful life. Years before his death, the Sessoms’ youngest son David, a news dispatcher for the Confederate Army, was captured and murdered after a cedarchopper named Mayes sold him

out for being a rumored Union Army spy. From there, torn between sorrow and rage, Sessom took matters into his own hands—an act he admitted to while in his final hours.

Hiding out in the brush just shy of morning light, Sessom waited outside of the man’s camp who sold his son out and shot Mayes in the chest while he lit his morning fire.

Native Americans were blamed for the murder.

LBJ Dr It used to run directly through the TXST campus but, the quad got a little crowded for street traffic.

For obvious reasons, naming a street and dedicating a museum after Texas State alum Lyndon Baines Johnson, the 36th President of the United States, is perhaps the least the city could do in commemoration for what his livelihood left behind with both the university and community.

As a matter of fact, Johnson was the first recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the TXST Alumni Association in 1959. A few years later on Nov. 22, 1963,

| By Xander Peters | Illustration Will Bowling |

/ HW

Johnson went from distinguished alum and modest politician to the leader of the free world as he took the oath of office aboard Air Force One, as its four engines powered up for takeoff in light of President Kennedy’s assassination earlier that afternoon.

Though, Americans will always pick and choose which legacy to remember Johnson by when it comes to his presidency—whether that be his signature legislations, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Great Society program, or the perhaps preventable landslide into the Vietnam War while upholding President Kennedy’s promise to preserve the South Vietnamese government.

Regardless of politics, Lyndon Baines Johnson still remains the only U.S. President to graduate from any university in the Lone Star State.

BURLESON The street is home to many 100+ year old homes, running through the historic district.

In 1848, State Sen. Edward Burleson—just a few years shy of when he, Merriman and Lindsey laid out the community surrounding the Rio de San Marcos—sponsored a bill while serving in the Texas Senate to establish Hays County, making San Marcos the county seat. He even donated his own previously purchased land for the courthouse to be built upon.

As a teenager, the North Carolina-native served as a private in the War of 1812. In the years leading up to 1841—before Burleson was elected as vice president of the Republic of Texas under Mirabeau B. Lamar—the soldier earned his way through the ranks, and achieved numerous accolades such as a slew of raids against the Comanches and Cherokees, as well as commanding the First Regiment at the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836. Once the skirmish ended, Burleson met Mexican General Juan N. Almonte to accept the leader’s sword and the Mexican Army’s surrender.

After an unsuccessful bid for the republic’s presidency against Anson Jones in 1844, Burleson was elected senator from the 15th District in the First Legislature of the State of Texas the following year, and was unanimously elected president pro tem, too.

HUTCHISON Like much of downtown, this road is getting a big facelift. The unassuming street will soon be a welcoming walkway for curious visitors and locals.

If it were not for the actions of Major William O. Hutchison (sometimes spelt “Hutchinson”), then the Hays County seat may have moved to Cannonville while San Marcos was still in its nubility. Before Hutchison earned his local prominence as one of the county’s most accomplished early day lawyers,

he served as a Major in the 32nd Texas Cavalry for the Confederate Army, during the Civil War. Once Hutchison’s lengthy legal career was in the wraps, he was eventually elected to the Texas State Senate as a representative of the Populist Party (otherwise known as the People’s Party), a political rarity at the time. His platform spoke for the poor farmers throughout the South and sought for a radical form of agrarianism and hostility to banks, railroads and elites in general—or the Party in its entirety stood for those exact representations, at least.

Like the Populist Party just shy of the turn of the twentieth century, though, Hutchison’s health faded.

He was buried on Valentine’s Day 1900.

LINDSEY Running parallel to Burleson and Hutchison, the old historic neighborhoods are worth admiring on a Sunday afternoon.

Born on May 17, 1801 in Jefferson County, Georgia, William F. Lindsey began his livelihood as a farmer and gold prospector before uprooting his family for the Lone Star state in 1836. Soon after, the prospector met Robert Trimble, eventually leading the professional duo to Galveston Island as surveyors under the authority of the Congress of the Republic of Texas.

But by the summer of 1839, following a relocation to San Antonio the previous year, the 38-yearold, silver-tongued Lindsey—who, by then, was the Bexar County surveyor—sought out Maria Veramendi, the inherent of the land surrounding the Rio de San Marcos, for the sake of a business proposition.

At the time, the heiress had yet to see the lush slab of nature left by her late father (the city’s future site), and a deal was easily agreed upon between Lindsey and Veramendi’s husband, Rafael Garza.

Only a year later, a San Antonian named Nathaniel Lewis bought Veramendi and her husband’s share—resulting in an eventual sale of Lewis’ newly acquired portion to Edward Burleson and Dr. Eli T. Merriman in 1845. From this point on, three of the most prominent figures in San Marcos’ early history began to officially collaborate together while raising the settlement’s frame.

On Nov. 16, 1852—not even a decade into the community’s existence—Lindsey died at the age of 51 and was buried in a local cemetery.

CHARLES AUSTIN

As his personal website states, Charles Austin “has achieved a level of success of which most people can only dream.” On top of his gold medal finish in the high jump competition during the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, Austin still maintains the American and Olympic high jump record, two World Championships and nine winning accolades for national track and field competition. That being said, it’s hard to argue the point that a better athlete has ever walked Texas State’s campus than Austin. Especially considering the adversity he faced while struggling during his first few years competing in the NCAA. By his senior year at SWT, Austin had already surpassed all of the university’s high jump records, won the NCAA Outdoor Championship and was ranked as the leading college high jumper in the nation—all while earning his degree in business administration before graduating in 1991.

San Marcos still remains a place to call home for Austin, his wife and their three sons. To boot, he owns So High Sports and Fitness—where he is always looking to use “discipline, self-motivation, dedication and knowledge to help create a positive and rewarding lifestyle for others.”

HOPKINS Once, the main thoroughfare to the Hill Country, it’s home to the majority of nightlife downtown and the epicenter for Mardi Gras On The Square.

Desmond Pulaski Hopkins was a jack of several trades: a county official and city councilman, lieutenant in the Texas Cavalry, Hays County district clerk, county commissioner and an amateur historian.

Hopkins originally found his way into San Marcos in June 1855. In reference to his early venture into the community, Hopkins is quoted saying, “Owing to my good looks, I soon obtained a job (in town)—eight dollars a month with board and washing. A job and board and washing always went together.”

While holding these various positions, he would also contribute an array of articles on Texas history to several local newspapers, Dallas Herald and San Antonio Express. On Jan. 13, 1918, the San Antonio Express published his diary from 1862, while serving as a Confederate soldier.

Though, in tune with Hopkins’ gift for gab, he developed a sense of wisdom recognized by those around him in his later years. Upon retiring, he said, “I also ‘blowed’ in the brass band three years, but I don’t blow any more.” For Hopkins, the parade was over.

It cuts through the heart of TXST Athletics, connecting Hopkins & Aquarena. Best used for tailgating during baseball games.

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“We [San Marcos] like to party with pretention, abandon and on the move. The best events aren’t committed to one location, but instead allow you to see and experience several spots and atmospheres.”

SMHS GRADUATE AND PROUD R AT TLER , FORMER TEX AS ROLLER DERBY MVP, AX-THROWING CHAMPION (WHILE 9 MONTHS PREGNANT) AND NOW, PROTECTOR OF A GO ODTIMES AND ‘WHAT NOW ” TO D O IN D OWNTOWN SAN MARC OS.

The City of San Marcos’ Main Street Program Manager, Samantha Armbruster, aims to keep the future of downtown events vibrant and exciting.

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| By Jordan Gass-Poore | Photos Eric Morales |

If San Marcos were a party, what kind would it be?

I think of San Marcos as the beachiest town in Central Texas and beach life is following the “what now” lifestyle.

You float the river, meet some new friends on the way then ask each other “what now?”

That leads to a meal and some drinks downtown and the “what now” question continues til you end up at some spontaneous rager having the time of your life still wearing your swimsuit.

Roller Derby TV Star?

Please tell us more.

I skated as ‘Chola’ for the Putas del Fuego from 2002-2008.

I was featured in the reality show “Rollergirls” on A&E for a bit which was a trip. I started when our league was the only all-girl roller derby league and now there are hundreds all over the world. It was an exciting time in my life and taught me as much about business, leadership and media than I learned in college.

What is the best part of your job?

Taking in the creativity and passion of the community and local business owners and making it happen. It’s also a dream come true to get the chance to promote a place I love and that’s dear to my heart as a career.

So, what is the number one draw to downtown?

Downtown is the #2 visited spot in San Marcos. It’s not one business but the collec-

tive experience that makes us such a draw. And while it’s not there quite yet, the City has put priority in creating a liveable and walkable environment downtown that we know aligns with how the next generation wants to live.

Downtown San Marcos has the opportunity to be the urban center near amazing greenspace and we are on our way How do you see the future of downtown San Marcos?

Crowded sidewalks, bustling bike lanes, commuter rail and a zip line from Old Main to the Courthouse lawn.

Ok, maybe not the zip line but a girl can dream.

ideas and gabbing than questions, but everyone is always interested in learning about what new businesses are moving in.

Speaking of businesses downtown, what is the best part about the construction?

Seeing the strength and positivity of our businesses throughout the process, the unexpected treasures found along the way; for example, a horseshoe found under the sidewalk in front of SM Hair Company.   What was life like growing up San Marcos?

“Addicted is a strong word; I’d like to think of my use as recreational, lol.”

The Wine & Wassail Walk this November, how much wine and walking are we talking?

We are talking at least 16 stops and as much walking as you feel up to before jumping on the horse drawn carriage for a historic tour to the next stop.

How happy do large crowds make you?

I love large attendance to events but I only like large crowds on dance floors. I like parties and events that have room to roam and chill out.

During Main Street’s Coffee Talks, what is the most popular question asked?

Coffee talks are more about

Ideal, although I didn’t know it then. I grew up a river rat in a community where everyone knew each other and where ‘strange’ was tolerated and sometimes celebrated. We were free range kids.

Why the University of West Florida?

My senior year, I was full of teenage angst and ready to get as far as I could from my hometown. But of course, I had educational priorities so it had to be near the beach.

What is the history of Social Media Sisters and where did you come up with that name?

I started the business in Northern California with a friend, and it fit the culture up there. Everyone is a sister/ brother, and the business was for small business so we wanted to make it personal.

What brought you back to San Marcos?

After living in Florida, Austin and Northern California I couldn’t imagine raising my daughter anywhere else. I believe any kid who grows up in a place where they can dive under water with their eyes open and see to the bottom will have a different outlook on life and that’s what I want for my Dottie.

So...how addicted to the Square are you?

Addicted is a strong word; I’d like to think of my use as recreational, lol. That said, I will admit I think about downtown more than my home, and it’s the first place I think of when I want to drink, eat or shop.

What is your favorite memory of downtown?

This moment!

Kelly Franks ran the Main Street Program for 25 years.

On her last day, Mrs. Franks rang back in the tradition of the Great Old Bell in front of the Courthouse.

I’m a sucker for traditions and love that this one dates back to the early 1900’s. This day and the ringing of the bell signified a passing of torches from her leadership to mine and realized a dream come true for me.

The bell rings 6 times M-F at 5pm to mark the end of the work day and to welcome staff and customers to downtown for the evening.

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STAYING IN STYLE “They” say accommodations can effect a visitors overall experience by more than 50%, and when you think about it, it’s probably true. When it comes down to price or comfort, it’s amazing how much the needle on your enjoyment meter moves when choosing the later.

TIKI COTTAGES MY NEW BRAUNFELS VACATION The highly rated, My New Braunfels Vacation, is a rental company heralded for making you feel like you’ve made an escape from the real world.

The short drive to New Braunfels never gets in the way of locals having a good time, as far as most who live in Central Texas are concerned, 30 miles in any direction feels like home.

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Located on a gorgeous stretch of the Guadalupe River with crystal waters and lush greenery, these brand new Tiki cottages are equipped with full kitchens, balconies, fire pit, grilling station, outdoor television, outdoor speakers, and spectacular river views.

Summer is the busy season so savvy vacationers take advantage of discounted rates in the fall and winter.

THE BENEFITS: Great for a few friends, or rent all four cottages and make it a party. mynewbraunfelsvacation.com

(830) 515-4142

| By Heather Yzaguirre | Photos Eric Morales |

CHARMING B&B’S CRYSTAL RIVER INN - BED & BREAKFAST There are several wonderful bed and breakfast options in San Marcos.

Originally built in 1883, the Crystal River Inn has a vintage high-end country chic feel, with in-room amenities like fireplaces, canopied beds and horsedrawn carriage rides. It has a very quaint, right at home feel to it, so you can check out the town, float the river or just stick around for an afternoon tea.

They’re famous for their murder mystery weekends, which include a full weekend packed with truly “San Marcos” events: tubing, glass bottom boat tours, hay rides and candlelit cave walks. It also consists of an ongoing murder mystery, where each guest plays a costumed character (costume provided) complete with a clue hunt through town.

THE BENEFITS: Great for wedding, events and spa services. crystalriverinn.com (888) 396-3739

RIVER CABINS VRBO ON THE RIVER What could be a more perfect place to stay in San Marcos than a river house?

With huge yards, private decks that go right into the river, all the modern amenities you would have at your home, and even some toys like canoes, kayaks and tubes...what’s not to love?

Rental houses located right on the lush riverbed of the San Marcos River offer spectacular private access for you and your guests.

Although it may have the secluded woods feel, many are mere blocks from downtown San Marcos, truly giving you the best of both worlds.

THE BENEFITS: Great for access to the San Marcos River with a dock, ability to easily launch canoes, kayaks and tubes on acre under a canopy of pecan trees. vrbo.com #485405 (310) 940-6722

This massive two story 2,000 sq ft house with three bedrooms and 3 bathrooms is a great place to come with a group of friends for a weekend escape.

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BRAND SPANKING NEW ROOMS COURTYARD MARRIOTT

THE BENEFITS: Great for walking to your favorite downtown nightlife spot on the square. vrbo.com #503836 (512) 947-8100

DOWNTOWN LOFT VRBO ON THE SQUARE

Looking for a place that will put you in the center of the San Marcos nightlife? With no hotels in the downtown area, Vacation Rentals By Owner (VRBO) offers visitors the chance to stay places they might not ever have thought possible.

This 850 sq ft 2 bed 2 bath vacation

rental located right above Sean Patrick’s Irish Pub puts guests right on the Square, with the river still just a stone’s throw away. With modern appliances, hard wood floors, exposed brick on the walls, and all the amenities you would have at your own home, this is a great mix of everything for a fun filled, exciting visit, in an historic building.

San Marcos is going through a bit of a hotel boom. In the next couple of years, hundreds of brand new upscale rooms will be available to visitors.

Just opened is the swanky new Courtyard Marriott across from the outlet malls. The room’s lighting and AC work directly with your room key and can set to anticipate your return, making for a comfortable entrance.

Downstairs there is a Starbucks, glass fire pit and many other high quality amenities aimed to make guests’ stays that much better.

THE BENEFITS: Great for flat screens in every room and common areas worth hanging out in. marriott.com (512) 359-7550

It’s Time To Float No Lines No Waiting At TX State Tubes you park and get in the river! Just turn right off Hwy 80 onto County Rd 101, and go till you see the sign!

texasstatetubes.com

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Hill Top Cafe

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While the city’s population continues to positively flux, history is always in the making. Now may be the best time to learn about who, where, when and what moments shaped our culture. | By Xander Peters |

| Photo Courtesy Andy Heatwole, smtxphotos.com |

#1

The San Marcos River In The Beginning....

No real timeline on when the river started, but as rivers do over time, it has shaped life in this town from the most rare to the hipsters and college students who race to this place to dip their toes in this river that shapes their life as well as this city.

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#2.

First Home Approximately 12,000 years ago According to evidence found during an underwater archeological dig conducted by Dr. Joel Shiner of Southern Methodist University, a prehistoric Paleo-Indian culture named the Clovis Man were the city’s very first locals—making San Marcos one of the earliest sites of human habitation.

#5. Drink UP In 1847

Michael D. Faylor opens the town’s first tavern, Faylor’s Tavern, where Valentino’s Pizza Parlor is located today. On top of Faylor being the man responsible for bringing the first saloon to the Square, he was also the first county treasurer.

#3. Name It

#4. Rough Life 1808-1812 Spanish colonizer Felipe Roque de la Portilla and a small group from Mexico settle what they would coin “Villa de San Marcos de Neve.”

Their utopia along the river began to unravel only 18 months into the settlement when frequent raids by the Tancahuas Comanches would steal their livestock—and what the they didn’t get, the wolves did.

With crops not producing, 75% of their livestock lost, and the colonizer deep in debt, Portilla, along with his followers, abandoned the settlement only a few years later.

FIRST TRY

1845 All three founders—Burleson, Lindsey and Merriman—have officially acquired the Veramendi land, and set aside a 640-acre section of the grant in order to lay out the town’s center about a mile southwest of the river’s headwaters.

#9. Railed

Decade leading up to 1881

April 25, 1689 The Spaniard Alonso de Leon helps blaze the Camino Real (what would come to be known as the Old San Antonio Road) while leading an expedition from Mexico to establish missions throughout Texas. In honor of the Catholic tradition of Feast Day, the river was dubbed the “San Marcos” after St. Mark the Evangelist, one of the seventy disciples.

#8.

SIM City

#6. Texas Official

The InternationalGreat Northern Railroad becomes a staple for continuing growth within San Marcos, increasing both commerce and transportation.

March 1, 1848

Thanks to settlers like Edward Burleson, Eli T. Merriman and William Lindsey, the Texas Legislature officially recognizes our nubile community of 387 residents as the Hays County seat.

#7. Dam It! Throughout 1849

Burleson constructs a dam on the upper reaches of the San Marcos River. The same dam would go on to power several of his mills, including one which was located within present-day Sewell Park, pushing the city further into the middle as a centerpiece for local agriculture.

#10. Keep San Marcos Beautiful April 4, 1888

Citizen Tom Cade petitions the city to appropriate money to keep the river clean for, what he claimed as, “the benefit of visitors and the healthfulness of citizens.”

TAKING CARE OF THE RIVER

Within a week, after collecting “quite a lot of citizen’s” signatures, Cade won a $200 annual contract to keep the river clear of all limbs and debris.

#11.

ScandalousFIRST News March 21, 1891 Colonel George H. Snyder—the Georgianative responsible for founding Hays County’s first newspaper, The Pioneer—is convicted of murder, according to an article written by the New York Times.

It seems as though Snyder flew off the handle one day upon returning home. But instead of cooling down, he shoots his wife in cold blood— taking her life in front of their two sons as a result.

#12.

Spelunking Sometime in 1893

According to legend, Mark Bevers discovers the Wonder World Caves and names it Bevers Cave, using it to hide his illicit distilling and gambling enterprises.

In 1903, W.S. Davis acquires the property and he begins giving the first tours by candlelight.

For the price of $50 and a gray horse, A.B. Rogers buys the cave and develops it to have paths, handrails and lighting.

Today, the cave still maintains the 72 degree temperature, as well as accommodates over 100,000 tourists annually.

Cave for $50 and a horse

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#13. Teachers College

Did

1899

you KNow

As the demand for public school teachers in Texas continues to grow, the Southwest Texas State Normal School is chartered.

#18. No Sexy Allowed Sept. 7, 1921

City Council passes an ordinance pushing “to define and punish flirting in a public place, or any rude attention on the part of any male person in the City of San Marcos, towards any female person therein.”

#19. Amusement Early in 1926

BOKO circa 1970s

#14. Hillviews Fall 1903

The ornament on top of San Marcos’ tree, a red-gabled Victorian Gothic building now called Old Main, opens its doors to about 300 students.

#15. Jazzy

#17. Go BOBCATS! 1920

A.B. Rogers, purchases the Spring Lake property and later opens the Spring Lake Hotel and Golf Course in 1929 which features a water trolley, a water slide, a spinning top and an elevator-like diving bell that actually submerges below the water's surface for sight seeing purposes. The hotel would close during the Great Depression and became a hospital during the second World War before becoming Brown School.

Aquarena Springs would later be developed as a tourist attraction by Paul Rogers, though. His idea offered canvas topped rowboats and the first submarine theatre (in 1950-51). By 1969, once "Ralph" the swimming pig makes his first "swine dive" in the lake, Aquarena Springs becomes the most attractive destination for tourists across the state.

In 1919, once Oscar “Oskie” Strahan becomes the new athletic director for the then Southwest Texas State Normal School, he pushes for a gym and an athletics mascot.

The then College Star newspaper initiates an editorial campaign for a name, and from there, the Student Council appoints a committee.

Aug. 19, 1906 “Eddie” Durham, who later became known as the professional jazz musician Eddie Durham, is born in San Marcos.

#16. Educate Fall 1907 The local educational industry grows as the San Marcos Baptist Academy is established.

Once a “Bobcat” is decided upon, Strahan is noted as saying how “a bobcat will fight you with everything he has: with four claws, teeth, speed and brains.”

The new name brings a run of luck as the first football squad underneath the new bobcat mascot rolls over all seven of their opponents that season. The football team would not go undefeated again until 1963.

Over time, five separate live bobcat mascots have represented the university. In a Nov. 3, 1955 edition of the school’s newspaper, it is reported that “Bashful Bob,” the first live mascot, was caught five miles north of town in 1922.

While throughout the 1960s, a live bobcat is kept in a cage in the Quad area near Evans Auditorium before being transferred to the Waco Zoo for animal rights reasons.

Texas State was the sole user of the “bobcat” mascot moniker for almost a decade until Montana State adopted the name.

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SmTX On the map

#20. Cartoons

cival Rights

Sept. 28, 1933

Later renown gag cartoonist Charles Barsotti is born in San Marcos.

Barsotti was the cartoon editor of The Saturday Evening Post and had been a staff cartoonist at The New Yorker since 1970. His work also appeared in Playboy, Punch and Fast Company, among other publications.

#31. Top Pick May 4, 1964

#21. In The Airforce

Aug. 25, 1943

#26. Being Civil July 2, 1964

The San Marcos Army Air Field (later renamed the Gary Air Force Base in honor of the late Lieutenant Arthur Edward Gary in 1953) opens just east of town.

Over 10,000 navigators receive their training at the base during World War II—and in the following years, it would become the largest training center of Air Force and Army helicopter pilots and mechanics in the country.

Via the signature of university’s most notable alum, The Johnson administration enacts the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a renown piece of landmark legislation outlawing discrimination based on race, religion, sex or national origin.

Last month the bill celebrated it’s 50th anniversary - we paid tribute with a feature story in the June/July 2014 issue.

Read More bobcatfans.com

Terri Hendrix, an awardwinning folk musician and songwriter, is born in San Marcos. She won a GRAMMY Award for Best Country Instrumental Performance, 2002, for co-writing the Dixie Chicks song “Lil’ Jack Slade.”

In 1946

“Froggy” Sewell’s efforts to form one of the university’s most definitive qualities, Sewell Park, the eastern end of campus (originally Riverside Park) is dubbed in his honor.

#23. On The Job

Dec. 15, 1956

The Gary Air Force Base (or Camp Gary) permanently closes. On 20 November 1964, President Johnson announced the abandoned Camp Gary would be used as a Job Corps facility.

#24. Author May 1958

Tomas Rivera, internationally known Chicano author who set the standard for contemporary Mexican-American literature, graduates from Southwest Texas State.

#32. Hendrix Feb. 13, 1968

#22. Bikini Hill

In commemoration to Dr. S.M.

The Philadelphia 76ers select Lucious Jackson, a San Marcosnative and basketball star, as the first overall draft pick leading up to the 1964-1965 season.

Jackson, who stood at 6’9” and averaged 14.8 points per game in his rookie year, would go on to play in the NBA’s All-Star game that same season, as well as take home the World Championship title under Coach Wilt Chamberlain in 1967.

#27. President On Campus Nov. 8, 1965

As part of President Johnson’s domestic agenda, he signs the Higher Education Act—giving a sincere nod to his alma mater by signing the bill on the university’s campus.

#28. Learning Factory Between 1965 and 1966

Evolving from unused space left by the shutdown of The Gary Air Force Base, the Gary Job Corps Center opens. In combination with the university, education then becomes the largest industry in San Marcos.

#29. Southbound 35

#30. Feb. 4, 1963 Dana Jean Smith, Georgia Faye Hood, Gloria Adams, Mabeleen Washington and Helen Jackson become the first African-American students enrolled at Southwest Texas State, due to results of a U.S. District Court’s order. In 1967, Smith would go on to receive her undergraduate degree in elementary education.

#33.

When Pigs Swim Summer 1969

Ralph the Swimming Pig makes his big debut at Aquarena Springs.

Later on, his show business career would continue as an international tourism sensation until the time came for Ralph to hang up his swim trunks in 1994.

Throughout 1962

I-35 along the corridor between Austin and San Antonio wraps up, providing a whole new vein into the city of San Marcos.

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| By Heather Nicole | Photo Eric Morales |

#34. This Means War October to November 1969

Students on campus protest the Vietnam War. And although the demonstrations were not held in the “Student Expression Area,” no action is taken against organizers. However, the anti-war student coalition informs the administration of future plans to protest at the Huntington Statue, their original meeting place.

Fearing more classroom disruption, faculty intrudes on the protest plans— eventually suspending several students until the 1970 fall term. The suspended students take the university to court in order to seek an injunction preventing their suspension, as well as questioning the constitutionality of regulating Student Expression Areas under the First Amendment. Accordingly, the university declares the “Fighting Stallions” area of the quad a free speech zone.

#35. We’re Streaking Thru The Quad 1970s Streaking becomes a popular trend for college students at Southwest Texas State.

#36. Hairy 1972

Upon the local school

board’s adoption of controversial dress code and hair-length rules, the students take a stand by organizing a school wide walk-out and week-long boycott.

#37. Mayoral Moment 1972

After being elected by City Council as Mayor, Luciano Flores becomes the first Mexican-American in community history in office as a political leader in San Marcos.

#38. The Burbs 1973 The U.S. Census Bureau includes San Marcos and Hays County in the Austin Metropolitan Statistical Area for the first time.

#39. 90210 in 78666 May 1983 Soon to be author, producer and screenwriter Rob Thomas—best known for his 1996 novel, “Rats Saw God,” creating the critically acclaimed television series “Veronica Mars,” and cocreating “90210” and “Party Down”—graduates from San Marcos High School.

#40. You’re Fired May 30, 1991 After his firing in 1988, former Southwest Texas University President Robert L. Hardesty receives a $1.1 million settlement from the state after being found by a jury to have been fired by the Board due to political motivations.

#41. Strait Trippin’ Fall 1975

The future “King of Country” George Strait enrolls at SWT where he would later earn a degree in agriculture. During college he answers a flyer posted by fellow students—and original members of Ace in the Hole Band—who are looking for a new vocalist.

Years before Hardesty ever took the leading position in 1981, he served as a former aide and speechwriter for the Johnson administration, as well as other major politicians and activists during the civil rights movement.

The former university president died this past summer at the age of 82.

Strait would hone his craft for years at the legendary Cheatham Street Warehouse, entertaining and exciting an already vibrant local music scene.

Beginning with his first hit single “Unwound” in 1981, success would only gain momentum from there as the alum would become the industry giant. In total, Strait has accounted for 60 number one hits throughout the music charts.

In 2006, Texas State honored him with a honorary degree.

The King

#42.

No More Pigs In 1994

Southwest Texas State acquires Aquarena Springs after a series of several owners, changing the focus of the former theme park to preservation and education.

More than 100,000 visitors admire the natural springs every year.

#43. Golden July 29, 1996

The university claims its first and only Olympic gold medalist as Charles Austin wins out the men’s high jump competition (with a record of 7 feet, 10 inches) during the summer games.

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#48. The Name Changers

#44. Who Needs A Radio?

March 19, 1997

Joe Ptak and Jeffrey “Zeal” Stefanoff stake their claim in 105.9 FM, seeing as to how no one was using the frequency at the time, starting their own micro radio station—Kind Radio—out of Ptak’s garage. By 2000, the unlicensed, illegally read frequency (which had already been assigned as a commercial station, 103.9 FM, by the Federal Communications Commission) was shut down upon insistence by the government. The duo would later spearhead the drive to a city election—with their platform based around marijuana decriminalization—which, to their own dismay, would eventually fail.

Sept. 1, 2003

Against the odds and without university consent, student body president Robert Doerr approaches State Senator Jeff Wentworth about changing the institution’s name.

Students lobby representatives and the bill is sign by Gov. Rick Perry—deeming the school Texas State University-San Marcos. Read the full story in the August 2013 digital edition.

#48. The Outlets

#45.

Music Blues

Date Unknown

1997

Alternative rock band, Blue October, invades San Marcos and creates a live music renaissance in town. Current San Marcos Mayor, Daniel Guerrero is notably one of the bands biggest fans.

There have been many expansions to the outlets over the years; introducing San Marcos and the Lonestar State to a new level of shopping each time. The shopping mecca has undoubtedly put San Marcos on the map.

#48. FBS Football September 1, 2012

Membership in the Southland Conference and Division I Football Championship Subdivision had run its course when the university’s growing student population voted to financially support a move up. So, the university made the controversial move to the Western Athletic Conference.

The move came at a time of turbulence for the WAC, So, the university packed up its helmet and shoulder pads and moseyed over to the Sun Belt Conference in 2013 where it remains today.

#50. Mardi Gras February 16, 2010

The first Mardi Gras On The Square was celebrated from the windows, balcony and sidewalks of Harper’s Public House. The annual celebration has grown to include the entire square with an outrageous amount of beads, cups, masks and mischief.

#46. Sights & Sounds For over a quarter century

For over 25 years the hometown event has celebrated the spirit of Christmas through a carnival-like atmosphere every first weekend of December. Sight and Sounds was created to bring families together and to raise funds for area nonprofits by selling food and other items. The spirit of giving can be felt year round in San Marcos because of the event’s permanent improvements to city parks, like the stage at San Marcos Plaza Park that’s used for other events and an improved park electrical system.

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Save The Date 2/17/15

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Chewed & Brewed | SMTX ORIGINALS |

Fajitas @ Grins For over 30 years, Grins has been making San Marcans and Bobcats smile from ear to ear. Maybe it’s their $1 margaritas that keep them coming back, or perhaps it’s the fun atmosphere at the top of the hill. Or maybe, just maybe, it’s their delicious, tender sizzling chicken or beef fajitas. They’re hard to top. Their seasoned meat comes out on a super hot sizzling skillet and is served with sour cream, guacamole, cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, Spanish rice, pinto beans, and flour tortillas. The best part? If you go on a Wednesday after 5 p.m., you can get a price break on your fajitas with their fajita special! So kick back, relax, and enjoy.

802 N LBJ Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666 (512) 392-4746

The Good Grub Guide highlights the dishes and neighborhood favorites in the area’s food scene. They are reviewed and selected by the editorial staff.

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| Dish Reviews By Katie Ogletree |

KOBE Steakhouse

Japan Latino

Hibachi grill for Steaks & Seafood, terrific sushi, happy hour and Asian cuisine all in one!

KOBE serves up any combination you’re craving.

Lunch and dinner daily.

Those choosing not to judge a book by its cover enjoy some of the best tasting sushi Hays County has to offer. Don’t know what to order? May we suggest the off-menu Sunshine Roll. YUMMY!

515 Springtown Way, San Marcos (512) 396-7200

Hays County BBQ & Catering With excellent reviews across the board, and a TEXAS MONTHLY TOP 50 pick, this is pit BBQ done with true central Texas tradition. The house made cheddar & jalapeno sausage is simply amazing. Their slow smoked brisket, turkey, ribs and chops satisfy every time.

Lunch and dinner Mon-Sat.

1328 N IH35, San Marcos (512) 878-1455

Italian Garden With just a short walk from campus, this little restaurant has become a local staple.

They’re serving up consistently delicious dishes that are easy on the pocketbook.

Lunch and dinner daily.

415 North LBJ Drive, San Marcos (512) 392-8730

1612 S. IH35, San Marcos (512) 392-6000

Gill’s Fried Chicken

The Root Cellar

A San Marcos original, Gill’s serves up crisp, golden, and super juicy fried chicken.

While you’re there, sink your teeth into the southern staple, fried okra. It truly is something to rave about.

Lunch and dinner daily.

Root Cellar Cafe is proud to be a part of San Marcos culture.

Opening our doors for business on February 29th, 2005. We strive to create an experience for our customer, whether you are touring the city, preparing for a hard day’s work, or taking a break from your typical day.

2550 Hunter Rd, #1112, San Marcos (512) 353-3113

215 N LBJ, San Marcos (512) 392-5158

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SMTX | GOOD GRUB GUIDE

Texmex @ Cafe On The Square

Café on the Square: Since the 1980’s, Café on the Square has become a true staple in downtown San Marcos. The Café is known for many things, but most especially for their breakfast. Discover why they earned the Best Breakfast of the Year award this year when you dive into their menu. From standard fare, like pancakes and bacon and eggs, to Tex-Mex specialties, including deliciously stacked migas and stuffed breakfast burritos, you can really start your day off with a bang at the Cafe. But don’t worry if you’re not an early bird, the night owl can catch the worm too, since they’re serving up breakfast all day long! But for real, those migas… They are PACKED with flavor and paired with their homemade, award winning salsa. This is the true breakfast of champions.

126 N LBJ Dr., San Marcos, TX 78666 (512) 396-9999

Grins Grins is a true San Marcos icon that continues to be enjoyed by several generations of students and locals. Head on over and order a juicy burger or mouth-watering chicken fried steak. Don’t forget to grab a frosty margarita and dine on their outdoor patio. Lunch and dinner daily.

802 N LBJ, San Marcos (512) 392-4746

Vodka Street Conveniently located on The Square, this classic bistro and bar serves up amazing tapas, burgers, and Sunday brunch.

The food is beautifully presented and along side the more elevated and inventive dishes, they serve up old-fashioned favorites.

Dinner daily. Sunday brunch.

202 North LBJ Drive, San Marcos (512) 396-4260

Louie’s Oyster House

Tortilla Soup @ Garcia’s

Delivering fresh, tasty, made-to-order Mexican dishes since 1989, family owned Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant remains a popular favorite for locals, students and visitors alike. Order their Tortilla Soup, and you’ll have a very difficult time holding back from picking up your bowl and quite literally slurping down every last drop of it. The tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked rice, buttery avocado, fresh pico, and salty white cheese all have a part in creating this balanced, comforting soup time after time. Plus, their chips and salsa are pretty much the best in the city. Hands down.

403 S L B J Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666 (512) 353-0099 30 BOBCAT FA NS | SMTX | 08.14

Serving up oysters on a half shell and fresh seafood with sides that are just as scrumptious. The street tacos satisfy diners who like the taste of beef as well as fish.

Lunch and dinner daily.

119 E. Hutchison Street, San Marcos (512) 878-8862

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