Features

The wide-open spaces of west Texas lured a record 581,000 recreational visits to remote Big Bend in 2021. These numbers reflect a 25% increase since 2019 (464,000), the last year the park was completely open, and a 49% increase since 2016 (390,000). Once relatively unknown, the Big Bend area continues to see a significant increase in visitation, and the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in even more visitors seeking out the qualities of this special place.

Birds never cease to amaze me.

The San Marcos Art League’s annual holiday fundraiser brought meals to the tables of Hays County residents in 2022. Every holiday season, the San Marcos Art League, or SMAL, uses sales from ornaments donated by local artists to contribute to the Hays County Food Bank. With totals from these ornament sales and a donated amount from the SMAL board of directors, the Art League was able to raise $1,000 for the Hays County Food Bank.

If you’ve ever dreamed of having a beer and Works Burger while listening to live local music, that dream is about to come true.

Six months ago, The Garden Guy prognosticated that Augusta Lavender heliotrope was going to one of the hottest plants for 2022. This was really based on my trials at my house outside of Columbus, Ga.

My journey this week reminded me that the Lord’s word is our refuge and strength.

Tailgating at the big game is a timehonored and beloved tradition for millions of football fans. Tailgates tend to be parties in parking lots, and no party is complete without food.

The new year is off to a fine start around my place. In the past few days, I have been delighted to see yellow-rumped warblers, fondly called “butter-butts” by some folks. I’ve also seen ladder-backed and golden-fronted woodpeckers. All were attracted by a hanging block of suet – peanut variety.

The Art of Bill Hutson is a unique citywide exhibition celebrating the work of artist and San Marcos native Bill Hutson. As part of the show, the Texas State Galleries at Texas State University, San Marcos is featuring a six-piece installation of works by Hutson, the centerpiece of which is “Homestead with signs, symbols and numbers.” This massive painting — over 6 x 9 feet — is accompanied by five preparatory studies for the work, including a sculpture titled “Shotgun for Elton Fax.” The exhibition is on view in the Texas State Galleries foyer through May 18.

SAN MARCOS PUBLIC LIBRARY