Places I Drive Through to Feel Something

By Lea Mercado
Web Content Contributor

San Marcos is a quaint college city where activities consist of going to Sewell Park to read, swim, practice yoga with the “Sun God” or going down to the Square with friends. But our activities changed once the pandemic hit.

Sewell closed down and going to the Square was too much of a risk for ourselves and our peers, so the question arose, “what is there to do now?” To which I answer: Drive. 

As a student, sometimes I need to express my frustrations as many others do. To not disturb my roommates, I began going on drives to scream along to Paramore and see some of the sights that central Texas has to offer.

Self-care looks different to everyone, okay? 

Here are some of my favorite places to drive through.  

Purgatory Creek Bridge

Purgatory Bridge runs between Craddock Avenue and Hopkins Street, and across Purgatory Creek hiking trail. Though it can get fairly busy around 5 p.m. while drivers commute between Wimberly and San Marcos, it is a great area to drive through if you want to see some beautiful sights of the hill country.

River Road

River Road is my favorite road to drive through. Between Hopkins Street and Aquarena Drive, you’ll find an eerie stretch of road that runs along the Blanco River.

The best time to go is during a nighttime cruise where the surrounding woods sway quietly, and the train can be heard passing overhead. Bonus points if you can find the creepy wig stapled to a tree. (It’s there, trust me.)

Cape Street

If you follow River Road past Hopkins, you will pass by Cape Street. Cape Street, while by itself is quite insignificant, it runs through Stokes Park. As you drive through the park area, you will find yourself driving along a creek running gently beside you. It is the little things sometimes. 

CM Allen Parkway 

CM Allen Parkway recently opened back up after being worked on as part of the city’s reconstruction project. The road runs between Children’s Park and Rio Vista and features murals painted by local artists. The road seems relatively uninteresting at first, but it is a great reminder of local San Marcos artistry and the crucial role that parks play within our city. 

So, if you ever find yourself with a full tank of gas and nothing to do, go for a drive! It is a wonderful way to explore the city and discover your favorite roads to drive through.

It can also be a quite grounding activity! San Marcos and its surrounding area have much more to offer than most people know, it is just up to you to get out and experience it. 

Featured image by Lea Mercado.