For the foodie
1. Abuelita's Bakery Spot makes a variety of Mexican sweet bread and other baked goods daily, including pan dulce, conchas, empanadas and more. Abuelita's also sells breakfast tacos, coffee, shakes, and other breakfast and lunch items.
21511 I-35, Kyle
512-256-5536. www.abuelitasbakeryspot.com
2. Insomnia Cookies serves up warm cookies and milk right to the source and is known for its late-night deliveries. There is a wide range of possible treat combinations with offerings that include ice cream, cookie and ice cream sandwiches, large cookie cakes and more.
111 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos
512-399-0745. www.insomniacookies.com
3. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is known for its assortment of food and candy dipped in chocolate or caramel like apples, strawberries and truffles as well as assortments of chocolate gift sets.
4015 I-35, Ste. 835, San Marcos
512-392-9780. www.rmcf.com
4. Sweet Cakes 4 U is a downtown staple that specializes in cake-by-the-slice in flavors such as red velvet, carrot and more. The store's daily menu also includes individual cupcakes, cookies, breads and whole cakes as well.
302 S. Main St., Ste. 101, Buda
512-312-4594. www.sweetcakes4budatx.com
For the secondhand shopper
5. Antiques & More is a newer shop in downtown Buda that offers a host of antique and vintage finds from decorative old-fashioned items, such as telephones, light-up signs, functional furniture and more.
316-B S. Main St., Buda
512-361-0200. www.antiquesandmore.net
6. Kyle Library Thrift Shop, not actually located in the Kyle Public Library, was established in 1989 and is run by the Friends of the Kyle Public Library. The shop sells a range of second-hand home goods such as decorative plates, glassware and more. The shop also offers clothing, toys and more.
100 W. Lockhart St., Kyle
512-268-1036. Facebook: Kyle Library Thrift Shop
7. Old Soul Exchange is a newer vintage and thrift shop in downtown that was previously operating as a pop-up shop throughout Central Texas. The owner, Rachel McCartney, finds and sells retro and thrifted clothing, shoes and accessories as well as vintage and home decor goods.
123 S. LBJ Dr., San Marcos
512-618-9504. Instagram: Old Soul Exchange SMTX
8. Old Town Buda Antique Mall sells antique, vintage and second-hand items like art, furniture and home decor. A little hunting can go a long was as the shop is filled tot he brim with memorabilia and more.
212 Main St., Buda
512-361-0405. www.oldtownbudaantiquemall.com
9. Solid Gold curates midcentury and eclectic-style furniture and decor, such as pillows, mirrors, wood furniture, rugs, glassware and more. There are also a range of big-ticket items, such as couches, dining sets, beds and more.
164 S. Guadalupe St., San Marcos
512-392-5337. www.solidgoldsmtx.business.site
10. Twice Blessed Consignment Shop, a brand of the First United Methodist Church of San Marcos, is located on the square and sells clothing, furniture and other knick-knacks. Some Twice Blessed profits are donated to various charities.
124 W. Hopkins St., San Marcos
512-396-1752. Facebook: Twice Blessed Consignment Shop
For the outdoor enthusiast
11. 3B Outfitters sells all sorts of gear needed for fishing, such as fishing rods, tackle and lines, lures and more. The shop also sells some hunting equipment, clothing, accessories and patio racks for stacks of firewood.
5040 SH 123, Bldg. 100, Ste. 2, San Marcos
512-214-8302. www.3boutfitters.com
12. Buda Bike Co. is a full-service shop that specializes in bicycles. Rentals, repairs and adjustments are available as well as bikes helmets and other accessories.
200 S. Main St., Buda
512-312-4780. www.budabikecompany.com
13. Hays County Outfitters has the gear for walking, hiking, swimming, camping and more at two locations. The shops carry brands such as Birkenstock, Hydro Flask, Patagonia and more with items for men, women and pets.
690 Center Point Road, Ste. 201, San Marcos
512-749-1514
304 Main St., Ste. 10, Buda
512-295-0662. www.hayscooutfitters.com
14. TG Canoes & Kayaks is located right on the San Marcos River and has all sorts of gear for a day on the water. The shop has canoes, kayaks, paddles and other accessories and offers repairs.
402 Pecan Park Drive, San Marcos
512-353-3946. www.tgcanoe.com
For the sustainability guru
15. Buff City Soap sells a selection of plant-based, handmade soaps that range from specialty to ultra moisture to foaming hand soap. The shop also offers a power laundry soap, bath bombs that are pressed in-store and more.
401 FM 1626, Ste. 310, Kyle
512-504-3036. www.buffcitysoap.com
16. Manor Market Refillery carries a range of non-toxic and cruelty-free products in bulk with reusable packaging to help eliminate waste. Shoppers can purchase skin care, body care and household cleaning products by bringing in their own containers from home for a discounted price.
331 W. Hopkins St., San Marcos
512-216-6727. www.manormarketrefillery.com
For the fashionista
17. Ellipsis Boutique sells women's clothing, jewelry, shoes and accessories as well as small gifts such as candles and perfumes.
306 S. Main St., Ste. 105, Buda
512-312-9545. www.ellipsisboutique.com
18. KnD's Boutique is a mother and daughter owned business that sells clothing such as San Marcos-themed graphic t-shirts, accessories and other clothing ideal for parties. The shop also sells Texas State Bobcat gear.
312 N. LBJ Drive, San Marcos
512-557-5058. www.kndssmtx.com
19. Pitaya has a range of trendy clothing items, such as dresses, tops, pants, skirts, shoes, accessories and more.
230 N. LBJ Drive, San Marcos
512-214-8449. www.pitaya.com
20. Two P's & Calli's Boutique & Gifts sells women's clothing and accessories, such as headbands, purses, jewelry and more from brands such as Free People, Kendra Scott and more.
690 Center Point Road, Ste. 205, San Marcos
512-392-8967. www.twopsandcallis.com
For the musician
21. Curious Chords Music Studio offers music lessons for a range of instruments, including piano, clarinet, recorder, violin and various guitars. The studio also has lessons in music theory and composition, signing and songwriting by appointment only.
168 Kirkham Circle, Kyle
512-268-0166. www.curiouschordsmusicstudio.com
22. Jams Music sells and repairs acoustic and electric guitars and offers a variety of guitar accessories such as strings, picks, straps and more.
118 S. LBJ Drive, San Marcos
512-781-1643. www.sanmarcosjams.com
23. X8 Drums sells a range of drums from small and handheld bongos to drums for kids and more.
251 Uhland Road, Ste. 120, San Marcos
800-771-9645. www.x8drums.com
For the new to town
24. Barefoot Campus Outfitters has all the Texas State University and Bobcat gear to blend right in. Shop from Bobcat gear such as T-shirts, mugs, hats and more as well as San Marcos-themed items.
300 N. LBJ Drive, San Marcos
512-392-3986. www.barefootcampusoutfitters.com
For the animal lover
25. San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter is an open-intake facility for Hays County and is publicly funded though runs on limited resources. While a pet may be too much of a gift for some, donations can be made in a person's name to honor their love for animals and help provide medical treatment and other necessities for animals.
750 River Road, San Marcos
512-805-2650. www.sanmarcostx.gov
26. Shaggy Dog Market is a locally owned chain of pet stores with locations in San Marcos, Buda and Kyle, offering food, treats and toys for dogs and cats.
200 Springtown Way, Ste. 126, San Marcos
737-213-4005
3402B FM 967, Buda
512-312-4339
22510 I35, Ste. 106, Kyle
512-256-5809
www.shaggydogmarket.com