The city of San Marcos has launched a new initiative to honor the places and people who made major impacts on the historic Dunbar neighborhood.

The overview: The neighborhood is located near Dunbar Park, where the Dunbar History Walk will be installed. Community members will submit honorees to be added to the walk annually. A submission review committee will select which individuals are honored with a marker.

People and businesses eligible for the history walk must have had a connection to the neighborhood and made a meaningful difference or impact on the community.

The background: The park features a recreation center, built in the 1980s, designed in a style similar to the historic Dunbar school, according to the city.

The school offered organized instruction to African American students in San Marcos from 1877 to 1964, when integration of the students had completed and the school closed, according to the city.

Looking forward: Submissions for 2026 honorees are due by Feb. 28.

An eatery offering fresh acai bowls, smoothies and juices is coming to San Marcos.

At a glance: Playa Bowls is preparing to welcome customers in the city before the heat of the summer months has passed. The business sells a variety of choices made from frozen fruit.

With the exception of drinks, most blended menu items are made without juice, ice or dairy. Select items have options for dairy add-ons, such as sweet cream in a cold brew.

What they offer: Customers may choose a pre-set bowl option from the menu or build their own by selecting a base and toppings. 

One more thing: Playa Bowls opened a spot in Kyle on Jan. 17 near the recently opened Sprouts. In addition to serving sweet treats in person, Playa Bowls in Kyle offers catering options for orders of 10 to 90 people with pickup and delivery available.

Special catering options include fruit trees and a build-your-own acai bowl base.  

• Opens by early August
• 817 Chestnut St., San Marcos

Check out the top 6 most-read stories from Feb. 9-12 in the Austin area. 

1. Unofficial voting results show Na’Cole Thompson wins race for Leander mayor

2. Round Rock officials weigh neighborhood compatibility for Skybox data center

3. True Texas BBQ brings brisket and more to Bastrop H-E-B

4. Twice the Ice changes ownership in Georgetown

5. Portion of Gilleland Creek Trail in Pflugerville to close

6. From tacos to trims: Check out 9 Liberty Hill business updates

In July 2023, Crimson Creek Smokehouse brought its barbecue to the Dripping Springs area, showcasing an Oklahoma influence with some Chicago-inspired sides.

The backstory: The eatery is owned by husband and wife duo Jamie Dickens and Marcus McNac, who started attending bar pop-ups and cooking competitions in 2013. The couple moved to the Dripping Springs area in 2020 and found a way to stay connected with their old neighbors by sharing a home-cooked meal.

The pair accepted the requests, crafted barbecue meals and delivered them to their old neighbors in the Lake Creek area. After expanding deliveries beyond their old neighborhood, the couple’s journey in the Austin barbecue scene took off.

The eatery first launched a food truck in October 2020 on Nutty Brown Road before planting roots at its current location outside Deep Eddy Vodka Tasting Room in Dripping Springs.

• 2250 E. Hwy. 290, Dripping Springs