Growing up in Central Texas was a beautiful thing. It's somewhere between irritatingly southern and happily average, and it's always been home to me. But according to the people here, there is one lurking problem: there is almost nothing to do here, at all. Since I'm tired of hearing that absolute lie, I decided to compile this list.
Here are some actually fun things to do in Temple, Texas.
1. Drive around
You can't go wrong with a classic. This is how my friends and I spend most of our time. It's cheaper than bowling at Spare Time and there are so many options to modify your experience. Music: loud or quiet? Speed: fast or slow? Location: suburban wasteland or suburban wasteland? Endless fun!
2. Go to the mall (after hours)
Who says window shopping is dead? It's a live-action video game with the mall cops as the overly polite enemy. The door near the theater is unlocked past normal mall hours, and the only way they keep people out of the main area is with theater rope. See how long you can walk around without getting escorted out.
3. Play some pool at Dooley's
Dooley's is great because the creepy old men keep their distance and there's always a free table (unless it's a tournament night). The employees are lovely and I've only witnessed one fight.
4. Stargaze
One of the most beautiful things about Central Texas is the vast fields of nothing. Drive out to one, lay down a blanket and watch the universe.
5. Climb around on some construction sites
But check for cameras first. Climbing around on the shell of something that someone might live in one day is eye-opening. How quickly these small things come and go really puts life into perspective. Plus, it's just really fun.
6. Swim at Temple Lake Park
If it's in season, you can't go wrong here (unless you bring zebra mussels, you jerk). Bring your friends and just be happy (unless your friends are zebra mussels). The water is clean enough to swim in as far as I know, but look out for zebra mussels. I hear they're pretty bad.
7. Enjoy downtown
Yes, it used to be terrifying, but they've been doing a lot of work to make it welcoming again. And because of that work, it will soon no longer actually be fun, so get there as fast as you can, preferably at night. There are few things more American than brick alleys and metal fire escapes.
8. Float down Bird Creek
While or after it rains, grab your canoe, raft or whatever else you can float on and head over to the creek. The rapids are rapid and flips are imminent, but you are guaranteed to end up somewhere and have an exciting time. Just make sure you have a waterproof phone case (or a Ziploc bag) to call someone to pick you up.
9. Skate or bike down Suicide Hill
Located on Birdcreek Drive, Suicide Hill offers, among other things, death. It's just a really steep hill that sucks for cars to ascend but is mind-blowingly exhilarating to descend (or so I've heard). Wear a helmet.
10. Find a quirky small business
Mine was Gary's at the Manor, a "coffee shop" that was open until 2 a.m. and sold voodoo sauce (various coffee creamer mixtures with little or no coffee, served chilled) and tattoo supplies. After they closed down, I've been forced to hang out in Belton.
11. Picnic at Wildflower Country Club
Just grab some lunch from the nearby Walmart and sit down in someone's yard. The view is beautiful and I have never once been approached by anyone. Such a friendly community.
12. Go to Walmart (or HEB)
I can't stress this one enough. My friends and I spend so much of our time there just walking around and looking at stuff, and it's such a good time. I know you probably already do the same. Keep the culture alive.
13. Check out some trains
The Train Museum is actually pretty cool, even after you've been there 900 times on school field trips. But what's better is waiting next to the train tracks for the rush of air and deafening noise of the trains passing by. It's better than it sounds.
14. Play on a playground
There's no shame in enjoying some monkey bars, and the swings at Lions Park are top notch. But beware, some park equipment wasn't built sturdy enough for adults (you know who you are).
15. Discover your favorite place
For me, it's the top of a building, but yours could be anywhere. What about that weird roundabout filled with plants near the hospital? That cul-de-sac that never got developed? That wooden pavilion in front of a church on 31st Street? Out of everything on this list, this is the most important thing to do. Find your tie to the area--a place you can go when you're tired of going everywhere else. A second home.
