Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Texas, halfway between San Antonio and Austin, lies the charming town of Wimberley, whose claim to fame is the monthly Market Days, where every first Saturday, the Wimberley Lions Club and local groups transform the town square into a bustling marketplace. With 490 booths spread across 20 oak-shaded acres and live music filling the air, it's a treasure trove for bargain hunters and antique enthusiasts as buyers stroll up and down the streets searching for hidden gems.
While Wimberley makes for an ideal weekend getaway, it's crucial for electric vehicle (EV) owners to plan their charging stops carefully. Unfortunately, the town lacks high-speed charging options, and despite Tesla's headquarters being just 30 minutes away in Austin, there are limited high-speed chargers in the vicinity. EV owners should be mindful of this; otherwise, they risk driving on Purgatory Road through Devil's Backbone and getting stuck without charge, literally and metaphorically.
My Experience:
I recently drove my EV from Houston to Wimberley for a wedding at the Cedar Ranch Event Center, located off the beaten path about 8.4 miles outside of town. Staying at a nearby Airbnb, I arrived Saturday afternoon with only a 25% charge remaining. Knowing I needed to find a charging station before heading back the next day, I focused on the city of San Marcos along my return route as the place to charge.
After breakfast the next morning at the Wimberley Cafe, we departed for San Marcos, 23 miles distant, arriving with an 18% charge. (By the way, the wedding the night before was one for the ages!) Surprisingly, the charging stations were conveniently located at the back of the San Marcos Premium Outlets. This makes perfect sense, considering it's Texas' largest outlet destination, which was perfect because it allowed my wife to enjoy some shopping while I waited for the car to charge.
Finding Comfort and Convenience:
Leaving the car and the charger behind, I explored the nearby facilities. I noticed a designated pet area, a helpful feature for traveling pet owners. As I had already fueled up on coffee at the cafe, I followed the clear signage leading to clean and well-maintained restrooms. The mall thoughtfully placed the restroom facilities conveniently, something often missing at other charging stations.
Continuing, a covered porch offered comfortable seating and an ashtray for smokers, leading to the air-conditioned haven of the Restroom Center. While the Texas heat can be relentless, this haven was a welcome respite, even though the temperature that day was a pleasant 84 degrees.
Restroom Center Amenities:
Inside, I found the restrooms spacious and sparkling clean. Curiosity piqued, I exited the center to temporarily peek at the mall, a true shopper's paradise. Upon re-entering, I noticed several amenities perfect for passing the time:
Massaging chairs: A welcome sight after a long drive, offering relaxation and phone charging.
Claw game, snack/soda vending machines, and candy vending machines: Catering to various needs and cravings.
Cash drop-off machine: Likely used by store vendors but still accessible for observation.
Thirsty, I purchased a Coke Zero from the soda machine, thankful for the convenient tap-to-pay option (carrying cash can be risky). Afterward, I made my way back to the car.
Exiting the back door, I returned to the Tesla Superchargers. It's worth noting that this location also offers Level 2 chargers and a single EV Go high-speed charger for non-Tesla vehicles, just to the left. After 45 minutes, my car was fully charged. Picking up my wife, we set off for Houston.
Overall, the charging stations at San Marcos Premium Outlets are 5 out of 5 stars. The efficient charging, thoughtful amenities, and convenient location make it a well-equipped stop for EV travelers.
Planning Your Trip:
Location: San Marcos Premium Outlets, Tesla Supercharger San Marcos, EVgo Fast Charging Station
Regular Mall Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday to Saturday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Amenities: Clean restrooms, covered porch with seating, massaging chairs, vending machines, pet area, retail stores, and Level 2 chargers.
Charging Station Hours: Operates 24/7
Rating: 5 Stars
For real-time updates on charging station availability and additional features, use your navigation app for the latest updates. Plan your visit wisely, considering both mall and charging station hours. Have a safe trip, and enjoy your time exploring Wimberley and charging in San Marcos.
A Note on Safety:
While the weather was excellent, and everything went smoothly, it's crucial to mention that while the charging stations operate 24/7, the mall closes at 9 pm on weekdays and 7 pm on Sundays. This might make some individuals feel uneasy charging their car after the mall closes, especially as the stations are at the back. While I've charged in sketchier locations, it's something to consider for added peace of mind.