I always thought there was plenty to do in Brownsville, but that changed once I exhausted all my options.
At that point, the most interesting outings required traveling to different cities in the Rio Grande Valley.
My friends and I would go roller skating in Harlingen and browse shops in McAllen. Obviously, that does not count as entertainment in Brownsville.
Recently, a friend from the Edinburg campus asked what to do for fun here, and I was worried that my response seemed boring and repetitive.
I listed boba shops, smoothie cafes and coffee. Is drinking different things really all I do for fun?
Bowling and pool halls were thrown into the mix, but how often can one afford to pay so much for a short amount of playtime?
There is the theater and the new Main Event, but those places are expensive, so not everyone can afford to do it often, or at all, in some cases.
That is not to say that I have had a boring time in this city, though. There are ways to have fun, even if it is not as obvious as some of the more popular activities.
It hit me that my list was not as bad as it seemed, at least not as long as each option was dressed up in a different twist.
Sure, going to the same boba shop over and over again sounds drab, but going with friends and playing a new game each time makes it worthwhile.
The outdoor seating area at Sonic is a prime spot for trivia and card games. Empty streets make for good cruising when the skateparks are full.
Even just a simple game of horse at the Brownsville Sports Park is a fun way to kill time and hang out with friends.
Finding fun activities to pass the time is not always about what cool new spot the city has to offer or how many places make up the nightlife.
It could just be about spending time with friends, playing made-up games or heading to a park with a ball.
A trip to the beach, McAllen or the drive-in are great when money and time permits, but there is nothing wrong with getting a little creative with hangouts.
There is plenty of fun to be had in Brownsville. However, as with any city, you will eventually run out of new things to do and be forced to think outside the box.
Everyone will eventually want something more, and that is OK. I fully intend on exploring as many new places as possible when I get the chance.
Until then, a card game with friends does not sound half bad.
