Bastrop, Texas

Just outside of Austin, Texas, you’ll find a small town that was up for title of “state capital” against Waterloo (now known as Austin). The kind residents of this wonderful town are endlessly glad that they didn’t get the bid because it has allowed their town to become what it is today—a small city with a ton of history and some of the most generous people you’ll find this side of the Mississippi.

DRINK

COPPER SHOT DISTILLERY
Stop into this modern-yet-rustic watering hole to sample their many moonshines, liquors, and liqueurs made just steps from the bar by owner Stephen Todee with local ingredients and rainwater collected on-site. Since they opened in 2016, Todee found new ways to give his whiskey the characteristics of age until his barrel-aged whiskey was ready. Stop in for a flight of moonshine and enjoy live music (Friday and Saturday evenings).
809 Main Street | coppershotdistillery.com

  • Courtesy of Sarah Mize
  • Courtesy of Sarah Mize

602 BREWING COMPANY
This casual brew pub and bar, complete with a beer garden, offers local beers and eats. Their food is surprisingly fantastic—and don’t miss the artichoke chili dip. Look for them to be brewing their own beers starting Fall 2019!
919 Main Street | 602brewing.com

COLORADO RIVER WINERY
Stop in for a glass of wine or a flight and enjoy a chin wag with owners, Brad and Sylvia Cook. After a glass or two, peruse their retail items which include a pink plastic wine opener fashioned like a pistol.
707 Chestnut Street | coloradoriverwinery.com

EAT

NEIGHBOR’S KITCHEN
Enjoy a meal on the patio of this restaurant and enjoy a great view of the Colorado River as you enjoy a fire-roasted pizza. Down a craft beer in their bar while you watch your favorite team, or make a game of your own in the yard with washers. Make sure to check their daily specials such as Sippin’ Sundays!
601 Chestnut Street | neighborstx.com

Courtesy of Neighbor’s

SOUTHSIDE MARKET & BBQ
This BBQ shop names itself as “the oldest BBQ establishment in the state of Texas”, starting in Elgin, Texas. Visit for some serious BBQ action, and don’t miss their house-made sides, and especially not their cobbler topped with Blue Bell Ice Cream!
534 Highway 71 West | southsidemarket.com

GET CAFFEINATED
Stop into Maxine’s or Coffee Dog for a quick caffeine fix. Prices at both are extremely reasonable and the coffee roasted perfectly.

DO

HIKE BASTROP STATE PARK
Stop in for a quick hike to start the day in this 2,000-acre park that has was established in 1938. Explore the Lost Pines of Texas, play a round of golf on the course that meanders through the woods, or bird watch for some unique avian entertainment.
100 Park Road 1A | tpwd.texas.gov

SHOP AROUND BASTROP
If you’re looking for some local goodies, visit shops like The Texas Boot Company, Sera Sera Boutique, and Spoiled Sisters Boutique. If you’re after art, stop into the many galleries littering downtown that represent local artists. Dip into Berdoll Pecan Candy & Gift Co. for local candied pecans or Silver Spur Pure Bath for organic toiletries on the way out of town for gifts for the folks back home!

DEEP IN THE HEART ART FOUNDRY
This nationally-known foundry casts sculptures with help from local and visiting artists. Watch their website to see when they’ll be pouring casts for the public to see!
405 S. Jackson Street | deepintheheart.net

BARTON HILL FARM PUMPKIN PATCH
Fall brings a certain nip to the air and pumpkin everything, so why not visit a pumpkin patch to enjoy a fall festival and pick out your very own pumpkin!? Don’t miss the frozen wine and kettle corn!
1115 FM 969 | bartonhillfarms.com

STAY

PECAN STREET INN
There will always be a place in my heart for a charming BnB, and this one has reserved its own spot. Run by husband and wife team, Bill and Shawn, they offer four clean, spacious rooms, each with a private bath available. Bill will be there to whip you up a delicious breakfast at the time of your choosing and will entertain with tales of the town and of his own, rich and intriguing life.
1010 Pecan Street | 512-321-3315 | pecanstreetinn.com

  • Courtesy of Sarah Mize
  • Courtesy of Sarah Mize

THE RESERVE AT GREENLEAF
Just outside of downtown, this yurt village opened in October 2019 offers four units, an event space complete with a catering kitchen, a high end hot tub, and 10 miles of hiking trails blazed by the owners. These lodgings are the epitome of glamping thanks to each unit’s high-end beauty amenities, rain showers, plush linens, effective AC units, and fully stocked fridge. Look for goodies like Kind Bars, custom blended teas, and Oui yogurt, all included in your yurt’s price.
408 Laura Lane | thereserveatgreenleaf.com

  • Courtesy of Sarah Mize
  • Courtesy of The Reserve
  • Courtesy of The Reserve

HYATT REGENCY LOST PINES RESORT AND SPA
Set deep in the Lost Pines on the banks of the Colorado River, this high-end resort offers cushy guest rooms, multiple pools circled with a lazy river, 300,000 square feet of event space, a gorgeous spa, full golf course, and outdoor activities such as kayaking, horseback riding, and hiking.
575 Hyatt Lost Pines Road | hyatt.com

FOR MORE TIPS AND ACTIVITIES AT THIS DESTINATION, TAKE A GANDER AT visitbastrop.com.

I greatly appreciated the chance to visit Bastrop, Texas courtesy of Visit Bastrop.