This Is The Most Hospitable Town In Texas

When Central Texans think of Bastrop, the Lost Pines, the Colorado River, and the religious experience of a Buc-ee’s pit stop usually come to mind. But once you roll into town, you’ll quickly realize this Accredited Main Street community is much more than that. You can start your morning with a comfort-food feast at Maxine’s Cafe, browse for a new read at The Painted Porch, then cap it all off by catching the costumed chaos of the Sherwood Forest Faire just down the road. Between its spirited brunch spots, breweries, and bookstores (plus medieval-style festivals and rodeos), Bastrop serves up big personality in a weekend-ready package. You will definitely want to make time for a visit this year to experience its hospitality firsthand, and to help you plan it, here’s exactly what makes this town so worth the drive!

An Accredited Main Street Of America

Bastrop has worked hard to keep its historic soul intact, which is exactly how it earned its spot as an Accredited Main Street of America. Over 200 businesses call the Main Street District home, covering an area of 62 blocks. Naturally, the hospitality you will find in these local businesses is unmatched, starting with breakfast at Maxine’s Cafe. This beloved restaurant specializes in comfort food, with items on the breakfast menu including pancakes, French toast, chicken and waffles, biscuits and gravy, and migas. After eating breakfast, you can browse some of Main’s shops, such as In The Sticks, an eclectic gift boutique that sells home decor, toys, candles, jewelry, and more. Or grab a book from The Painted Porch, a local bookstore offering a carefully curated selection of reads.

By the time you start getting hungry again, you have some wonderful options for lunch and dinner. You will find a particularly fresh meal at Store House Market + Eatery, which bases its menu around seasonal ingredients from its urban farm down the road. If you are craving a cold beer, you will be met with open arms at 602 Brewing Company, as well, which has a great outdoor patio for sipping and a periodic live music schedule.

Community Events & Festivals

Throughout the year, Bastrop and the surrounding area host several unique festivals that locals look forward to, and visitors are warmly welcomed to enjoy. The Sherwood Forest Faire, located in nearby McDade, is one of the most iconic events, occurring between the end of February and mid-April. Taking place in a medieval-style village, this festival features over 100 permanent buildings, including pubs, merchant shops, stages, and even a castle. 150 shows take place every day during the duration of the festival, ranging from jousting and fire juggling to falconry and knife throwing!

For something with a bit more of a western twist, you might enjoy visiting Bastrop in August, during the Bastrop Homecoming & Rodeo. Originating in 1947 as a way to welcome back roughly 90,000 soldiers from World War II, this tradition consists of a rodeo, carnival rides, dances, tournaments, and a grand parade. On the first weekend of November, the town also hosts the annual Bastrop Art Fest, where regional and local artists sell their goods and put on live demonstrations to the public.

Live Music & Art

Even if you can’t visit Bastrop during one of its festivals, there always seems to be some kind of art or music event going on. The Bastrop Live Music Foundation has been a massive player in the town’s music scene, founded in 2023. Throughout the year, the organization hosts concerts and workshops that provide skills for working musicians. They also give back to the community by putting on monthly concerts at the Travis County State Prison, so that incarcerated Texans have the chance to enjoy live music as well.{"embedUrl":"https://www.instagram.com/p/DU3Jhq1FhO0/embed/"}

The Bastrop Opera House is another hub for live performances, established in 1889 and presenting several musicals throughout the year. To view some work from Texas artists, make sure to swing by the Lost Pines Art Center, which exhibits work from around the state, including media like watercolor, oils, acrylic, sculpture, ceramics, fiber arts, and photography.

Gathering in the Great Outdoors

Bastrop has several green spaces that are either free or low-cost to access, providing great places for the community to gather and spend time with their loved ones. Right in the heart of town, you will find Fisherman's Park. Situated right along the Colorado River, this is one of the most popular parks in town and also serves as a launch point for paddling and riverwalk trails.

Heading to the eastern edge of town, travelers will reach Bastrop State Park, which has been welcoming visitors since the 1930s. Populated by loblolly pines, this park has plenty of opportunity for outdoor recreation, featuring seven miles of hiking trails, a campground, a seasonally open swimming pool, and a fishing lake. Lastly, make sure to check out the Colorado River Refuge, which is just a few minutes from downtown, offering riverside and cliffside trails, Post Oak Savannah habitats, and meadows.

A Tasty Trip Detour

If you have a few extra hours, the hospitality and food of Lockhart are well worth the thirty-minute drive from Bastrop. Known as the Barbecue Capital of Texas, you will find numerous welcoming barbecue restaurants in town, such as The Original Black’s Barbecue, which opened its first location way back in 1932. Third-generation pitmaster, Kent Black, continues to smoke the meat here the same way that his grandfather did back in the 30s, using post oak wood and a simple rub. Barb’s Barbecue is another local favorite. Though only open Friday through Sunday, this barbecue spot has earned praise for its black pepper-rubbed turkey, Molotov pork ribs, and one-of-a-kind sides.

A Town With A Big Texas Welcome

Bastrop has a lot more to offer than most people realize. While you are likely aware of its beautiful pine forests, you may not be familiar with all of the ways that it intentionally welcomes visitors. The Main Street district is extremely vibrant, making it easy to fill a day exploring its many shops and restaurants. You also shouldn’t have a very hard time finding some live music during your visit, whether that be at a local festival or the opera house. Your hospitable trip awaits!