Dating back to 1802, Bastrop is one of the most historic small towns in Texas! While it can be marked most definitively by its rare loblolly pines and the Colorado River bridge, it has much more than just scenic views to offer visitors. Ziplining, kayaking, shopping and indulging in Texas barbecue are just a few activities to stay entertained.
We are naming Bastrop as our favorite small town in Texas to escape the Austin crowds. Not attending Austin City Limits Fest this year? This could be your escape! The town’s locals will welcome you with southern charm and friendliness.
Read on to find a list with ten of my favorite spots which make Bastrop a perfect location for a spontaneous [and affordable] weekend getaway!
Neighbors Kitchen + Yard: Listen to live music on weekends and enjoy fantastic cocktails along the banks of the Colorado River. Neighbors Kitchen + Yard is perhaps best known for their pizzas, but they also serve sandwiches and southern appetizers like the comeback dip: a delicious mixture of cream cheese, tomato, Italian sausage, and spicy cherry peppers served with tortilla chips for dipping. The $7 margarita was also really impressive and a nice price break from the specialty cocktails in Austin!
Maxine’s Cafe & Bakery: I already felt welcome after reading that Maxine’s slogan is ‘Small Town Friendly.’ Breakfast was hearty and included blueberry waffles, a large omelet, home fries, and biscuits + gravy. I’d also be remiss not to mention that for $25 you can order the Texas Monthly Stacker, which is twelve griddle cakes served alongside a quarter-pound pile of bacon. Yum!
Ma’Coco: You are in Texas, so tacos are a necessity and Ma’Coco is the spot to find them. The owner moved from San Diego to Bastrop, and this is her take on Baja California Mexican food. The agua frescas were delightful and we also loved the fish tacos and ceviche! Visit on a weekend for brunch specials like chilaquiles.
Piney Creek Chop House: This steakhouse is the perfect dinner spot for a special occasion or just a romantic date night out. From the street, Piney Creek Chop House might be easy to miss but inside you will stumble upon an elegant room with a charming piano and bar reminiscent of big city steakhouses found in New York or San Francisco. Order from a large selection of steaks including filet mignon, rib eye, New York Strip and Porterhouse cuts.
Southside Market Barbecue: Small towns in Texas have the best barbecue and Bastrop is no exception. There were several places to choose from, but we ended up at Southside Market which opened its Bastrop location in 2014 after operating in Elgin for 132+ years! The Southside Market is perhaps most famous for its smoked ‘hot’ sausage, but they also serve combo meals so you can try the brisket, pulled pork and more!
Copper Shot Distillery: A local husband and wife opened Copper Shot Distillery in 2017, and began serving their own hand-crafted, small-batch spirits. The bar has several varieties of liquors from vodka to bourbon to moonshine infusions including apple pie, peach, pink lemonade, blood orange, and amaretto. I ordered the Ginger Honey Shine which was a mix of ginger beer, moonshine, and honey.
Lost Pines Art Bazaar: Kazem Khonsari, the owner of the Lost Pines Art Bazaar, has been collecting rare Persian rugs, art, and antiques for many years. Inside his store, you will find textiles from all over the world with a focus on fair trade and socially conscious brands like Raven & Lily, FEED Projects & Ten Thousand Villages. The collection of wall art included works from a local artist in Bastrop, as well as prints from Rifle Paper Company.
Bastrop State Park: The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department has done an amazing job of reviving the Bastrop State Park after the horrific wildfires in 2011 that rampaged over 95% of the Bastrop forest. Remains of burnt loblolly trees can still be seen, but the park has reopened to visitors and new growth is very evident in the forest. There are over 6,600 acres of land to explore and activities include hiking, swimming, biking, and fishing. You can also stay overnight in one of the campsites or cozy historic cabins.
Wolfdancer Golf Course: If you are a golfer, Wolfdancer Golf Course at The Hyatt Lost Pines Resort is definitely worth checking out. The course is gorgeously set amongst the rolling hills of the Lost Pines. It is a challenging course for all skill sets that requires accuracy off the tee, local knowledge and a little bit of luck to have a good scoring round. The course is full service with a warm reception from the staff who greet you and load up your carts.
Zip Lost Pines: McKinney Roughs Nature Park has a zip lining course with six side-by-side zip lines that allow you to glide your way through the forest with breathtaking views of the Colorado River. Race friends on the longest dual canopy zip line in the state of Texas. Full and half tours are offered and they must be booked by reservation Thursday through Monday. Feeling extra adventurous? You can also book a night zip line tour!
Lastly, our Airbnb deserves a shoutout as one of the nicest (and cutest) rental properties in the area! It’s located above the Bastrop Art Bazaar and adorned with swanky Persian rugs, antique furniture and home goods from the shop below. The loft was also super spacious– compared to digs you might find in Austin and it rents out for just $158/night.
View from our Airbnb loft overlooking Main Street
For even more recommendations, visit www.visitbastrop.com.
