1. Hike, Camp, and Reconnect with Nature at Bastrop State Park
Bastrop State Park offers over 2,000 acres of pine woodland in central Texas. Hiking trails include an 8.5 mile trail which circles through the park’s undeveloped woodlands. An 18 hole golf course is spread through the forest and a swimming pool is open during the summer months. The park is home to the endangered Houston Toad’s largest mating site, and as such, some areas are closed to the public during the spring mating season. Other park wildlife includes white-tailed deer, squirrels, rabbits and armadillo. The park has been designated a National Landmark for the facilities, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930’s.
100 Park Road 1A, Bastrop, TX 78602, Phone: 512-321-2101
2. Step into Bastrop’s Past at the County Museum and Visitor Center
The Bastrop County Museum and Visitor Center are run by the non-profit Bastrop Historical Society with the mission of preserving the local history. The society was founded in 1952, and as the collection of local historic artifacts grew, so did the museum. The museum is now located in the renovated historic city hall, its home since 2012. Exhibits at the museum span over 200 years of history, from Native American artifacts to documents and artifacts from early European settlers up through the 1960’s. History is told through chronological dioramas and special exhibits on cotton farming, coal mining and the newest exhibit, “Cowboys, Cows and Cattlemen.”
904 Main Street, Bastrop, Texas 78602, Phone: 512-303-0057
3. Explore Creativity at the Lost Pines Art Center
The Lost Pines Art Center in central Bastrop occupies over 12,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space at the 100 year old Powell Cotton Seed Mill and silos. The center exhibits fine art from Texas and all over the world. Many artists who exhibit at the center work from studios located on site. Artist’s studios are frequently open to the public, as are several commercial galleries and a bakery. Programs include art classes for adults and children offering everything from glass blowing to painting and drawing. The Lost Pines Arts Center is the home of the 150 member Lost Pines Arts League, which has grown considerably from its beginnings as the Bastrop Fine Arts Guild in 1998.
1204 Chestnut Street, Bastrop, TX 78602, Phone: 512-321-8055
Where to Eat
4. Savor Authentic Texas BBQ at Fitties BBQ
Fitties BBQ in Bastrop, Texas serves classic Texas barbeque, wood smoked with homemade sauces and sides. Known as King of the Highway BBQ,” Fitties serves its slow-smoked meats along highway 71 at a walk-up window. Guests dining in can eat at shade covered picnic tables behind the historic roadside stand. While Fitties opened in 1981, the family recipes can be traced back to the 1800’s. The family-owned and operated restaurant has long been a community fixture in Bastrop, proudly serving breakfast tacos, lunch and dinner to both locals and tourists alike. Try them for ribs, brisket or sausage as a sandwich, or a BBQ platter plate.
1376 Hwy 71 W, Bastrop, TX 78602, Phone: 512-303-6808
5. Taste Tradition at Southside Market & BBQ
The Southside Market was founded in the 1880’s, when then owner William Moon began slaughtering meat and selling it by wagon door-to-door in Elgin, Texas. Moon soon began smoking his meats to preserve its freshness, and then and there Southside BBQ was born. After more than 100 years in business, Southside Market opened a second location in Bastrop on Highway 71. The Bastrop market and restaurant incorporates materials from the original Elgin location, along with local Bastrop wood. Celebrated as Texas’ oldest BBQ joint, Southside is known for the brisket, sausage and hand-dipped ice cream pie.
534 Highway 71, Bastrop, TX 78602, Phone: 512-575-9037
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