Dozen Distinctive Destinations
Bastrop, Texas
Year Listed: 2010
Lone Star State
Situated on the banks of the Colorado River, Bastrop, Texas features a history that dates back over 175 years when it was established as one of Stephen F. Austin's original colonies in 1832. The town offers a dynamic downtown filled with 19th and early 20th century homes and buildings, unique restaurants and shops in a Main Street community, and access to two state parks.
At Home in the Lost Pines of Texas
Bastrop is lauded as one of the most historic towns in Texas and still possesses that small-town charm despite its 30-mile proximity to the thriving capital city of Austin, site of the 2010 National Preservation Conference. Visitors will delight in the storefront shopping and dining along Main Street as well as the myriad of festivals taking place year-round. Bastrop residents are proud of their town and honor it multiple times each year with events like Yesterfest in April, paying tribute to the various cultures making up Bastrop's population. In true Texas fashion, Bastrop holds an annual homecoming and rodeo in August, originally started in 1947 to welcome home soldiers from World War II.
Sustainable and Active Life in Bastrop
Two downtown farmers markets and over 15 independently owned restaurants serving up everything from Texas-sized steaks to Tex-Mex cuisine ensure that visitors will be well-fed during their stay. Local restaurants are committed to supporting the area's farmers and producers through the "Go Texan" restaurant program. Ample green space exists along the scenic Colorado River where visitors can enjoy water sports and the two state parks provide outdoor amenities for hiking and biking on nature trails.
Preservation is green. Learn more.
Don't Miss:
To plan your visit and learn more about Bastrop, visit the Bastrop Main Street Program.
Now it's your turn! Share your experiences or impressions of this Distinctive Destination: Unique restaurants, sights, family-friendly activities, hang outs, art galleries... tell visitors what they shouldn't miss!
Submitted by Debbie at: March 1, 2010
Bastrop is a wonderful town. Great restaurants nestled in the Hill Country. It's a must see!!!
Submitted by Eric at: February 28, 2010
Bastrop is the best! Unique, Quaint, Charming, Good Food, lots of things to check out, something for everyone. I enjoyed the food and the great dessert called "The Godfather" from Tommy Gunns Cafe, The kids had Old fashioned home-made ice cream there, It was wonderful. while there we also ate at Cedars Grill. Did alot of Shopping and spent some much needed family time at the park. Bastrop gets my vote
Submitted by don at: February 28, 2010
Bastrop is great
Submitted by Michael at: February 28, 2010
Bastrop is GRGRGRGReat. We loved going this weekend, We walked Main street, Happy Birthday Main Street! It was so charming. Met an extrordinary young lady from Electric Fried Chicks/ Tommy Gunns Cafe She was very helpful and a lot of fun to talk to. She has great food and unique, and ecletic stuff in her shop. (she is only 17) and does all this, with her mother as her side kick. Fat cats, backroads boutique, liza janes, logos and lace and there are to many to list are really nice places to check out also. the homes, river and park are a must see . Planning a trip? go to Bastrop. We loved it!
Submitted by jerry at: February 28, 2010
I vote bastrop! I love the healthy, hearty sandwiches at Tommy Gunns, The really neat stuff at Magpies, The creative lamps at Loblolly, I could just go on and on. you just need to go to Bastrop and check it out for yourselves.
Submitted by Barbara Hangler at: February 28, 2010
Nice place to shop and eat and enjoy the stroll. Had to park by the firestation, could not get any closer.
Submitted by Emma at: February 26, 2010
One of the really cool things about Bastrop is that you can just stumble upon places you didn't know were there! so make sure you walk around and explore - there are hidden gems if you walk from Main Street up Pine there is a little tearoom tucked back on the right (Tea & Sympathy), then down by the riverwalk (get there from Wells Fargo area) there are little boutiques and shops. Wander down Farm St to Fisherman's park where there's a lovely riverwalk, kids play area, roaming ducks and geese, and the kayaking launch point (Rising Phoenix do GREAT kayak trips).
Submitted by Fiona at: February 26, 2010
Great historic place with such a cool vibe - Ellen there actually is lots of parking! you just have to know where to find it! I guess it would help if there were signs for visitors. We had a huge festival last fall (Naturefest) with approx 8,000 visitors and there was plenty of parking locally
Submitted by Ellen at: February 26, 2010
Voted for this unique town. Opera house, a bar on the corner, not very historic the bar I mean! But nice. An old bank building was turned into a toy store and wine store, neat stuff. A used store down the street, cute things. Liza janes. Around the corner the perfect eating place, looks like am old house The Grace Miller. Not much parking in this historic town, almost had to leave, but found a place in an alley.
Submitted by Mamastaysgone at: February 26, 2010
Drove down from Houston, went downtown great stores especially this divine wine shop called Cripple Creek. Tasted some great Texas wines and did some shopping there, cool things I brought home. Had a great dinner at a place called gracie's or The Grace Miller it has two names. Anyway I had the best chicken fried steak I had ever eaten in my life, my husband kept eating from my plate. We walked by the river and saw ducks and kids and families, it was awesome, thanks Bastrop for a great day.
Submitted by Watchman at: February 25, 2010
TREES TREES TREES, thought I was back in Maryland again! Beautiful!!!
Submitted by Amy at: February 25, 2010
Bastrop is a charming town with a lovely historic district and two beautiful state parks
Submitted by rierie at: February 25, 2010
Bastrop is great
Submitted by Wolf at: February 25, 2010
Vote Bastrop!!!
Submitted by Capers at: February 25, 2010
Bastrop is modern yet sprinkled with the feel of old, quaint buildings and lifestyle.
Submitted by Sonia at: February 24, 2010
A charming place that you won't want to leave - that's why I now call Bastrop 'home'
Submitted by marcie at: February 24, 2010
WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE?!!!
Submitted by Tom at: February 24, 2010
This is a great place - always look forward to visiting. I have to come sometimes for business and try to make sure it's a Monday or Friday meeting, so that I can stay for a weekend.
Submitted by Ollie at: February 24, 2010
Bastrop is THE BEST!
Submitted by CJ at: February 24, 2010
So happy to live in Bastrop. It is a stunning place - smalltown feel with a big heart, close enough to the 'City' (Austin!) for some hustle and bustle but far enough away to escape the craziness and relax for a while...