Community Happenings
Bastrop is popularly known as a “unique blend of old and new.” A half hour drive from Austin (and less than a 2-hour drive to San Antonio or Houston), the community is recognized for its small-town atmosphere but in recent years, its economy and lifestyle choices have expanded significantly. With more than 100 historic homes in the downtown area, Bastrop was named a “Distinctive Destination” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 2010. No longer a “sleepy little suburb” of Austin, Bastrop’s economy, population and opportunities for shopping and recreation have boomed over the past two decades.
Explore Bastrop County
If you haven’t had an opportunity to spend much time here, consider the following opportunities for family-style recreation:
- Bastrop Opera House – Opened in 1889, the downtown venue features live theatre including locally produced musicals and plays.
- McKinney Roughs – Operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority, McKinney Roughs is a 100-acre day-use, nature park where characteristics of four ecosystems- Post Oak Savannah, Blackland Prairie, East Texas Piney Woods, and a riparian zone- converge to create an unusual blend of natural resources and features almost 18 miles of trails by foot or horseback (bring your own horse).
- Kayaking/Tubing/Canoeing Down the Colorado River – Rising Phoenix Adventures provides kayak, canoe, & SUP paddle tours and bicycle tours in the Austin/Bastrop Texas area utilizing high quality kayaks, canoes, SUP boards, bicycles and accessories at affordable prices.
- Bastrop State Park – Constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this 5,926-acre park is the site of the famous “Lost Pines” – an isolated timbered region of loblolly pine and hardwoods – featuring activities that include hiking/biking, fishing, scenic drives and camping outdoors or in rustic cabins.
- Lost Pines Eight Entertainment Complex – In addition to 8 first-run movies, this facility features bowling, miniature golf, a video arcade, a food court and a pool room.
Bastrop Shopping is Tops
Historic Downtown Bastrop is known for its quaint shops and an array of festivals, parades and other events throughout the year. In addition, the substantial economic growth in recent years has led to a major expansion of “big box stores” that allow residents to shop for a wide variety of needs without commuting to Austin, San Antonio or Houston.
Check out the following links for a directory of local businesses, tourism and economic opportunities:
- Bastrop Chamber of Commerce http://bastropchamber.com/
- Bastrop Economic Development Corporation http://www.cityofbastrop.org
- Discover Lost Pines Region http://www.visitlostpines.com/
- Bastrop Old Town Visitor Center https://www.visitbastrop.com/
