You can count on Karen Derr Realty Group to be your trusted guide throughout and after your sale. We will ensure that you feel protected and supported from the moment we connect and continue to feel our value as a resource for all your home needs. Here’s how we provide a better sell experience. For
We’ll walk through your property together and We will show you ways to enhance the value so you get top dollar for it. Not pricing it too high, so we scare buyers away, or too low, so you leave money on the table.
As Certified Negotiating Experts, we’ll help you negotiate the best contract to protect your interests.
Our job is to handle the sale so it closes on time and with minimum amount of surprises and stress for you.
Special Historic Property Edition
ME
IT reports it is commonly accepted that the average lifespan of a house in the United States is about 50 - 63 years, from construction to demolition Yet, the beauty and functionalityofarchitecturebuiltmorethana100yearsago defies simple market analysis Historic properties regularly bringhigherpricesthannewstructuresofthesamesizeand locale. And right now there are properties available for purchase in Central Texas that offer features not easy to comebyinnewerhomes
Fayetteville’s downtown is undergoing a rebirth. Walkability wasbuiltintoTexashistoricsmalltownsandisoftensitedas highlydesiredbybuyers 111E.FayetteStreetoffersnotone home,butaswascommonintheearly1900's,aguesthouse too, all for less than $700K A vintage beauty, this home is merestepsfromFayettevillediningandshopping
Our neighboring LaGrange currently has several significant historichomesoffered Ararefindat541N Main,issituated on an incredible five acres, right in town The home is a veritablemansionwith4bedroomsandmixed-usepotential It’sthekindofpropertythatseldomcomesonthemarket.
Multi-use properties are of interest with savvy buyers who seetheirhomeasaninvestmentandthemoreversatilitythe better Fittingthatbill,707ChestnutinBastropisahistoric commercial property which offers second floor loft living Craftmanship,builttoendure,isalargepartoftheappeal
Karen Derr is an author and realtor who has sold and owned historic homes from Galveston to Austin, including Victorian era homes in small towns across Central Texas She offices in a circa 1907 house in historic Bastrop Karen@KarenDerr.com
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Fayette, Fayetteville Courtesy of HartlandRealEstate.com
541 N Main, LaGrange Courtesy of HartLandReaEstate com
707 Chestnut, Bastrop Courtesy of Compass com
Prime Show Properties
130 Mountain Laurel Colovista -$697,900
SOLD! A proven marketing plan, strategic pricing, beautiful professional photos, and open house events advertised in major markets will get your home SOLD! too
KarenDerrRealtyGroup
3200 SH 77 Alt, Hallettsville
$647,900
40 acres with pond, live creek, charming vintage cabin, newer garage Scenic barn. Wildlife exemption in place Abundant wildlife Very secluded
541 N Main St, La Grange
$1,750,000
Introducing the 1892 Hermes House 1892 Folk Victorian home on a 5.282-acre city farmstead just three blocks from the town square 5 bedrooms, 4 baths with a rental ready apartment First time on the market Possibilities are endless from an event venue to boutique accommodations or mixed-use ventures.
JUST LISTED
2507 Cascade Dr. Austin
$840,000
Taken down to the studs! This beautiful Allandale Neighborhood home has been extensively remodeled with top-tier materials and an eye for detail
KarenDerrRealtyGroup
com Thinking of Selling?
707/709 Chestnut, Bastrop
$1.299M or $4500/mo. for retail space.
+/-2000 sf each level
Commercial space with patio Successful wine bar for many years Professional sink and wet area, and 2 restrooms Retail or office Income producing residential space up, high ceilings & wood floors for loft vibe
38 8 acres on FM 3233 in La Grange, TX
$659,600
Discover your paradise in Fayette County's rolling hills The gently rolling terrain features steep creek banks and outcroppings for added interest. Agricultural Exemption Just six miles to La Grange.
com
Hello Again,
Happy Spring!
Did you know, some people believe the new year really begins with the Spring Equinox in March?
Mother Nature seems to agree and our Spring issue always focuses on renewal and rejuvenation. As we cover all the celebrations (Mardi Gras, Easter, Mother’s Day) that happen during March, April, and May, the stories have an underlying thread of joy that ties these soft green months together And while we realize that we have serious issues unfolding in our county and our country, the bounty of springtime pleasures make it hard not to be hopeful.
Baby calves everywhere Wildflowers so pretty people drive for miles to come and see them and we can see them any given day this Spring on our way to the grocery store And of course there are our lovely walkable historic towns for dining, shopping and listening to live music. So much about Bastrop County is picture-perfect right now
In fact, we should all make a pact: No matter how frustrating the Texas Lege session gets or how hot it is by May, let’s remind each other that we can still see the Milky Way on clear moonless nights, we can still eat locally grown food bought from a neighbor at one of our five farmer’s markets, we can always take a Sunday hike at one of six state or LCRA parks and you can barely go anywhere in this county without catching a glimpse of the sparkle of the Colorado River
Blessings to you this Easter & Passover season!
Karen Derr and
Jon
Ryan Publishers and Editors
Email us at BastropMagazine@gmail.com or look for us on Facebook & Instagram
Interior
Bastrop has a style all its own and those who make their home here take advantage of being a small town, near the big city, in the middle of Texas's big country Bastropians are dark skywatchers, golfers, ranchers, a little horsey, artsy, outdoorsy, Main Street dreamers, who love local. If you'd like to reach Bastrop County residents, try an ad in Bastrop Town & Country magazine. It's mailed to owner-occupied homes and ranches across Bastrop County. Call Advertising Sales at 512-720-8290 or email BastropMagazine@gmail.com.
Plant This Now
Early March: Plant Asparagus Crowns, Collards, and Turnips
Mid to Late March: Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Peppers, Pumpkin, Squash, Watermelon
All March: Beans, Lettuce, Mustards, Radish Seeds, Tomato Plants
Early to Mid-April: Peppers, Squash, Tomato Plants, Radish Seeds
The Bastrop 1832 Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm Bastrop1832FarmersMarket org
Elgin's Farmers Market open Thursday - from 4 pm to 7 pm at Veterans' Memorial Park. ElginFarmersMarket.com
Eden East Farm Stand at 1910 Main Street Bastrop is open 4-7 PM Wednesdays, 9 am-1 pm Fridays & Saturdays edeneastaustin com/farm/
Smithville Sunday Market at James H Long Railroad Park off Main & 1st in downtown Smithville Sundays from 10 am – 2 pm SmithvilleMarket com
Master Gardner Dolores Leeper is the editor of the Garden Guide for Austin & Vicinity and the Secretary/Treasurer for the Bastrop 1832 Farmers' Market.
Bastrop County is still Cattle Country
WithallthedevelopmentinBastropCounty,it’snosurprisethatranchandfarmacreageisonthedecline.Onlyabout forty-fivepercentofour574,074acresisagricultural.Honeybees,pecantrees,mohair,evendonkeysareproduced here but make no mistake beef is the number one agricultural endeavor, by a long shot. Out of Texas’ 254 counties,weranknumberninety-oneincattleandcalvesproduction Andthatdoesn’ttakeintoaccounttheacresin hayproduction YoumaythinkranchinghereismostlysmallspreadsouttogetataxexemptionbutBastropCounty beefisa$27-millionbusiness
Accordingtothe2022USDAagriculturalcensus,aboutforty-onepercentofBastropfarmersandranchersarewomen Onlyabouteightpercentofagproducersselldirecttotheconsumer MeetGreySkelley Shesellsbeefdirectlyto consumers, raised on her family’s ranch just outside of Smithville. The 420-acre spread has been in the same family for a hundred years Grey and her husband Larry Skelley started ranching here in 2011 with twenty heifers.
Doing business as Shipps Lake Ranch, Grey Skelley sells custom orders from their website and also at farmers’ markets “I promote all natural meat Grass-fed all the way Our hay fields are natural as well That means no grain, ever No hormones, antibiotics, or chemical pesticides on the ranch ”
And Skelley’s beef is processed right here in Smithville “We usually do not process any beef in the hot summer months I don't want to stress my animals I take them in myself, so it’s straight from farm to butcher It’s as humane as it gets ”
You can find out more about Shipps Lake Ranch beef at www.ShippsLakeRanch.com.
Shipp Lake, Smithville
Grey Skelley, Rancher
GIVING BACK,THE COWBOY WAY
They feed the need and they’ll feed you too.
Thanks to local ranchers who donate grazing land and cattle to Bastrop-based Feed the Need Missions, you can buy100%allnaturalfarmraised,grassfedandgrainfinishedbeef,USDApackagedandinspected Theprogramis calledGiveBackBeefandyourpurchaseprovidesdeliciousburgersforFeedtheNeedMission’smultipleweekly “freeburgers-nostringsattached”locations
Rather support by purchasing one burger at a time? Head over to 602 Brewing Company at 919 Main, Bastrop. Their 602 Burger is made with Give Back Beef and each purchase feeds a person in need.
If you’re a landowner with a pasture with good fences, Give Back Beef will manage cattle on your property for their mission If you’re a rancher and want to donate or sell a calf at market price to the program, you can find out more information at www FeedtheNeed org/beef
VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE ABOUT OUR UPCOMING TOURS AND TO SIGN UP TO RECEIVE 2026 TOUR UPDATES
US: CHICAGO May 29 – June 2, 2025 (4 nights)
GUATEMALA - ANTIGUA & LAKE ATITLÁN July 2 - 11, 2025 with option to purchase Tikal extension July 12-14
PERU - LIMA, CUSCO, & SACRED VALLEY - July 24-Aug 4, 2025
COLOMBIA - BOGOTÁ, ARMENIA, CALI - Aug 5-13 2025
COLOMBIA - MEDELLÍN & CARTAGENA - Aug 14-20, 2025
ARGENTINA - Culture in Buenos Aires, wine in Mendoza and amazing nature at Iguazu Falls. Sept 12-23, 2025 CAMIBAculturaltoursembodiesthe essenceofworldtravelasit influencestheartculture.Our excursionsgivetour-goersan intimateglimpseattheprocess behindthemasterpieceaswellasthe artiststhemselves.Weoffertoursto agrowingnumberofdestinations includingCuba,OaxacaMexico,San MigueldeAllendeMexico,Mexico City,Argentina,Guatemala&Peru. 512-937-5921
CAMIBAculturaltours.com
Update
Neighbors Kitchen and Yard owners Tom and Lori Dickey announced in February that they have sold their Bastrop restaurant and the Iron Bridge Brewery. They continue to own and manage Harmony Ridge.
Lo-Fi Coffee and Studio in Elgin has relocated from Main Street to 109A Central Ave Still great coffee, house-madebakedgoods
Cottage and Crow - Opening March 1 at 1109 Main, BastropattheLumberyard Promisesherbaltinctures,a seedlibrary,bulkherbsandhand-craftedgifts
BeardedBakingCo inBastropsadlyhasclosedto
return back home to North Carolina
Clutterbug Organizing by Jamie is now Tidy Crescent Company
Paige Farmhouse
Diner has a new owner and an updated menu
Bastrop a sushi destination? Kyoto at 696 SH 71 W. pioneered the sushi scene in Bastrop as we know it Then last year Volcano Sushi and Ramen opened just across the freeway, in front of Lowes, making three choices total
TidyCrescentCo com
Ashley Dahlke, owner at Lo-Fi Coffee & Studio
Spring
February 28 – March 2 – Rising Sun Vineyard’s 12th Annual Texas Independence Day Jam Five bands performing over three days Free dry camping available bring your RV, tent, or vehicle www.risingsunvineyard.com
March 1 – Purses and Poppies: Emerald City Designer Purse Bingo 10 games of bingo for a chance to win designer purses, plus magical bites and cocktails Benefiting the Child Advocacy Center, 12:00–6:00 PM www childrensadvocacycenter org
March 1 - Crawfish Boil and Live Music by Briana Adams at Smithville Brewing Co SmithvilleBrewing com
March 4 – Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras)
March 4 - Mardi Gras at Fat Cat Cafe 301 Main, Smithville 6:30 $39 95 per person, includes dinner, beads and party favors and Oscar Ornelas on sax and piano 6:30pm
March 6 - Lost Pines Art Alliances Artist Reception / One Woman Show - Melodie Spears Schmidt “Journey of Spirit” 5-7pm, Free, 206 Main Street
March 7, Found Fine Art presents a temporary exhibition of Julie Asher’s ledger paintings, debuting in conjunction with Bastrop's March First Friday ArtWalk, and will be displayed at the gallery through March 27, 2025
March 8 (Saturday) – International Women's Day
March 15, Spring Break Smithville Pard’s 5K Color Run Family fun. Smithville.RecDesk.com
March 17 (Monday) – St Patrick’s Day
March 20 (Thursday) –Spring Equinox (1st Day of Spring)
March 28 – 30 – MotoGP Red Bull Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas �� $20+ CircuitoftheAmericas com
March 28 – April 6 – Ken Ludwig’s Lend Me a Tenor at The Bastrop Opera House. For times and tickets go to BastropOperaHouse org �� $25
April 12 – Rising Sun Vineyard’s 5th Annual Spring Market Festival, wine, local artisan shopping, food, games, family-friendly, pet an alpaca. FREE www RisingSunVineyard com
April 20 (Sunday) – Easter
April 25 – May 11 – Bastrop Opera House presents A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder For times and tickets go to BastropOperaHouse.org �� $30
April 24-26 - Smithville Jamboree, Beard Contest, Corn Hole, Horse Shoes, Live Music, Carnival at Riverbend Park Schedule & Tickets available at JamboreeSmithville com
April 26 -- Bean & Noodle, Elgin is hosting a Tetra Pak Printmaking class. Learn to create multiple prints using recycled packaging & a pasta maker as a press Beginner friendly 10:00-1:00 PM �� $75 BeanandNoodle com
May 2, Smithville Airport Fly-in (See story page 30)
May 2-3, Bird Lovers’ Weekend (See Bird City Bastrop Texas Facebook page for details
May 5 (Monday) – Cinco de Mayo
Happening Every Month
Live music at Storehouse Market & Eatery- Wednesdays 7-9 PM
With Body and Shine Wellness enjoying continued successinElginandMainStreetYogaopeninglate2024 in Bastrop, regularly scheduled yoga classes are now availableliterallysevendaysaweek TheCityofBastrop’s RecreationCenteralsooffersseveralclasseseachweek.
Cover-up so you can finish with a walk or spot of tea out
Natural soy candles
Soothing playlist (with no commercials)
Journal
Incense
Lavender-scented mat spray
Smoothies & Juice
Radiant Juice - 702 Main Bastrop
Bastrop Cafe - 303 Martin Luther King Bastrop
Lite and Fresh Meals
Salads and Organic Matcha Latte - Caff, 711 Pine Bastrop
Local Farm to Table (Dinner)- Store House, 813 Main Bastrop
Vegetarian / Vegan - Tough Cookie, 1003 Main Bastrop
Vegetarian hot meals, salads & crepes - Chestnut Grove Food Court, 710 Chestnut Bastrop.
Add a Relaxing Treatment
TrueMassageandWellness.com - Bastrop
CherryBlossomSpa com - Massage and Facials
Sauna and Cold Plunge (Drop-in $20 00) at Bastrop Fitness Project - 512-850-6835
Spa Salad
ROASTED BEET WITH MINT & GOAT CHEESE SALAD
S A L A D
12 peeled medium beets
one bunch chopped mint
1 block soft goat cheese
2 cups toasted walnuts
2 packages of microgreens
(~4 cups)
1 granny smith apple
D R E S S I N G
1/2 cup EVOO
1/4 cup Balsamic
1 small shallot
1/4 cup stone ground
mustard
1/4 cup honey
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice 1/2 lemon
1 tsp salt & pepper
D I R E C T I O N S
Peel and chop beets in about 1 inch cubes and toss with salt pepper and olive oil, roast on a parchment lined baking sheet at 350 degrees until tender (about an hour.)
Thinly slice one cored granny smith apple and shallot (mandolin works great for this)
Toast walnuts in a pan and set aside (you could also microwave the walnuts for ~1 minute for a similar toasted crunch and less mess )
In a bowl, mix your dressing ingredients and add the sliced shallot to marinate while you assemble the salad.
Once the beets are cool, toss with the dressing and lay over a bed of micro greens and chopped mint
Add the apple, walnuts, and crumbles of goat cheese and mix slightly (careful not to over mix and wilt micro greens )
Serve immediately with fresh bread
Also great to top with roasted chicken if extra protein is desired
Spring Equinox
Refreshing with a kick, whether you make this non-alcoholic or with gin
This agua fresca based drink is perfect for brunch or happy hour
INGREDIENTS FOR TWO HIGHBALLS
1 Medium Cucumber
1 Inch knob of fresh Ginger 1/2 cup Honey
1 Handful Fresh Mint, Basil, or mixed
3 cups Water
2 Med Lemons
2 Cups Sparkling Water or Soda
3 Shots. Gin (optional)
METHOD
Roughly chop the unpeeled cucumber, herbs and ginger. Process in a blender or bullet with the honey and water until mostly liquified
Strain once or twice through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher. Pour strained agua fresca over ice into two highballs Add juice of lemon, 1-1/2 shot gin each, and sparkling water to taste Stir and garnish as shown
SSpring pring Home Home
"To Do" "To Do"
Clean gutters now to avoid rotting facia boards Make sure your gutter blocks carry water at least five feet away from your foundation.
Put away hose bib insulating covers and while you're at it, check for leaks and drips.
Clean your dryer vent A clogged dryer vent is a fire hazard
Mulch flower beds early to stave off weeds
Check & repair caulking around windows & exterior trim boards to keep moisture penetration at bay
Have your fireplace chimney inspected & make sure your cap is in place to keep out nesting birds
Hit the sales on pipe insulation, etc. Grab items you wish you'd had during the winter freeze and stock up during the off season
Have your A/C system serviced before the hot weather rush begins
Check your attic while it's still below 125-degrees up there Look for signs of rodents and make sure your ductwork is undamaged and firmly attached to vent boxes
Spring Cleaning is just the first step to keep your home in top shape for seasons to come.
This home maintenance reminder is brought to you by The Lori Tuggle Agency www lorituggleagency com
Your home is your largest investment. Make sure it's protected year-round.
Favorite Things
From some of our favorite local shops and boutiques.
Beautifully bold printed and embellished tops and dresses by Umgee just in time for Spring Pricesstartat$44
Elgin Dry Goods at 20 N MainStreetinElgin
Vintage Lady Head Vases
Elevate a simple bouquet of flowers with one of the these mid-century collectable vases They also are perfect to hold makeup brushes on a vanityorpensonadesk
Find them and more at Twig, located upstairs at PanamaRose. 216MainSt Smithville
Wave vases: wood and ceramic. $45 / $60. Made by husband/wife team, Ben and Faith Benitez at Horsemen Co 601 Chestnut Street, Bld G, Harmony Ridge, Bastrop.
Usethesewritingpromptstouncovertherealpersonbehind“Mom” her dreams,quirks,andthemomentsthatshapedher Thesearedesignedto sparkconversations,laughter,andmaybeevenafewsurprises!
1 What kind of kid were you? Were you the rule-follower or the daredevil? What did you get in trouble for the most?
2 If you could describe your childhood in three words, what would they be? What memories come to mind when you think about them?
3 What’s something you did as a teenager that you’ve never told your family? No judgment promise!
4. Who was your childhood hero or someone you looked up to? Was it a celebrity or a family member? What about them inspired you?
5 What’s the silliest thing you ever did just for fun? A prank, or a little harmless rebellion?
6. What’s a family tradition or memory that always makes you smile? Do you want to pass it down?
7 What’s one decision you’ve made that changed the course of your life? Was it a big, bold move or a small choice?
8 What’s a song, movie, or book that feels like it’s your story? Why does it resonate with you?
9 What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t done yet? Is it a skill, a trip, or maybe something a little daring?
10 Who is the most famous celebrity you ever met in person? Were you star-struck? Disappointed?
Smithville Texas Circa 1963
Storiesbringustogether.
Your family stories, set down in writing or voice recordings are something to cherish. Here are several services that not only help you gather your family stories, but actually compileandprintthem,withphotos
Storyworth.com
Remento.co
MyLifeinaBook.com OnPressBookPrinting.com
Tresha Silva is a mom of three and ExecutiveDirectoratBastropEmergency FoodPantry.Weaskedherwhatwasthe silliestthingsheeverdidjustforfunora prank
“During my junior year of high school, during the era of Salt-N-Pepa, my best friend and I were inspired to design our ownpairofstatementjeans Wecutholes inthem,decoratedthemwithpuffpaint, andsewedonpatches
My friend went down the hallway first, passingoneofourteachers Shemadeit throughwithoutanissue.Thencamemy turn.Iwalkeddownthehallandthesame teacherstoppedmewithaknowingsmile
Soon after, my friend was pulled out of class,andwewerebothsenttotheoffice. Theteacherlaughedandadmitted,“Isaw oneofyougobyandthought,‘I’llletthat slide.’ But when the second one came through,IknewIhadtoaddressthedress codeviolation!
Sara Hickman is a singer/songwriter and ownerofTwigindowntownSmithville Her storyisdelightfulandwewouldhavenever hearditifwehadn’tasked
“Mypaternalgrandfatherhadatraditionat holiday gatherings We’d all be seated around the table, holding hands: my grandparents, cousins, my parents, my sister,myauntsandunclesMygrandfather wouldgivethreesqueezestotheperson’s handonhisleft,thenthatpersonpassed the three squeezes and so on until it reached all the way back around to my grandpaThethreesqueezesmeant“Ilove you,” Our family has continued this tradition.”
BT&C took our storytelling prompts for a test drive with some of our favorite Bastrop moms Here are some of their answers and we have to admit they left us wanting to know more Mission accomplished!
Tresha Silva
Sara Hickman & mom Anne Dobson & Twig. Photo courtesy of Lance Schriner.
Lissa Johnston and Lyle
Small Town, Flying High
It all began in the late 1940s when a group of World War II veterans de a flying club They started with a handful of single-engine airplanes and located on the northeast side of Smithville Now owned and managed Smithville, Bastrop County’s only airport offers hanger space, fuel, ma cars for visiting pilots and is home to Black Star Aviation Flight School
Training the Next Generation of Pilots in Bastrop County
Black Star Aviation Flight School is making Smithville a hub for aspiring owner James Dorsey, who brings 20 years of airline experience from Dallas, the scho is training future aviators while fueling local aviation growth. With Chief Flight Instruct Keith Hill and Dean Tunks, Black Star and Smithville 84R is quickly becoming a premie destination for pilot training
From Zero to Hero: A Pilot’s Journey
VILLE FLY-IN MAY 8TH 2025
HURSDAY MAY
FutureplansforSmithville’sAirport
Constructadditionalcity-owned
Black Star currently offers discovery flights ($100) if you want to test your wings and classes to gain your private pilot certification, which typically costs ranging from $12,000 to $15,000 depending on the school and the amount of training needed
Black Star Aviation’s Owner James Dorsey
Smithville Crawford Airport 84R
Students train on their two aircraft, the Cessna 150 and Cessna 182, and an advanced flight simulator helps them log affordable flight hours After obtaining your private pilot license, James can guide you towards further training necessary to obtain your commercial pilot license
Growing Smithville’s Aviation Scene
Black Star’s expansion aligns with broader airport upgrades, including a new FBO (Fixed Base Operator) hangar set for completion in 2025 As pilot demand rises, the school plans to expand its fleet and programs, ensuring Bastrop County’s aviation future takes flight For more information, contact Black Star Aviation at info@blackstaraviation com
The annual Fly-in is every May on the second Saturday It is free to the public and family friendly with helicopter rides, food sales, a candy drop and military and vintage aircraft For more information go to the Facebook page for Smithville Crawford Airport 84R..
