BASTROP TOWN & COUNTRY
Bringing Back Hors d'oeuvres
START YOUR WINTER GARDEN
Holiday Journal I S S U E
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N O V E M B E R
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D E C E M B E R
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Editor's Note
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Plant this Now
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Who is Athan Schindler?
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5 New Hors D'Oeuvres
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Holiday Calendar
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Hike Local
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The Best Thing...
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Drink this Now
25
Luxury Gift Guide
512.619.5322
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A NOTE FROM THE EDITORS
o Helln ,
agai
46-degree mornings...YES! The Holiday Season is when Bastrop County really shines. Whitetail deer are jumping (be careful on those country roads,) the loblolly pines and cedar are our own home-grown brand of Christmas trees, and yaupon berries keep over-wintering birds singing (probably all that caffeine yaupon it's reported to have.) It's a great time to up your hiking game on one of our local trails.
A little time off in October on Cape Cod.
If a stroll is preferred over a hike, our small towns are decorated to be even more beautiful than usual. If you don't take a stroll down historic Main Street to shop, you're really missing one of the best things about living here. We had a blast putting together a Luxury Gift Guide, Bastrop style. It's always a pleasure showcasing local businesses like Good Bull Golf Carts whose coowner Sara Rutherford showed off a luxe LSV and her new puppy. We also introduce you to a Bastropian you may already know but there's more to him than muscles and brawn. Meet Athan Schindler on page 11.
Email us at BastropMagazine@gmail.com or look for us on Facebook
Most of all we want to take this time to thank each of you who read Bastrop Town and Country and support us by cheering us on, complimenting our work, advising us, letting us photograph you and needle you with questions for articles and otherwise contribute to this magazine five times a year. We are grateful to work along side you in this great community. Season's Greetings from BT&C, Karen Derr & Jonathan Ryan Publishers & Editor Taking a stroll in Manchester Vermont in Ctober.
Photographed in Rosanky by Laura Lee Photography. Follow her at @lauraleephotoandfilm for Instagram and Facebook.com/lauraleephotograph. Model is Realtor Taylor Homuth.
A UNIQUE STYLE
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 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.
FROM OUR ADVERTISERS TO YOU
Season's Greetings WE'RE SO GRATEFUL FOR OUR ADVERTISERS WHO MAKE BASTROP TOWN & COUNTRY MAGAZINE POSSIBLE
LORI TUGGLE AGENCY
ROXANNE HAYES REMAX
DESIREE LAUX BLACK & WHITE INTERIORS
JOLENE JAEHNE FIRST CENTENNIAL MORTGAGE
PAULA COLLINS HARTLAND REAL ESTATE
JON RYAN - COMPASS RE
Plant This Now... Early-Mid November: Carrots, Chard, Mustards,
FRESH AT A FARMERS' MARKET NEAR YOU
Turnips.
The Bastrop 1832 Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. Bastrop1832FarmersMarket.org
All November: Lettuce, Radish, Spinach, Rosemary, Dill, Chives, Cumin, Lemon Balm, Mint, Oregano, Sage, Thyme, Parsley, Fennel, Fenugreek, Catnip, Strawberries. All December: Lettuce, Radish, Spinach, Bare root or container-grown Pecans, Fruit Trees, Grapes and Berry Bushes. Source: Master Gardner Dolores Leeper, editor of the Garden Guide for Austin & Vicinity and the Secretary/Treasurer for the Bastrop 1832
Lost Pines Farmers Market is open Sunday, noon-4pm Community Gardens Bastrop 1067 Hwy 71 W - Follow them on Facebook Elgin's Farmers Market is open Thursday, 4 pm to 7 pm Veterans' Memorial Park. ElginFarmersMarket.com East Eden Farm Stand is open 4 pm-7 pm Wednesdays, 9 am-1 pm Friday & Saturdays 1910 Main Street Bastrop edeneastaustin.com/farm/ Offering turnips, radishes, collards, chard, mustard, bok choy, herbs, mushrooms. In December they plan to have broccoli, romanesco, cabbage and carrots.
Farmers' Market. Used with permission.
Page 9
BASTROP AREA
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ATHAN SCHINDLER
Meet OWNER OF BASTROP FITNESS PROJECT Age 45 From: Dorrance Kansas, pop. 175 8 years as an Airborne Ranger 2007 Came to Austin Attended: Grad School at UT 2009 Assigned to Camp Swift in the National Guard. Fell in love with Bastrop. 2017 Bought Bastrop CrossFit Strive Currently First Sergeant of Bravo Company, 2-142 Infantry Regiment, Texas National Guard 2022 Bastrop Fitness Project Opened
"I come from farmers. Life as a farmer can be hard. My grandpa always had side hustles . . . The entrepreneurial spirit was built into me. It basically makes me unemployable." Photo by Lexi Grose
BT&C: Have you always been interested in fitness? ATHAN: No, and I’m not that interested in fitness now. I’m most interested in personal growth and self actualization. I believe that fitness is a mandatory pillar to full self-actualization. I’m a coach and gym owner who really doesn’t care that much about how much weight you can lift or how fast you can run. I want you to lift heavy and run fast so that you can crush everything in your life outside of the gym. BT&C: With all your success in business, why do you continue to serve in the military? ATHAN: I was a wayward soul when I entered the service and I was truly blessed to have giants among men take me under their wing and show me what I was capable of. The obligation of the rescued is to rescue others. BT&C: New Year's resolutions, yes or no? ATHAN: I don’t personally do new years resolutions and I don’t typically encourage others to do them either. I work to get people to attach their health and fitness goals to their purpose in life. When they do that, it just happens all the time - month after month and year after year.
BT&C: What do you like most about coaching fitness? ATHAN: I love helping people intimately learn what makes them the ultimate version of themselves. I love assisting people in developing the confidence and comfortability in doing hard things. The core of what I do is to use strength and conditioning as the canvas for personal development. The process of developing physical attributes is the same as developing any other quality of a person. It requires a plan and consistent effort toward a specific goal. Learning and developing any characteristic simply comes down to habit selection and practicing behaviors with repetition just like you would in the gym with sets and reps. BT&C: The new building for BFP is first class. What are you most proud of and what was your biggest fear in building such an ambitious project? ATHAN: Thank you for saying that. It really has been a huge, scary, at times frustrating, and rewarding experience. I’m proud of so much about BFP. For one, I finished it. There were plenty of times when I thought I wouldn’t and I’m so glad that I stuck it out. I’m also very proud that it was a collective effort performed by so many different people. By no means am I personally responsible for how it turned out. It feels good to have been a member of a team that finished such a high quality project. Most of all, I’m proud of what BFP is. It offers so many opportunities for people to optimize their health, build community, and become their best selves. BT&C: What's your favorite thing to do with kids in Bastrop? A T H A N: B a s t r o p i s s u c h a g r e a t p l a c e f o r k i d s . W e l o v e j o i n i n g f r i e n d s f o r gatherings. My daughter loves dancing at Liberty Dance Center, practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Insight BJJ, kids classes at Strive Strength & Conditioning, playing at Wild Child, and riding her scooter at the skate park in Fisherman’s Park.
Photo by Lexi Grose
Athan Schindler Founder Bastrop Fitness Project Owner / Strive Strength & Conditioning BastropFitnessProject.com 301 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr,
SEASONAL TABLE INSPIRATION
HOLIDAY Clockwise: 1)Mod silver and green stripe 2)Layered textures with gold/yellow/red abundance. 3)Instructables.com/Christmas-Tree-Napkin-Fold/. 4)Buffalo plaid with white pumpkin and wood tones
2022 HOLIDAYS
Entertaining
WITH GOOD TASTE BRINGING BACK THE HORS D'OEUVRE Potato-Onion Frittata 1 pound yukon gold potatoes 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced 1 ounce sharp cheddar cheese, grated (1/2 cup)
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper 10 large eggs, whisked 1/2 cup sour cream
Cube potatoes into 1/4 in pieces, and boil in salted water until tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Heat oil in an ovenproof 10-inch nonstick skillet over mediumhigh heat. Cook onions until just translucent, about 2 minutes. Add potatoes, and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions and potatoes are golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste. Mix together cheddar & eggs. Add salt & pepper. Reduce heat to medium. Pour egg mixture into skillet. Incorporate sour cream into the egg mixture. Cook until edges are set, about 2 minutes. Carefully transfer the skillet into 400 degree oven, and bake until eggs are completely set, 10 to 12 minutes. Invert frittata onto a plate. Let cool slightly. Cut into appetizer-size wedges. Serve warm or room temperature. If desired, serve alongside salsa or creme fresh.
Caramelized Figs with Bacon 8 Large Figs 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 6 slices of thick cut bacon 3 tablespoons maple syrup (optional) 1/2 cup crumbled gorgonzola Cut the bacon slices into 3 pieces each. Fry until crisp in a medium fry pan. Drain on paper towels and set aside. Drain off all but 3 tablespoons of fat. Add maple syrup to pan. Arrange fig halves cut side down. Cook figs for about 5 minutes, spooning liquid over them until they are caramelized. Remove figs and add balsamic to the pan. Reduce to a syrup. Just before serving arrange fig halves on a heat proof serving dish, press a bacon piece into the top, and dollop a small amount of gorgonzola on each.. Broil quickly until cheese sizzles. Drizzle reduction over each and serve. Makes 16 pieces.
5 New Recipes that will become Holiday favorites.
Simple Smoked Salmon Spread 8 ounces of cream cheese, at room temperature 1⁄3 cup sour cream juice of 1 medium lemon A few dashes of Tabasco sauce 3 spring onion, white and green parts, chopped 3 tablespoons capers, drained 8 ounces smoked salmon, coarsely chopped 3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill fresh ground black pepper fresh parsley or dill for garnish Add all ingredients to a food processor and mix pulsing until you get a homogenous dip. Garnish with the dill or parsley and serve chilled or at room temperature with crackers. Serve with fine minced red onion and more capers on the side if desired.
Cranberry Brie Bites 8 oz. tube crescent dough Cooking spray, for pan 8 oz.wheel of brie 1/2 c. whole berry cranberry sauce 1/4 c. chopped walnuts Sprigs of rosemary, cut into 1" pieces. Preheat oven to 375° and grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray. On a lightly floured surface, roll out crescent dough Cut into 24 squares. line squares into muffin tin slots. Cut brie into small cubes and place inside the crescent dough cups. Top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce, some chopped walnuts, and one little sprig of rosemary. Bake until the crescent pastry is golden, about 15 minutes.. Makes 24 pieces.
Mini French Dip Sandwiches with Au Jus 5 tbsp. butter, divided 2 sprigs, plus 1/4 teaspoon fresh thyme Freshly ground black pepper 1 lb. thinly sliced deli roast beef 1 tbsp. clove garlic, minced 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 large onion, thinly sliced 1 baguette Kosher salt 12 slices provolone cheese 1 1/2 c. low-sodium beef broth
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add onion and fresh thyme and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized, about 15 minutes.. Halve baguette and cut into 8 equally sized pieces. Top with roast beef, provolone cheese, and caramelized onions. Melt 2 tablespoons butter and brush on top of the sandwiches. Sprinkle coarse salt, and parsley and bake until cheese is melty and sliders are warmed through, 10 to 15 minutes. Meanwhile, make the au jus: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter to same skillet and melt over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute, then add beef broth, Worcestershire, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer until slightly reduced,, 10 minutes. Serve with au jus for dipping. Serve with a dish of creamy horseradish if desired. 8 pieces.
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What's Happening in BASTROP COUNTY THIS
HOLIDAY SEASON Nov. 1 First Day of American Indian Heritage Month
Nov. 26 - Small Business Saturday
Nov. 3 Farm Street Opry 5:30 PM -The Bastrop Convention Exhibit Center proudly presents 'The Farm Street Opry' - Family Friendly musical performance featuring local Texas talent and special guest performers. Doors open at 5:30 pm show starts at 7:00 pm. Admission is $7.50. Children 10 and under are free. Concessions available
Nov. 26 - 5th Annual Wassail Fest11:00 AM - 3:00 PM . Vote for your favorite homemade hot mulled cider served throughout downtown.
Dec.1 - Farm Street Opry -The Bastrop Convention Exhibit Center presents A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS! Celebrate the season with a Nov. 4 First Friday Artwalk 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM -Experience Bastrop in art special night of fun as the Farm Street Opry Band and guests perform and culture on the First Friday of every month with local artists great country music and your holiday favorites. Plus, Santa will make featured at various downtown Bastrop locations a special appearance! Doors open at 5:30 PM and show at 7:00 PM. Admission is $7.50, Kids 10 and under are free. Nov. 5 First Day of Hunting Season Nov. 5 - Lost Pines Art Center Bastrop, Art Fest & Fall Festival 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Arts and crafts vendors under the big tent, artist demonstrations and Southside BBQ. Beer & other refreshments. Live Brazilian music from Paula Maya & Bossa Nova Plus from 2-4 PM! Nov. 5 Bastrop Market Days First Saturday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM every FIRST Saturday of the month from 10-5 and support all the amazing shops and local vendors & guest artisans that will be lining the sidewalks of historic downtown Nov 5 - Art After Dark Lost Pines Art Center 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM featuring artwork from Texas artists, live music, and complimentary refreshments. Nov. 4, 5 and 6 - Hopewell Rosenwald School 100-Year Anniversary Celebration - Go to https://hopewellrosenwaldcc.org for the schedule of events, including an original play about this historic school. Nov. 6 - Fall Back! Daylight Savings Ends Nov. 8 Election Day Nov. 11 Veterans Day Nov. 11 & 12 - 16th Annual "Heroes & Hot Rods" Veterans Day Cruise In & Car Show Downtown Bastrop https://bastropareacruisers.com
Dec. 3 Bastrop Market Days First Saturday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM every FIRST Saturday of the month from 10-5 and support all the amazing shops and local vendors & guest artisans that will be lining the sidewalks of historic downtown Dec. 3 - Holiday Edition of Saturday Creatives! at the Lost Pines Art Center 1-3pm - Create Holiday Cards that you can be proud to send to your friends and family. Learn how to use a mix of mediums such as card stock, a printing gel plate, watercolor, acrylic paint, collage, glitter pens, and message stamps. Complementary holiday treats too. Dec. 3 Art After Dark Lost Pines Art Center 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Dec. 10 - 2022 Lost Pines Christmas Lighted Christmas Parade 6:00 PM- Bastrop’s fanciful —and even famous—annual Christmas Parade will light up the night skies as it makes its way down Main Street. Dec. 10 - Holiday Home Tour Tickets are for sale at the Bastrop County Historical Society Museum & Visitor Center, and at each location along the tour. Adults: $20 Children under 12: Free https://www.bastropcountyhistoricalsociety.com/copy-of-homes-tourtickets-1 Dec. 19 1st Day Hannukah
Nov. 12 - 2022 Annual Smithville Garden Club Tour of Homes- Go inside Smithville's most unique & interesting homes. Tickets are Sold at Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Smithville Chamber of Commerce for $15 each. Dec. 25 Christmas Day November 5-19 - Yoga on Saturdays at Eden East Farm. 10-11 AM. Donations suggested to the teachers. 1910 Main Bastrop. Dec. 26 Kwanza Nov. 19 - Rising Sun Vineyard Autumn Fest 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Amazing market of local vendors and artisans. Family-friendly activities, holiday photos with custom backdrop. live music, & food. rising-sun-vineyard.com/autumn-fest-at-rising-sun-vineyard/ Nov. 25 - Opening of Bastrop River of Lights lining Bastrop's scenic June Hill Pape River Walk.
Page 16
Dec. 31 New Years' Eve Bastrop Opera House presents Christmas Chaos- December 2, 3, 9, 16, 17 @ 7:30pm, December 10, 11 - 2:30pm, BastropOperaHouse.org
Live Music Nov. 4 Natalie Metcalf Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 7:30-10:30
Nov. 19 Hannah Wright & TMR Copper Shot Distillery 7:00-10:00
Nov. 4 Marcus Morales Band Copper Shot Distillery 7:00-10:00
Nov. 19 Briana Adams Fat Cat Lounge 7:00-9:00
Nov. 4 Bill Palmer & Wayne Sutton Fat Cat Lounge 7:00-9:00
Nov. 20 Tahni Handal Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 5:00-8:00
Nov. 5 Rochelle and the Sidewinders Neighbors Kitchen 7:30-10:30
Nov. 25 Brain Wolff Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 7:00-10:00
Nov. 5 DJ Champ Copper Shot Distillery 7:00-10:00
Nov. 25 Dom Cours & CO Copper Shot Distillery 7:00-10:00
Nov. 5 The Chris Daurte Group Fat Cat Lounge 7:00-9:00
Nov. 26 Everett Wren Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 7:00-10:00
Nov. 6 Danny Brooks & Lil Miss Debbie Neighbors Kitchen 5:00-8:00
Nov. 26 Shadow Band Copper Shot Distillery 7:00-10:00
Nov. 11 Vin Mott Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 7:00-10:00
Nov. 27 Ryan Desiato Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 5:00-8:00
Nov. 11 David Spann Copper Shot Distillery 7:00-10:00
Dec. 2 Paul Val Copper Shot Distillery 7:00-10:00
Nov. 11 Friday Night Blues Larry Wilson Fat Cat Lounge 7:30-9:30
Dec. 2 Birdlegg Fat Cat Lounge 7:00-9:00
Nov. 12 Nick & Paige Neighbors Kitchen & yard 7:00-10:00
Dec. 3 Firecracker Smile Copper Shot Distillery 7:00-10:00
Nov. 12 X-Factor Copper Shot Distillery 7:00-10:00
Dec. 9 David Span Copper Shot Distillery 7:00-10:00
Nov. 12 Chasing Gypsy Copper Shot Distillery 8:00-10:00
Dec. 9 Honeybee Jazz Quartet Fat Cat Lounge 7:00-9:00
Nov. 13 Lindsay Beaver & Brad Stivers Neighbors Kitchen 5:00-8:00
Dec. 10 Chasing Gypsy Copper Shot Distillery 8:00-10:00
Nov.13 Morgan Ashley Neighbors Kitchen & Yard is 5:00-8:00
Dec. 10 The Selfless Lovers Fat Cat Lounge 7:00-9:00
Nov. 18 Monte Good Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 7:00-10:00
Dec. 16 Tish & the Mizzbehavins Copper Shot Distillery 7:00-10:00
Nov. 18 Tish & the Mizzbehavins Copper Shot Distillery 7:00-10:00
Dec 31. Dom Course & CO Copper Shot Distillery 7:00-10:00
Nov. 19 Chubby Knuckle Choir Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 7:00-10:00
Every Month Live music at Storehouse Market & Eatery - Wednesdays 7-9 PM Bingo at Bastrop Beer Co. Wednesdays 7-9 PM Cornhole Tournaments at Community Gardens Wednesdays 7PM Sip, Shop & Stroll - 2nd Thursday of the month, 5PM-8PM in downtown Elgin. Art After Dark Lost Pines Art Center - Every first Saturday, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM - featuring artwork from Texas artists, live music, and complimentary refreshments. East Eden Farm Stand Wednesdays 4-7 PM Friday & Saturdays 9AM -1 PM Trivia Tuesday at Heroes Sports Bar & Scratch Kitchen Wednesdays 7-10 PM Karaoke Night at Old Town Wednesday and Friday Nights Karaoke Night at Heroes Sports Bar & Scratch Kitchen Thursdays 6-10 PM Trivia Nights Bastrop Beer Co. Thursdays 7-9 PM Open Mic Night at Film Alley Tuesdays 7-9 PM Cornhole Tournament at Bastrop Beer Co. Tuesdays 6:30-10 PM Open Ride Day at Mayfest Park, 1st & 3rd Tuesdays 8 AM-10 PM https://www.cityofbastrop.org/page/parks.home Farm Street Opry, 1st Thursday 5:30 PM Singles Mingle at Film Alley - 2nd Thursday 7-9 PM Gayme Night - Every 3rd Friday presented by Pride Bastrop at Painted Porch Bookstore 6:00-9:00 PM Information was accurate at time of printing but subject to change. Call ahead to confirm please.
2022
New Year's Eve
Fine Dining Saturday, December 31st Storehouse Market & Eatery 813 Main St. Bastrop 3 course pre fixe dinner 5pm to 10pm 10pm to 12 midnight Reverse cocktail hour (champagne) and music. New Year's Day brunch - 12-3 PM 512-412-6114 storehousebastrop.com Chophouse Piney Creek 703 Chestnut St. Bastrop Dinner 5pm to 10pm 512-321-2135 pineycreekbastrop.com The Front Room 116 Main St. Smithville Dinner 5pm to 10pm 512-237-3626 frontroomwinebar.com Story's Ranch Kitchen at the Hyatt Dinner 5pm to 10pm 512-308-1234
Information at time of printing and subject to change. Reservations recommended. Call or check website to confirm schedule.
wishing you the finer things in life in 2023!
Prime Show Properties
PRICE IMPROVEMENT 711 E. 19TH Street $1,695,000 This LEED certified home is newer construction with 4 bedrooms and 3-1/2 baths, a sauna in the exercise room, summer kitchen, chef's kitchen, 4200 sf on a large lot.
Rene Ibarra Karen Derr Realty Group Phone 713-446-8331
JUST PENDED7.6 acres McAllister Rd Bastrop $382,650 Beautiful area for a homesite near ColoVista golf course and all historic Bastrop and Smithville have to offer. 35 minutes to Austin. Paved road. Public water available .
Rene.Ibarra@compass.com
JUST PENDED3590 FM 154, West Point $1,200,000 2292 sqft, 3 beds, 3.5 baths 17.58 acres 40x60 Barn Beautiful all brick custom home in a park-like setting just 45 minutes from Austin. Wildlife exemption to keep taxes low.
Paula Collings Hartland Real Estate Phone713-594-5295 Paula.Collins@gmail.com
COMMERCIAL LAND1603 Chestnut St, Bastrop $295,000 Prime commercial lot on the corner of Chestnut and HWY 95. Almost 10,000 SqFt . Fronting family entertainment center (Cinema, Bowling, ETC.). Karen Derr This vacant lot has tons of Karen Derr Realty Group potential! Phone 512-720-8290 Karen.Derr@compass.com
JUST SOLD4424 Ingram $422,000 New Construction in Lively Ranch in Georgetown / Liberty Hill ISD. Lovely DR Horton home in a quiet setting between ranch land and the South Fork of the San Gabriel River. We are new home specialists.
Jonathan Ryan Karen Derr Realty Group Phone 512-701-3642 Jon.Ryan@compass.com
PRICE IMPROVEMENT 1013 Park Prairie, Fayetteville $680,000 Beautiful Lake Fayette is just steps away! This Fayette County landmark - The Old Park Lodge - could be yours. Formerly a prosperous bait store and restaurant, the property includes 25 storage Karen Derr Karen Derr Realty Group units, a store/restaurant, and a spacious, mostly one-story Phone 512-720-8290 Karen.Derr@compass.com home originally built in 1920.
Paula Collings Hartland Real Estate Phone713-594-5295 Paula.Collins@gmail.com
Brought to you by your local Bastrop REALTORS® For Prime Show Properties Advertising Call 512-701-3642.
BastropMagazine@gmail.com
HIKE BASTROP COUNTY
hike local, hike often.
Scenic overlook at Bastrop State Park
Winter is Hiking Season in Central Texas Living in Bastrop County, we are lucky to have hundreds of miles of hiking trails close at hand and the majority of the trails are easy enough for beginners or kids. If you're looking for a new hobby, want to explore the natural beauty around us, or just looking to change up your exercise routine, let us introduce you to some of our favorite trails and routes for you to explore. McKinney Roughs Nature Park 1884 State Highway 71 West, Cedar Creek Loop Trail 4.4 Miles Est. time 1 hr 43 m Moderate Bluffs and Bottoms Trail 4.8 Miles Est. 1hr 49m Moderate Bobcat Ridge Loop 4.1 Miles Est. 1hr 30m Easy Bonus: Fishing along the Colorado River is popular. Pack a pocket rod and try your luck.
Bastrop State Park 100 Park Road 1A While the trees have grown back nicely, parts of the trail system are still very sunny. Plan to carry water and wear a hat.
Buescher State Park 100 Park Road 1E Smithville 512-237-2241 Winding Woodlands Trail 1.5 Miles Est.50min Easy
Lost Pines Loop 7.1 Miles Est. 2hr 34m Moderate
Pine Gulch Trail 7.5 Miles Est. 2hr 50m Moderate
Scenic Overlook Trail/Post Oak Spur 3.5 Miles Est. 1hr 19m Moderate or make it more difficult by adding in the steep incline on the park road leading up to the Overlook Trailhead.
Road Around the Park 2 Miles Est. 45min Easy, paved, mostly shady, this one is great for walking the dog or when trails are muddy.
Bonus: Fully Paved Park Road. 1C connects Buescher and Bastrop State Parks on a winding scenic 10-mile road. perfect for hiking, running, or biking. Also a good choice when rains have made the trails muddy.. Birders have identified more than 250 species of birds in the park.
Bonus: Buescher has been mostly unaffected by the fires so it remains shady. Stop in the ranger station and buy yourself a hand carved walking stick.
GET OUT THERE
UPGRADE YOUR GEAR, UPGRADE YOUR HIKE
Altra Lone Peak 6 Trail-Running Shoes Stay Hydrated with the CamelBak M.U.L.E. Hydration Pack
Editor Jon Ryan wears this newest edition to the Lone Peak family. The Lone Peak 6 is ready to take on any terrain with trail features like the grippy MaxTrac™ outsole with TrailClaw™ canted lugs designed to keep you going. This evolution’s updated upper construction and customizable lacing system provides a more secure fit so you can take on the trails with confidence. $140.
This comfortable and lightweight backpack has been road tested by BT&C and includes a 3 liter bladder for secure water storage. Bite valve tube lets you drink on the go, hands-free. Additional pockets provide plenty of room for extra socks, snacks, etc. Available at REI and Amazon. About $62.
Riverside trail with bridge at the Colorado River Preserve
Colorado River Refuge Located at 280 Riverside Dr, Bastrop. The Colorado River Refuge is adjacent to the Bastrop County Nature Park. This is a shady hike with well-developed trails and an ADA paved trail and picnic area accessible via the Cottonwood Kings trailhead. The preserve totals 65 acres and 3 miles of trails.Easy hiking. No fee. No staff on site. The Refuge is managed by the Pines and Prairie Land Trust. pplt.org/preserves
Trek-Z Ergonomic Trekking Poles By Trekology, made with aircraft-grade aluminum for hiking or backpacking on rough terrains and supporting heavier weights. The joints have been enhanced to be extra secure. Cork texture grip draws sweat away from your hands. Height is easy to adjust and they collapse to less than 15 inches. Available at Amazon for about $42
B T & C
R e n e
I b a r r a ,
R E C O M M E N D S
D i r e c t o r
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512-937-5921 CAMIBAculturaltours.com
the best thing I ever ate...
LATELY
Sandy Sepulveda, one of the best servers in Bastrop County
Smithville Texas is lucky to have a downtown neighborhood spot like The Front Room. Walk into a dimly lit cozy lounge with an atmosphere that transports you to some New Orleans club like the Bombay Room. Sprawled out seating with large club chairs and a wrap-around bar makes you want to just put your feet up and relax. The menu is tapas (small plates) and homemade pizza. If ever your party can't decide on what's for dinner, The Front Room has everything from Creole style classics like shrimp n' grits, and crab cakes with remoulade to Asian dumplings, edamame, and lettuce wraps. Or just get an organic beef slider and sweet potato fries for Momma. Great service and libations. If you haven't been to The Front Room yet it could be your new 5-o-clock refuge. BTW did you know Post Malone has his own Rosé? Pretty good stuff, try a bottle here.
Digging into Spinach Artichoke Dip
THE FRONT ROOM WINE BAR 116 Main, Smithville 512-237-3626 frontroomwinebar.com M-TH 5-9pm, F 4-10pm, SAT noon-10pm, Closed SUN
Mistletoe Margarita 1/2 cup whole fresh cranberries 1/2 cup sugar 1 tbsp. kosher salt 1 wedge lime, for rim 2 cup cranberry juice cocktail (sweetened) 10 oz silver tequila 8oz triple sec 1/2 cup plus 1 tbsp lime juice, divided 12 cups ice Sprig of rosemary for garnish
Directions 1. In a medium bowl, toss cranberries with 1 tablespoon lime juice. Drain off lime juice, then toss cranberries with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Pour onto a baking sheet to dry 2. Combine remaining sugar with salt on a shallow plate and mix to combine, Using the lime wedge, wet the rim of each glass, then dip in sugar salt mixture 3. Combine cranberry juice, tequila, triple sec, remaining 1/2 cup lime juice, and ice in a large blender working in batches if necessary. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed with agave syrup or honey. 4. Pour into prepared glasses and garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a couple of sugared cranberries
drink this now
LUXURY GIFTS BASTROP STYLE FOR THOSE THAT HAVE BEEN VERY NICE
TOMBERLIN E-MERGE GHOSTHAWK Street legal in our historic districts and most neighborhoods, Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs) or Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs) are quiet, fun, and can even go off-road. Limited edition Matte Blue Denim paint, 6 passengers, lifted, lithium-ion (210 amp hr) battery powered, custom seats, all LED lights, LED dash screen including back-up camera, power steering, a sound system built into the canopy including custom lights, rollover protection, all for $30,988. Perfect for town or ranch, owner Sara Rutherford (pictured above) with Good Bull Golf Carts will help you make someone very happy this Christmas! 512-412-6224, 194 SH-21, Cedar Creek.
TOYS FOR BIG GIRLS & BOYS TRAVEL NO FURTHER THAN KRAGH'S FOR DESIGNER JEWELRY AND BRILLIANT NATURAL DIAMONDS Shown below, a designer ring in 14K yellow gold featuring Canary Yellow and natural diamonds. $12,600 Custom jewelry is their specialty. Kragh's Jewelry, 485 W. SH 71 Service Road Bastrop 78602 - 512-321--2351
THE ULTIMATE SHE-SHED OR MAN-CAVE ADU Park Model Series prefabricated cabins ready for delivery, Including split unit HVAC, kitchen, and full bath. Sheetrock finished interior. Prices start at $80,000. As shown $125,000. Creative Living Solutions, 1099 SH 71 W, Bastrop 512-758-4258
Bastrop County native Chester DeShay has been selling Fords for 25 years and was voted Best of Bastrop County. We asked him to choose a truck for our luxury gift guide and he did not disappoint. This F-150 Platinum Series is loaded! Power running boards deploy as you approach with the key, perimeter lighting, power tailgate converts to a step, USB jack in bed, heated seats, parking assist, 360 camera, twin panel moon roof, satin chrome package, leather seats with contrast stitching.
$78,000.
Looking for a really special truck? Come see Chester at Sames Ford. 512-586-7914, 1115 sh-71 E, Bastrop
LUXURY GIFT GUIDE
Ladies & gents, there's nothing
Nothing says "pampered" like a
everyday about these Western
spa day.
boots, designed exclusively for
We sampled the offerings at Cherry Blossom Spa and were delighted by a quaint space with a Zen atmosphere, conveniently located in Bastrop's historic district. Voted best of Bastrop County for 2022.
The Texas Boot Company, 733 Old Austin Hwy, Bastrop. TexasBootCompany.com Rios of Mercedes Mens Chocolate Caiman Belly Roper, $1,029.99 Rios of Mercedes Womens Sweet Caroline Chocolate Boots, $769.99 Black Jack Mens Navy Snapping Turtle Boots, $1,500.00
Give a gift card for the Enchanting Package which includes a 60minute Relaxation Massage and a Revitalizing Facial with extra enhancements including aromatherapy, hydrating hand treatment, and an amazing scalp massage. 2 hours and 15 minutes of pampering total! Enhancements can be customized. $220.00 1011 Chestnut Street Bastrop, (512) 332-2600
FOR A HOLIDAY SPLURGE, LOOK NO FURTHER THAN OUR OWN BACKYARD Rain or shine, work around the ranch just became more fun with this Polaris Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar edition with seating for 6. The factory-installed Heat/AC offers quick heating and cooling. Enjoy a quiet ride and keep water and dust out with the tight sealing Pro Shield cab system, LED headlights, Sport Roof with premium liner & dome light, and a 4,500 lb winch. Bastrop Polaris Fun Center has all kinds of toys for off road too. $35,199 MSRP
Polaris Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar For Holiday delivery, contact your Bastrop neighbor Logan Henderson at Polaris Fun Center at 3400 SH-71 East | Bastrop or (512) 549-8328.
VETERANS' DAY WEEKEND NOVEMBER 11 & 12, 2022
16TH ANNUAL 2022 HEROES & HOTRODS CARSHOWBASTROPAREACRUISERS.COM
CRUISING
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Do one of these fine rides seen around Bastrop County belong to you? Claim your cruiser and we'll give you a $10 gift card to Tracy's Drive-In or Smithville General Store & Coffee. Just text to 512-720-8290 or email BastropMagazine@gmail.com and tell us you saw it in Bastrop Town & Country Magazine! 1 per car please.
Holiday Home "To Do"
It's time to check insulation on exposed plumbing pipes and hose bibs and repair/replace any that have been damaged. Check batteries in Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Towards the end of December or after the first good freeze, re-plant fruit and ornamental trees that were lost in the past year. Reverse ceiling fans to run the blades clockwise. This will push warm air down so you're more comfortable in cold weather.
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Now that it's not 1000-degrees in your attic, take a peek up there at your insulation. Make sure it is still lofty and in good condition, free of damage from animals or leaks. Check possible points of entry in your attic and crawl spaces for activity. Colder weather may drive animals to seek warmth. Check weather stripping and caulking around windows and door, looking for air leaks that can make your heating system less efficient. Giving all beds a thick layer of mulch to hold in moisture and protect against light freezes.
Cold weather brings a new set of maintenance concerns. This home maintenance reminder is brought to you by Lori Tuggle Agency. www.lorituggleagency.com Your home is your largest investment. Make sure it's protected year round.
Now with two locations! 601 Chestnut #G W e 2804 ' v e aHwy s s i s 21E, t e d Suite o v e r #D 4,000 families and
with home financing.