Bastrop Town & Country Spring 2022

BASTROP TOWN & COUNTRY

Packing a Picnic Feast FISHING LOCAL

COUNTYWIDE EVENTS & LIVE MUSIC LINE UP

Spr ing Jou rna l

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CONTENTS

07 Plant this Now

11 What to Drink Now

15 The Best Thing I Ever Ate

21 Fishing Local

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04 Note from the Editor

09 Bastrop's Irish History

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Gifts for Mom

18 Spring Vineyard Crawl

25

Pack a Picnic Feast

Cruising Bastrop County

BASTROP TOWN & COUNTRY

A NOTE FROM THE EDITORS

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It's Spring at last!

You may have received our Spring Journal a little late in March but winter seemed to linger on and we were determined not go to press until our features and calendar were loaded with rich content to bring you the very best of life in Bastrop County.

Our Spring Calendar of Events is chock full of live music and other fun happenings. Our features this issue will get you in the mood to be outdoors, if you're not already. Fishing, gardening, next-level picnicking, local shopping for Mom, vineyard hopping across Central Texas - - we've prepared you for warm weather and wild flowers with fresh insights.

A special thanks goes out to our local contributors who shared their fishing tips, their recipes and their

Email us at BastropMagazine@gmail.com

or look for us on Facebook

not-to-be-missed events. Do you have a story idea about the best of Bastrop or an event you'd like to share? Contract us at BastropMagazine@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you.

Wishing you a great start to 2022, Karen Derr & Jonathan Ryan Publishers & Editors

On deadline at our office in Bastrop's Historic District

512.619.5322

1015 MAIN ST. BASTROP

By Appointment

Design Services

Desiree Laux – Founder/Designer

Home Furnishings

Desiree@BlackandWhiteInteriors.com

Window Treatments

Plant This Now...

Master Gardner Dolores Leeper is the editor of the Garden Guide for Austin & Vicinity and the Secretary/Treasurer for the Bastrop 1832 Farmers' Market.

Early March: Plant Asparagus Crowns, Collards, Turnips Mid to Late March: Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Peppers, Pumpkin, Squash, Watermelon All March: Beans, Lettuce, Mustards, Radish Seeds, Tomato Plants

FRESH AT A FARMERS' MARKET NEAR YOU The Bastrop 1832 Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm.

Bastrop1832FarmersMarket.org 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 4pm-7pm Wednesdays, 9am-1pm Saturdays 1910 Main Street Bastrop edeneastaustin.com/farm/

Early to Mid April: Peppers, Squash, Tomato Plants, Radish Seeds All April: Beans, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant Plants, Okra, Peanuts, Pumpkins, Southern Peas, Sweet Potato Slips, Tomatillos, Watermelons All May: Sunchoke, Jicama, Malabar Spinach, Okra, Peanuts, Pumpkins, Southern Peas, Sweet Potato Slips, Tomatillos, Watermelons

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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.

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T H U R S D A Y

Bastrop's irish influences When considering Bastrop County's early settlers, most think of Czechs and Germans but Austin's Old Three Hundred were mostly of British and Scotch-Irish origins. Irish descendants played an important role in early Texas and in Bastrop. It is believed that four signed the actual Texas Declaration of Independence and that 100 were listed in the rolls of San Jacinto, comprising one-seventh of the total Texan force in that battle.

Probably the first Irishman in Texas was Hugo Oconór, who became governor ad interim of Texas in 1767. Here are three influential Texans of Irish roots who made their mark in and around Bastrop.

MICHAEL BUTLER - In 1871 the Texas and New Orleans Railroad arrived just west of Elgin in Bastrop County. The community that grew up there came to be known as Butler, named after an Irish immigrant bricklayer, Michael Butler. Butler was the first to make bricks from the nearby clay pits that he discovered by accident while digging holes on land then used for timber. Elgin-Butler Brick Company was founded in 1873. Over the years Butler became a company town with a company store and brick houses for employees, who farmed on the side. By the 1940s the town's population reached 150. Butler moved on to Austin where the company is headquartered today. It remained in the Butler family until its sale in 2005 and continues to ship bricks nationwide and internationally.

JOHN CALDWELL - An attorney and legislator, he was born on December 10, 1802, in Frankfort, Kentucky. His father had emigrated from Ireland in 1787. John traveled with his wife Lucinda to Texas in 1831 and settled in 1834 in Bastrop County on the Navarro league deeded to Caldwell on April 2, 1833.

Caldwell became commissioner of Bastrop County in 1840. He represented the county in the House of the Third, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth congresses and in the Senate of the Ninth Congress, where he signed the resolution calling for an annexation convention. He was a member of the Convention of 1845 and a state senator in the Sixth and Seventh legislatures. In 1850 he was one of the organizers of the Colorado Navigation Company, formed to get cotton to market. Caldwell opposed secession but did support the South in that he lent the state of Texas a quarter of a million dollars in gold in 1861, when its coffers were empty. In exchange, he received Confederate bonds that became worthless at the end of the war.

JESSE LINCOLN DRISKILL - A cattleman born on November 4, 1824, in White County, Tennessee. He was a descendant of the O'Driscoll family, originally of County Cork, Ireland. At the age of twenty-three Jesse Driskill moved to Barry County, Missouri, where he married Nancy Elizabeth Jane Day in 1847. The couple lived in Missouri for four years and then moved to Bastrop, Texas. In 1885 Driskill purchased the site for his future hotel, an entire city block in downtown Austin for $7,500. The Driskill Hotel opened on December 20, 1886, and stands today as an elegant Austin landmark.

Source: Texas State Historical Association www.tshaonline.org Authors: Diana J. Kleiner, Alice Duggan Gracy, Phillip L. Fry & Mary Jayne Walsh.

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2022 Kentucky Derby, May 7, Saturday

the

Woodford Spire Ingredients 1.5 oz. Woodford Reserve Bourbon® 2 oz. Lemonade 1 oz. Cranberry Juice Lemon Twist

... or for a satisfying mocktail: 1.5 oz. Unsweetened Tea 2 oz Lemonade 1 oz Cranberry Juice

The Mint Julep is a Derby Day tradition but it doesn't suite everyone's taste. Named after the Churchill Down's twin spire, this new classic from Kentucky Derby sponsor Woodford Reserve Bourbon might be the crowd pleaser you're looking to serve at your home watch party.

Method Build this drink in a tall glass with ice. Mix the ingredients in your glass with ice then stir. Garnish with a lemon wedge or twist.

Derby Day Snacks KentuckyDerby.com offers recipes for your watch party including Ham Deviled Eggs, Bourbon Bacon Caramel Popcorn, and Mini-Biscuit Sandwiches with Pimento Cheese or Benedictine Cucumber Spread.

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For Mom GIFT GUIDE Carefree or Drama Mama?

Mama Trucker Hat- $28 Real Housewives of Bastrop Mug - $28 KC Outfitter 815 Main St. Bastrop

SUNDAY, MAY 8TH MOTHERS DAY

A scent for every Reader or Writer...

Hand Poured Soy Candles $16 The Painted Porch Bookshop 912 Main St. Bastrop

Leather wrapped smudging feather. $17 Enchantment Gift & More 104 NW First Smmithville

Sure to fit her wrist. Boho Wrap Bracelets with multi-colored beads & stunning stones. $33 Black & White Interiors 1015 Main St. Bastrop Versatile two strand necklace by Elle.

Wear single or both.

Bubble Collection $195-225 Kragh's Jewelry 485 W. SH 71 Bastrop

Shop Local, Shop Bastrop!

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R E C O M M E N D S

ALTATUDES U P S C A L E

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY ONLINE

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OWNER ALTA Y. ALEXANDER/ SHOP ONLINE AT ALTATUDES.COM/ CELEBRATING THREE YEARS

The Best Thing I Ever Ate... ...Lately

Great Food for a Greater Cause Comfort Cafe 111 NW 1st Street, Smithville Eggs Benedict, omelets, waffles, pancakes, grilled 1/2 pound burgers, and a river of good hot coffee; the Comfort Cafe in Smithville is the weekend brunch spot I've been looking for. Not one to pass up Eggs Benedict on a laid-back Saturday, I enjoyed eggs cooked perfectly runny with thick Canadian Bacon on a toasted English muffin. Yep, this was Bennies traditional style with nothing nouveau like crab cakes or artichokes to spoil the rich goodness that can only be improved with the addition of home fries. On top of really great food, the Comfort Cafe is a nonprofit organization that runs on a donation system where you pay what you can, benefiting the Serenity Star recovery center. A hundred percent of the proceeds from Comfort Cafe, Java Junkies, and related endeavors go directly into the program.

We recommend a minimum of $15 a plate for a great cause and delicious food.

EDITOR/BASTROP COUNTY FOOD EXPLORER,

Jonathan Ryan

What's happening in Bastrop County this

spring!

March 17th, Thursday St. Patrick's Day

WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH Mar 5 - Apr 24 Saturday & Sunday, The 13th Annual Sherwood Forest Faire 10 AM until Dawn A Renaissance Festival based on the tales of Robin Hood in McDade TX SherwoodForestFaire.com Mar 11 - 30, Fri & Sat 7:30, Sunday 2:30 Clinically Undrepessed Presented by BastropOperaHouse.org March 14, Mon, 4:00 - 6:00 PM Spring Break: Nature Night Elgin Memorial Park & Rec Center 361 N. HWY 95 Mar 15, Tuesday, 10 - 12 AM Elgin Catch & Release Fishing Event Morris Pond Elgin 802 N. Ave C

March 16, Wednesday, 10-12 AM Spring Break Field Day Thomas @ Memorial Park, Elgin

March 18, Friday, 7-9 PM Comedy Night at the Fat Cat Lounge, Smithville FatCatLoungeandCafe.com March 18 - 20, Fri-Sun Pirate Invasion at Sherwood Forest SherwoodForestFaire.com

March 20, Sunday First Day of Spring

March 25 Friday Teeing of 2022 Golf Tournament @ Colovista Golf Course 9 AM & Live Auction at 5 PM https://business.bastropchamber.com/eve nts/details/teeing-off-2022-golftournament-33807

March 27, Sunday, 12 - 2 PM & 3 - 5 PM Spring Sip Shop Extravaganza KanaWineandMore.com Mar 27 Sun. 7:45 -10 AM Bastrop River Rally River Clean Up keepbastropcountybeautiful.org April 2, Saturday, 6-9 PM Movies in the Park Peter Rabbit 2, Bob Bryant Park. Free.

Kids' activities before the movie.

April 7 - 9, Thur - Sat, 10 PM Spring Street Sweep Smithville Come to the Chamber of Commerce at 100 Main Street at 10 AM to pick up equipment and information Apr 8 -24, Fri & Sat 7:30, Sunday 2:30 Leading Ladies Presented by BastropOperaHouse.org Apr 9 Sat. Spring Wine Stroll Downtown Smithville

April 17,

Easter Sunday April 14, Thursday 5-8 PM Sip, Shop, Stroll Downtown Elgin Apr 21 -24, Wed-Sat Spring Jamboree Smithville Live Music, Carnival, Fun JamboreeSmithville.com April 22, Friday Earth Day April 28, 6:30 PM New Exhibit Discussion: El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail BCHS & Museum - 512-303-0904 April 28 -30 Art Immersion Glass Fusing & Blowing Workshops LostPinesArtCenter.org

Live Every Saturday in May Historic Downtown Walking Tours.

Call ahead to reserve - 512-303-0904 May 7, Saturday, 6-9 PM Movies in the Park Moana, Bob Bryant Park. Free. Kids' activities before the movie.

May 8, Sunday Mother's Day May 12, Thursday 5-8 PM Sip, Shop, Stroll Downtown Elgin May 13 - May 29, Fri & Sat 7:30, Sunday 2:30 Little Shop Of Horrors Presented by BastropOperaHouse.org May 14 Sun. Smithville Fly-In Smithville Airport 10 - 3 PM

EVERY Comedy Night Film Alley Saturdays Starting at 8 PM Bastrop Gayme Night at Astro Records 3rd Friday. 6 - 9 PM Bingo Wednesdays 7-9 PM Bastrop Beer Co. Trivia Night Bastrop Beer Co. Thursdays 7-9 PM Super Family Fun Nights Bastrop Rec. Center 6-7:30 PM The Big Sit Bird Watching 4th Sat Cedar Creek Butterfly Garden 8:30 AM-10 AM Main St. First Friday Art Walk 6 PM-8 PM - Downtown Bastrop Art After Dark First Saturday 6-8 PM Bastrop Art Center Singles Mingle Second Thursday Film Alley 7-9 PM Ascension Catholic Church Fish Fry Lenton Fridays 11-7 PM

Mar 19 Larry Wilson @ Rising Sun Vinyard 4-7 PM Mar 19 Hourglass @ Neighbors 7:30-10:30 PM Mar 20 Danny Brooks and Lil Miss Debbie @ Neighbors 5-8 PM Mar 17 Phl Ayliffe @ Elgin Farmers Market Mar 18 Natalie Metcalf @ Neighbors 7:30-10:30 PM Mar 20 Buffalo Gals Band @ Elgin Meadery 6-8 PM Mar 24 Craig Marshall @ Elgin Farmers Market Mar 24 Beth Lee @ Elgin Meadery 6-8 PM Mar 25 Bella Istre @ Fat Cat Lounge 7-9 PM Mar 26 Jeff Robertson @ Rising Sun Vinyard Mar 26 Chubby Knuckle Choir @ Neighbors 7:30-10:30 PM Mar 26 Johnn Rockit Band @ Fat Cat Lounge 7-10 PM Mar 27 Seventh Sun @ Neighbors 5-8 PM Mar 27 Sunday Paul Finley @ Rising Sun Vineyard Apr 1 The Reverent Few @ Neighbors 7:30-10:30 PM Apr 2 Gary Cain Band @ Fat Cat Lounge 7-10 PM Apr 2 Phil Hurley & Friends @ Neighbors 7:30-10:30 PM Apr 3 Tahni Handal @ Neighbors 5-8 PM Apr 8 Jake Waylon & Band @ Neighbors 7:30-10:30 PM Apr 9 Hailey Tuck @ Fat Cat Lounge 7-9 PM Apr 9 Kelly & Violet Madar Radar @ Neighbors 7:30-10:30 PM Apr 10 Julie Bouchard @ Neighbors 5-8 PM Apr 15 The Phantom Shakers @ Neighbors 7:30-10:30 PM Apr 16 Season Ammons @Fat Cat Lounge 7-10 PM Apr 16 Taylor Graves -The Tombstone @ Neighbors Trio 7:30-10:30 PM Apr 17 Jo Ellen and the Box of Chocolates Duo @ Neighbors 5-8 PM Apr 22 Bottle Cap Mountain @ Neighbors 7:30-10:30 PM Apr 23 Oscar Ornelas Trio @Neighbors 7:30-10:30 PM Apr 24 Let Flo Go @ Neighbors 5-8 PM Apr 29 Jace & Kody of Madam Radar @ Neighbors 7:30-10:30 PM Apr 29 The Selfless Lovers @ Fat Cat Lounge 7-9 PM Apr 30 Vin Mott @ Fat Cat Lounge 7-9 PM

Apr 30 Mr Bullavard @ Neighbors 7:30-10:30 PM May 1 Kevin Taylor Band @ Neighbors 5-8 PM May 6 Brain Wolff Trio @ Neighbors 7:30-10:30 PM May 7 Randy Collier & Grassland @ Neighbors 7:30-10:30 PM May 7 Ruthie Craft @ Fat Cat Lounge 7-9 PM May 8 Kyle Reed @ Neighbors 5-8 PM May 13 PAACK @ Neighbors 7:30-10:30 PM May 14 Sol Chase @ Neighbors 7:30-10:30 PM May 14 The Chris Duarte Group @ Fat Cat Lounge 7-9 PM May 15 The Eric Hisaw Band @ Neighbors 5-8 PM May 20 Don Berryhill & Gary Taylor @ Fat Cat Lounge 7-9 PM May 20 Keen Country Band @ Neighbors 7:30-10:30 PM May 22 Jeremy Parson @ Neighbors 5-8 PM May 27 Jed Craddock Band @ Neighbors 7:30-10:30 PM May 27 The Gypsy Drifters @ Fat Cat Lounge 7-9 PM May 28 Hannah Wright & the Midnight Revelry @ Neighbors 7:30-10:30 PM May 29 Rye Mountain Revelry @ Neighbors 5-8 PM

Farm Street Opry Bastrop Convention Center Every First Thursday Starting at 5:30 PM Open Mic Night Every Second Thursday Coppershot 6-9 PM Karaoke AT Old Town Every Wednesday and Friday Chasing Gypsy LIVE Every Second Saturday @ Coppershot 8-10 PM Spring Jamboree Smithville Apr 21 -24, Wed-Sat JamboreeSmithville.com Music in the Park Smithville Downtown Gazebo 6-8 PM April 7 Thur. 2022 – Bucksnort Boogie Boys April 14 Thur. 2022 – Johnny Rockit Band April 21 Thur. 2022 – Envy of Them All April 28 Thur. 2022 - The Shop Dawgz

BT&C's SPRING VINEYARD CRAWL 6 WINE DESTINATIONS YOU CAN DO IN A DAY!

Rising Sun Vineyard - McDade Rising-Sun-Vineyard.com Thursday/Friday 2 - 6 pm, Saturday/Sunday 12 pm - 8 pm White: Vermentino , Muscat , Oparia Red: Temprano , Barbera , La Familia Barberia , Dulce Roja Rosé, Budburst Sparkling Rosé Wine, Daybreak Rosé Wine 233 Edmonson Ranch Road, McDade, Texas 78650 Come for the sparkling rose, stay for the Hawk Walk!

Participants who paid a fee got to pet an owl on the day we visited. See their website for other events.

SADDLEHORN WINERY - BURTON Saddlehornwinery.com Thursday - Monday 11 am - 6 pm White: Blanc du Bois( Texas), Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Chardonnay, Happy Trails, Moscato (Texas) Red: Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Merlot, Malbec, Barn Red, Black Spanish (Texas), First Rodeo, Sunset (Dessert Wine, Texas) 958 FM 1948 N, Burton, Texas 77835 Come for the large selection of wine, stay for the pizza.

The staff swears some people come just to eat!

Blissful Folly Rohan Meadery - LaGrange BlissfulFollyFarm.com Wed. 2- 6, Thurs. 12- 6, Fri. 12- 7, Sat. 12- 8 & Sun. 12 - 6 Wine: Blanc du Bois, Chapter One, Persistence, Rosé, Wanderlust, Sangiovese Mead, Cider, & Beer 6002 FM 2981, La Grange, TX 78945 Come for the cider, stay for the farm animals (and the Meadaritas!).

Great atmosphere and lovely surroundings.

Blue Mule Wines Fayette County BlueMuleWines.com/ Wed. - Sunday 12am - 6am White: Dry Albariño, Dry Viognier, Dry Blanc Du Bois, Semi-Sweet Blanc Du Bois, Sweet Peach Chardonnay, Port Style Blanc Du Bois Red: Dry Red-Blend, Dry, Sangiovese, Dry Black Spanish, SemiSweet Rosé, Sweet BlackBerry Merlot, Dessert Style Black Spanish Red Sangria, White Sangria Peach Bellini Slushies 8127 N FM 1291 Fayetteville, TX 78940 Come for the wine, stay for the alpacas.

Lovely setting to relax & the owner/sommelier Ashley is a delight..

ROSEMARYS VINEYARD LA GRANGE Open Mon-Sat 9:00 am - 6:00 pm & Sun 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm Muscadine, Wine, Blanc du Bois, Ruby Port, Chardonnay, Lenoir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, White Zinfandel 5521 Highway 71 East, La Grange, Texas 78945 http://rosemarysvineyardandwinery.com Come for the muscadine wine, stay for Emmett Schulze!

He's the owner and a wealth of information about wine making and Texas-grown grapes.

MAJEK VINEYARD SCHULENBURG MajekVineyard.com/ 12am - 6pm Thur-Sun Wines: Tanat, Blanc Barel (Blanc Du Bois Barrel-aged), Dry Rosé, Dry Red Table Wine, Tempranillo, Riesling, Cardinal's Choice (red blend), Cardinal's Friend (sweet, spicy red blend), Black Spanish Dessert Wine.

12508 FM 957, Schulenburg, TX 78956 Come for the wine, stay for the food menu.

Besides cheese boards; They offer salads, BLTs and more.

Prime Show Properties

JUST PENDED123 Mistyglen, Cedar Creek $1,250,000 Charming Old West style, turn of the century home includes a barn and guest rooms on six acres. “Two Horse” is just 30 miles to Tesla Giga factory, COTAF1, ABIA, State Capital, Amazon & other major office locations.

JUST SOLD1003 Spring St, Bastrop $399,000 Historic Home on a prize corner lot in Downtown Bastrop - walkable, bikeable, lovable.

Jana Hellbusch All City Realty Phone 512-284- 0220 jhellbusch.realtor@gmail.com

FOR SALE143 Deep Woods, Cedar Creek $129,000 1.7 Acres Deep woods indeed. All kinds of trees. All kinds of green. All kinds of possibilities.

Kerry Fossler Keller Williams Phone 713-882-7218 KFossler@KW.com

JUST SOLD-Buyer Rep. 290 Hector, Smithville $650,000

Kerry Fossler Keller Williams Phone 713-882-7218 KFossler@KW.com

1994 Home on 18-acres.

Beautiful oak trees and rolling pastures. Back boundary is a live creek. Ag exempt.

Karen Derr Karen Derr Realtors Phone 512-720-8290 Karen@KarenDerr.com

JUST SOLD121 Lumberjack Ln, Bastrop $510,000 This tidy home is so comfortable and charming.

No carpet!

5.5 acres is like a park with lots of mature trees for shade.

Jonathan Ryan Karen Derr Realtors Phone 512-701-3642 KarenDerrRealtors@gmail.com

JUST SOLD9007 FM 153, Winchester $575,00 Own a piece of Texas History! This charming historic building was originally built as the Winchester school in the 1930s. Beloved by local families in Winchester Texas.

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

FISHING LOCAL LOCAL FISHING HOLES HOMETOWN ANGLERS SHARE PHOTOS & MORE APP REVIEW & LURES TO HELP YOU CATCH THE BIG ONE

Julian O. Smith, publisher of the Bastrop Advertiser from 1924 until 1930, bank fishing on the Colorado. The photo was published in the newspaper in 1956.

Photo courtesy of the Bastrop County Historical Society.

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FISHING BASTROP

Casey Lewis and son Parker. (Not Pictured - Kyle Lewis)

We're lucky there are places to fish around every bend in Bastrop County; after all, a river runs through it. But getting an angler to share their favorite local hole or bait isn't always easy. BT&C did some digging and even found some local contributors. Let's start with where to wet your hook and what you can expect to catch on a good day.

COLORADO RIVER LCRA says angling opportunities abound in our segment of the Colorado River for black bass and catfish. The world record Guadalupe bass (3.71 pounds) was caught in 2014 from this river. Channel catfish are abundant. Flathead catfish are present, but not abundant. Fishing for largemouth and Guadalupe bass is best when turbidity in the river is low, as these species feed primarily by sight.

Turbidity is highest when releases from the highland lakes are being made, or after significant rain events.

Visit www.lcra.org/parks/river-guide/ for a map of all access points on the river.

LAKE BASTROP According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, 900 acre Lake Bastrop is good for bass fishing and has been heavily stocked with Florida largemouth bass. Not noted for producing trophy-size bass, most of those caught range from 2 to 5 pounds. That's nothing to sneeze at for most of us. Channel, blue, and flathead catfish have also been stocked. Channel catfish are abundant, with best angling in the spring and early summer before the vegetation interferes with bottom fishing. You'll also catch the occasional crappie. Access the lake at the LCRA North and South Lake Bastrop Parks. The parks have boat ramps and canoe rentals available. A fishing license is required at all LCRA parks.

Lewis' Favorite Fishing Spots: Colorado River Between Fisherman's Park & Tahitian Refuge. Also Lake Somerville.

Access: Jet Drive Boat.

Bait: For catfish, Stink Bait. For bass, artificial.

For the big catfish, perch.

For crappie at lake Somerville, Rosey Reds.

Do you eat the fish you catch? "We sure do!"

BUESCHER STATE PARK LAKE This 30-acre lake is a family favorite but is currently closed to rebuild the dam and make it more handicap accessible.

In past years you could catch sunfish, largemouth bass, and catfish. Shore fishing and small crafts with or without electric motors are allowed but there is no boat ramp. You can even borrow fishing gear from the ranger station. No fishing license is required. Make plans to fish here next summer, 2023 when it reopens. A question that we asked: are the fish safe to eat. We got it from good authority that the fish caught in this local lake are indeed regularly eaten and sometimes prepared right there in the park.

Large Mouth caught by David Cosman, Bastrop. Colorado River.

MOBY DICK'S FISHING POND Off highway 71, in the Cedar Creek area, this 4-1/2 acre private pond is available by reservation only and no license is needed.

Reserve by calling 512-308-7577. The rate for groups of 2 or more is $15 per person for 2 hours of fishing and $5 for each additional hour. Fish from the bank or for an additional fee, reserve a shaded dock, a picnic area with a barbecue grill, or even a bass boat with a trolling motor. The pond is stocked with bass, blue cats, channel cats, perch, and crappie. All fishing is catch and release. They also have cabins available for overnight stays. Cabin rental includes fishing fees. Fishing is year-round during daylight hours. MobyDicksPond.com LAKE SOMERVILLE White bass anglers know this lake well as a high quality fishery, especially during the spring spawning run. It offers very good fishing for hybrid striped bass, channel catfish, and crappie.

Largemouth bass fishing is very good with catches of fish up to 10 pounds plus. In March 2009, angler Richard Vela caught a lake record largemouth bass weighing 13.6 pounds and donated the fish to the Share Lunker Program, the first donation to the program from Lake Somerville.

David Cosman, Bastrop.

Colorado River.

BASTROP STATE PARK LAKE (Proposed opening 2023) The 2015 Memorial Day Flood washed out the dam, destroying this 10-acre lake, a local favorite for fishing. Rebuilding of the dam is expected to be completed sometime in mid-2023.

FISHBRAIN - Editors Choice at Apple App Store. $9.99/Month A community of local anglers post their catches: including when, where & how. 10,000 catches reported to date in Bastrop County with date, weight, length and pictures.

The app provides a list of specific types of baits & lures used with brands and prices along with locations of recent catches and directions.

The forecast feature gives weather and Fishbrain's trademarked BiteTime gives a graph of the best time of day to catch what fish at a specific location.

Share your catches on the app community page where you can post and connect with other locals anglers.

Early March Top Baits Reported in Bastrop County

Bastrop attorney Kay Rogers enjoys fishing in the Colorado River and Lake Somerville. She made this haul in New Iberia LA. BT&C asked her where her favorite local fishing hole is but she was off to Costa Rica and not available for comment.

Lewis family crappie catch from Lake Somerville

Largemouth - 1. Dinger 2. Pop-R 3. Chatterbait Bluegill - 1. Minnow (artificial) 2. Worm 3. Crankbait Channel Catfish 1.Nightcrawler (artificial) 2. Worm 3. Meat (liver) Rainbow Trout 1. Floating Trout Worm 2. Worm 3. Rapala Countdown

Interested in Fly Fishing on the Colorado? Check out local guide www.alvindedeaux.com.

B T & C

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SPRINGTIME IS PICNIC TIME There are but few touchstones of our poor human hearts which can elicit any past remembrance wholly without pain; but I think this simple word picnic, that is born of pleasure, and nicknamed in drollery, is one; poverty, ill-humour, illness, all things that deform or embitter our existence, are forgotten in the sound.”

Georgina Battiscombe. English Picnics (1949)

Dining al fresco, lunch in the park, dinner on the ground...

They're all picnics - plain or fancy. Yet when you call it a picnic, certain expectations are set. It's a break from the ordinary. American food pioneer James Beard, who hosted the first television food show in 1946, said “Since my earliest recollections of food, I have fancied picnics and eating out of doors more than any other fashion of eating,” We could not agree more!

A quick survey of family & friends came up time & again with fried chicken at the top of the list of favorite picnic fare, as was potato salad. And also crusty bread and finger food. If we're going to break with convention, let's eat with our hands.

Victorians hauled along furniture and good China to picnics. Today a picnic is often the finale of a nature hike so mobility is key. A container that can accommodate everything in one trip is a must. Of course, a French pressed coffee served in real China at the end of a trail with a view sounds luxurious, if not downright decadent.

While you're relaxing on a blanket somewhere nice, be sure and check out picnicwit.com. You'll be delighted and amazed at all the picnic fanatics throughout history, literature, and art.

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THE PICNIC SUCCESS LIST Favorite Picnic Foods: Finger Foods Fried Chicken Deviled Eggs - Fancy or Plain Quartered Sandwiches: Egg or Chicken Salad Crudite´ of Raw Veggie or Fruit Spreads / Dips / Terrines / Bacon Jam Pickles / Olives / Nuts / Chutneys Cheeses Baguettes / Crackers Salads: Pasta, Potato or Marinated Vegetables Accoutrements: Wine / Beer Tea / Coffee / Cream / Sweetener Lemonade / Sparkling and Still Water Desserts: Chocolate / Loaf Cake / Cookies Equipment: Cooler with Ice or Cold Packs if needed.

Thermos / Coffee Press / Tea Bags Blankets, Pillows, Umbrella Basket, Hamper or Tub Plates / Napkins / Cutlery / Cups / Stemware Salt & Pepper, Lemon or Lime Wedges Cutting Board / Corkscrew / Paper Towels Hand Sanitizer / Bug Spray / SPF / Hats Books / Cards / Sketchbook with Pastels

A picnic is only as pleasant as the guests you invite.

6 Heavenly Deviled Eggs Double down on flavor with add-ins to make your deviled eggs the hit of the Easter buffet or picnic. We like a smooth filling to start, so mash egg yolks with mayo, mustard, S & P, and pickle juice rather than relish. Next add in these extras: Avocado Bacon - Add mashed avocado. Garnish with bacon and a quarter of a cherry tomato.

Kyoto - Add soy sauce, wasabi paste, rice wine vinegar. Top with toasted sesame seeds and/or a wonton crisp.

Creole - Combine cream cheese, Tabasco, Dijon rather than yellow mustard, cajun seasonings. Garnish with finely chopped scallion.

Curried - Sweet pickle relish, curry powder. Top with a dot of sriracha, fresh parsley, and sprinkle with paprika.

Bagels & Lox - Cream cheese, minced smoked salmon, fresh dill.

Garnish with a caper and Everything Bagel Seasoning.

Buffalo Ranch - Add ranch dressing, Frank's hot sauce. To garnish, drizzle with more ranch dressing, bacon & a shaving of celery.

Edouard Manet's Le Dejeuner sur l'herbe (1863)

THE ART OF THE PICNIC The picnic was a favorite subject of the masters. Omnipresent was a blanket on the ground, usually ripe fruit, sometimes a hamper or basket. Picnics symbolized both peaceful relaxation and rebellion against the conventions of the day. From Nicolas Poussin's The Triumph of Pan of 1636, (which can be taken as a warning against inviting goats to picnics) to works by Rubens, Manet, Monet and Renoir, the picnic is depicted as sensual, often decadent and even as a scene for disruption of peaceful life. This line says it well: “There is a Bohemian flavour of picnic about it which, though it does not come up to the rich gusto of real wickedness, makes one fancy that one is on the border of that delightful region in which there is none of the constraint of custom, where men and women say what they like and do what they like." Anthony Trollope. Phineas Finn (1869)

PICNIC LIKE A PRO When you're in the mood for a basket of delectable offerings requiring zero effort on your part, Base Camp Deli never disappoints. We love their egg salad sandwich, especially. Owners Joli and Adam Phillips are picnic afficionados & they shared with BT&C what they pack when they have a day off.

“Adam and I love hiking and going to the lake.

When we are out being adventurous, we take our Base Camp Deli Chicken Salad Sandwiches and Deep River chips."

However, when they really want to celebrate a special occasion, Adam prefers a local microbrew like Twisted X McConauhaze. Joli loves any brut bubbly, such as a blanc de blanc. The fare depends on the occasion. Often it will include cheeses such as Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog, Pure Luck Red Chile Chevre, and always a Manchego. Throw in some Castelvetrano olives with their delicate buttery sweet flavor, marcona almonds, a chewy crisp baguette & it's a feast.

BASE CAMP DELI OWNERS SHARE...

It is a must to have some fresh berries and whipped cream.

We take our own cutting board and silver, cloth napkins and a blanket we received for our wedding get away gift. We don’t typically use plates and it isn’t as fancy, but we love our Yeti cups to keep things nice and cold.

TUGGLE FAMILY FAVORITE PASTA SALAD When you're a busy professional like State Farm Agency owner and mom Lori Tuggle, a picnic of simple but delicious food is a welcomed invitation to slow down and enjoy the outdoors. Lori shares this recipe which she sometimes makes with chicken or quality tuna for added protein for her family of athletes.

Salad 8 oz mini farfalle pasta, cooked, rinsed with cold water and drained 2-4 cups of any bean (field peas, red kidney beans or even black beans drained and rinsed well) ½ c chopped red bell pepper ½ c chopped yellow bell pepper ½ c chopped orange bell pepper ½ c chopped purple onion (optional for flavor and color) ¼ c chopped fresh parsley 2 T chopped fresh basil 2 T chopped fresh dill 2 T chopped fresh mint Dressing ¼ c white wine vinegar 1 T country-style Dijon mustard 1 T fresh lemon juice 2 tsp honey ¾ tsp kosher salt ¼ tsp black pepper ½ c olive oil Whisk together white wine vinegar, mustard, lemon juice, honey, salt and pepper in a small bowl or jar. Gradually whisk or stir in olive oil until incorporated and let sit.

Toss together all the salad ingredients and if, desired, add chicken or tuna. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until coated.

VETERANS' DAY 2022

HEROES AND HOT RODS BASTROPAREACRUISERS.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.

Spring Home "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.

Clean your dryer vent. A clogged dryer vent is a fire hazard.

Have your fireplace chimney inspected & make sure your cap is in place to keep out nesting birds.

Have your A/C system serviced before the warm weather rush begins.

Mulch flower beds early to stave off weeds.

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Put away hose bib insulating covers and while you're at it, check for leaks and drips.

Check & repair caulking around windows & exterior trim boards to keep moisture penetration at bay.

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.

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.

Stay ahead of the Summer's swelter by getting a jump on Home Maintenance this Spring.

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 and 2804 Hwy 21E, Suite #D

Not intended for solicitation of properites currently listed.