BASTROP TOWN & COUNTRY

BREWMASTER HONORS WOMEN

GIFTS FOR HER

PADDLING BASTROP COUNTY

KENTUCKY DERBY WATCH PARTY

Spr ing

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You've got questions...

We've got answers www.KarenDerrRealtors.com Your Central Texas Home Team! KAREN@KARENDERR.COM 512-720-8290

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A Note from the Editors Plant this Now Shepherd's Pie Recipe Meet 602 Brewing Co. Paddle Local Who, What, When Just for Her What to Drink Now Kentucky Derby Party Spring Home To-Do What's Jon Eating Crossword Cruising Bastrop

512.619.5322 By Appointment Desiree Laux – Founder/Designer Desiree@BlackandWhiteInteriors.com

Design Services Furnishings Residential Design

A NOTE FROM THE EDITORS

We're back! Thanks for all the encouragement on our first issue. Our Spring Journal presented a tall order with all the holidays which fall in March through May this year. Not to mention all the spring traditions we look forward to, like wildflowers, kite flying, and spring break. As always, Bastrop County is rising to the occasion with natural beauty, historic architecture, and small-town charm. And did we mention great shopping, food and drinks? Consider this journal just a primer to spur your imagination and set your plans in motion for an exciting spring season. Karen Derr & Jonathan Ryan Publisher & Editors

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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 small town, near the big city, in the middle of Texas big country. Bastropians are dark sky watchers, golfers, ranchers, a little horsey at times, 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. Reach ad sales at 512-720-8290 or email us at BastropMagazine@gmail.com.

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B T & C

R E C O M M E N D S

ALTATUDES U P S C A L E

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY ONLINE

F A S H I O N

&

A C C E S O R I E S

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

Plant This Now... Master Gardner Dolores Leeper is the

Early to Mid April: Peppers, Squash,

editor of the Garden Guide for Austin &

Tomato Plants and Radish Seeds.

Vicinity and the Secretary/Treasurer for the Bastrop 1832 Farmers' Market.

All April: Bean, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant Plants, Okra, Peanuts,

Early March: Plant Asparagus Crowns,

Pumpkin, Southern Peas, Sweet Potato

Collards, Turnips

Slips, Tomatillos, Watermelons.

Mid to Late March: Corn, Cucumbers,

All May: Sunchoke, Jicama, Malabar

Eggplant, Peppers, Pumpkin, Squash,

Spinach, Okra, Peanuts, Pumpkins,

Watermelon

Southern Peas, Sweet Potato Slips, Tomatillos, Watermelons.

All March: Beans, Lettuce, Mustards, Radish Seeds, Tomato Plants Market Manager Phone 512-237-0553 The Bastrop 1832 Farmers’ Market is

1302 Chestnut Street, Bastrop 78602

open every Saturday 10am to 2pm.

www.Bastrop1832FarmersMarket.org  

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SAINT PATRICK'S DAY SHEPHERD'S PIE

Switch out the corned beef and cabbage this year for another Irish classic. Although other ground meat versions of this dish are delicious, they don't quite stand up to the traditional ground lamb in a shepherds pie.

INGREDIENTSLAMP MIXTURE: 1 Tbs butter 1 Tbs olive oil 1 diced onion 2 pounds lean ground lamb 1/3 cup flour salt and pepper to taste 1 tsp paprika 1/8 tsp cinnamon 2 tsp minced fresh rosemary 3 cloves minced garlic 2 Tbs tomato paste 2 Tbs Worcestershire sauce 2 cups water or beef broth (use more or less to adjust thickness as needed) 4-5 fresh carrots 1 bag of frozen peas POTOTATO TOPPING: 2 1/2 pound Yukon gold potatoes 1 Tbs butter salt and pepper to taste pinch of cayenne 1/4 cup sour cream 1/4 pound Irish cheddar 1 egg yolk beaten with 1 Tbs of Half N' Half

DIRECTIONS Preheat Oven to 375 Start by peeling and quartering your potatoes and boil them in a pot of heavily salted water. While prepping the onion and carrots heat butter and olive oil in a large saute pan over med-high heat. Once the butter starts to foam throw in the diced onion and carrot and saute for 5 minutes. Add the lamb and season with salt and pepper. Cook the lamb trying not to stir too often so some of the mixture is able to brown well. Once the lamb is almost cooked through add the tomato paste, minced garlic, rosemary, paprika, and cinnamon, and letting the spices incorporate with the meat. Add flour which will be the base for your sauce and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Finally, add Worcestershire, water or broth, and a few bay leaves. Simmer for another 10 min or until the carrots are soft. Once reduced to your desired thickness, add the peas and spoon into a oven proof baking dish For the potato topping, rice or mash the boiled potatoes and add the rest of the ingredients to a bowl and combine till smooth. Spoon dollops to the top of the lamb filling and smooth it out with a fork, avoid mixing the potatoes with the filling. Bake for 30 minutes or until your topping is nice and golden. Serves up to 8 If you'd like your favorite recipe featured in Bastrop Town & Country email BastropMagazine@gmail.com!

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Entrepreneurial Spirit and a Healthy Thirst... H

W

ho hasn’t dreamed of owning a successful business, doing what you love on Main Street or the town square in a small Texas town? Okay, maybe not everyone but it’s definitely appealing to many, based on the number of businesses opening and historic buildings selling in Bastrop, Smithville, Elgin, and even little ol’ Paige. Restaurant owner Raymond Keyrouz and Brewmaster Jereme Walker are living that dream at 602 Brewing Company in Bastrop, located in a large historic building at 919 Main. Formerly a meat packing facility, stop by and Keyrouz will show you the hooks and tracks in the ceiling once used for moving large sides of beef to the meat locker back in the 1890s. Clearly, he loves the old brick walls and historic architecture. And the industrial nature of the space is perfect for showcasing the microbrewery he and Walker started back in 2019. Walker went to Bastrop High School and worked for Keyrouz in another restaurant venture before joining the service, doing tours in Kosovo and Afghanistan. The two kept in touch, sharing an interest in brewing and both brewed at home. When a micro-brewing system became available in Seattle Washington, Keyrouz and his wife picked it up personally and drove it back the 2000 miles to Bastrop. 602 Brewing Company served up their first site-crafted beer in late 2019.

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Brewmaster Jereme Walker & Restauranteur Raymond Keyrouz Since opening they’ve brewed thirty-one different beers, utilizing local ingredients like barley when they can. Most of their beers are named after strong inspirational women. "Cassie Blonde Ale honors my great grandmother, Jessie's Girl is named after our assistant brewer's wife, Moe's IPA was named for our bartender," explains Brewmaster Jereme Walker. "We like to honor women who have impacted our lives. We also support our veterans and give them a discount for supporting us." So who’s drinking all this beer? Keyrouz says, “We have a local following but also a lot of tourists on weekends. People who like craft beer seek us out for day trips from all over Texas.” About being an entrepreneur in Bastrop, Keyrouz says he’s enjoyed his 26 years here. “I love the small-town atmosphere and the chance to really get to know my customers.” The pandemic did affect business in early 2020 but he says business has come back stronger than ever this year. With a long wooden bar, big high ceilinged dining and special events rooms, and a beer garden with a stage, there is plenty of room for patrons to spread out.

602 Brewery Favorites 01

Jessie's Girl Stout 5.4% ABU Blueberry Oatmeal, Dark chocolate & malty gives way to a blueberry finish.

02

Drunken Monk IPA 11% ABU Belgian yeast, paried with Sorachi Ace, Centenial & Columbus hops.

03

Ms Pearl Brown Ale 8% ABU Barrel-aged pecan nut ale, named afte -the Berdoll giant squirrel on SH 71. Smooth, nutty, vanilla, aged on Copper Shot bourbon barrel staves.

602 Brewing Company & Restaurant serves an extensive menu of Southern cuisine. They are located at 919 Main in Bastrop. 512-321-3577

B T & C

L E N D I N G

I N

R E C O M M E N D S

B A S T R O P

C O U N T Y

Homeowners Finacial Group A A R O N B R A N C H

P A G E

M A N A G E R ,

N M L S

2 2 2 1 5 9

L I C E N S E D

M O R T G A G E

P R O F E S S I O N A L O F F I C E : ( 7 3 7 )

2 3 9 - 7 5 2 2 C E L L : ( 5 1 2 )

9 2 4 - 3 1 3 8

P A G E T E A M @ H O M E O W N E R S F G . C O M

BASTROP COUNTY LAKES & RIVER

Bastrop River Company paddlers on the Colorado River

PADDLE LOCAL Paddle Boarding, Canoeing & Kayaking With so much water access available in Bastrop County, we'd be crazy to let the tourists have all the fun. Plus, social distancing doesn't get much easier, exercise doesn't get any more fun and you might even catch your dinner while you're at it.

Canoes for rent at Fisherman Park Bastrop

If you don't have your own boat or stand up paddle board, you can rent one from Bastrop River Company from March through November, at Fisherman's Park. Otherwise, at last look, you could get on Facebook Market and find a serviceable John boat for less than $500. Canoes are also available for rent onsite at Buescher State Park where they have a lovely 25-acre lake and allow fishing without a license. However swimming is not allowed. But don't get bogged down contemplating equipment before you just get out there and start enjoying the water this year.

25 acre lake at Buescher State Park Smithville

Besides numerous spots to putin on the Colorado River and Buescher State Park Lake, don't forget Lake Bastrop if you have your own boat.

If you want to start your new hobby without too much commitment, you can rent a paddle board or a canoe from Bastrop River Company for $20 an hour. Shape magazine says to really get a full workout on a paddle board, lean forward and dig deep. In other words paddle hard and twist to work your obliques. But even a leisurely paddle works your core. Bastrop River Company also runs a shuttle service allowing you to paddle anywhere from 6 miles (2-3 hours) to 14 miles (5-8 hours.) Their rental includes a waterproof box for your phone so you can call them to come pick you up. They even do camping/paddling trips. Besides Fisherman's Park, there is river access at Bob Bryant Park, FM 969 at FM 1209, Lost Pines Park in Tahitian Village and at the Loop 230 Bridge and Riverbend Park in Smithville. For a very detailed map of the Colorado River starting in Austin & going to the Gulf go to: www.lcra.org/parks/river-guide/

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March 6 Bastrop River Company Opens Paddling Season.

March 12, Fri.

See Page 13.

Book signing at Indigo Apothecary 2:30 106C 2nd St. Smithville

March 17, Wed. Happy St. Patrick's Day

March 19, Fri. Utility task vehicles (UTVs) at McKinney Roughs Nature Park. See native wildlife and stunning views. 3:30-5:30pm $70 per person

March 22 & 29, Mon. McKinney Roughs Nature Park Archery Basics Everything you need to know to get started in the sport of archery! 1:30 - 3pm $30 per person

March 27, Sat. McKinney Roughs Nature Park REI: Survival Basics We’ll cover the 10 essentials and their practical applications. 8:30-1:30 $79 Wild & Scenic Film Festival

April 3rd, Sat.

Pines and Prairies Land Trust presents the Wild & Scenic Film Festival. An evening under the stars at Billig Ranch viewing short films showcasing amazing stories of conservationists, ranchers and adventurers across the country.

Drive-in, watch the films on a large screen from the safety and comfort of their car or lawn chairs within their designated car slot. Arrive early to attend a small prairie tour & stay late if you wish to camp out on the preserve. 4pm-10:30 * FREE DRINKS + BYOB * Bring your own dinner * Light concessions available * Free tour of prairie restoration projects

www.pplt.org/wildandscenic

Spring Break March 15 -21

APRIL 1, THUR.

April Fool's Day Live Music! Every Thursday evening in April hear music by local musicians in the Downtown Smithville Gazebo at the end of Main Street Free! April 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm

April 3rd, Sat. Smithville Community Garage Sale Usually more than 60 participants! 8am to 3pm

April 4th, Sunday Happy Easter

April 3rd, Sat.

Happy Passover

April 30th, Friday Arbor Day April 24th Texas Wildflower Day April 22nd Earth Day

Volunteer at TreeFolks.org to help reforest 25,000 Loblolly Pine Trees in Bastrop County annually.

May 1st, Saturday Kentucky Derby Run for the Roses May 5th, Wed See Page 20-21

May 9th, Sun

2021 MOTHER'S DAY MAY 9TH, SUNDAY

GIFTS

just for her Innovative artists & curators of unique offerings are living their dreams in Bastrop County's historic downtown districts. When you're lucky enough to live here, rare finds suitable for gifting are just around the corner or just up the road.

We live everyday life in towns others come to for vacation. Shop local and choose something special for the woman that's always been there for you or better yet, take her for a day on the town and let her pick out her own gift. Indigo Botanical Apothecary is a new shop in Smithville specializing in holistic skin and body care products and gifts. These earrings by Repurposed on Purpose are handmade and offer employment to women transitioning out of difficult situations.

Indigo Botanical Apothecary Page 16

106-C NE 2nd St Smithville

Vintage bar ware collections at Smithville General Store HOME Priced $35 to $175 200 Main St. Smithville

Decorative Pottery by local artisan Dani Moss at Black & White Interiors $25 to $100 1015 Main St. Bastrop Page 17

B T & C

R E C O M M E N D S

CAMIBAart Tours R e n e

I b a r r a ,

D i r e c t o r

VISIT THE WEBSITE FOR STATUS OF 2021 ART TOURS When travel is again safe, we look forward to resuming our tours. Until then...there's no place like home! CAMIBAartTours.com

512-937-5921

o f

T o u r s

CAMIBAart embodies the essence of world travel as it influences the art culture. Our excursions give tour goers an intimate glimpse at the process behind the masterpiece as well as the artists themselves. We offer tours to a growing number of destinations including Havana Cuba, Oaxaca Mexico, San Miguel de Allende Mexico, Mexico City, Guatemala & Peru.

"MY HEART IS WARMED BY THE MANY STORIES I’VE HEARD OF BUSINESSES OFFERING FREE COFFEE AND PROVIDING WATER TO FILL A BUCKET FOR THOSE WITHOUT WATER. THANK YOU, BASTROP, FOR BEING BASTROP." CONNIE SCHROEDER, FIRST WOMAN MAYOR OF BASTROP, AFTER THE WEEK OF FREEZING WEATHER THIS PAST FEBRUARY.

WHAT TO DRINK NOW

Derby Day Mint Julep Ingredients: Makes 8 2 cups water 2 cups super fine white sugar ½ cup crushed & torn fresh mint leaves 32 fluid ounces Kentucky bourbon

The Kentucky Derby is on May 1st this year. Whether you catch the Run for the Roses or not, sipping icy mint juleps is a winning move when temps start to climb. Instructions: In a saucepan, combine water, sugar and crushed mint leaves. Bring to a boil over high heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. When the syrup is completely cooled, strain it to remove mint leaves. Place a lightly bruised sprig of mint in eight cups or goblets, fill with crushed ice and pour 4 ounces of bourbon and 1/4 cup mint syrup in each. Top each cup with a second mint sprig and a short straw.

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16 large sprigs fresh mint leaves for garnish

SATURDAY MAY 1, KENTUCKY DERBY

HOST YOUR OWN DERBY WATCH PARTY Give that julep a Texas twist! Make your mint julep in a tall glass, then top it with iced tea and garnish with lots of fresh mint for a sweet tea that kicks like a racehorse. Place your bets! Add even more excitement to your Derby Day by going to KentuckyDerby.com/wager Tune in to NBC, 1:30 to 6:30 pm on Saturday, May 1, for live coverage. (5:50pm Kentucky Derby Post Time) Don't forget to wear a wide brimmed hat (think Southern Belle.) Floral print dresses and pastel colored suits with bowties are one way to go, but outlandish hats you decorate yourself are also in the spirit of this fun reason to party at home. Red roses have been the official flower of the Derby since 1904. Decorate at home with red roses and horse shoes. Be sure and have the lyrics handy so you can sing along with My Old Kentucky Home at post time. It was written by Stephen Foster in 1852.

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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. Page 22

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. While it's top of mind, make a list of items you wish you'd had during the winter freeze and stock up during the off season.

Do these easy home maintenance tasks while it's still cool and avoid larger problems this summer. Did we miss anything? Let us know what's on your spring "to do" list at BastropMagazine@gmail.com

B T & C

Paula Collins Realtor

Specializing in Historic LaGrange Texas direct: 713-594-5295

office: 979-968-3892 104 S. Main - On the Square!

www.HartlandRealEstate.com Home Is Where The Hart Is

R E C O M M E N D S

THE BEST THING I EVER ATE... LATELY I made my first visit to Base Camp Deli in Downtown Bastrop a few

weeks ago. Sitting outside on their sunny patio with an egg salad sandwich wrapped in deli paper was exactly what I was looking for in a late lunch. It came on fresh brioche, stuffed with creamy egg salad with firm yet ripe tomatoes, sprouts, all on a bed of crisp lettuce. The owner/chef goes the extra mile and dresses the lettuce with a nice vinaigrette. The quality of ingredients is what makes all the difference. It's the total package, with or without chips.

The second best thing I've eaten lately? Base Camp's Ham Fontina

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Spring Time In Bastrop

Answers for last issues crossword!

VETERANS' DAY SHOW FALL 2021

BASTROPAREACRUISERS.COM

CRUISING

ANTIQUES, CLASSICS, MUSCLE CARS, TRADITIONAL STREET RODS, RAT RODS

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Do one of these fine rides from the last Veterans' Day Car Show belong to you? Claim your cruiser and we'll give you a $10 gift card to Coffee Dog or Smithville General Store & Coffee. Just text to 512720-8290 and tell us you saw it in Bastrop Magazine! 1 per car please.

Not intended for solicitation of properites currently listed.