News

A trio of friends has turned their love of coffee into a popular space at the Chestnut Grove Food Truck Court in Bastrop. For sisters Adeline and Katie Gordon, and Mike Marin (Katie’s husband), it all came together for the three owners when they recently opened Sunshine Sister Coffee Company.“I...Continue Reading

Bastrop ISD students will soon be able to work with Walgreens to receive their pharmacy technician certifications.A closer lookDue to an agreement approved by the board of trustees at a Nov. 19 meeting, students working to receive pharmacy technician certifications will be able to complete internship hours at both Walgreens...Continue Reading

Be sure to visit Bastrop, Texas for a sleigh full of family-friendly holiday fun with events like Wassail Fest and the Lost Pines Christmas Lighted Parade, and show your support for their local merchants as you shop ‘till your drop’ on Small Business Saturday. You won’t want to miss the...Continue Reading

At the November 18th meeting of the BEDC, the Board of Directors and staff received the third $20,000 installment for the Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Program, made possible through a partnership with Roscoe Bank.In 2021, Roscoe Bank generously committed $100,000 to the RLF Program, designed to support Bastrop businesses. The...Continue Reading

Big changes are coming to the Bastrop H-E-B! The store is adding a massive 21,000 square feet as part of its expansion, bringing exciting new features and enhancements to our community's favorite store. Here's what you can look forward to:True TX BBQ – A 52-seat restaurant serving up authentic Texas...Continue Reading

“The name In The Sticks is a bit tongue and cheek to Bastrop,” said owner Keith Chamberlain, of his eclectic store at 928 Main St.“I was originally going to call it Sticks and Stones, but there was already a sandwich shop in Bastrop called Stem and Stone. I thought our...Continue Reading

Loss of prime farmland, increased events in extreme weather, rising costs to produce fresh local food, and gaps in local food production infrastructure are challenges that Bastrop County faces in growing the local food movement. These are some topics that the Texas Center for Local Food (TCLF), in partnership with Bastrop County...Continue Reading

The first day of business for Bastrop’s Rhinestone Rattler Boutique was a good omen. “We opened our doors on July 29, 2023, and had a record-breaking day for sales – which was a sign that our decision to follow through with a near decade-long dream was the right call for...Continue Reading

Estimates indicate a shortage of approximately 60,000 truck drivers in the U.S. in 2024. Obtaining a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) to drive a truck, bus, trailer or vehicle carrying hazardous materials is critical to reducing that need. In Bastrop County, TX, several organizations are active in empowering residents to get the...Continue Reading

Corey and Sarah McElmurray were drawn to the “charming location” of Bastrop’s Main Street to open their dynamic salon, Urban Beauty Bastrop. “I came across the Luminere House salon on (1011) Main Street where I was able to rent a chair a couple of days a week – to take...Continue Reading

Bastrop Music Festival will fill venues in and around Historic Downtown Bastrop in late September with nearly three dozen bands and musicians.The gistIn its sixth year, BMF offers a lineup comprising a variety of musical genres offering both wristband-only and free shows for all ages from Sept. 26-29.Continue reading here.Continue Reading

Elevate your business acumen this fall with our comprehensive workshop series designed specifically for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. Join us every Monday from September 9th to October 28th for insightful sessions led by industry experts and seasoned professionals. This 8-week program covers a wide range of essential topics...Continue Reading

Chef and self-taught baker Wesley Dills hails from the small town of Dudley in eastern North Carolina, where he grew up surrounded by the comforting presence of food at family gatherings, church events, and community celebrations. This early connection to food shaped his understanding of its power to bring joy...Continue Reading

Within Bastrop ISD is a unique educational opportunity: Colorado River Collegiate Academy, an early college high school. Through a partnership between the district and Austin Community College, students can work simultaneously toward their high school diploma and an associate degree.“It’s a truly unique experience for these students to attend their...Continue Reading

Bastrop County has more options coming soon ranging from new sushi, ramen and tea options to a gluten-free restaurant and more.Now OpenTaqueria 95The woman-owned taco truck opened at the former Yoli’s Tacos & More Catering spot, which shuttered in mid-April. Similar to Yoli’s, Taqueria 95’s truck specializes in authentic Mexican...Continue Reading

Best-selling author Ryan Holiday told GQ how he wrote 16 books with a relatively low-key schedule: “You can be a very successful, creative, artistic person and keep banker’s hours—or better.”For “Routine Excellence,” GQ asks creative, successful people about the practices, habits, and routines that get them through their day.Last month,...Continue Reading

Casa Chapala and Community Gardens are partnering to open Chapala Fiesta in the former Heroes Bar and Restaurant space, following Heroes’ closure on June 30.“We’re super excited that the Casa Chapala family is coming here to Community Gardens and will offer a level of experience that we haven’t been able...Continue Reading

Austin-based Teapioca Lounge will add Bastrop to its list of locations as the fast-casual franchise works to open 50 establishments. On the menuTeapioca offers a range of Taiwanese-style drinks and snacks, including:CoffeesCraft juicesLemonadeFrappiocasBoba teasHerbal teasSmoothiesSlushiesPuddingsDessertsWhat elseAccording to a news release issued by the company, Meagan and Lorelei Mellenbruch of Mellow Tea...Continue Reading

After five years of operations in Central Texas, the Acutronic Group announced at the 2024 SelectUSA Investment Summit it will substantially increase its presence in the region. Headlining the expansion is Acutronic’s plan to build a nearly 14-acre state-of-the-art aerospace manufacturing facility in Bastrop, TX and establish the City of...Continue Reading

This November, farmers, chefs, educators and community members will gather for Bastrop County's first ever Local Food Fair.Hosted by the Texas Center for Local Food and in partnership with local organizations such as Bastrop County Cares, the event will aim to engage residents with local food producers and bolster the...Continue Reading

National Park and Recreation Month has been celebrated in July for nearly 40 years. The goal, as stated on the website, is “... to promote building strong, vibrant, and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation.” While the City of Bastrop has always supported parks and recreation, the...Continue Reading

By Terry Hagerty – Contributing WriterFirst-time visitors and exhibiting artists give stellar grades to the new Found Fine Art gallery at 912 Water Street – opened in November 2023 by Jamie and Clint Howard.Austinite Steve Fry was visiting the gallery – remodeled after its previous existence as the Water Street...Continue Reading