The holidays are a truly magical time of year — but they can also be stressful, especially if you’re the one hosting. This year, why not mix things up a little and spend your Turkey Day exploring all that Bastrop has to offer? Grab the whole family and head to a genuine destination — where all-inclusive means everyone's invited — for a Thanksgiving getaway they’ll always be grateful for.

Hyatt Thanksgiving

Let’s Eat

The most essential part of any Thanksgiving celebration is, of course, the food. Luckily, you’ll find no shortage of sumptuous feasts in Bastrop. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better spread than the one offered at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines. Served from 12 PM to 6 PM on Thanksgiving, this Thanksgiving buffet offers all your favorite staples, each prepared with gourmet expertise. Their carving board is full of mouthwatering meats, such as sage butter roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham and smoked prime rib. Pile your plate with one of each if you’re feeling ambitious, and of course, you can’t forget the sides of stuffing, sweet potatoes and more. Traveling with picky kids? No problem. They’ll be sure to find something to their tastes at the kids' buffet, where they can choose from chicken tenders, mac and cheese or sandwiches.

For a more homestyle Thanksgiving vibe, head to Maxine’s Cafe & Bakery to pick up an authentic southern-style Thanksgiving meal. Maxine’s is taking preorders up until Sunday, November 19th, so give them a call to secure yours ahead of your visit.

Hyatt Regency Lost Pines

Home Away From Home

The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines offers unparalleled service, perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of luxury to their stay. In addition to a spectacular Thanksgiving feast (see above), Hyatt Regency Lost Pines has all sorts of unique activities that every member of the family will love, such as horseback riding, an arcade, golfing and more.

Unwind in the welcoming arms of a charming Bastrop bed & breakfast, Pecan Street Inn. Situated a short walk from downtown and only two blocks from the beautiful Colorado River, Pecan Street Inn is perfect if you want to stay close to the action. Book a quiet, romantic room for two, or, if you’re planning a celebration for the whole family, you can book the entire house, which sleeps 12 people comfortably.

The Reserve at Greenleaf

Just because the weather’s getting colder doesn’t mean Bastrop’s natural wonders are any less beautiful. If you bundle up and pick the right cabin, camping in the fall can be a cozy, magical experience. Try the nomadic lifestyle for a visit and book a stay with The Reserve at Greenleaf, an eco-friendly cabin great for smaller groups. Or, book a glamping experience right on the shores of Lake Bastrop and relax in nature without sacrificing comfort.

If you’d prefer your Thanksgiving feast to be home-cooked, there are many rental options that come with fully functional kitchens. Whether you want to stay in the heart of downtown or prefer to find a vacation rental that’s a little more sheltered, you and your family will be able to find a home away from home where they can truly relax. Check out the full list of Airbnb and vacation rentals available in Bastrop ahead of your visit. 

Bastrop State Park

November Adventures

Fall is one of our favorite times of year in Bastrop. The weather is cool, the foliage turns beautiful muted autumn colors and the air starts buzzing with anticipation for the holiday season. While you’re here on your Thanksgiving getaway, there are plenty of indoor and outdoor activities everyone in your group will love.

If there’s one thing Bastrop is known for, it’s historic charm. Spend an afternoon wandering Downtown Bastrop and soaking in all the local history there. Or, head to the Bastrop Museum & Visitor Center to learn a little more about Bastrop’s storied past. 

Nature lovers will find plenty to explore in the surrounding areas of Bastrop. Plan a hike through the Bastrop State Park, which boasts seven miles of trail for you to wander. There, you can marvel at the region’s famous loblolly pine trees, some of the oldest trees in the area. For the more daring, you can also fly over the treetops on the longest zip line in Texas at Zip Lost Pines.

Of course, be sure to keep an eye on the events calendar leading up to your stay. There’s always something happening in Bastrop, from live music to interactive classes, so you’re sure to find a one-of-a-kind event that will make your visit special. 

Boot Company

Black Friday and Small Business Saturday

For some shoppers, the phrase “Black Friday” might cause unwelcome flashbacks. But here in Bastrop, we prefer to take a more laid-back approach to our holiday shopping. Black Friday rolls right into Small Business Saturday, which means that it’s less a mad dash for the best deals and more an opportunity to support our wonderful local businesses.

Knock out your Christmas list with some handcrafted gifts courtesy of Bastrop’s local artisans. Looking for some seriously gorgeous boots to give to the cowboy in your life? Head to Texas Boot Company, Bastrop’s own locally-owned authentic Western wear shop. Or, for cute, casual boutique-style clothes, Sage & Co and KC Outfitters are both great options. Astro Record Store has a lock on hard-to-find records, LPs, CDs and collectibles. Head to Black and White Interiors for unique home goods and décor, or The Bridges Emporium to explore seven unique art shops, each with its own unique aesthetic. Explore a full list of our shops here

Lost Pines Christmas Lights

This shopping weekend also marks the start of the Lost Pines Christmas celebration, a multi-event holiday party that lasts all the way through December. Small Business Saturday, which takes place this year on November 25th, happens at the same time as the sixth annual Wassail Fest. Stroll through historic downtown and patronize as many local shops as possible while enjoying mulled cider, live music and more.

We’re Thankful For You!

This Thanksgiving, gather with your friends and family in Bastrop for an unforgettable holiday experience. We’re happy to have you and always thankful to see you. Sign up for our email list ahead of your next visit for all the Bastrop happenings.