Gather up for a grateful getaway in Bastrop this Thanksgiving. Don’t feel like cooking? We can tell you where to feast. Need a place for extra guests? We got you. We’ll set you up with fun things to do in Bastrop too and where to shop to scratch that Black Friday itch. Read on for all the details.
Where to Feast
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a finer feast than the spread at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines. Their carving board is filled with Prime Rib, Roasted Turkey with Pan Gravy and Apple Relish, and Bone-in Ham. Your kids will be thrilled with their smoked mac and cheese with candied bacon crust, all kinds of sides and of course loads and loads of dessert. You’ll need a reservation for parties of 6 or more.
More laid back, but nonetheless delicious, Store House Market & Eatery has a farm-fresh holiday platter from the very talented Chef Sonya Cote of @edeneastaustin. It’s an amazing farm-to-table spread made with the seasonal harvest from Eden East Farm and all you need to do is pick it up from their Downtown Bastrop restaurant.
Where to Stay
AAA 4-Diamond Resort
With more than 491 guest rooms on 405 scenic acres, the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa has plenty of room for everyone to have their own space and then gather for a spectacular feast (see above). There’s a lazy river, pools, spa, golf course and tons of family-friendly activities like horseback riding and more.
Charming Downtown Air BNB
Stay right in the heart of downtown Bastrop in this charming bungalow. It’s located within walking distance of shops, restaurants and the Colorado River. It’s also got cable, wifi and a fabulous walk-in tub to soak in after a full day, complete with 2 bedrooms that sleep 4.
Lost Pines Cabins
Enjoy a naturally amazing getaway at the 9E Ranch Cabins Lost Pines in Bastrop. Wake up to fresh pine air and birds singing in one of their four well-appointed, differently-themed cabins. On their 320 acres, you’ll find longhorns in pasture, horses to pet, ponds, hiking trails and lots of bird watching. Each has a full kitchen with pots, pans, dishes and the like.
Lake Bastrop Cabins
Cozy up in Lake Bastrop North Shore’s cabins for easy lake access. Lake Bastrop has bass, crappie, perch and catfish to reel in on their fishing pier or you can take advantage of their boat ramp with your own watercraft. Sailing, skiing and canoeing are all options as well with rentals nearby. There’s a 4-mile hike and bike trail, a retail store for anything you forgot at home and a couple of outdoor pavilions where you can gather for your feast.
What to Do
Soak Up History
Historic charm is one of the things Bastrop does best. You can wander around Downtown Bastrop among historical buildings and enjoy all kinds of comfort food and interesting shops. Learn about one of the most historic towns in Texas at the Bastrop County Museum and Visitors Center or check out historic homes and buildings at any of 100+ nationally registered historic properties and districts.
Adventure in Nature
A good hike before your feast can help make room or after to burn off the extra. Bastrop State Park boasts seven miles of trails with plenty of bird watching if you time it right. Zip along the longest zip line in Texas at Zip Lost Pines or rent a watercraft to explore Lake Bastrop at Lake Bastrop North Shore.
Take In a Show
Take a break from your thanksgiving prep and head to Film Alley. This is a spot everyone can enjoy. Catch a movie on their 8 screens, bowl on any of their 16 lanes, check out the arcade, play some mini-golf and enjoy some good eats at their full-service restaurant.
Where to Shop Black Friday
In Bastrop, we prefer to do our Black Friday and Small Business Saturday shopping without the frenzy. In fact, Small Business Saturday is when things really kick-off in Bastrop. It’s the start of our Lost Pines Christmas with Wassail Fest where you sip from multiple vendors while you shop. Be sure to vote for the best wassail for the coveted People’s Choice Awards.
At our shops, you’ll find less crowds and beautiful hand-crafted goods ranging from eclectic to charming including art, handmade soap, home goods, clothes and more. Sage and Co., a charming downtown boutique, just opened its doors and our local Texas Boot Company is the place to go for authentic western wear and beautiful boots. We’re talking seriously gorgeous boots.
Astro Record Store has the 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 aesthetic. Explore a full list of our shops here.
Give Thanks in Bastrop
Gather with gratitude with your family for Thanksgiving. If you’re a little short on family, no worries. We’re happy to fill in. Plan your trip today. Be sure to get on our email list as well, for all the latest Bastrop happenings.
