The arrival of autumn in Bastrop is a special time. Beautiful fall colors, quaint downtown shopping and seasonal flavors at local cafes attract both first-time visitors and frequent fans.
A cozy cabin or a riverside retreat is a perfect place to stay for an autumn escape to Bastrop. We’ve highlighted a few below; you can find the whole list here.
CABIN FEVER
This is the type of cabin fever you want to have. 9E Ranch Cabins Lost Pines Bastrop, located on a 320-acre ranch in the Lost Pines Forest between Bastrop and Smithville, offers four private cabins with kitchens. Sit back, relax and take in the beauty of the pine forest and the sounds of birds singing while your hustle-and-bustle work days become a faint memory. Enjoy a calming hike, a visit to the horse pasture or gaze at the clear night sky where you can really see the stars.
Horror film aficionados looking for a cozy rustic cabin can get the best of both worlds at The Gas Station in Bastrop. Fans of the 1974 cult classic, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, will recognize the gas station/barbecue joint where the van of teenagers attempt to fill their gas tank to no avail. Instead, the group goes exploring, resulting in [spoiler alert!] their demise. While there, make sure to enjoy some mouth-watering barbecue and check out the unique gift shop.
Situated between Buescher and Bastrop state parks in the Lost Pines Forest, Laughing Pines Bed & Breakfast Cottages features three unique cabins, each with their own kitchen. The Carriage House, the Barn and the Potting Shed feature special themes, and all access hiking trails, a lake and beautiful gardens, or just relax in a rocker on your private back porch.
GONE GLAMPING
Glamping – a form of camping with modern amenities – is a popular style of connecting with nature, but without forgoing the luxuries of life. Serana – situated on 53 acres with native grasses, ponds and a variety of wildlife – is an excellent destination for adults age 21-plus. Get a good night’s rest as each glamping tent and kampina (small cabin) features memory foam mattresses and fresh linens and pillows. Private outdoor areas provide a chance to relax, or get to know fellow glampers at the communal kitchen and eating area. Other amenities include an outdoor gym, a 700-square-foot yoga deck and a saltwater pool.
Glamping tents and cabins alongside beautiful Lake Bastrop can be found at GLAT Austin. Some of the safari-style tents and luxury cabins feature a private patio with a hot tub, a gas grill, a dining table and a fire pit. Relax with a dinner made on the grill, gaze at the stars and drift off to sleep in your luxury accommodation.
You’ll think you’re at a resort when you stay in one of the four available yurts at The Reserve at Greenleaf in Bastrop. Luxury accommodations such as private bathrooms with walk-in showers and open floor plans are standard in each yurt. Take a casual walk along the wilderness hiking trails, enjoy a swim or a fishing expedition, relax in the hot tub or nestle by the fire. The Reserve makes for an ideal autumn escape.
BASTROP STATE PARK
Although Bastrop State Park offers lodging choices of one- to four-bedroom historic cabins, as well as campsites, the 7,400-acre park is better-known for its incredible autumn colors and range of activities.
Featuring loblolly pine trees, as well as junipers and post oaks, the park forest will explode in an amazing display of seasonal colors during the fall. One of the best ways to experience the natural beauty is to explore the park’s hiking trails, or go for a bike ride or a drive along the 12-mile road between Bastrop and Buescher state parks. Bastrop is also home to more than 360 different species of birds, so you can enjoy the colors of both the birds and foliage.
DOWNTOWN SHOPPING
Designated the “Most Historic Small Town in Texas,” Bastrop features a downtown area with an abundance of charming brick storefronts, many located in historic buildings. From handmade creations and crafts by local artisans and artists, to delicious food and drinks from a variety of restaurants, the 30-plus downtown businesses offer a shopper’s paradise. Located along the banks of the Colorado River, Downtown Bastrop has something unique for everyone.
Having opened its first retail location earlier this year, Horsemen Co. features charming home décor, as well as plants and plant accessories sure to spruce up any style home. In addition, the staff at Horsemen Co. believes in sustainability, with a near-zero-waste policy providing much of the inspiration for their designs.
R.A. Green Mercantile, known as Merc on Main, is a collection of independent artisan shops with unique handmade items sure to please any taste. You’ll be able to find many local treasures, from soaps and jewelry to birdhouses and clothing, at this family-friendly shopping area.
There’s no better time than the present to get your holiday shopping going, and Relics Artisan Jewelry and Gifts will get you off to a great start. Handmade jewelry pieces by metalsmith Anne Smarzik are a terrific gift for a loved one, or choose from a variety of home décor, fashion items, wind chimes, handmade candles and more.
“Repurposing” is the name of the game at Broadway Paul’s Antiques, Collectables and Salvage, located a few minutes from Bastrop in Paige. From rusty gas pumps and political pins to antique furniture and jewelry, there’s probably nothing you can’t find at Broadway Paul’s. Feel free to wheel and deal if you don’t like the price. This unique business also trades and buys items.
For those who like curling up with a book – an actual book – a visit to the Painted Porch is a must-do while in Bastrop. Owned and operated by Ryan Holiday, author of The Obstacle is the Way and other books, Painted Porch features a variety of the staff’s favorite books, not necessarily what’s new and trendy, as well as autographed books signed by Holiday and other authors.
SAVOR THE FLAVOR
Cooler temperatures and upcoming holidays are the reasons why many people look forward to the fall season. Possibly even higher on the list for some are the flavors of fall, including pumpkin spice, pecan, maple and apple, as well as many more.
Many of the coffee shops and bakeries in Bastrop have plenty of those flavors on hand. So when the craving for a pumpkin spice latte, a warm pecan pastry or a slice of carrot cake hits you – especially after a relaxing day of exploring – drop in and savor the season.
Caff Coffee + Kitchen serves up monthly specials sure to please any palette. In addition to their normal breakfast and lunch items, such as bacon croissants, pollo asado burritos and turkey and cheese jalapeno cornbread loaf, the menu includes pumpkin sweet cream brews, carrot cake shaken espressos and macadamia nut vanilla cookies.
Watch the Coffee Dog Roastery process in action as they roast gourmet coffees from the local area and around the world. Enjoy a variety of lattes, teas and fruit smoothies, and pair them with muffins, kolaches, sandwiches, desserts and more from the in-house bakery.
Maxine’s Café is more than a restaurant that serves award-winning breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their in-house bakery offers traditional, cream and fruit pies (including gluten-free pies), as well as cakes, cheesecakes and pastries. Hungry yet? During the fall season, make sure to try mouthwatering pumpkin or sweet potato pies, or pumpkin roll cakes and cheesecakes.
Breakfast, brunch and lunch are available from The Bearded Baking Company, but desserts are their specialties. If you’re planning a seasonal event or a party, order some delicious treats. You can’t go wrong with boozy pecan C4 cookies, butterscotch pecan cake or purple haze carrot cake, all perfect for fall festivities.
It's not too late to plan a Bastrop getaway to enjoy all of the fun activities, cozy spots and adventures this area has to offer. Beautiful weather, fall colors, great shopping and more beckon you to visit Bastrop soon.
