January
Awaken Bastrop promotes wellness community through 3-business collective
From the outside, a small yellow house illuminates a cozy atmosphere in the heart of downtown Bastrop. Three businesses call the building home: Admiring You Wellness, True Massage and Wellness and Christopher Andrew Hair.
Owner of Admiring You Wellness Isabel Meijering opened the practice in Austin in 2020 before moving to Bastrop in 2022. The business offers cupping therapy, acupuncture, life coaching and microneedling, as stated on its website.
February
Over 100 attend Bastrop ceremony honoring Texas' first female engineer
Over 100 people from across the country gathered on Jan. 31 to honor Texas’ first female engineer with a historical marker at her childhood home in Bastrop.
Leah Moncure made history in 1938 when she became the first woman in Texas to earn a professional engineering license after graduating from Baylor University the year prior. From there, she began working for the Texas Department of Transportation. Specializing in research, right-of-way and road design, Moncure’s career spanned 32 years, according to a news release from TxDOT.
March
'Salt, pepper and love': Bubby's BBQ brings backyard atmosphere with passionate meals
When moving to Smithville in 2022, Jay Johnson hadn’t planned to open a family restaurant, but after sharing a meal with new neighbors, he was encouraged to try a different path. Two years later, Johnson officially opened Bubby’s BBQ and serves entrees and sides made with love and passion.
Johnson and his wife Kailee moved to Smithville in April 2022. After working as a full-time electrical foreman for a commercial construction site, Johnson pivoted to becoming a pitmaster after cooking brisket and pulled pork for a housewarming party.
April
Paddle through adventure at Bastrop River Co.
Bastrop River Co. has been making waves in Bastrop since opening its doors in March 2012.
Lee Harle took the plunge into the river recreation industry with no prior experience. Since then, BRC has become a local favorite, offering options such as river camping, group trips and its popular self-guided El Camino Real river trail.
May
Cedar Creek natives create community around barbecue and coffee at Pud’s Cup of Mud
Born from a barbecue pitmaster and a coffee connoisseur, Pud’s Cup of Mud serves a mix of Texas bites and caffeine treats perfect for a breakfast or lunch pitstop. While the business’ menu and seating area has undergone some changes since its opening in December 2022, the community atmosphere has steadily grown since.
Owned by Cedar Creek natives Mason Jones and Pud Muniz, the food truck has served Texas barbecue-based entrees, tacos and coffee to community members for the past three years.
June
Restoration Ranch shapes healing environment for Bastrop veterans
Nearly 37 miles from the Austin city center, Restoration Ranch nurtures a space away from the fast-paced buzz where horses and veterans and their families come together to mutually benefit from equine-assisted learning programs.
President Beth Rand founded the nonprofit a few years after moving to Central Texas in 2008. She said in the aftermath of the 2011 Bastrop County Complex fire, some horse owners were left without the means to properly care for their horses, with hay no longer available in some pastures.
Bistro 71 serves elevated hospital food to all at Ascension Seton Smithville
John Chabot is the director of food and nutrition at Ascension Seton Smithville, where he serves both staff and patients. However, 90% of business comes from customers who aren’t here for a hospital visit—just a meal, Chabot said.
Chabot and his staff put a gourmet spin on the average hospital meal by cooking up dishes such as penne gorgonzola, bayou chicken and shrimp, and a chicken-fried steak that has people lining up, he said.
July
Pocket’s Grille serves American classics in Smithville
Troy Streuer opened Pocket’s Grille in Smithville in September 1996, bringing American food and service to loyal locals.
“It's a small town,” Streuer said. “I've seen people grow up, and I love seeing people's kids bring their kids in. It makes me feel good when people come back into town and they're like, ‘Oh, you need to go to Pocket’s.’”
August
Double R Hat House offers hand-shaped cowboy hats 'that last'
Emilio Rangel began his vision for Double R Hat House in 2016 at the age of 19.
The 28-year-old said he takes pride in his craftsmanship, which has been worn by country music artists including Braxton Keith and Willow Avalon.
November
Foundation Christian Ministries aids Bastrop’s growing need for home ramps
Volunteers from Foundation Christian Ministries in Bastrop are constructing ramps for residents to safely enter and leave their homes—an initiative through the Texas Ramp Project that needs more volunteers to bring mobility and independence to those in need.
Chris Rowland, a pastor with Foundation Christian Ministries at 177 Union Chapel Road E. in Bastrop, told Community Impact the local need for ramps is growing, as there are more than 50 Bastrop residents on a waitlist.
