Welcome to this week's Bastrop Current - Your Local Bastrop County Guide!

Spring Break is here, and Bastrop County is packed with things to do - from medieval jousting in McDade to free family nights in Elgin, live blues on Main Street, a historic grand opening, and one of the best sandwiches you'll eat all year. Whether you're staying local or playing tourist in your own backyard, we've got your week covered!

If you're headed to Bastrop State Park this Spring Break, do yourself a favor and pull into The Roadhouse first. Sitting right across Highway 21 from the park entrance, this place has been a Bastrop County institution since 2004 - and for good reason. They've earned the title of Best Burger in Bastrop County for 16 years running, and even landed on Texas Monthly's 50 Best Burgers in Texas list. But don't let the burger fame fool you - the full menu is something special.

We recently sampled two standouts: the Blackened Chicken Sandwich - a bold, flavorful kick of blackened chicken topped with pepperjack cheese, banana peppers, pico de gallo, and fresh avocado on a hoagie roll - and the Philly Cheesesteak, loaded with meat, veggies, and melted cheese done exactly right. Both came with a generous side of fries that were hot, crispy, and everything fries should be.

The vibe is pure Bastrop - unpretentious, welcoming, and delicious. And great news for families and groups: The Roadhouse has added seating, so larger parties can absolutely make it work - just plan a little ahead and come ready to enjoy!

📍 2804 Highway 21 E, Bastrop (across from Bastrop State Park entrance) 🔗 roadhousebastrop.com

Monday, March 16 | 11:00 AM – Noon | Ribbon Cutting at 11:30 AM

Calvary Episcopal School has been welcoming students at its new Bastrop campus since January - and now it's time to make it official! Join the community for the grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting, hosted by the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce. Come tour the new campus, meet the administration, and see firsthand what makes Calvary Episcopal a special place to learn.

With 2026–2027 enrollment now open, Spring Break is the perfect time for families to explore this faith-centered school and register for Calvary's first full year at its new home.

📍 107 Lost Oaks Trail (off HWY 304) Bastrop 🔗 calvaryschool.net 📞 512-303-0558

If you've lived in Bastrop County for any length of time, you already know about Sugar Shack - and if you don't, consider this your official introduction. Tucked right off Loop 150 on the west side of the Old Iron Bridge, this little gem has been making people smile since 1995. And since the Wells Family took over in 2023, the sweet tradition is going stronger than ever.

Walk through the door and prepare to be delighted. We're talking homemade fudge, Blue Bell ice cream (yes, the good stuff), a jelly bean selection that will send you straight back to childhood, gorgeous cakes from Texas bakers, and the cutest gift items you'll find anywhere in Bastrop County. Whether you need a birthday present, a reason to treat yourself, or just something sweet to make a Tuesday better - Sugar Shack has you covered.

Owner Natacha Wells and her family have kept everything that made this place a Bastrop institution while pouring their own love and energy into it. The original founder, Drusilla, built something truly special here - and it's in great hands. Come see for yourself. Spring Break is the perfect excuse! 🍬

📍 114 Loop 150 West, Bastrop 📞 (512) 321-3777 🕐 Mon–Sat: 10 AM–9 PM | Sun: Noon–6 PM 🔗 sugarshackbastrop.com

📅🎤 Open Mic Night - Gracie's (FREE) 6:00–8:00 PM | No cover charge Every third Wednesday brings Open Mic Night to Gracie's, presented by the Bastrop Live Music Foundation and hosted by Robert A. Kraft. Show up to listen, or bring your instrument and share your sound. 📍 The Grace Miller "Gracie's," 706 Pine St, Bastrop

🌲 Bastrop State Park Open daily | $5/adult day use | Kids 12 & under FREE Hike the trails, fish at Lake Mina (no license required), go birdwatching, or camp under the pines. 📍 100 Park Road 1A, Bastrop 🔗 tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/bastrop

🦁 Capital of Texas Zoo - Open Every Day of the Year Adults (12+) $10.50 | Children (2–11) $7.99 | Under 2 FREE Over 500 animals on 27 acres in Cedar Creek - including active conservation programs for 14 endangered species. 📍 Cedar Creek, TX 🔗 capitaloftexaszoo.org

🎨 Lost Pines Art Center - Free Admission Tue–Fri 9 AM–4 PM | Sat 11 AM–5 PM Rotating galleries, gift gallery, and an onsite winery. Admission is always free. 📍 1204 Chestnut St, Bastrop 🔗 lostpinesartcenter.org

April 9–11 | Smithville Jamboree One of the county's most beloved annual festivals returns to Vernon L. Richards Riverbend Park. 📍 Riverbend Park, Smithville

Annual Spring Book and Plant Sale this April 25, 2026 at the Bastrop Public Library.   This year, the sale to the general public is only ONE day! (If you are a Friends member, you are able to shop during our Members Only Hours on Friday, April 24, from 4-6 pm.) For more info on becoming a Friends member, please visit the website at https://www.friendsofbastroplibrary.org/  

📰 Bastrop | New Restaurant Opening This Week First Watch, a breakfast and brunch chain with 630+ locations nationwide, opens its first Bastrop location on Monday, March 16 at Burleson Crossing East (661 Hwy. 71 W.). Hours are 7 AM–2:30 PM daily. Known for seasonal dishes like Lemon Ricotta Pancakes and the Power Breakfast Bowl.

📰 Smithville | Downtown Revitalization Recognition Smithville has been welcomed into the Texas Historical Commission's First Street Initiative, a new downtown revitalization cohort. The program supports historic downtowns across Texas with planning resources and community development tools - good news for Smithville's already-charming Main Street scene.

The Bastrop Current is your weekly community guide for Bastrop County — covering Bastrop, Smithville, Elgin, McDade, and Paige. Know of an event or business we should spotlight? Reply to this email and let us know!

See y'all next Thursday.

Bastrop Current