In the rolling hills east of Austin, Texas, visitors will find a pine forest, a river and lots of warm, sunny days in the winter. Bastrop is an ideal location for a getaway; from its historic downtown to its Texas State Park to the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort, Bastrop focuses on the outdoors. During the winter, travelers can hike in its forests or fly above them on a zip line. Here are the top things to do in Bastrop TX this December.
Top Things to Do in Bastrop TX This December
See the Decorations at Hyatt Lost Pines Resort
Grab a Pecan Pie at the Berdoll’s
Take a Winter Hike
Zip Across the Tree Tops
Shop and Celebrate in Bastrop’s Historic Downtown
Enjoy a Show
See some Exotic Animals
Learn About Bastrop
Camp in an Air Stream
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa
Located just outside of Bastrop and minutes from the Austin International Airport, the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa offers a secluded retreat on 405 woodland acres. This idyllic setting offers lots of wildlife, from squirrels in the trees snagging pecans to deer nibbling on tufts of native grass.
The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort’s lobby is the hub, and holiday visitors will find its towering tree. A pair of fireplaces offer a spot of warmth (it doesn’t get that cold during the Texas winter) along with ample ambiance. Beyond, guests can sip a cocktail from Maude’s, like one of its seasonal concoctions inside or out on the expansive deck.
Outside, the property’s centerpiece is Maude, a towering 200-year-old pecan tree surrounded by decks. This area offers an open-air area to sample the small bites menu of a restaurant and bar of the same name, Maude’s.
Activities at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines
Many of the Hyatt Regency Lost Pine’s warm-weather activities are available during the fall and winter seasons. From yoga to bikes in all sizes, guests are encouraged to be active. Guided hiking is offered.
The animals love to visit and are located at the Lost Pines Corral. The nightly s’mores are a tradition year-round at the fire pits located between the lobby and the pool.
Special holiday activities are available for kids, like cookie decorating and ornament making. Santa and Mrs. Claus are located in the lobby during select weekends. There’s even an Elf of the Shelf lurking in the corners, waiting to be discovered.
With all that space, enjoying the outdoors is one of the top things to do in Bastrop in Winter. The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort heats its activity pool and its kids’ pool over the winter.
Where to Eat in Austin
Where to Eat the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort
Guests will find lots of dining options on the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort from fine dining to a quick bite.
Heartwood House
Heartwood House is your stop for a big Texas breakfast in the center of the resort. From Eggs Benedict to Migas, Austin specialty to the Tex Mex classic Huevos Ranchos, the morning is celebrated with an appetite-satisfying plate.
Dinner is a buffet with Pecan Smoked Brisket and Beer Can Chicken taking center stage. Several stations are offered, from a cold seafood bar to a soup and salad station to a station just for the kids. Several vegan and gluten-free options are available.
Open for Breakfast at 7 a.m. and dinner.
Maude’s Bar and Terrace
With its collection of seasonal cocktails enticing the adults, Maude’s is the place to settle with a great drink and a good conversationist. During my last visit to the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort, I sat down to sample its latest offerings.
To start, I sampled a Maude’s Peartini, a delightful cocktail with Prairie Organic Vodka, Pear Brandy, an Allspice Dram and fall spices. It was served in a martini glass though it is available on the rocks or warm.
My companion chose an Old Fashioned. It was a classic enhanced for the season, made with local Garrison Brothers bourbon flavored with Burleson Honey Simple Syrup and Chicory Pecan Bitters.
I had to sample Fly Me to Lost Pines, an Aviation, and it was fabulous with Empress Gin, Luxardo, and Creme de Violette. For a mocktail option, the Smoked Lemonade is a sophisticated variation of the classic summer sipper.
We shared some flatbread to accompany our drinks, and the Fig and Proscuitto with a green tomato chutney and arugula blended the best of the season. The hummus was a stand-out with its chili oil and garnished with candied pecans. It was served with crudites, like giant pink radishes.
My companion was a bit more hungry, so they ordered lamb chops. Seasoned with harissa, they were tender and enhanced by the caper-raisin puree.
Open for the evening at 3 p.m.
Maverick’s Roadhouse
From Wagyu Burgers to Brisket Tacos to Chicken Fried Ribeyes, Maverick’s Roadhouse is slinging some of Texans favorites.
Open for lunch and dinner. Reservations are accepted for dinner.
McDade’s Emporium
This quick stop features Starbucks Coffee, ice cream and take-away snacks. Located next to the lobby.
Old Buck’s Place
For poolside dining, Old Buck’s Place offers quick bites, like tacos, salads and burgers.
Located at 575 Hyatt Lost Pines Rd A spa and a golf course is located on the property as well.
The Best 4 Day Itinerary for Austin
Berdoll Pecan Candy Company
Pecans are a major food crop in Central Texas. Their buttery flavor is a mainstay for many holiday desserts.
Locally owned Berdoll Pecan Candy Company sells pecan candy, shelled pecans for baking and much more.
If Berdoll’s is closed, don’t fret. It offers a pecan vending machine in the front of its store. Don’t forget to grab a squirrel selfie with Ms. Pearl the Squirrel out front.
Located at 2626 Highway 71 West. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (5:30 p.m. from January to mid-March).
Bastrop State Park
Winter can be a delightful time for a winter hike in Texas. With its blue skies and warm afternoon sun, Bastrop State Park covers 6,600 acres and is rich in wildlife.
Bastrop State Park offers 8.5 miles of hiking trails. Some of the trails can be used for biking as well. Another top activity in Bastrop State Park is birdwatching with dozens of species to spot.
Texas State Parks don’t require a fishing license and most loan out equipment. The visitor center is the place for equipment then drop a line in Lake Mina, a .5-acre lake.
Bastrop State Park offers historic cabins set among an old-growth pine forest. Each cabin offers air conditioning and heating along with an outfitted kitchen, full bathroom and fireplace.
Additionally, there are three campgrounds with restrooms and showers along with flush toilets. Campsites include fire rings and picnic tables. Choose from RV sites with hook-ups, tent sites with water or electricity, along with walk-in sites.
Located at 100 Park Road. Day-use adult admission (12+) is $5.
Best of Bastrop in the Summer
McKinney Roughs Nature Park
With over 1,100 acres and over 18 miles of trails, visitors can see a lot of ground at McKinney Roughs. Visitors should start at the nature center to see native plants and live animals. It’s one of the top things to do in Bastrop, Texas.
However, McKinney Roughs Nature Park is known for its year-round zip line. Bastrop features the longest dual-line canopy tour in Texas. With six lines, visitors will explore the treetops and the trip takes about 2.5 hours to complete.
McKinney Roughs Nature Park is located at 1884 Highway 71 West. Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Day-use adult (12+) admission is $5.
Zip Lost Pines is located at 1760 Highway 71 West, next to the McKinney Roughs Nature Park main entrance. Open from Thursday to Monday. Rides start at $35 per person. Reservations required.
Shopping in Bastrop
Along its walkable sidewalks, visitors will find lots of small businesses to support. From the Painted Porch Bookstore and the Astro Record Store, shoppers can find a one-of-a-kind gift in historic downtown Bastrop, steps from dining. Several art galleries are also located downtown.
The Painted Porch Book Shop is located at 912 Main St.
Sage and Co. is located at 913 Main St.
K C Outfitters is located at 815 Main St.
Downtown is the Holiday Central with several events throughout the season.
From the Lost Pines Lighted Parade running down Main Street to the Bastrop’s River of Light in scenic June Hill Pape River Walk, Bastrop offers a charming downtown to explore.
Best Museums in Austin
Bastrop Opera House
Bastrop Opera House hosts several performances of the community-led theater. During the Holiday Season, travelers can enjoy a holiday favorite. Its performance line-up runs throughout the year, with a brief break between shows.
During the Holidays, the Lost Pines Holiday Homes Tour offers a peek into several decorated and restored homes. The tour also includes an entry to the Bastrop Opera House. The tour is on the second Saturday in December. Tickets are required.
Located at 711 Spring St. Advance tickets are recommended.
Capital of Texas Zoo
Home to 500 wild and rare animals in an intimate outdoor facility. Animal feedings are available too. If traveling with little kids, It’s one of the top things to do in Bastrop in winter.
Located at 376 A Jenkins R. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult admission (12+) is $15 and kids (2 to 11) are $10.
Bastrop County Museum and Visitor Center
Learn about the history of Bastrop with displays of Native American artifacts recovered in the area. See displays of cotton farming and coal mining.
Located at 904 Main St. Open from Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult admission is $5 and kids 12 and under are free.
Where to Eat in Bastrop
Meander charming streets of historic Downtown to find homey dining spots with menus packed with Texas favorites.
Maxine’s Cafe
A stable for Texas cooking from mile-high pancakes to burgers and chicken fried steak. Next store is its bakery.
Located at 905 Main St. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Grace Miller
Order up favorites like Rosemary Peach Chicken along with burgers and pasta. Check its calendar for live music.
Located at 706 Pine St. Open Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Bastrop 1832 Farmers Market
Located at 1302 Chestnut St. Open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Bearded Baking Company
The Bearded Baking Company cookies are a gooey mess in the making in all the best ways. The C4 cookies come in a variety of flavors. Blondies are also available.
Located at 1006 Main St. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Tough Cookie Bakery
Find baked goods and treats, coffee along with breakfast and lunch items in a charming old house.
Located at 601 Chestnut St., Suite D. Open daily, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Neighbor’s Kitchen and Yard
Overlooking the Colorado River, Neighbor’s offers several decks for lots of outdoor seating. Find lunch, dinner and cocktail menus along with standout pizzas. Check out its calendar for live music too.
Located at 601 Chestnut St. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Where to Stay in Bastrop
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa
For those wanting a laid-back luxurious escape, the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort is the destination. Packed with activities, the resort offers bikes for all ages, a lazy river under the shade of century-old pecan trees and nightly s’mores.
Find resort activities on-site, farm animals and several restaurants.
Located at 575 Hyatt Lost Pines Rd.
Disclosure: Part of this visit was hosted for review purposes.
Comments are closed.