You may have done a lot of traveling already, but now it's time to plan a little getaway that's purely for fun. Luckily, the perfect staycation-worthy locale is only 30 miles outside of Austin, situated among the scenic terrain along the banks of the Colorado River in Bastrop, Texas.
Bastrop features a roster of recreation choices, culinary adventures, relaxation options, and everything else you could want in a memorable Texas escape.
To help make planning easier, here's a snapshot of the surrounding area — you'll probably want to start packing now.
Holiday events at Lost Pines
The holiday season at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines officially kicked off on Friday, November 29, with a tree-lighting in the lobby. At the event, Santa will make his grand appearance riding into the resort on a Texas longhorn, and the resort will open up Santa's on-site workshop, which will feature holiday fun ranging from cookie decorating and gingerbread house construction to a letter station where children can send their Christmas "wish list" to the North Pole.
This year, Hyatt Regency Lost Pines will introduce its Holiday Light Stroll, a festive display of twinkling lights that will wind through the resort’s grounds and feature a 20-foot-tall LED animated Christmas tree. Every weekend following Thanksgiving, the resort will feature holiday buffets, Saturdays with Santa, Story Time with Mrs. Claus, and family holiday movies.
The entire family can ring in the New Year with a festive buffet, a family DJ dance party, and the resort's signature fireworks display at 9 pm, complete with a sparkling wine or cider toast.
Holiday events in Bastrop
On the first Thursday of each month, the Bastrop Convention Exhibit Center presents The Farm Street Opry, a family friendly musical performance featuring local Texas talent and special guest performers. On December 5, enjoy A Country Christmas with a special appearance by Santa himself.
Throughout the month of December, take in the River of Lights, numerous lighted displays in a variety of seasonal themes lining Bastrop's scenic June Hill Pape River Walk.
For a darker Christmas tradition, Krampus arrives each night at Scream Hollow's Twisted Christmas, featuring Christmas haunts based on the historical legends and lore of Krampus.
Jahnna Beecham and Malcolm Hillgartner's musical version of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever fills the Bastrop Opera House with a joyful noise December 6-8, 13-15, and 21.
For five hours on Saturday, December 14, Bastrop opens the doors on its annual Holiday Homes Tour, hosted by the Bastrop County Historical Society. Docents will be on hand at each site to point out key features, to recount the site's historical context, and to answer questions.
Head into historic Downtown Bastrop for one of the most wonderful times of the year, Holiday Open House. Snag holiday treasures at eclectic specialty shops that are as original as Bastrop itself.
This year's Lost Pines Christmas Snow Day on December 14 brings the holiday season — and weather — to downtown Bastrop. With snow slides and a play area, friends and families can enjoy some holiday cheer and a few snowball fights (even in Central Texas).
Downtown Bastrop's famous Lost Pines Christmas Lighted Christmas Parade on December 14 features more than 100 fanciful floats and local participants lighting up Main Street in this joyful tradition.
Where to stay
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa provides a AAA Four Diamond resort experience right outside Bastrop. Take your pick of 491 guest rooms, including 46 junior suites, six hospitality suites, three VIP suites, two Governor's Suites, and VIP accommodations at the Litton House. There's also over 240,000 square feet of outdoor function space (including pavilions and an amphitheater), ensuring that Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa has something for everyone and every occasion.
What to do
While at the resort you can splash it up at the onsite Crooked River Water Park, which includes a 1,000-foot lazy river with a swim-up bar, a two-story water slide, and an active pool with a volleyball net and sandy beach, as well as a splash pad for children.
Or perfect your swing at the Wolfdancer Golf Club, an 18-hole, 7,205-yard course designed by renowned architect firm Arthur Hills and Associates to reflect the area's river valley terrain of rolling prairies and heavily wooded ridgeline.
Ready to de-stress? Make an appointment at the award-winning Spa Django, which intertwines music with nature to create a relaxing sensory experience. Named after the famed gypsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, the spa provides a wide range of signature treatment options, ranging from a Colorado River rock massage to the popular Lost Pines lavender wrap and herb garden salt glow.
When you're ready to venture off-property, nearby Bastrop offers something for everyone. You can window-shop in any number of their boutiques and shops in historic downtown before pausing for some much-needed comfort food. Marvel at stunning art in one of the city's many art galleries before admiring the 19th-century architecture. Whatever your fancy, you'll be met with Bastrop's famous Texas hospitality wherever you go.
Located in an old fire and police station from the 1930s, the Bastrop Museum and Visitor Center offers opportunities to learn about one of the most historic towns in Texas. Here you can observe all kinds of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Bastrop's beginnings, participate in a scavenger hunt designed for youngsters of all ages and get detailed information about everything Bastrop has to offer.
Where to eat
Guests staying at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines don't have to venture far for delicious dining options. Stories Fine Dining is the resort's signature steakhouse, which blends farm-to-table dining with rustic charm. The restaurant provides everything from fresh seafood and gourmet salads to a variety of premium cuts, including Certified Black Angus and Rosewood Texas wagyu steak options, as well as a variety of chef creations.
You can also visit Firewheel Cafe for a breakfast buffet featuring Texas and Southern cuisine, or Sheller's Barrelhouse Bar for a wide selected of local brews and cocktail selections as well as a variety of delicious menu items.
Guests can also choose from a couple of brand-new dining options: Birdie's Burger Bar, River Dogs, and Smokin' Food Truck featuring a variety of house-smoked, Texas-style barbecue options and pizza.
The places to eat in Bastrop are nearly as numerous as all the roads and reasons that might lead you there. What’s the key to that world famous, authentic hospitality? Honest-to-goodness homemade comfort food — and plenty of it. Grab a two-meat plate at Southside Market and Barbeque, enjoy a fine-dining experience at Piney Creek Chop House, grab dessert at The Sugar Shack, or vegan treats at Tough Cookie Bakery, just to name a few. Plenty of other options round out the food scene, all with that hometown warmth you've come to expect on a trip to Bastrop.
To start planning your #LostPinesMoment, call 512-308-1234 or visit the website. Also be sure to check visitbastrop.com for fun trip ideas and the latest info about the town.
Downtown Bastrop's famous Lost Pines Christmas Lighted Christmas Parade is set for December 14.
