Posted on April 15, 2020

We hope you have had the privilege to explore Bastrop County and experience our friendly nature. The local shops, organizations, delicious restaurants, and beautiful scenery are just a few things that make Bastrop County special. In these unprecedented times, the choice to support and care for one another shines a bright light. Now is a great time to offer your support to the places eager to welcome you back in the future.

Here are 5 quick ways you can support the Bastrop, Elgin, and Smithville communities.

Dine Local

Slice of pizza with toppings being pulled off pizza

Margherita Pizza from Aviator Pizza & Brew Company

Bastrop County’s restaurants have come up with solutions so that you can enjoy their food and stay safe. Take a break from cooking at home and indulge in a meal from one of your favorite spots!

You can view the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce Restaurant To-Go Guide here. You can access the Smithville guide here, and Elgin here.

Show Your Neighbors Some Love

Circumstances like these illuminate the importance of community. While we may not be able to spend time together physically, there are many sweet ways you can show your love and care for those around you. One way is by surprising your neighbor with a beautiful bouquet. This simple gesture is sure to brighten their day.Bouquet of multi-colored roses

Local shops like Bastrop Florist are safely delivering flowers and would love to make you the perfect bouquet!

If you are located in Elgin you can order from a local florist like A Flower Connection, and if in Smithville, Smithville Florist.

Support Local Shops

Whether you are treating yourself or picking out a gift, now is a great time to hop online and shop local.

Bastrop
Bastrop’s Astro Record Store has a wide online selection of vinyl waiting for you to virtually browse through. Choose a record, or two, and dance around your house to lift your spirit!vinyl record on turntable

There are many other unique gifts and exciting finds in Bastrop. You can find a list of local shops here.

Smithville
Start curating pieces for your spring wardrobe by shopping local, like Smithville’s Handpicked Boutique. Along with their online website, you can order items from their Facebook, and Instagram.

Variety of multi-colored earrings

Earrings from Smithville’s Handpicked Boutique

You can find a list of other local favorite shops in Smithville here!

Elgin
It’s the season for Spring cleaning and refreshing your home! The Owl Wine Bar & Home Goods store has a wide selection of furniture and home items that you can redecorate with. You can shop online and safely pick-up at this local favorite.  

The Owl Wine Bar interior with furnishings

Discover other local favorite shops in Elgin that you can support here.

Support Organizations and Non-Profits

Local organizations and non-profits rely on community support. Now is a great opportunity to rise up and support those who provide for the communities of Bastrop County. You can find a full list of Bastrop Non-Profit and Civic Organizations here, Smithville here, and Elgin here.

Make Your Own Face Mask

Healthcare workers all over the world are experiencing the effects of the Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) shortage. If you have PPE supplies such as masks, gowns, and face shields, consider donating them to your local hospitals. If you are a skilled sewer, or ready to pick up a new hobby to help those around you, this is the perfect opportunity to sew your own face mask. You can even download an app like Nextdoor and lend your skills to others by offering to make a mask for those in need. A simple tutorial can be found here.

Scissor, Needle, tape measure and thread

You can find out ways to donate your PPE equipment here.

We Miss You

With extra time to scroll through your camera roll, feel free to share photos of your past adventures in Bastrop County using #explorebastropcounty on social media, we would love to reminisce with you!

We can’t wait for the day when you can explore Bastrop County again and enjoy our friendly nature! Until then, you can stay up to date with important information and find resources on these Bastrop, Smithville, and Elgin sites.