It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Bastrop State Park in Bastrop, TX gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Bastrop, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Awesome team ! All the staff I have worked with have been helpful, caring and”
“TRACY, SHANNON,CLYDIE, AND PASTOR ALBERT r all such wonderful souls..They r so caring and giving..u”
“Always Best Care was there for me when I needed them. I was providing”
“I am so happy with Mr. Steven Coleman services. He has been very professional and”
“We had an excellent experience with Always Best Care Senior Services in Austin. They provided”
“Highly recommend using Always Best Care for all your senior service needs! Super helpful and”
“Kyle and his team are great.”
“I am a past client of this provider My siblings and I engaged Always Best Care”
“Kyle and his team rock ,really good communicators. I would refer them to people who”
“Always best care is ALWAYS the BEST care. No pun intended. Means a lot to”
“Always Best Care provided the perfect service we needed for our mom. Their caregivers”
“Lori and Kyle were great to work with and are super people. They matched my”
“Lori and Kyle were great to work with and are super people. They matched my”
“I work for this team and it's a wonderful team , great communication and support”
“Ken and Bonnie are wonderful people to help care for your loved ones. their staff”
“Ken and Bonnie were wonderful to work with. They were able to provide my mother”
“Owners Lori and Kyle are genuine, salt-of-the-earth folks who are super-dedicated to their clients. ”
“Lori & Kyle were very attentive and responded very quickly to our needs. They visited”
“Always Best came to the rescue when my mother needed immediate caregiver services while in”
“I’ve known Lori for years and have high confidence in her ability to provide care.”
“I had the pleasure of working with Lori Schrayer in a professional setting where she”
“Awesome team ! All the staff I have worked with have been helpful, caring and always there when you need them ! Thank you Tracy, Brittany, Robbye and Page ! Appreciate yall !”
“TRACY, SHANNON,CLYDIE, AND PASTOR ALBERT r all such wonderful souls..They r so caring and giving..u can tell all of them take their job very seriously. They always make u feel like ur the most special patient..my sister Janie is always bragging to me (, im her sister, )about all of them..I have met them 2 and my sister is always so happy and up beat when they r there..I'm so grateful for all of their care..They r definitely a blessing...thank u for really really caring with all ur special gifts to make my sister's life a lot brighter!!”
“Always Best Care was there for me when I needed them. I was providing hospice care for my mother in my home. I could not have done it without them. The caregivers are kind and dependable. The company was supportive in every aspect of my mother's care. I cannot thank them enough for their support during this difficult time.”
“I am so happy with Mr. Steven Coleman services. He has been very professional and helpful.”
“We had an excellent experience with Always Best Care Senior Services in Austin. They provided in home care when my mom got out of the hospital and, in parallel, helped us find an assisted living facility. I was calling them from the hospital and we didn't know when my mom would be discharged or what kind of care she would need and Always Best Care was responsive, flexible and provided guidance when we needed it most. This was a stressful time and they gave us peace of mind while providing the best care for my mom. The caregivers were on time, thoughtful and kind. I'd recommend Always Best Care to anyone trying to navigate the complexities of eldercare.”
“Highly recommend using Always Best Care for all your senior service needs! Super helpful and really takes care of patients to make them feel comfortable and safe!”
“Kyle and his team are great.”
“I am a past client of this provider My siblings and I engaged Always Best Care to help care for our mother, initially when she was still able to do a significant amount on her own. Over time she declined and needed different levels of care. At each stage, Lori, Kyle, and each member of the ABC team listened to our needs, and was warm, caring, attentive, patient, punctual, and flexible in accommodating Mom‘s abilities, needs, and wants. Caregivers often went above and beyond, and the teams’ communication with my siblings and me was terrific – – especially helpful since none of us lived in the area. I feel fortunate to have been connected with Lori and Kyle, and I highly recommend the ABC team.”
“Kyle and his team rock ,really good communicators. I would refer them to people who would need this service”
“Always best care is ALWAYS the BEST care. No pun intended. Means a lot to know my loved ones are in good hands ????”
“Always Best Care provided the perfect service we needed for our mom. Their caregivers were on time, professional, and did what mom/we asked of them and more. The owners, Lori & Kyle, listened to our needs and went above and beyond in their help and care. A few times when we had to take mom to the ER, Lori and/ or Kyle came to the house to be sure all of mom's needs were met. At the end of mom's life, their caregivers could not have been more attentive, kind, caring and professional. I would highly recommend ABC Care for your loved one.”
“Lori and Kyle were great to work with and are super people. They matched my husband up with very competent companions who were kind and dependable.”
“Lori and Kyle were great to work with and are super people. They matched my husband up with very competent companions who were kind and dependable.”
“I work for this team and it's a wonderful team , great communication and support for our clients, their family members and our caring team of staff .”
“Ken and Bonnie are wonderful people to help care for your loved ones. their staff was so caring to my mother and so nice to my family I highly recommend them to take care of your loved ones. I think there ought to be more than just five stars to give them”
“Ken and Bonnie were wonderful to work with. They were able to provide my mother with care and a very short notice. Their staff was some of the most caring people that I've ever met. Not only were they wonderful to my mother but also to my family. I would highly recommend using them.”
“Owners Lori and Kyle are genuine, salt-of-the-earth folks who are super-dedicated to their clients. I know I can trust them to make sure our Mom gets the care and help she needs. And caregiver Leah is so very kind -- she's the best!”
“Lori & Kyle were very attentive and responded very quickly to our needs. They visited us in person to introduce the new aide, to make sure instructions were done smoothy. ABC came thru in a very critical time for us. Forever grateful for their compassion & thoughtfulness to our health needs.”
“Always Best came to the rescue when my mother needed immediate caregiver services while in a skilled nursing facility and it continues to provide steady, reliable and helpful care now that she is at home. The owners are very kind and authentic and seem to really care about the people they are helping! My mother adores her caregiver. Would highly recommend.”
“I’ve known Lori for years and have high confidence in her ability to provide care. She’s caring, intelligent, dependable and friendly. She would be an excellent service provider!”
“I had the pleasure of working with Lori Schrayer in a professional setting where she was in a leadership role. I worked with her and her team on multiple projects as a liaison to the County Manager or head of the municipal organization. Lori is consistent in her treatment of peers, communication style, and commitment to her staff. I would be fortunate to work with Lori in the future and would provide her business if given the opportunity as I know they’d be in great hands.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Bastrop State Park in Bastrop, TX with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Piney Creek Chop House or visit Bastrop County Museum Visitor Center, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Bastrop, TX, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Bastrop, TX understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Bastrop, TX 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
State and local officials were battling a wildfire Monday afternoon in Bastrop County as the region experiences elevated fire danger.The “Pine Straw Fire” was located near Bastrop State Park east of Bastrop, near Park Road 1C and Alum Creek Road. The fire was about five acres in size and 15% contained as of noon, according to Reilly Ruggiero, a public information officer for the Texas A&M Forest Service.By 4:30 p.m., TAMFS data showed the fire was two acres and 90% contained.Ruggiero said the forest servi...
State and local officials were battling a wildfire Monday afternoon in Bastrop County as the region experiences elevated fire danger.
The “Pine Straw Fire” was located near Bastrop State Park east of Bastrop, near Park Road 1C and Alum Creek Road. The fire was about five acres in size and 15% contained as of noon, according to Reilly Ruggiero, a public information officer for the Texas A&M Forest Service.
By 4:30 p.m., TAMFS data showed the fire was two acres and 90% contained.
Ruggiero said the forest service was called in around 10 a.m. Monday to assist local firefighters from Bastrop and Smithville and was using heavy equipment to build containment lines around the fire. One structure had been lost. The fire started in a shed, according to Heart of the Pines Volunteer Fire Department.
The fire comes amid critical fire weather conditions which are expected to continue into Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service in Austin/San Antonio. The weather service issued a red flag warning for Tuesday for much of central, south and southeast Texas, including Travis, Williamson, Hays and Bastrop counties. The warning is slated to be in effect from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The weather service said a combination of gusty winds and low humidifies will lead to the fire risk.
“The return of moderate to breezy southerly flow with the continuation of a dry airmass over the area will combine to result in critical fire weather conditions during Tuesday across the majority of South Central Texas,” forecasters wrote. “Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.”
Most of Central Texas was also under a burn ban Monday, according to TAMFS data.
The final week of the 2025 Central Texas high school football regular season kicks off with several Austin-area districts going down to the wire in terms of determining district championships and final playoff berths.Things got started Thursday night with a shocker: Weiss handed Anderson its first loss of the season, 28-7. Lake Travis and LBJ picked up easy wins as well.Tonight's top matchups look to be Dripping Springs at Westlake, Bastrop at Liberty Hill and Cedar Park at Georgetown.The playoffs begin next week. Follow...
The final week of the 2025 Central Texas high school football regular season kicks off with several Austin-area districts going down to the wire in terms of determining district championships and final playoff berths.
Things got started Thursday night with a shocker: Weiss handed Anderson its first loss of the season, 28-7. Lake Travis and LBJ picked up easy wins as well.
Tonight's top matchups look to be Dripping Springs at Westlake, Bastrop at Liberty Hill and Cedar Park at Georgetown.
The playoffs begin next week. Follow our Central Texas high school coverage on Statesman.com from Rick Cantu and Colby Gordon.
Follow here for live updates, highlights and analysis from Week 11 games around Central Texas tonight.
With the 7 p.m. slate of games rolling into the second quarter, here's how things stand in several key matchups with playoff implications.
District 25-6A
Hutto 14, McNeil 7 (Q1)
Vandegrift 7, Round Rock 0 (Q1)
Vista Ridge 10, Westwood 0
District 26-6A
Westlake 14, Dripping Springs 7 (Q1)
District 8-5A DI
Leander 6, East View 2 (Q1)
Rouse 14, Glenn 7 (Q1)
Things have gotten really interesting heading into tonight's regular-season finales. In a nutshell, here are some quickie playoff scenarios around Central Texas heading into tonight's games:
• District 26-5A: Vandegrift and Hutto are already in. Round Rock gets in if its beats Vandegrift. McNeil is in if it beats Hutto. If Vista Ridge beats Westwood, there might be a two- or even three-way tie for the final two spots.
• District 26-6A: We already know Lake Travis (Division I), Dripping Springs (DII), Westlake (DII) and Bowie (DI) are the playoff teams. Tonight's Westlake-Dripping Springs game will determine which gets the top DII spot; one of them will draw defending Class 6A DII state champion Vandegrift in bi-district.
• District 8-5A DI: Georgetown and Cedar Park are in. East View (4-2), Lake Belton (3-3) and Rouse (3-3) are fighting for the final two spots. East View is in if it beats Leander. Lake Belton would be the final playoff team if its beats Killeen Chaparral. Rouse needs to beat Glenn and have Chaparral lose to get in.
• District 11-5A DII: Friday's Liberty Hill-Bastrop game is for the district title. Pflugerville is also already in the playoffs. McCallum can nab the final spot if it beats Crockett or if Pflugerville beats Connally.
• District 12-4A DI: LBJ and Taylor are in. Manor New Tech can join them if it beats Northeast or if Taylor beats Travis. Eastside needs Taylor to beat Travis.
• District 13-4A DII: Jarrell, Salado and Wimberley are in. The last spot will be either Gonzales (if it beats Jarrell) or Lago Vista (if it beats Wimberley and if Jarrell beats Gonzales).
McNeil at Hutto
Vandegrift at Round Rock
Vista Ridge at Westwood
Cedar Ridge at Manor
Dripping Springs at Westlake
San Marcos at N.B. Canyon
Cedar Park at Georgetown
East View at Leander
Glenn at Rouse
Hendrickson at Cedar Creek
Lehman at Hays
A&M Consolidated at Lockhart
Bastrop at Liberty Hill
Connally at Pflugerville
Crockett at McCallum
Navarro at Elgin
Burnet at Stephenville
Brownwood at Marble Falls
Taylor at Travis
Madisonville at Giddings
Wimberley at Lago Vista
Salado at Smithville
Jarrell at Gonzales
Marion at Florence
Ingram Moore at Llano
Thorndale at Holland
Granger at Burton
Off this week: Bowie, Lampasas, Stony Point
Lake Travis 40, Austin High 14
Del Valle 27, Akins 20
Cibolo Steele 42, Johnson 7
Weiss 28, Anderson 7
LBJ 58, Eastside 6
This is a paid press release. Contact the press release distributor directly with any inquiries.Couple Brings Craft Coffee and Community Vibes to Fast-Growing Texas TownBASTROP, Texas, Oct. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new community-focused coffee destination has arrived in Bastrop. Horizons Coffee Bar, a locally owned mobile coffee shop at 146 TX-21, officially opened on Aug. 1 and will celebrate its grand opening on Oct. 30, 2025. The business was launched with support from Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea and its nationally...
This is a paid press release. Contact the press release distributor directly with any inquiries.
Couple Brings Craft Coffee and Community Vibes to Fast-Growing Texas Town
BASTROP, Texas, Oct. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new community-focused coffee destination has arrived in Bastrop. Horizons Coffee Bar, a locally owned mobile coffee shop at 146 TX-21, officially opened on Aug. 1 and will celebrate its grand opening on Oct. 30, 2025. The business was launched with support from Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea and its nationally recognized 7 Steps to Success program.
Lauren McIntyre and Chris Rios transitioned from corporate careers to coffee entrepreneurship, inspired by a shared passion for craft coffee. "After living on the West Coast and experiencing amazing local roasters, we knew we wanted to bring that same quality and passion to Bastrop," said Rios.
McIntyre, who continues to work in tech, supports the business behind the scenes, while Rios leads day-to-day operations as owner-operator.
Craft coffee with a local touch
Horizons Coffee Bar serves a full menu of specialty coffee and espresso drinks made with Crimson Cup's award-winning coffee beans, a taste some regulars recognize from other top-tier cafés.
"Guests tell us they love the drinks and the energy we bring," said Rios. "We focus on quality, speed and convenience — always with a smile."
Since opening, the mobile café has built a loyal following. Customers have praised not only the coffee but also the service, with many sharing how excited they are to support a locally owned alternative to national chains.
Crimson Cup's 7 Steps Program fuels first-time owners
With no prior experience in the coffee industry, McIntyre and Rios leaned on Crimson Cup's 7 Steps to Success program for expert guidance every step of the way, from planning and site selection to training and launch.
Founded in Columbus, Ohio, Crimson Cup has earned national acclaim for helping independent coffee businesses thrive without franchising. Crimson Cup's 7 Steps program, based on founder Greg Ubert's book Seven Steps to Success: A Common-sense Guide to Succeed in Specialty Coffee, has helped launch over 300 independent coffee businesses in 37 states.
"The knowledge Crimson Cup provides is unbelievable," said McIntyre. "There's no way we could have done this without their support. Step 1 — choosing the right location — was especially critical. You can do everything else right, but if the location doesn't work, nothing else matters."
Advice for aspiring coffee shop owners
Asked what advice they would offer to others considering the leap into coffee entrepreneurship, Rios was clear: "Do it — but do your homework. Study your local traffic counts, invest in good signage, and make sure you've got the capital to sustain your household while your business grows."
Once a quaint spot in the Lost Pines region of Central Texas, Bastrop has transformed in recent years from a sleepy stop off Interstate 21 into a bustling pseudo-suburb of Austin. It's now one of the many hubs of industry for the richest man in the world.The area was named by Stephen F. Austin for a colorful figure in early Texas history (his real and assumed names are far longer, but for purposes of this story …), the Baron de Bastrop. The eponymous town was first settled by the Spanish at the turn of the 19th Century, with a ...
Once a quaint spot in the Lost Pines region of Central Texas, Bastrop has transformed in recent years from a sleepy stop off Interstate 21 into a bustling pseudo-suburb of Austin. It's now one of the many hubs of industry for the richest man in the world.
The area was named by Stephen F. Austin for a colorful figure in early Texas history (his real and assumed names are far longer, but for purposes of this story …), the Baron de Bastrop. The eponymous town was first settled by the Spanish at the turn of the 19th Century, with a fort established to protect a strategic crossing of the Colorado River on the Old San Antonio Road. Here's a quick guide on the growing Texas town:
For decades, the main draw of Bastrop was the aforementioned lost pines. Eons ago, an ice age glacier transported a forest of loblolly pines from deep East Texas to their current home in Bastrop County, according to the Texas State Historical Association. On this visit, I was bound for Bastrop State Park, which is the epicenter of what looks like a fairy tale, magical forest of pines.
In 2011, a wildfire ripped through the area, decimating much of the old-growth pines. A decade and change later, while the scars of that fire remain, new growth has sprouted up and made the park a hidden gem in the state.
After a day walking trails and visiting Lake Bastrop, you'll need food, and downtown Bastrop has a ton of great options. Maxine's Cafe & Bakery is pretty much the preeminent breakfast stop in town. Serving up massive stacks of pancakes and overs, stuffed French toast platters, and a mean chicken-fried steak, this place is packed most mornings for good reason.
Paw Paw's Catfish House serves overflowing baskets of perfectly golden fried catfish (naturally) and shrimp. Go for one of their mason jar margaritas and decadent banana puddings, while you're at it.
After spending a day among the pines, however, my heart and belly were set on barbecue. Southside Market & Barbecue — Elgin's legendary spot for Texas 'cue — opened a Bastrop outpost in 2014. You'll find the Texas trinity, mouth-watering brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs – of the pork and beef variety – and some flat-out delicious sausage, along with turkey and pulled pork. My traveling partner and I indulged healthily.
Make sure to check out shops and Instagram-worthy public art spots, like Found Fine Art with its bespoke collection of jewelry and objets d'art, or the Painted Porch Book Store, with its multitude of new and used volumes. Browsing or buying, you can't go wrong with either.
Cigar bars, game shops, and boutiques are also strewn throughout Bastrop's imminently strollable downtown.
I am torn by giving out so much information about a town I love that still flies under the radar, for the most part. However, my civic duty as a Texan compels me to tout the virtues of the land of the lost pines. Make a visit; you won't regret it.
For almost a decade, the roadside spot has offered barbecue, movie memorabilia, and creepy cabins to horror fansScott Jensen remembers the first time he discovered the 1974 movie that launched the slasher film genre. He was 12 years old, scanning different titles at the video store, when he saw ’s cover art. Against a white background, the villainous Leatherface, dressed in a blood-stained apron, brandished a chainsaw while a woman behind him, hanging from a meat hook on a wooden wall, screamed in terror. In bold, black type, ...
Scott Jensen remembers the first time he discovered the 1974 movie that launched the slasher film genre. He was 12 years old, scanning different titles at the video store, when he saw ’s cover art. Against a white background, the villainous Leatherface, dressed in a blood-stained apron, brandished a chainsaw while a woman behind him, hanging from a meat hook on a wooden wall, screamed in terror. In bold, black type, a question is posed: “Who will survive, and what will be left of them?”
“It was striking, especially to a kid,” Jensen says. He had to watch it.
When asked if he’s a fan of the film today, instead of responding yes or a no, he whips around his right arm to display an answer that speaks for itself. Positioned between his shoulder and his elbow, there’s a tattoo of Leatherface running with his chainsaw, engulfed by the shape of an orange, flaming Texas.
It’s no surprise then to find Jensen and his wife, Jamie, chowing down on barbecue in Bastrop on a warm July afternoon. They sit at a wooden picnic table located behind one of the most iconic locations from the film: the gas station where things start to take a turn for the worse for the movie’s central characters.
In the movie, gas station owner Drayton Sawyer is the patriarch of a family of cannibals burdened with the nasty habit of turning unlucky passersby into barbecue. About 30 minutes in, protagonist Sally Hardesty and her five friends stop at Sawyer’s to refuel. He offers the group a brief, cryptic warning—stay away from the old homestead they’re headed toward. They don’t listen, and sure enough, shortly after arriving at their destination, members of the group begin to wander off into the clutches of Sawyer’s chainsaw-wielding son, Leatherface.
The Bastrop gas station featured in the movie opened in 1960 but fell into disrepair in the years following the release of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. Then, in 2016, the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it film location, situated next to cow pastures on a lonely stretch of State Highway 304, was resurrected by Roy and Lisa Rose as The Gas Station, a barbecue joint and tourist attraction that continues to welcome Texas Chain Saw fans from across the state and the country every year.
From the outside, the building is recognizable to those in the know, with faded white paneling, red signage, and a properly run-down wooden porch covering. But when customers step through the creaky front door (in fitting old-school slasher movie fashion), they’re greeted with a sight vastly different from the typical gas station interior of the film, which is slightly shabby but full of snacks for hungry travelers.
The new walls are lined with horror movie merchandise—T-shirts, action figures, and posters from dozens of different horror movies and franchises. Those who can navigate the overwhelming amount of memorabilia without being distracted by one of the trinkets can place an order for brisket or sausage at the counter.
Behind The Gas Station, there’s a covered patio area with picnic tables and, in one corner, a fake decapitated head hanging from a sign made of bones that reads, “BBQ TO DIE FOR.” (For a roadside barbecue joint, the food is actually “pretty good,” Jensen says.) Further back on the property, there are four rustic cabins for visitors to rent and stay at , fittingly decorated inside with blood-stained shower curtains. Each cabin is outfitted with a TV, a DVD player, and a copy of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.
The Roses moved from Ohio to open The Gas Station and spent two years renovating the property. The couple put thousands of dollars toward the project, purchasing décor that would match the movie and gathering a small crew to construct the cabins. When the restoration process concluded, the Roses held an opening ceremony attended by actors Edwin Neal and Ed Guinn who were both cast members from the original movie.
In the almost-decade since its opening, The Gas Station has continued to host special themed events, including an upcoming Oct. 31 wedding and vow-renewal ceremony officiated by Michael Meyers—the mask-wearing, knife-wielding antagonist of the Halloween franchise. Tony Moran, the actor who plays the iconic horror villain and just so happens to be an ordained minister, will fly in from California for the event.
The idea isn’t off the table for New Braunfels couple Nick and Crystal McGowen, who sit just a few tables away from the Jensens. “We have wanted to renew our vows,” Crystal says, thoughtfully, while twisting the silver band on her left ring finger.
Authentic and not overly kitschy, The Gas Station is the perfect tribute to one of McGowens’ favorite horror films. As Nick explains, the horror of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is the reality of it. The movie was inspired by the real-life crimes of serial killer and grave-robber Ed Gein, and though the film strays far into the territory of fiction, Nick says viewers can’t help but feel haunted by the fear that the plot could actually play out somewhere in Texas’ untamed countryside. The fact that the movie was filmed at real locations across the state only adds to the effect.
“There’s something scary but exciting about the possibility of that slasher fiend being out there,” Nick says.
Alison Macor, a former film critic who wrote the book Chainsaws, Slackers and Spy Kids, which chronicles the evolution of Austin’s film industry, says a large part of why 1974 slasher movie remains so popular today stems from how the movie was made. It was a low-budget film, shot around Central Texas with a relatively unknown cast and production team. The result was raw and real horror.
“It’s our worst fears come to life,” Macor says.
In fact, Jensen and his wife’s trip to The Gas Station was just one stop on a quest to visit as many different Texas Chain Saw Massacre filming locations as they could. The pair drove nine hours from Missouri to Texas to experience Leatherface’s house in Kingsland, which has been transformed into a restaurant called Hooper’s (after the original movie’s director, Tobe Hooper); the Leander cemetery featured at the beginning of the film; and Bastrop’s Old Iron Bridge from the opening of the film’s sequel.
While not everyone will enjoy stopping along the road at a horror-themed destination, for fans of the genre, The Gas Station delivers on creating a truly believable and frightening experience worthy of a horror movie
“For me, movies were an escape from the situation that I grew up in,” Jensen says. “I could visit another world, I could see stories, I could be a part of something else. To step foot into that—it’s wild.”
Just don’t go there alone.
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