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 the historic Dead Man's Hole Historical Landmark 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 Marble Falls, 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.
“My experience with these amazing home care professionals is as close to perfect as it”
“I invested $500 with Mrs Sandra and made $6500 within 6 days, Investment pay faster.”
“I work for this team and it's a wonderful team , great communication and support”
“I am a past client of this provider Ken and Bonnie were wonderful to work with.”
“Ken and Bonnie are wonderful people to help care for your loved ones. their staff”
“For those who are searching for qualified caregivers for their loved ones, contact Ken Thomas”
“Ken leads his Always Best Care Senior Services Agency with compassion for his clients and”
“Kenneth is kind, patient, experienced and knowledgeable. We are thankful to him for all his”
“Very professional and welcoming people so I would definitely recommend my friends and family to”
“The owner is so understanding and supportive of how I want my loved ones cared”
“Kenneth is knowledgeable and trustworthy. I can’t recommend him enough. You’re in good hands with”
“ALWAYS BEST CARE is certainly a warm & caring business owned & operated by Ken”
“I will be forever grateful for the love you showered upon us and my grandmother”
“My experience with these amazing home care professionals is as close to perfect as it gets! I have a dear friend that is in hospice and needed a little extra home care. Ken, the owner, was fast to respond to my call and started home care right away. I can't say enough good things about my experience with Always Best Care Senior Services' staff and owner.”
“I invested $500 with Mrs Sandra and made $6500 within 6 days, Investment pay faster. Every rich man you see today invested, it's not just their hardworks that makes them who they are today. So don't let someone else opinion stop you from investing on binary option trading. Start building your future and the future of your generations today Contact her now on.”
“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 .”
“I am a past client of this provider 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.”
“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”
“For those who are searching for qualified caregivers for their loved ones, contact Ken Thomas at Always Best Care Senior Services. Mr. Thomas provides an authentic and professional guiding hand when discussing available services for your precious senior family members. When it is time for a beloved senior to receive assistance, Mr. Thomas understands the importance of providing trustworthy and quality support.”
“Ken leads his Always Best Care Senior Services Agency with compassion for his clients and their families. He is a local senior care expert and leader in his community. If you are need of assistance in navigating your local senior care options, then do not hesitate to give Ken a call!”
“Kenneth is kind, patient, experienced and knowledgeable. We are thankful to him for all his efforts and for going above and beyond.”
“Very professional and welcoming people so I would definitely recommend my friends and family to Always Best Care in Boerne.”
“The owner is so understanding and supportive of how I want my loved ones cared for. He and his staff actually listen to what I would like done for my parents. Very thoughtful, very professional and very caring. It’s such a relief to have help in caring for my loved ones”
“Kenneth is knowledgeable and trustworthy. I can’t recommend him enough. You’re in good hands with Kenneth.”
“ALWAYS BEST CARE is certainly a warm & caring business owned & operated by Ken Thomas. I certainly would recommend them for you or your loved ones excellent care.”
“I will be forever grateful for the love you showered upon us and my grandmother”
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 Johnson Park 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 Adriano's Italian Restaurant or visit The Falls on the Colorado Museum, 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.
Request More Information
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 Marble Falls, 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 Marble Falls, 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 Marble Falls, 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.
Another destructive night of flooding has occurred across parts of Central Texas and the eastern Hill Country. Ten to twenty inches of rain have fallen just northwest of Austin, from Lago Vista to Bertram, Burnet, and Marble Falls.At times, rainfall rates approached six inches per hour. Heavy rain continues around Burnet County, and we may see that persist for a few more hours.Heavier rains could shift north toward Lampasas, Bell, and southern Coryell counties later this morning into the early afternoon. Additional localized bu...
Another destructive night of flooding has occurred across parts of Central Texas and the eastern Hill Country. Ten to twenty inches of rain have fallen just northwest of Austin, from Lago Vista to Bertram, Burnet, and Marble Falls.
At times, rainfall rates approached six inches per hour. Heavy rain continues around Burnet County, and we may see that persist for a few more hours.
Heavier rains could shift north toward Lampasas, Bell, and southern Coryell counties later this morning into the early afternoon. Additional localized but significant rain accumulations over five inches may occur, leading to flash flooding.
Rain chances are also expected to continue today in Central Texas, South-Central Texas, and North Texas—San Antonio, Austin, and D/FW will experience rain at times, though much lighter comparatively. We’ll need to ‘nowcast’ the weather today, but I’m hopeful the mesoscale convective vortex (MCV), a term for a small area of low pressure, will weaken late this afternoon, ending this string of flood-prone days.
I thought the same thing yesterday, but it didn’t happen, so we’ll stay alert and ready to adjust the forecast for tonight. If the system doesn’t dissipate—though there’s a low, but not zero, chance—it could bring another round of scattered heavier storms overnight and into Sunday in these regions.
A line of storms will move into the Texas Panhandle from New Mexico this evening, with the risk of locally damaging wind gusts.
Owner and Baldy-in-Chief of Texas Storm Chasers, one of the state’s leading independent weather media brands. I specialize in severe weather coverage, real-time storm tracking, and digital weather communication. Passionate about keeping Texans informed, prepared, and engaged—one forecast at a time.
The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Emergency for parts of Burnet, Travis and Williamson counties until 2 p.m. Saturday.Officials have reported multiple water rescues across the area after more than a foot of rain fell overnight.A Flood Watch means that conditions are favorable for flooding. A Flood or Flash Flood Warning means that flooding is already happening or about to happen. Flash Flood Emerg...
The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Emergency for parts of Burnet, Travis and Williamson counties until 2 p.m. Saturday.
Officials have reported multiple water rescues across the area after more than a foot of rain fell overnight.
A Flood Watch means that conditions are favorable for flooding. A Flood or Flash Flood Warning means that flooding is already happening or about to happen. Flash Flood Emergencies are “saved for days where we’re expecting catastrophic-type damage or widespread damage or even loss of life," NWS told Texas Public Radio.
Life-threatening flash flooding is possible at low water crossings, streams, highways and other streets. The cities in the emergency area include Burnet, Marble Falls, Leander, Lago Vista and Liberty Hill.
Over a foot of rain has fallen overnight. Streams have rapidly risen and floodwaters are beginning to move downstream in Burnet, Williamson, and northwest Travis counties. Numerous water rescues are ongoing. Seek higher ground immediately if you are near a swelling stream. pic.twitter.com/tpn6A5xWtU
— NWS Austin/San Antonio (@NWSSanAntonio) July 5, 2025
"This is a particularly dangerous situation," NWS said. "Seek higher ground now!"
Do not drive through flooded roads. If you're camping or hiking, NWS said, avoid streams and creeks.
Hays County, central Travis County and southwestern Williamson County are also under Flash Flood Warnings until the early afternoon. The warnings include the cities of San Marcos, Kyle, Buda, Dripping Springs, Wimberley, Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Leander, Hutto and Liberty Hill.
The Burnet County Sheriff's Office said it has received about 10 calls for people trapped in cars by flooding. Travis County emergency responders have also reported multiple water rescues.
Williamson County reported water rescue teams have rescued up to 25 people. The county has declared a local state of disaster due to flooding.
It is evacuating the Georgetown Animal Shelter, VFW Post, San Gabriel Masonic Lodge, Holly Street Village and San Gabriel Crisis Center. Shelter animals are being transferred to the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter.
The county is also telling residents of apartments and mobile home parks in Georgetown near the San Gabriel River to evacuate. This includes the Two Rivers, San Gabriel and Waters Edge apartments, and the Riverside, Shady River and Goodwater RV parks.
The county has set up shelters at the Georgetown Recreation Center and First United Methodist Church.
The Lower Colorado River Authority operates a series of dams and lakes along the Lower Colorado River to manage flooding. The LCRA opened multiple flood gates overnight at Wirtz and Starke dams. That allows runoff from the Llano River into Lake LBJ, Lake Marble Falls and then Lake Travis. LCRA expects to hold the floodwater in Lake Travis, which was about 34 feet below full.
Here are a few ways to monitor flooding and potential impacts:
This is a developing story.
UPDATE: The city of Marble Falls has canceled its Fourth of July celebration on Saturday, July 5, due to weather. Visit the city’s website for details.PREVIOUS STORYThe city of Marble Falls hosts its annual Independence Day celebration and fireworks show over Lake Marble Falls on Friday, July 4, at Lakeside Park, 306 Buena Vista Drive.The day starts with free swimming at Lakeside Pool from noon to 5 p.m. and c...
UPDATE: The city of Marble Falls has canceled its Fourth of July celebration on Saturday, July 5, due to weather. Visit the city’s website for details.
PREVIOUS STORY
The city of Marble Falls hosts its annual Independence Day celebration and fireworks show over Lake Marble Falls on Friday, July 4, at Lakeside Park, 306 Buena Vista Drive.
The day starts with free swimming at Lakeside Pool from noon to 5 p.m. and continues with live music by Dysfunkshun Junkshun at 7 p.m. and an estimated 18 minutes of fireworks beginning at 9:15 p.m. at the park. Bring lawn chairs and blankets.
Food trucks will be on site, including Lupe Tortilla, Miss Vickie’s, and ATX Ice Cream.
Boat traffic near the fireworks barge will be prohibited from 5 p.m. to midnight, but watercraft will be allowed on the lake during this time, according to a city of Marble Falls media release about the event. Boaters needing access to the east side of the lake (Johnson Park boat ramp and beyond) should make their way east of Backbone Creek before 5 p.m. Those needing to exit via Lakeshore Drive Boat Ramp or reach properties west of that point must be west of the closure area by 5 p.m.
The city’s fire, police, parks, EMS, and public works staff will be coordinating lake safety and traffic control during the event. (See city map above for where to park.) After the fireworks show, some roads will be closed so people can safely exit the park. Follow signs and directions from city personnel when leaving.
Due to ongoing hotel and conference center construction, the road between Buena Vista and Yett Street is closed. All vehicle access must enter the Lakeside Park area from Main Street to Buena Vista.
If our latest Top 50 list is any indication, big-city barbecue has found its way into Texas small towns, such as Seguin (Burnt Bean Co.), Port Lavaca (LaVaca BBQ), and Port Neches (Redbird BBQ). In Marble Falls, a couple guys have opened a trailer to promote the barbecue style of another small town, albeit a pretty famous one. Bryan Garcia and Clayton Etzel were once neighbors in Lockhart, and with Smokehouse 44 (the last two digits of Loc...
If our latest Top 50 list is any indication, big-city barbecue has found its way into Texas small towns, such as Seguin (Burnt Bean Co.), Port Lavaca (LaVaca BBQ), and Port Neches (Redbird BBQ). In Marble Falls, a couple guys have opened a trailer to promote the barbecue style of another small town, albeit a pretty famous one. Bryan Garcia and Clayton Etzel were once neighbors in Lockhart, and with Smokehouse 44 (the last two digits of Lockhart’s zip code), they’re bringing a taste of the “Barbecue Capital of Texas” to the Hill Country.
This sort of evangelism is old hat for Garcia. While working the pits with his cousin Roy Perez, the legendary Kreuz Market pitmaster, in Lockhart, Garcia was called up to be part of the team at Schmidt Family Barbecue, in Bee Cave. When that restaurant opened, in 2013, it was billed as the manifestation of the reconciliation between the owners of Kreuz Market and Smitty’s Market, also in Lockhart. The two sides of the family had been involved in a longtime feud.
As part of the pit crew at Schmidt, Garcia brought his knowledge from Kreuz, but he was also hoping to update the recipes and processes based on his own backyard cooking. Unsurprisingly, in a joint with legendary roots, that didn’t fly. “I was young and emotional,” Garcia admitted, so he left and formed his own catering company, called Smoke Factor BBQ. After many years on his own, he asked Etzel to partner with him on Smokehouse 44. “He’s a wonderful butcher and sausage maker,” Garcia said, who was slicing orders for the steady stream of customers as he and I talked. Unfortunately, the sausage-making program—something vital to any joint trying to emulate Lockhart barbecue—isn’t yet off the ground. Smokehouse 44 is currently serving smoked sausages from Hudson Meat Market, with locations in Austin and Marble Falls, so you’ll have to wait to try Etzel’s links.
One bite of the massive pork sparerib transported me to the smoke-stained walls of Kreuz Market. The post oak smoke and simple salt-and-pepper seasoning accented the bold pork flavor. “I try not to hide the meat,” Garcia said. If you want to know what a savory rib tastes like at its peak—without a sweet rub, glaze, or sauce—come try this one.
The thing I appreciated about Schmidt Family Barbecue when I visited was that it bucked Kreuz’s tradition and smoked its briskets low and slow. Smokehouse 44 does the same, with a big offset smoker and seasoned post oak. Even the lean brisket was juicy and pleasantly salty. For a more decadent bite, go for the thick-sliced pork belly, which is meltingly tender. Also impressive were the moist and peppery slices of smoked turkey. The meat and smoke spoke loudest in the spread, which echoed Garcia’s guiding principle: “Keep it simple and cook everything properly.”
Simplicity goes out the window when it comes to the sides. Garcia said he likes to “take something that everyone else is doing, but put my own flair on it.” Ranch dressing is the base for the potato salad, which is garnished with cilantro and freshly diced red onion. Seeing cucumber salad on the menu, I expected something on the lighter side, but the cucumbers were mixed with bacon, shredded cheddar, green and red onions, and a dill sauce. I preferred the rich jalapeño creamed corn and the pinto beans, which were in a stock so delicious I tipped the bowl to drink it. Garcia grew up cooking barbecue with his father, who had a tried-and-true bean recipe involving ham hocks. Garcia uses chunks of smoked pork belly instead, which brings some extra fat and smoke flavor.
The dessert options seem simple enough: banana pudding or cobbler. I chose the peach-and-blueberry cobbler, which was more impressive than your average scoop-and-serve version of the dessert. Fresh peaches and blueberries were baked into the batter and also topped the serving. Luckily, they were cooked until just soft, rather than mushy. A sprinkling of grated nutmeg and cinnamon garnished it all for a stunning finish.
I’ve eaten plenty of barbecue in Marble Falls and Lockhart. This new trailer brings so much of what I love about Kreuz Market into a community that’s growing into a barbecue destination in its own right. Smokehouse 44 does a great job bringing modern and traditional—as well as big-city and small-town—together. Now the joint just needs to bring it home with some Lockhart-style sausage. In the meantime, the rest of the smoked meats should be plenty to keep customers happy.
Smokehouse 441610 U.S. 281, Marble FallsHours: Tuesday–Friday 11–7, Saturday 11–4Phone: 512-359-2326Pitmasters: Clayton Etzel and Bryan Garcia Method: Post oak in an offset smokerYear opened: 2025
Williamson County issued a disaster declaration as heavy rain inundated the area.AUSTIN, Texas — First responders across Central Texas spent the early hours on Saturday scrambling to rescue dozens of people from rising floodwaters, primarily in Burnet County along with western Travis and Williamson counties.The heaviest rain fell near Bertram and Burnet, where a foot or more was measured in Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) rain gauges. Emergency Management Coordinator for Burnet County Derek Marchio told KVUE first r...
Williamson County issued a disaster declaration as heavy rain inundated the area.
AUSTIN, Texas — First responders across Central Texas spent the early hours on Saturday scrambling to rescue dozens of people from rising floodwaters, primarily in Burnet County along with western Travis and Williamson counties.
The heaviest rain fell near Bertram and Burnet, where a foot or more was measured in Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) rain gauges. Emergency Management Coordinator for Burnet County Derek Marchio told KVUE first responders had conducted 25 water rescues all before 8 a.m. Saturday.
Emergency officials in Burnet County are also searching for a fire official who appears to have been swept away by floodwaters early Saturday. The man was responding to a call when he drove into water and his vehicle was washed away.
The emergency vehicle was since recovered but the man was not inside.
Marchio also said U.S. highways 29 and 281 – major corridors through the county – were impassible due to flooding, along with many other roads.
His advice to residents was simply to stay home and not to attempt to get out on the roads.
Williamson County has issued a disaster declaration in response to the flooding on Saturday.
The Office of Emergency Management activated its Emergency Operations Center at 5 a.m. on Saturday in order to coordinate resources and request assistance from the state. Additional personnel have been called in to respond to the flooding.
Up to 25 people people have been rescued in the county, the majority from homes.
Williamson County emergency management officials have advised residents of mobile home parks along the San Gabriel River east of Georgetown to evacuate. Residents in Riverside, Shady River and Goodwater should evacuate to the East View High School parking lot at 4490 E. University Ave. in Georgetown. Residents in the area of Bear Creek and CR 200 and the Rio Bonita RV Park should evacuate to the Cross Tracks Church at 101 Church St. in Liberty Hill.
Sixteen people were evacuated from Hope House in Liberty Hill.
KVUE Senior Reporter Tony Plohetski also talked to sources in Austin-Travis County EMS. Officials reported dozens of water rescues, many of which were along Cow Creek, west of Lago Vista. Crews have found remnants of mobile homes that appear to have been carried downstream, but they are uncertain whether the homes were occupied when they were swept away.
ATCEMS reported a water rescue at 24411 Cottonwood Drive at 2:18 a.m. as officials were working to access three people stuck in their home with floodwaters rising.
Around 3 a.m., first responders were called to the scene of a water rescue at 24316 Colorado Canyon Drive in Marble Falls after three people were reportedly on a dock that broke loose and floated downstream. By around 8:40 a.m., ATCEMS said all three people were located and moved to safety.
Parts of FM 1431 between Cedar Park and Marble Falls were flooded on Saturday morning as well. KVUE crews hit a road block just east of Jonestown, where Big Sandy Creek was flowing over the highway.
The flash flood threat will continue through the day Saturday as rain continues to fall over Central Texas.
830.888.9559
