La Grange
Voted BEST
• Pizza • Sandwiches
Voted BEST
• Pizza •Soup • Sandwiches
New York Style Brick Oven Pizza • Sandwiches Salads • Soups • Fresh Fruits Homemade Pies 539 E. Colorado St. • La Grange, TX 979-968-3100
208 E. Austin St. • Giddings, TX 979-542-4700
HOURS: MONDAY - SUNDAY 10 A.M. - 9 P.M.
La Grange
Stroll the streets of downtown La Grange to find all sorts of jewelry, clothing and gift shops.
Shop Downtown La Grange
From Jewelry and Clothing to Specialty Cookware, You’ll Find it Here
T
he square in downtown La Grange offers an abundance of unique shops. You will find an assortment of boutiques, a jewelry store, a men’s wear store and even a gourmet kitchen shop. The Le Petite Gourmet Shoppe recently moved into a much larger space and is the place to find the latest kitchen utensils, gadgets and speciality products. Twice a month, Chef Mike Morphew conducts a cooking class. Heritage Hallmark is a Gold
Crown store and recently celebrated their 31st year in business in downtown La Grange. Jewelry with soul, is the best way to describe Richard Schmidt’s jewelry. The family store offers very unique jewelry. The Schmidt’s Jewelry store has been located on the square since 1977. Boutiques such as Flair and Company, Cottage Gatherings, Urban Nest, Julie B’s, Silver Barn & Co., The Mustard Seed and Tara’s Boutique have very unique items that offer something for everyone. You’ll find kolaches at Lu-
Le Petite Gourmet Shoppe (134 N Washington St.) has a massive selection of cooking supplies.
kas Bakery Monday through Saturday morning, coffee at Latte on the Square and Barbeque for lunch at Prause’s.
The square is centered around the courthouse and offers plenty of free parking and handicap accessible parking.
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La Grange
Voted the BEST Liquor Store in Fayette County
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Spirits & Wine Fine Cigars Craft Beer Fishing Bait Lukas Bakery kolaches.
Kolaches: Fayette County’s Iconic Food A true kolache, despite what big-city franchises might try to tell you, are sweet pastries baked with a generous dollop of fruit (or cream cheese, cottage cheese or poppy seed) in the middle. And boy do the bakeries in Fayette County know how to make these traditional European treats. Each place has their own variations, but every one is great. All the places listed here also sell amazing pigsin-the blanket (klobasniky).
• Weikel’s Bakery at 2247 Texas 71 Business in La Grange. Call 979-968-9413. Also available at Village Market in Carmine. • Hruska’s Bakery at 109 W. Texas 71 in Ellinger. Call 979/378-2333. • Lukas Bakery at 135. N. main Street in La Grange; 979968-3052 • Original Kountry Bakery is at 110 Kessler Ave. (US 77 ) in Schulenburg; 979-743-4342.
Kegs Available upon request
Drive thru or Walk in
(979) 968-3440 1381 W. St. Hwy 71 La Grange Weikel’s Bakery kolaches.
La Grange
Merle Haggard, second from left, drew a record crowd last year to the Fayette County Fair.
Fayette County Fair A Labor Day Weekend Tradition
For 86 years the Fayette County Fair has treated local folks and area visitors to the biggest party between Houston and Austin. This year marks the 85th edition of the fair, which is always held the Thursday-Sunday of Labor Day Weekend, Aug. 28- 31, at the Fayette County
Fairgrounds just north of La Grange on Highway 77. The four day-extravaganza is packed with events too numerous to mention, but here are a few that are always included: * A Queen’s Contest on opening night. * A Saturday morning parade through downtown La Grange. * A Carnival.
* Weekend Barbecue cookoff. * Softball Tournament. * Petting Zoo. * A wide array of local food vendors and live music at the German-Czech Mart. * Fine Arts Exhibits. * Livestock shows. * A Country Store. * Talent Show. * Headline performers every night on the main stage.
* Horseshoe and washer pitching tournaments. * A Commercial Exhibit Hall filled with vendors.
Season tickets go on sale in July, sold by candidates for Fair Queen, or one-day admission tickets can be bought at the gate. Also see www.fayettecountyfair.org.
The historic building is nestled in the secluded and picturesque valley of Holman located off FM 155 between La Grange and Weimar.
Holman Valley Steakhouse serves the finest steaks and seafood with the most comfortable and hospitable service ! Come enjoy the family owned and operated restaurant committed to keeping the traditions alive!
10204 FM 155 La Gange, TX 78945
(979) 263-4188 www.holmanvalleysteakhouse.com
La Grange
WINCHESTER DEPOT Antiques & Gift Shop
Old Fashioned Sundae’s • Milkshakes Malts • Floats • Sandwiches
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211 W. Front St.
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204 THOMAS ST. • WINCHESTER
979.242.3433
WWW.EATATMURPHYS.COM
Voted Best Steakhouse in Fayette County 2013 & 2014
La Grange
Melissa Weltner stands in front of her used clothing shop, The Swap.
Second-Hand Style
By LUCY CARR
D
o you like a bargain? Maybe you enjoy searching the racks of Goodwill, or rummaging in thrift shops for that special something? If so, there’s no need to go to the cities for the chance to find a good deal, as La Grange is home to a number of stores specializing in resale goods. The Swap is the latest addition to the La Grange resale scene. Located in a former home on South Jefferson, this quirky store sells consignment goods, from clothes to cups, in a fun, vintage setting. “My intention in every corner of the shop is to be dif-
ferent and inspiring, from the recycled glass walkway to the handmade fixtures,” explains owner Melissa Weltner. As well as selling clothes gently used, quality clothes for babies, men and women, the store also stocks shoes, jewelry, hats, furniture, and art. “Prices range from $.50 to $60 depending on the brand, quality and condition. Boots, furniture and wall art can go higher, but there are always bargains here!” explains Melissa, adding that The Swap works on consignment, where used clothes are sold on a commission basis, split between the store and the consignor. Melissa took over The Swap in October
Photo by Lucy Carr
2014, when its original owner decided to close the store to take care of her young and growing family. She moved the store to its current location on South Jefferson, just by the Fayette Library in November 2014 and spent time merchandizing and turning a former home into a funky boutique. “My goal is to be carry the most stylish clothes in an organized, easy to shop environment,” explains Melissa., who has an eclectic background as varied as the clothes in her store. “One of my favorite parts of owning this business is helping customers shop. To Continued on next page
La Grange
Every Friday morning people line up to be among the first to check out the deals inside Second Chance Emporium at 529 W Travis St., arguably the most popular resale shop in Central Texas.
Deals to Be Had in La Grange at Resale Shops
Continued from previous page me, great customer service is one of the most important factors in getting my repeat business. Making anyone who walks in my door feel like a million bucks, even if they don’t buy anything, is priority one.� The Swap - 755 S. Jefferson Hours: Tues.-Sat. 10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Sun. & Mon. - by appointment only
Facebook.com/TheSwapLG (979) 353-1140 Call or Text
Even more for your money
The Second Chance Emporium, just a short walk from the main square on West Travis, is a charitable organization run by a collaboration of local churches. The large store is a popular spot for bargain hunters
looking for clothes for men, women and children, household items, furniture and soft furnishings and toys. 4 Peas Resale, on 1346 North Jefferson, is another excellent place to shop for a bargain, be it clothing, jewelry, toys or something decorative for the home. You can lose many an hour in here, searching for vintage items and bargain goods.
La Grange
Images from a recent La Grange Farmers market, held every Saturday morning year-round.
Photos by Elaine Thomas
Farmers Market Every Saturday Morning By ELAINE THOMAS
Early on Saturday morning, follow the lead of local folks and head downtown to the Courthouse Square to visit the La Grange Farmers Market. You’ll find local gardeners selling their freshly picked seasonal fruits and vegetables, who are eager to offer
food preparation ideas. You may discover varieties that you rarely see and you’ll have the satisfaction of talking to the people who nurtured what you’re about to eat. You’ll be able to choose from home baked goodies, nuts, herbs and honey that are, oh, so fine, and may be tempted to taste test
some of the outstanding and unusual relishes, pickles, salsas and jams/jellies for sale. In addition to food, you’ll find crafts made with a generous dash of TLC. Not every vendor is present every Saturday, which spices up the experience. The early bird gets the best selection and by
noon, the vendors will be packed up and headed home to prepare and plan for the following Saturday. Sponsored by the City of La Grange’s Main Street Program and open virtually year round, weather permitting, the farmers market is a great way to start your day.
La Grange
Child’s Play Adventures Await Your Little Ones Here in La Grange
By LUCY CARR
La Grange is a family friendly place, with lots of to do in town to keep the children entertained. Here are just a few ideas.
Playing in Parks
La Grange is packed with city parks and play areas. White Rock park, at 940 Mode Lane, is located on the banks of the Colorado River. Run by the city, but developed by the Lower Colorado River Authority, the park facilities include a canoe launch area, baseball fields, a playground, picnic areas, restrooms, paved area parking and a fishing pier. Its sports fields are used for seasonal sports such as soccer and baseball. There’s a jogging and walking trail and even some static exercise machines if you are looking for a place for the whole family to work out. And for the braver among you, there’s a rope swing over the river. Kruschel Park, at 480 W Colorado, has walking trails, basketball and volley ball courts, a baseball field and swimming pool (usually open during the summer) and is another good spot for a bit of family recreation. Monument Hill State Park has a children’s playground at the top end of the park, plus miles of hiking trails to tire out the most energetic of young legs, as well as plenty of history to exercise their minds. Continued on next page
The dash is on at the annual Easter Egg hunt at the Jersey Barnyard.
Photo by Jeff Wick
La Grange
La Grange is Certainly Kid-Friendly Continued from previous page If you have kids who like to fish, take them to the fishing pier at the Boat Ramp Park, Boat Ramp Road (off Business 71, underneath the historic truss bridge), or at the Northside Park on Hanacek Road.
A little light reading
The Fayette Public Library, at 855 S. Jefferson St, also has a play area in its grounds. There is plenty of colorful apparatus for the children to climb on and slide down, all in the safety of a gravel-filled space. Indoors, the library includes a children’s section and offers story time for children at 10.15 each Wednesday morning. Fayette Public Library hours of operation. Tuesday - Thursday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Monday Closed
Animal attractions
The Jersey Barnyard, on Highway 159, gives visitors the chance to tour the family farm filled with Jersey cows and a menagerie of other farm animals, including goats and hens. Families can take a guided or selfguided tour, with the chance to feed some of the animals themselves. If that’s not enough fun, there’s an array of hand-dipped ice cream flavors to choose from before you leave! The Jersey Barnyard 3117 Hwy. 159 (979) 249-3406 Open Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday 1-6 p.m.
134 N. Washington La Grange, TX 78945 979-639-5034
julie@julie-b.com www.julie-b.com
Please find us on instagram -julieblagrange
Indoor Fun!
The local bowling alley had a change of ownership and a makeover in 2014, making it into a family-friendly attraction, ideal for a night out or a rainy-day activity. La Grange Lanes is open Tuesday-Friday, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 4 p.m. – 10 p.m., open Mondays by appointment. www.lagrangelanes.com, 385 North Main Street, (979) 968-3211, email: david@lagrangelanes.com
Time for a bite
After all that activity, it’s time for dinner. Aside from the numerous fast food restaurants in the area, many local eateries are very family friendly, including Café Dobre on the town square, where drawing on the table cloths is positively encouraged!
La Grange
Award Winning Bakery
in Fayette County!
Ladies and Missy Clothing FLAX & MATCH POINT
Home and Gift Items
EUROPEAN SOAPS • ROUND TOP COLLECTION TYLER CANDLE COMPANY
Children’s Clothing and Gifts
ADEN + ANAIS • MUD PIE • PEACHES ‘N CREAM
2247 W. State Hwy. 71 • La Grange, TX 979.968.9413 | www.weikels.com
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Deli Sandwiches & Grill
La Grange
Explore the Colorado River Here By H.H. HOWZE The Fayette County Record
The Colorado River is probably the most defining natural feature in Fayette County. The river was a corridor for settlement and transportation in frontier times. Today, tamed by upstream dams, it provides residents and visitors alike with access to the natural – and human – history of the area. Ten miles downstream from the Fayette-Bastrop County line is the first public access to the river at the Lower Colorado River Authority’s Plum Park. The Colorado River as it flows from Plum to La Grange is full of surprises around every turn – and there are a lot of turns. Several species of birds frequent this stretch of the river: barred owls, green and blue herons, American egrets, hawks, crows, green kingfishers and black vultures. Further downriver, a sheer white chalk bluff rises 200 feet on the east side while needle-nose gar snap at dragonflies and butterflies on the smooth surface. A two-hour float from Plum brings travelers to the broad mouth of Rabb’s Creek. This is where William Rabb and his family, members of Stephen F. Austin’s “Old Three Hundred,” settled on a threeleague headright (about 12,000
Kayakers approach the Chalk Bluff area of the Colorado River just north of La Grange. Photo by Jeff Wick
acres) in 1822. The young settlement of La Grange was established in the 1830s on the east side of a prehistoric “buffalo crossing.” Today the LCRA maintains a convenient boat ramp for river tourists under the Business 71 bridge. The river authority also provides a river guide to other put-ins and take-outs along the river. Below La Grange, the next public take-out is White Rock
Park on river left, a short but scenic one hour float. Immediately downstream from the “buffalo crossing” ramp under Business 71, Buckner’s Creek comes in on river right. Just downriver, on the prominent bluff which forces the river into a 90-degree left turn, a monument to heroes of the Republic of Texas at Monument Hill State Park is visible from the river. Watch for a small inlet suitable for a ferryboat against the
base of the cliff, the location of the “lower ferry,” where German immigrant Heinrich Kreische shuttled customers to his ingenious brewery and biergarten (also on the Bluff at Monument Hill State Park) for several decades after the Civil War. Don’t miss the White Rock Park takeout just below the high US 77 bridge because the next public access is almost 40 river miles Columbus.
VISIT THE
M-K-T RAILROAD DEPOT MUSEUM
REAL & MODEL TRAINS, PHOTOS, HANDS ON EXHIBITS
Open Sat. 9:00-2:00
A Beautifully Preserved Pioneer Home 260 N.Washington, La Grange, Texas 1 Block north of the Square, just behind the Quilt Museum Info at Chamber of Commerce 979-968-5756
822 S. Jefferson, La Grange, Across from the Library Open 2nd Sat. each month 1-4 pm and by Appointment Contact Marie Watts at marie.watts@faisonhouse.org
713-628-9065
La Grange
Fayette County a Paradise of Parks Boat Ramp Park in La Grange:
Easy access to Colorado River for fishing, tubing, and canoe trips. Boat ramp, volleyball court, picnic tables. Open daily dawn to dusk. Handicap accessible. Located under Business 71 bridge over river.
Flatonia City Park in Flatonia:
This park has a swimming pool, playground, sand volleyball court, two baseball fields, a softball field and a covered pavilion. For information on use, contact the city of Flatonia at (361) 865-3548.
Railroad Park in Flatonia: Flatonia is one of the few cities in the U.S. to have a railroad with both North-South and EastWest routes. Railfans love this park, including the nearby elevated platform that’s a “picture-taking place.” Sidetrack Tommy has given hundreds of tours of Flatonia’s railroad tower to visitors all across the country. To tour the Historic Tower #3 and S.P. Caboose #4743, contact info@railcrossroadstx.com.
La Grange’s White Rock Park has probably the best rope swing on the entire Colorado River. Photo by Jeff Wick
Plum Park on the Colorado: Ca-
noe put-in on the river between Smithville and La Grange. $5 fee per vehicle to enter. Offers open range for primitive camp-
ing with picnic tables, fire rings and grills. Permit information 1-800-776-5272, Ext. 3366.
Parks continued on next page
COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL Hillcrest Homes of Texas a division of
Kolbe-Hill, Inc.
2004 S. US HWY 77 La Grange, TX 78945
979-968-5122
kolbehillinc@gmail.com www.kolbehillinc.com
La Grange
Fayette County Park Listings, Continued Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites
on “The Bluff”: Scenic, wooded park with monument to Texas
heroes of the Mier and Dawson expeditions (1840s). Home and ruins of historic brewery built by early German settler. 40.4 acres located one mile south of La Grange off US 77. Walking paths; guided and self-guided tours; picknicking, nature and historical study. Arrangements can be made with park staff for weddings, family reunions or other group functions in the picnic or historical facilities. Open seven days a week from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; no fee. 414 State Loop 92, La Grange (979) 968-5658; monument.hill@tpwd.state. tx.us.
Wolters Park in Schulenburg: Includes a swimming pool,
areas for picnicing and other facilities such as a basketball court, gazebo and playground. Wolters Park also includes Jacob Wolters’ 1835 log cabin. Located at south end of Bohlmann Street.
Park Prairie Park at Lake Fayette:
Boat ramp, 12 tent- only campsites, and picnic facilities make a comfortable base for recreation at Lake Fayette. Group camping area (up to 24 people) with screened shelter (sleeps four) electricity, three campsites, picnic tables, and a grill. Reservations: see information below for Oak Thicket Park.
Oak Thicket Park at Lake Fayette:
The Gift Place at
Great Gift Shop Items & Much More! 979.242.5146 or 1.800.688.0272
3611 W. State Hwy. 71, La Grange M-F 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. & Sat. 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
On 2,000-acre Fayette Lake. Features RV and tent sites, screened shelters, a large pavilion, picnic facilities, hiking trails, a sandy beach, a playground, interpretive nature exhibit, twobedroom and bunk-house cabins and a boat ramp. Here you can bike, boat, fish, hike and swim. Reservations: call Texas Parks and Wildlife Reservation Center (512) 389-8900 more than 48 hours in advance. To make reservations less than 48 hours in advance, call the park at (979) 249-3504.
White Rock Park in La Grange:
Day-use park (23.5 acres), one of the largest on the lower Colorado River. Operated by the City of La Grange, (979) 9685805. Located approximately one mile downstream of the U.S. 77 bridge in La Grange. Facilities include a canoe launch area, baseball fields, a playground, picnic areas, restrooms, paved area parking and a fishing pier.
La Grange
Every April 13,000 cyclists spend the night in La Grange, which is the overnight stopover of the MS 150 charity ride from Houston to Austin. Here the cyclists get ready to leave the Fayette County Fairgrounds to begin Day Two of the ride. Photo by Jeff Wick
La Grange Welcomes Cyclists
Presents the 19th Annual
either side of the road to cheer the riders on through their last few yards as an announcer spouts biographical details about many of the bikers as they pass through. Even after they finish, not all the riders stay at the fairgrounds. Many local families open up their homes to host the same riders year after year –but most local hotels and campgrounds are filled to the brim that weekend as well.
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Friday & Saturday, February 26 & 27, 2016 Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fayette County Fairgrounds, La Grange, Texas More than just a quilt show... More Quilt Exhibits at the following locations in 2016
Texas Quilt Museum Winedale Historical Center The Copper Shade Tree Gallery, Round Top For more information visit our website: www.cvquiltguild.com
www.HartLandRealEstate.com
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The Colorado Valley Quilt Guild
grounds turns into bicycle-central. This year’s event is April 1213. Dozens of circus tents go up where bikers rest and relax from the ride in from Houston. Bands perform and community members come together to make sure all the bikers and support staff are fed and taken care of. Even if you aren’t riding yourself, the Day One finish line at the fairgrounds is a sight to behold. Hundreds form lines on
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This year’s MS 150 is April 18-19. Some 13,000 bikers make their way from Houston to Austin in the two-day event and for the last 29 years La Grange has served as the extended pit-stop. Last year over $17 million was raised for the National MS Society and since the MS 150 started more than $180 million has been raised. The Fayette County Fair-
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The scenic, winding country roads of Fayette County make this area a magnet for cyclists year-round. But every April more cyclists converge on Fayette County than anywhere else in the world. La Grange is the overnight stopping point for the MS 150, the largest charity bike ride in the world, which raises money for multiple sclerosis research and treatment.
979-968-3892 • 104 S. Main La Grange, TX
La Grange
Bugle Boy a Venue Where Listening is Art Form
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he Bugle Boy is an intimate concert hall housed in a World War II army barracks located in La Grange. Doors opened in January of 2005 and shortly after, The Bugle Boy became one of the premier listening rooms in the country. What is a “Listening Room,” you ask? It’s just what the name implies: a space where you go to listen. Talking is discouraged during performances. A Listening Room environment creates the best and most intimate experience that an artist can share with an attentive audience. It’s like having a personal, live concert in your own living room. Artists who perform at The Bugle Boy have great things to say about this special listening environment; the audiences do too. The focus is on original, independent singer/songwriters, who perform folk, blues, rock, jazz, swing and everything in between. In addition to wonderful music, the Bugle Boy is a nonsmoking establishment and offers coffee, assorted teas, fine wines and beer. Bugle Boy takes its name from the Andrews Sisters’ 1940’s hit “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.” The barracks now housing the
Bugle Boy originated at the WWII Camp Swift Infantry Base in Bastrop, Texas. In 1948, the La Grange Sons of Hermann Lodge purchased the building from the U.S. Army and had it relocated to La Grange where they conducted their meetings until 2004. Since doors opened in January of 2005, The Bugle Boy has presented more than 1,000 performances of original, independ-
ent music and has become one of the premier listening rooms in the country. In 2008, supporters of The Bugle Boy created The Bugle Boy Foundation, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, to sustain and elevate original live music through the operation of the listening room and a variety of other exciting projects in our community. In January 2012, the Bugle
Boy became the first “Fair Trade” music venue in Texas, in recognition of our payment guarantees to performing artists. The Bugle Boy relies on your donations and a dedicated crew of volunteers to sustain the high quality of our programs. For more information on the Bugle Boy or to see their performance schedule, visit thebugleboy.org
The Bugle Boy, which opened in 2005, has hosted more than 1,000 performances.