{ helloneighbor }
Lockhart, Tx
Story and photo by michael pape
I
stopped into Lockhart with intentions of measuring the energy of the town, briefly poking around, grabbing a photo-or-two, and delivering a few pleasant words to this very page regarding our near neighbor. What a fool I am for only planning a few hours of a visit. I was struck by Lockhart’s immediate quaintness, a word I’d otherwise consider cliche, if not for the absolute perfection in its application to this lovely area. Small (but sweet) storefronts that beckoned my entry and perusal, and a welcoming smile on the face of anyone I waved at like a madman. I looked up places of interest online to find myself instantly drawn to a flashy specialty candy store. The overgrown child in me saw the obscure candy, Japanese confectionery, rare soda, and knickknack toy oddities in the store’s Facebook photos, and I knew I’d have to visit. The kind of store you wouldn’t expect in a small town, but, at the same time, could only find in a small town; like Lockhart. The gem of gems, for my personal tastes.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not only a lovely candy store with rarities hiding in Lockhart; there’s plenty to wander through, enjoy, and sample on a weekend outing. Antiques to fawn over, bars with wood floors, single artist galleries, and the traditional sites of memory. I leave these Googlings, trip plannings, and the adventurousness over sidewalks unwalked to you. Maybe none of these vibes apply to you, so let me entice you with four words before you turn the page: Barbecue Capital of Texas. I almost forgot having heard that descriptor of Lockhart, until I caught the scent of a handful of the incredible barbeque joints surrounding me. I won’t name any, I encourage you to come try them all. I made the mistake of somehow missing this inviting town, despite how close we are. I look forward to returning to Lockhart to flip some coins in my pocket for candy, explore the locations that call to me, and swap stories with our neighbors. If, for some reason, you can’t make the trip anytime soon: no worries. With any luck I’ll bring a few of their stories your way, until you’ve a chance to meet them yourselves.
