The video above takes you on a drive through Lampasas TX, a small Hill Country town about 75 miles northwest of Austin with a history that runs a lot deeper than you might expect. David Bridwell stopped through Lampasas while traveling from Austin up to Fort Worth for a run of gigs, and the footage captures a walk around the historic downtown square — the old stone buildings, the public art, the restaurants, and a couple of spots that feature live music.
A Quick Look at Lampasas History
Lampasas traces its modern origins back to 1850, but people were drawn to this area long before that. The mineral springs — Sulfur Creek in particular — attracted Native American tribes and Spanish explorers in the 18th century. Word spread about their supposed healing properties, and the area developed a resort-like atmosphere as health seekers and tourists arrived. A hotel went up, an opera house followed in the late 19th century, and at one point the town had 36 different saloons. There was a real wild west energy here, complete with frequent gunfights and a strong cowboy culture. When the railroad arrived in 1872, Lampasas became a commerce and culture hub in central Texas, and that's when many of the stone buildings you can still see downtown were constructed. The railroad moved further west in the mid-1880s, which settled things down and turned Lampasas into more of a regional trading center.
Today the town has a population approaching 8,000 and sits right at the edge where Hill Country terrain starts giving way to plains and grassland prairies. Hancock Springs Pool is still there if you want to get in the spring-fed water. The town is also known for its public art, including murals scattered around downtown and the Hannah Springs Sculpture Garden. And yes, they have the world's largest spur.
Community events are a big part of life here — the Spring Ho Festival comes up every year during the second full week of July, and there's also the Urban Art Fest and Christmas on the Creek.
Where Can You Find Live Music in Lampasas TX?
Lampasas has a couple of spots right around the downtown square where you can catch live music. Neither is a massive concert hall, but they fit the character of the town well.
- Lampasas Beer Market — A casual spot on the downtown square that hosts live music and serves as a solid hangout for grabbing a drink and hearing local and touring acts.
- Saloon 37 — Located a short walk from the Beer Market, this place also features live music and carries on the saloon tradition in a town that once had 36 of them.
Worth a Stop on Your Way Through
Lampasas is the kind of town that rewards you for pulling off the highway and spending an hour walking around. The historic downtown square has antique shops, restaurants, and enough character in the old stone architecture to keep things interesting. On the way out of town, Storms Drive-In is a popular stop — the Storm Special with double cheese is the move. It's a straightforward, no-frills Texas drive-in that's been around long enough to earn a reputation. If you're making the drive between Austin and Fort Worth, Lampasas is an easy detour and a good excuse to stretch your legs somewhere with actual history behind it.