Call it hip camping or just a new way to enjoy nature on someone else’s beautiful land.
Stories by Addie Broyles Photos by Laura Skelding
Nature lovers have found a new way to sleep under the big, bright stars of Central Texas by camping on privately owned land discovered through the use of websites such as Hipcamp, The Dyrt, Tentrr and even Airbnb.
Test your knowledge of friends and foes in Central Texas landscapes
By Addie Broyles
They seemed like good ideas at the time.
Remember the Chinaberry tree in your parents’ backyard? Who didn’t have a thick privet hedge for privacy? And what’s so bad about a backyard full of Bermuda grass?
The bark scale and lone star tick are high on the bad-bug list in Central Texas. Do you know what they look like?
Enjoy the artwork, hometown feel and shopping in Bastrop County
By Laura Castro
Residents here have a standard warning for visitors: You’re going to fall in love with Smithville. The picturesque community of more than 4,000 along the Colorado River in Bastrop County, off State Highway 71 about 40 miles southeast of Austin, abounds with smalltown charm, historic buildings, museums, antique railcars, and oak tree-lined streets and parks. There are popular restaurants, eclectic shops and stylish art galleries scattered along or near historic downtown Main Street.
Enjoy the history, festivals, shops and restaurants in the heart of Burleson County
By Alyssa Meinke
Caldwell, in the heart of Burleson County, has a history steeped in the trade and shipping that followed the path of El Camino Real. That famed route, established in the 1700s by Spanish colonialists, connected Texas with Mexico City.
Two high school seniors represented Bluebonnet at the government youth tour
Some of the nation's most famous sites and symbols were among memorable stops for Johnique “J.T.” Thomas and Tara Williams, high school seniors who represented Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative on the 2023 government youth tour in Washington, D.C.
Are you ready to put your energy-saving knowledge to the test?
All summer long Sidni will be testing our employees and members on how well they know their energy saving tips by quizzing them on tips or myths when it comes to electricity use, how to keep your home cool without running up your bill and how to stay safe in the scorching heat.
An unfenced outdoor play area in Burton soon will get new playground equipment, a fence and a pavilion, thanks to a grant from Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative and the Lower Colorado River Authority.
Pictured, from left on the front row, are Jane Press, Carmine Economic Development Corporation board member; Vicki LaRue, Carmine EDC board member and grant project coordinator; Byron Balke, Bluebonnet Board Assistant Secretary/Treasurer, District 6; Margaret D. “Meg” Voelter, LCRA board member; Susan Bathe, Carmine mayor pro tem and Carmine EDC board president; Kristi Wunderlich, Carmine EDC board vice president; and Wade Eilers, Carmine mayor.