The Painted Porch Book Shop — Attraction in Bastrop

Honestly, the book store was a bit of a sad experience...

During the pandemic, downtown Bastrop has lost a few amazing stores that I shopped at quite frequently. I had been looking forward to the book store opening up. When I went in for the first time, I was shocked at how few books they had in their inventory. I asked the lovely lady behind the counter if they would be getting more books in; she said that what they had was pretty much it. She did say that she could order me any book I would like, but I can order any book I would like. The entire purpose of a bookstore is to go in and search shelves that are filled with books--packed with books--for a new story to escape into. You want to leave the store with a new treasure in hand not an order slip.

I am an English teacher who always has her head in a book. That being said, I was not impressed with the following sections: the little kids' section, the middle school kids' section, the classics section, the philosophy section, the cooking section, and the complete lack of a mystery/thriller section. A lot of the books in stock have been in circulation for a few years now. There were not many diverse books. Angie Thomas's The Hate U Give was an option, but Mrs. Thomas has published two books since then.

I really want this store to become a great bookstore. I want to walk in on a Saturday and walk out with a new book in hand to read for the weekend. I feel that they have such a great space and should pack their shelves with books. The books should be new, old, diverse, and specifically marked by genre and section. I have read/own a lot of the books in the store, so I was able to understand where each genre started and ended without having to ask. That may not be the case for everyone. To sum up my experience: I am disappointed in the current state of the bookstore, but I am hopeful that they will become an amazing store with the...

The Painted Porch Bookshop, located at 912 Main St, Bastrop, TX 78602, is a literary gem that feels more like a sanctuary than a store. It’s not just a place to buy books—it’s a space curated for readers, thinkers, and wanderers. The titles on the shelves aren’t stocked at random; they’re hand-picked by the staff, each often accompanied by personal notes or recommendations, giving the shop a deeply personal and intellectual charm.

The interior is stunning. One of the most eye-catching features is the fireplace, entirely constructed from stacked books—hundreds of them, forming a colorful mosaic that reaches the ceiling. Nearby, cozy leather sofas and armchairs invite visitors to sit down and flip through a book. Overhead, a loft area with more books is accessed via a winding staircase, supported by a whimsical tree sculpture that adds a fairy-tale feel to the space.

The store’s wooden floors, exposed brick walls, and vintage-style lighting create a warm, rustic ambiance. Longhorn skulls mounted on the wall and Texas-themed décor give it a regional character. Quotes like “A book is medicine for the soul” add philosophical weight to the experience.

In the corner sits a covered piano—though it’s uncertain when it was last played or tuned, it adds to the store’s nostalgic charm. You’ll also find a section for vinyl records, including Vineyard label selections, adding a musical layer to the bookish experience.

Whether you’re a reader, a browser, or just someone in search of calm and inspiration, The Painted Porch offers a soulful pause in the...

Was so over excited to visit Bastrop and see the Holiday family bookstore. Glad you made it through the Covid bumps and were able to open. I actually walked about two miles around the town before entering the bookstore just to get a feel for the town and a better understanding of where they live. Glad I did. It triggered many childhood memories for me because its such a small town middle American feel. I entered and found myself surrounded by a lot of books I already own as well as some local books. I read a lot of reviews about the amount of books. My personal view is that they are doing what they want to do and want to see, not what the public might expect from a bookstore. The majority of Ryan’s work is based around Stoic philosophy and the is reflected in this bookstore. Its not overcrowded with nonsense, rather hand picked seminole works by some of the great Authors throughout history. And to add a later of true Stoicism the “Painted Porch” out back gives you a nice place to sit and ponder or read or just watch people walking by. I couldn't imagine a better idea than this for getting some really good books and then being able to have a nice spot to read them as well. Totally loved visiting the town, seeing the people, the bookstore and also grabbing a nice bite afterwards just out the back door on the river. Amazing location and very humble. The attached record store is also a great touch. Thanks for making this place and thanks for all of your words of wisdom over the years...