A few weeks ago, Steven and I headed down to Lockhart, Texas — one of my favorite day trips outside of Austin.
It’s a classic Texas town: courthouse at the center, a slower pace, and some of the best barbecue in the state.
We spent the day with our friends Cassie Courtney — a Lockhart local and longtime Sabah wearer — and Brandon Mike, a Texas-based artist working across sculpture, furniture, and installation.
Cassie showed us her Lockhart — a handful of favorite stops, good food, cold drinks, and a late afternoon swim in the San Marcos River. We followed her lead and documented along the way.
Read on for more.
Sincerely,
The Sabah Dealer
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An Afternoon in Lockhart, Texas.
Lockhart has a rhythm all its own — small, welcoming, and full of character. The kind of place where plans loosen, time stretches a bit, and the day unfolds naturally.
We started the morning at Chaparral Coffee — a proper cup to get the day going, right on the town square. A good place to settle in, have a pastry, and watch Lockhart come to life.
Next we stopped into Plantasia, a recently opened plant nursery with a focus on native and adaptive plants that thrive in Central Texas, working with the climate rather than against it. We had the chance to meet the passionate & knowledgeable owner, Mariella -- who started the nursery last Fall. We love that she's combined her love of plants with a desire to build community - stop by for a juice (there's a juice bar!) or one of her vinyl nights.
From Plantasia, we headed back to the square -- Commerce Gallery, Get Lucky Gallery, and a few other stops led us to Big Dog Neon. 40 years and over 500 signs later, the owner & Neon craftsman, Kit Tunningley has kept the lights on by remaining true to his craft. His part studio, part storefront, and part gallery/museum is a pleasure to browse!
Stomachs rumbling, it was time to do what most come to Lockhart for: Barbecue. It's hard to know where to go -- we chose Smitty's Market for the classic ambience, but my favorite is Barb's, a woman-owned & led BBQ joint that's new to the scene and absolutely incredible.
Our last stop in town was Old Pal, a classic Texas Tavern on the corner where the beer is cold, their Ranch Water is perfect and the Fried Chicken is a must (if you've skipped BBQ). We love the old juke box, a game of shuffleboard and to take a few shots in the photo booth. This is the kind of place you can saddle up to the bar and stay a while.
And to close out the day, Cassie took us to one of her favorite hidden swimming holes just outside of town. Quiet, tucked away, and the perfect place to cool off as the sun started to drop. We promised to keep it a secret!
Meet Cassie Courtney.
Cassie Courtney is a Texas Hill Country–based certified herbalist with over 13 years of experience working with regional plants, currently expanding her practice through studies in Traditional Chinese Medicine. She lives on a 10-acre homestead near Lockhart, where she and her partner are building New Flower Farm—an organic, regenerative project cultivating fruit trees, medicinal herbs, and community-focused food systems alongside her herbal business, High Sun Low Moon. A longtime member of the Sabah community, Cassie has worn and loved the shoes since 2016, reflecting a shared ethos of craftsmanship, longevity, and connection to place.
Cassie’s Guide to Lockhart.
- Chaparral Coffee & Cantina — coffee in the morning, margaritas by night. A true all-day staple.
- Plantasia — a thoughtfully curated plant shop with a juice bar and local goods.
- Old Pal — a laid-back pub with live music and standout fried chicken.
- Barbs BBQ — women-owned BBQ, full of energy and flavor. Don’t skip the green spaghetti.
- The Case Room — a hidden speakeasy tucked behind a music shop. Intimate and special.
- Commerce Gallery & Get Lucky — art, objects, and a strong sense of community.
- Thorn and Bred — coffee, plants, and some of the best grab-and-go in town.
- Best Little Wine & Books — natural wine, small bites, and a cozy bookshop.
- Wendy R Gift Shop — playful, thoughtful gifts from a longtime local.
A Local's Tips
- Visit on the first Friday of the month — the square stays open late, with music and a lively, local feel.
- Stop by the Saturday farmers market for produce and goods from nearby farms.
- Spend some time outside at Lockhart State Park — trails, swimming, and a slower pace.
- Most importantly: be respectful, support local, and take your time.
