Greater Mason Co. Region Venture Fest is bringing together local entrepreneurs, students, and community leaders to celebrate rural innovation and entrepreneurship. Join us at Fly Gap Winery on Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 5:30–8:30 PM for networking, speakers, and community pride.

📍 Fly Gap Winery | Mason, TX
🗓 Thursday, Oct 2 | 5:30*–8:30 PM *doors open at 5pm
💻 Register today: https://forms.gle/757oWm7EgbYPd4hcA

✍️ Letter from the Editor

Neighbors,

If there’s a thread through this week’s Townie, it’s simple: listen to the land and then make something.

At Castell Hill Country Gallery, UT Austin students are doing exactly that in FIELD TO FORM—sketching, building, and testing ideas with the Llano Uplift as their collaborator. It’s a reminder that good design (and good living) often starts with noticing: shadows moving across stone, a breeze finding the coolest corner, where a pavilion should bend instead of boss.

And because inspiration is better when it gets on your hands, we paired that story with a hands-on follow-up: Amy Tucker’s Bundle Dye Workshop at Glashaus Floral. Flowers, fabric, and a few hours to turn nature into something you can wear home? Yes, please.

We’ve also tucked in a Brownsville detour for the next time you point your truck toward South Padre or SpaceX—murals and margaritas downtown, thrift stores where the racks hide a little Monterrey magic, and an easy stroll through architecture that holds more history than the plaques can capture.

Meanwhile, we’re gearing up for Venture Fest (Oct 2 at Fly Gap Winery) register to attend free here —a night for doers, try-ers, makers, and “I’ve got an idea, come look at this” folks. No pitch decks required; just people who believe rural places are built by the neighbors who show up.

👉 Quick note for our local businesses: free ads in The Townie end on Oct 1st. But don’t worry—we’re rolling out some cool new ad packages. And from now through Oct 1, when you invest in a package, you get one free. Details are here: Advertise in The Townie, or just hit reply and we’ll get your business in front of real locals.

This week’s weather is classic Texas September—warm days, easy evenings. Do your chores early, sit outside after dinner, and if you make something (a drawing, a scarf, a plan), tell us about it.

Because this is part of The Townie Listening Tour, we’re always scouting the next story. Hit reply with your contact info and a short angle, and we’ll come visit. The porch light’s on.

—Katie

🪴 Fresh Off the Porch 09/11/25

• Mason ISD — Varsity Football vs. Coleman (Sept 12, Schulze Stadium) — Friday night lights, Mason style. Punchers take the field against Coleman.

• Mason — The Bad Guys 2 at The Odeon (Sept 12–15, Odeon Theater) — Odeon keeps family movie nights alive with the mischievous Bad Guys crew. Popcorn, laughter, and small-town charm rolled into one.

• Mason — Red Cliff Live (Sept 12, Fly Gap Winery) — Wine, guitars, and Friday night swagger. Red Cliff brings the heat to the patio stage.

• Mason — Mason Bank Fundraiser Scramble (Sept 13, Ft. Mason Golf Course) — Who says fundraising can’t be fun? Hit the greens, grab a mulligan, and swing for a good cause.

• Mason — Justin McFarland Live (Sept 13, Fly Gap Winery) — A little country, a little patio magic, and a whole lot of Saturday night vibe.

• Llano — Wild Game Dinner (Sept 13, Kuykendall Center) — Exotic flavors, local pride, and a night where the wild is what’s for dinner.

• Fredericksburg — PCAA Musical Evening (Sept 14, Marktplatz) — Music under the stars, courtesy of Oktoberfest magic. The town square becomes your concert hall.

• San Angelo — Brass Without Borders at SAMFA (Sept 14, Museum of Fine Arts) — Lone Star Brass turns an art museum into a symphony hall. Classy, bold, unforgettable.

• San Angelo — Guided Sunset Hike (Sept 14, State Park) — Golden skies + fresh air = San Angelo’s best Sunday plan. Boots recommended.

• Mason — Free Classic Movie: Dr. Strangelove (Sept 17, Odeon Theater) — Cold War satire, small-town cinema, zero ticket price. Bring your sense of humor.

• Fredericksburg — Be The Light (Sept 17, Marktplatz) — String lights + community vibes. Downtown glows for a reason.

• Mason — Chamber Mixer Q3 (Sept 18, Fly Gap Winery) — Networking meets wine glass clinking. Rub elbows, swap cards, and maybe win a door prize.

• Fredericksburg — Movie in the Park (Sept 18, Marktplatz) — Blanket, snacks, and an outdoor screen. Fredericksburg nails family night.

• Mason — Freakier Friday at The Odeon (Sept 19–22, Odeon Theater) — The family’s back for another round of freaky fun. Odeon has your weekend covered.

• Mason — Old Yeller Day (Sept 20, Heritage Park) — Dogs, stories, and a healthy dose of nostalgia. Parade your pup, munch fair food, and celebrate Mason’s claim to fame.

• San Angelo — Lilyfest (Sept 20, Civic League Park) — Lilies in bloom, families in tow. A Saturday morning made for photos.

• Fredericksburg — Cross Trails Fall Festival (Sept 20, Marktplatz) — Crafts, booths, and small-town cheer. Fredericksburg does fall right.

• Pontotoc — VFD BBQ & Cake Auction (Sept 20, Pontotoc Fire House) — BBQ smoke, homemade cakes, and firehouse pride. This auction keeps the sirens ringing strong.

• Mason — Fall Jam ft. Mike McClure & Braydon Zink (Sept 20, Fly Gap Winery) — Red dirt meets red wine. Two Texas favorites light up the patio.

• Mason — Julian Gammill Live (Sept 20, Willow Creek Café) — Rock covers and café comfort. Julian’s Saturday night jam is all small-town soul.

• Menard — River Rat Picnic (Sept 20, Low Water Park) — Picnic blankets + river breezes = Menard’s version of perfect.

• Mason — Assembly Quartet (Sept 21, Odeon Theater) — Four instruments, one stage, endless sound. Mason gets a matinee worth bragging about.

• Mason — Community Building Ribbon Cutting (Sept 24, Ft. Mason Park) — Scissors, ribbon, and hometown pride. Tour the new digs, sip refreshments, and call it official.

• Mason ISD — Varsity Football vs. Christoval (Homecoming) (Sept 26, Schulze Stadium) — Homecoming + football = Mason magic. Punchers host Christoval for the big game.

• Mason — Homecoming Tailgate Party (Sept 26, The Commercial Bank) — Tailgate food + school spirit = Friday lunch done right. Wear your colors, fuel up before the game.

• Harper — Frontier Days & Rodeo (Sept 26–27, Harper Park) — Two days of dust, pageants, and rodeo action. Harper’s been perfecting this party for 61 years.

• Llano — Texas Music Fest (Sept 26–27, Robinson Park) — Two days, countless bands, one riverbank. Llano’s got the soundtrack.

• San Angelo — River Fest (Sept 27, The Bosque) — The riverfront turns festival ground. After seven years away, this bash is back.

• San Angelo — Fall Sweep (Sept 27, Citywide) — Grab a bag, join your neighbors, and give San Angelo a fresh shine.

• Mason — AEIOU Ribbon Cutting (Sept 30, Fort McKavitt St) — New doors open, big dreams follow. Celebrate AEIOU’s latest chapter.

• San Angelo — Homeless Navigation Day (Sept 30, 1st Presbyterian) — A day of dignity and direction, connecting neighbors with support.

• Mason — Venture Fest (Oct 2, Fly Gap Winery) — Rural innovation on full display. Entrepreneurs and dreamers pack the winery for something bigger than small town.

• Fredericksburg — Oktoberfest (Oct 3–5, Marktplatz) — Beer, bratwurst, and Bavarian bands. Prost, Hill Country style.

• Mason — Seaquist House Tours (Oct 4, Seaquist House) — Step inside the crown jewel of Mason. Docents unlock stories room by room.

• Mason — Historical Museum Tours (Oct 4, Mason Museum) — Old photos, dusty treasures, and a walk through Mason’s back pages.

• Mason — Josh Flores Live (Oct 4, Willow Creek Café) — Saturday night + Josh Flores + small-town café. That’s the trifecta.

• San Angelo — Plateauberfest (Oct 4, Plateau Brewing) — Craft beer meets Texas grit. Raise a stein, dance a jig, and call it fall.

• Fredericksburg — Oktoberfest Kraut Run (Oct 4, Middle School) — Lace up and run like you mean it. Sauerkraut not required.

• Llano — Shea Daniel-Youngblood Art Show (Oct 4–Dec 28, Llano Guild) — Paintings that feel like conversations. This exhibit stretches fall into winter.

• Mason — AgriLife Livestock & Forage Conf. (Oct 8, Mason County) — Ranch wisdom on stage. If cattle and crops are your language, this is your seminar.

• Kerrville — Symphony of the Hills: Bach to Beatles (Oct 9, Cailloux Theater) — Baroque to Beatles, all in one night. Symphony with serious range.

• Kerrville — The Mousetrap (Oct 10–26, VK Garage Theater) — Christie’s murder mystery keeps Kerrville guessing for three weekends straight.

• Kerrville — Market Days & Swap Meet (Oct 11, Hill Country Youth Center) — Treasures, antiques, and crafts. One person’s swap is another’s Saturday score.

• Brady — Halloween in the Heart (Oct 29, Richards Park) — Candy, costumes, and community spirit. Brady knows how to do spooky season.

• Menard — Hunters Blowout (Nov 1, Club Victoria) — Camouflage, live music, and a party built for hunters and friends.

• Fredericksburg — Hill Country Vet-Fest (Nov 1, Marktplatz) — Honoring vets with BBQ and music. Gratitude comes with a side of brisket.

• Fredericksburg — Live Music at Arch Ray (Jeff Jacobs) (Nov 7, Arch Ray Resort) — Sip, sway, and soak in Jeff Jacobs’ live set.

• Fredericksburg — Texas Woodworkers Market (Nov 29–30, Marktplatz) — Sawdust + artistry. Holiday shopping just got handmade.

• Llano — Shea Daniel-Youngblood Art Show (Oct 4–Dec 28, Llano Guild) — Paintings that feel like conversations. This exhibit stretches fall into winter.

🌤️ Weather at a Glance — Week of September 11–16, 2025

Well now, looks like Mother Nature’s fixin’ to keep her warm sweater handy this week. Highs’ll be sittin’ right around the low-to-mid 90s every day, with nighttime temps drifttin’ down into the mid-60s—just enough to make you feel that relief-like whisper when the sun finally tucks away.

We’re stayin’ dry as a dusty barn—no rain, no storms, nothing but sunshine and a few polite cloud visits now and then. Ain’t no severe weather comin’ to steal your shade or unsettle the porch calm—no flash floods, hail, or lightning shows on the horizon. Just steady, sizzling sunshine.

So here’s the deal: do your outdoor work early when the air’s still sweet, keep a jug of iced tea within arm’s reach, and roll out your porch swing after the sun bows—this week’s a scorcher, but gracious in its simplicity.

Community Content & Classifieds

🎨 FIELD TO FORM: Designing With the Land

Designing With Place

At Castell Hill Country Gallery this month, design is not just about blueprints and buildings—it’s about listening to the land. FIELD TO FORM showcases the work of first-year architecture students from The University of Texas at Austin, in collaboration with La Cuna Center. Their mission: to create in active dialogue with the Llano Uplift’s rugged granite, grasslands, and working ranches.

Here, the land itself becomes teacher and collaborator. Shade pavilions and artist studios emerge not as impositions on the environment, but as gestures shaped by it. The gallery invites visitors to see how sketches, models, and drawings grow out of time spent on-site—walking, observing, sketching, listening.

Listening to the Land

The Llano Uplift is a study in contrast: 1.5-billion-year-old granite outcroppings rise above meadows of native grasses and stretches of working ranchland. Students treated this landscape not as scenery, but as something alive and instructive.

One group’s shade pavilion echoed the shifting shadows of mesquite trees. Another model explored how breezes move across open fields, creating natural ventilation. Across the work, a theme emerges: architecture that bends toward, rather than against, the natural world.

Nichole Wiedemann, the UT professor leading the course, puts it this way: “Working directly with living sites teaches students, especially new designers, the importance of architecture that evolves with its environment rather than imposing upon it.”

Why It Matters Here

For Rachel Farrington, multidisciplinary artist and executive director of La Cuna, this work is about balance. “Balance begins with noticing,” she says, “the simple act of paying attention to the land and our place within it.”

La Cuna, based in nearby Art, TX, is devoted to exploring how the arts and ecology can help us reimagine modern living. By partnering with UT Austin, they’ve created an experience that is both academic and deeply local—a chance for students to learn from the Hill Country while giving something back in return.

The Hill Country has always been a place where creativity is shaped by constraint: dry summers, resilient plants, stony soils, and wide skies. FIELD TO FORM frames these conditions not as limitations, but as raw material for innovation.

See It for Yourself

The exhibit is on view through September 28 at Castell Hill Country Gallery (across from the general store). Admission is free, and the gallery is open daily from 10 AM – 6 PM.

It’s more than an art show—it’s an invitation to notice, to linger, and to imagine what we might build together when we let the land lead.

And because this is part of The Townie Listening Tour: if you’d like your business or story featured, hit reply with your contact info and a story angle. We’ll set up a time to visit.

🌸 Feeling Creative?

Inspired by FIELD TO FORM? Take your own hands-on journey into nature and design at Amy Tucker Studio’s Bundle Dye Workshop.

In this immersive afternoon, you’ll:

• Learn about the natural dyeing properties of seasonal flowers + leaves

• See demonstrations of bundle dyeing techniques

• Create your own wearable textile art (an organic bandana + silk scarf to take home)

📍 Glashaus Floral, Fredericksburg
📅 Saturday, Sept. 20 | 1–5 PM
🎟️ $125 — all materials included
👉 Register here

💼 Job Board / Help Wanted

🔧 Mobile RV Repair Tech – Fredericksburg, TX
RV EMT is hiring! Join their mobile RV repair team—training available, but electrical, plumbing, or generator skills are a plus.
📞 Call Michelle: 830-251-2272

🧼 Cleaning Positions – RV Fresh, Fredericksburg
Love clean spaces? RV Fresh is a new service from the RV EMT team, specializing in RV interior cleaning. Now hiring for part-time and full-time roles.
📞 Call Michelle: 830-251-2272

🦌 Hunting Guide Needed – Fredonia, TX
Full-time hunting guide needed for MLD season + ranch hand work in the off-season.
📞 Call Justin Mondrik at 830-317-1977 for more info.

🛠️ Local Services & Contractors

Powers Aquatics Construction & Landscaping
📞 Call Lloyd Powers at 325-446-6085

Nailed It Clearing and Dirt Work – Josh Nail
Land clearing + dirt work
📞 325-347-7665

Twisted K Construction – Ashton Kettinger
Rural construction work
📞 830-333-4589

🫙 For Sale / Local Products

Sheri Ivy’s Homemade Salsa
$12/pint. Made locally. Limited batch.
🛒 Stop by London Grocery & Grill (17451 US-377, London, TX 76854)
📞 Or call (325) 475-2296 to place your order!

2020 Grand Design SOLITUDE 377MBS Fifth Wheel
$42,500. Sleeps 10. 40 ft with 4 slide outs, king bed, bunks, Cummins Onan generator. Well maintained. Mason County.
📞 Call Joel at (830) 777-7550 for more info.

🎟️ Community Events & Fundraisers

London Community Assoc. Raffle – Drawing Sept 13
Win firearms or a Lyssy & Eckel gift card.
🎟️ Tickets: $5 each or 5 for $20
📞 Call Philip at 325-446-5344

Click here to 👉 Submit your classified to The Townie.

🏡 Snoop That Listing!

📍 325 East Rainey Street, Mason, TX
Built in 1954, this charming red-brick home is tucked just minutes from the local schools. With 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a cozy 1,866 sq ft footprint, it sits on a quarter-acre lot—plenty of yard without the upkeep. Inside, you'll find warm wood finishes, spacious rooms, and updates throughout. The sellers are even offering a roofing allowance to help you get started fresh. This one’s got great bones, and even better potential. 💬 Want to see it in person? Call Shayne Smith at 325-347-4012 or email [email protected].

FOR SALE :: 3BR / 2BA home on small acreage in Erna, TX. 1985 double-wide mobile home needs full remodel. Well, septic, and electric in place. Nice front-yard shade tree and direct highway access. $75,000. Call Randy at (325) 347-2520.

🏨 226 Fort McKavitt, Mason, TX
Own a slice of history: an 8-room boutique hotel with added commercial space and a spacious 2,100 sq ft apartment. Investment opportunity meets small-town charm.
📞 Jennifer Nack | 210-410-1276

🔑 Charming Single-Story Home
Step into this beautifully maintained Hill Country home featuring an open layout, custom white cabinetry, a cozy fireplace, and expansive views. With a spacious primary suite and guest-ready accommodations, it’s perfect for both quiet mornings and lively dinners.
📞 Jennifer Nack | 210-410-1276

📍 800 Steap, Mason, TX
A masterclass in craftsmanship, this single-story beauty includes warm wood trim, custom finishes, and a luxurious primary suite. Set on half an acre with postcard-worthy views.
📞 Jennifer Nack | 210-410-1276

Click here to 👉 Submit your real estate or rental to The Townie.

Business Backbone with Walt & Nadine

📍 Now serving children and adults in McCulloch and surrounding counties
From ages 3 to 103, Olive Branch is here for the hard stuff—grief, trauma, transitions, and everything in between. You don’t have to do life alone. Their compassionate, licensed team offers counseling for individuals and families navigating real-life challenges, right here in rural Texas.

📞 Call: 210-564-4310
🌐 olivebranchsa.com

Dear Walt & Nadine,

I’ve been running my business from my kitchen table for almost two years now — custom leather goods, mostly wallets and belts. I’ve got a small but loyal customer base online, and a few shops in town carry my stuff.

Now I’ve been invited to have a booth at Venture Fest, and I don’t know if I belong there. It’s supposed to be about rural innovation and entrepreneurs, but that word makes me feel like I need a pitch deck and a Patagonia vest.

What if everyone else is fancier, or bigger, or knows what they’re doing? What if I waste my time standing there while folks walk right past?

Do I suck it up and go — or sit this one out and keep doing what’s been working?

— Calloused But Curious

Click here to 👉 Submit your Q to Walt & Nadine.

WALT SAYS: You don’t need a vest. You need a table, a few good samples, and a stack of business cards.

Don’t talk yourself out of showing up just because you're nervous. Big talkers don't always have better businesses — they’re just louder.

If you make good stuff and you’re not trying to sell snake oil, you belong.

Besides, it’s local. Even if it flops, you’re home by dinner.

NADINE SAYS: Calloused, I hear you — it’s intimidating to step into a room where people are talking “business growth” and “scaling strategies” when you’re just trying to make rent and meet orders.

But here’s the thing: you are an entrepreneur. You’ve built something from scratch, it sells, and people come back for more. That’s the foundation of any good business.

Venture Fest isn’t Shark Tank. It’s a space to connect, learn, and be seen by people who might want to invest in — or buy from — local creators like you.

If you go:

• Bring your best products and a sign with your name, even if it’s homemade.

• Practice a one-line intro. (“I make handmade leather goods right here in Mason.” Boom. Done.)

• Don’t stress if others look fancier — that doesn’t mean they’re more successful.

• Collect contacts. Even one new wholesale lead or collaboration can make it worth it.

Bottom line: You’re not too small. You’re just early. And early is a good place to be — especially in a town that’s rooting for its own.

🕵️‍♀️ The Biz You Didn’t Know Existed

• 🎨 ART RANCH – Where Art Meets Landscape
  Discover ART RANCH: a place where the land inspires and artists gather to create, connect, and learn.
  Join for seasonal workshops, residencies, and creative stays that celebrate the bond between nature and expression.
  🌐 artranchfbg.com
  📍 See location & pics

• Once in a Blue Moon, Something Good Happens

  Brandy Speakman never expected to find her soulmate after losing her husband of 35 years — but life had other plans. With laughter back in her life and a renewed spirit, she’s returned to her roots: country living, faith, and creativity. Together with her new partner, Brandy handcrafts all things western through Blue Moon Rising Customs — a business built on love, resilience, and rustic charm.

  📍 Based right here in London, Texas
  🔗 Follow Blue Moon Rising Customs on Facebook »

• Bogusia’s Farmstand – “Sourdough from the Heart of the Hill Country”
  From the rolling hills of Poland to a cozy microbakery in the Texas countryside, Bogusia Speakman offers long-fermented, organic sourdough baked goods that bring comfort and tradition to your table.
  🌐 Bogusia’s Farmstand on Facebook

• Cross Keys Designs – “Let Us Tell Your Story!”
  Interior design rooted in personal storytelling—spaces that reflect your journey, style, and soul.
  🔗 FB: CrossKeysDesigns

• WIN: Women’s Innovation Network – “Women in Business: Networking + Learning Together”
  A regional women’s business network with regular events, mentorship, and community support.
  🔗 FB: WIN

• RV EMT – “Mobile RV Repairs. Reliable Parts. Ready to Roll.”
  On-the-go RV service and parts for Texans with wanderlust.
  🌐 rvemt.com

• Heart of Texas Taxidermy – “Preserving Your Trophies for a Lifetime”
  Local taxidermist with deep Texas roots and a law enforcement background.
  🌐 heartoftexastaxidermy.com

• House of Joy Art Studio – “Art from the Heart of the Hill Country”
  Local artist Joy Milliorn brings creativity and community to San Saba through watercolor workshops, artisan events, and an inspiring studio space. Explore, create, and connect.
  🌐 houseofjoyartstudio.com

*sponsored 👉 Click here to advertise in The Townie — all ads free until Oct.

💼 Job of the Week

ERNA Sands is Hiring!

Join a growing team at Mason’s own sand plant. Entry-level role with warehouse + office tasks. Must be 18+, able to lift 50 lbs, and eager to learn. We’ll train the right fit.
📧 Apply: [email protected]

*sponsored 👉 Click here to advertise in The Townie — all ads free until Oct.

Career & Money with Laurel and Reese

Because even small-town superheroes need a reset.

Gentle, body-based yoga to help you slow down, breathe deeper, and come back to yourself — no flexibility required.

📍 With Alison Pounds, trauma-informed yoga for real-life rest.
🌐 alisonpoundsyoga.com | IG: @alisonpoundsyoga

*sponsored 👉 Click here to advertise in The Townie — all ads free until Oct.

“How do I grow my business when I live in a small town?”
Alias: Big Dreams, Small Zip Code

I love where I live—small town, strong roots, great people. But I’m trying to grow a business and I’m hitting a wall. I go to local mixers and similar events, and while they’re fun, I feel like I keep seeing the same folks and having the same conversations. I don’t want to move to Austin or Dallas to make this work, but I do want to think bigger than my ZIP code. How do I network more effectively here—and how do I get my business in front of more people when I’m based in a town with one stoplight and no Starbucks?

Click here to 👉 Submit your Q to Laurel & Reese.

Okay, you know we have thoughts.

First of all, bravo for loving where you live and wanting more. That’s not a contradiction—that’s vision. Too often, the narrative is “move to the city or get left behind.” But we’re here to call BS on that false choice.

The truth? You can build big things from small places—if you use the intimacy of your community and the scale of the internet wisely. Let’s break it down:

🧩 Use Local Networking Smarter (Not Just Louder)

Small-town networking isn’t about quantity—it’s about quality + leverage. You probably do know everyone at the Chamber Mixer—but do they all know what you’re building, who you serve, and how to refer you?

Here’s how to upgrade your networking game:

• Have a crystal-clear pitch. Not just “I sell candles” or “I’m a photographer.” Try: “I help busy moms create cozy moments with hand-poured candles that actually smell like fall.”
  Make it easy for people to remember—and repeat.

• Tap into their networks. Ask your banker, realtor, or cousin who works at the school: “Do you know anyone who could use what I’m offering?” Let them be your hype squad.

• Follow up with purpose. After events, DM people a quick thanks and share something useful (an article, your newsletter, a referral). Small touchpoints = big trust.

• Volunteer strategically. Help organize a festival booth or sponsor the 5K water station. Community involvement gets your name out there—and builds goodwill faster than any business card.

💻 Expand Your Reach Digitally

You may be local, but your impact doesn’t have to be.

Here are a few digital tools to scale your presence:

• Google Business Profile: Free, and crucial for showing up in search. Even if your town is tiny, nearby shoppers use Google like a phonebook.

  BONUS: check out this “how to” video here.

• Instagram + Facebook (but with strategy): Share not just products, but stories. Show behind the scenes, client wins, and your small-town charm. People buy from people.

• Email newsletters: Build a list, even if it starts with 10 people. It’s more powerful than social because it’s yours. Use it to offer exclusive tips, promos, or early access.

• Etsy, Gumroad, or your own site: If you sell products, make sure people beyond your county line can actually buy them. You don’t need a warehouse—just a clean site and a Stripe account.

• Digital networking spaces: Join a Slack group, Discord community, or online mastermind in your industry. Sometimes the best connections are a timezone away.

🔁 Reframe “Small Town” as an Advantage

You know what big-city founders wish they had?

• Built-in trust

• Community support

• Word-of-mouth that actually works

• Lower overhead

Your job is to honor your roots while refusing to be boxed in by them. It’s not about leaving—it’s about launching from where you are.

So go ahead: shake hands at Venture Fest, then go home and DM a podcast host who might interview you. Pour wine at Fly Gap, then launch your Shopify. You’re not limited by your location—you’re defined by your reach and your resourcefulness.

You’ve got both.

—Career & Money with Laurel & Reese

Home and Garden with Hazel Mae & Fern

🛋️ Cross Keys Designs – “Let Us Tell Your Story”

Your home isn’t just a place—it’s a reflection of your life, your memories, your style. Cross Keys Designs helps you bring that story to life through curated interiors that feel personal, soulful, and deeply yours.
🛠️ Let your home speak. www.crosskeysdesigns.com

🎃 Dear Hazel Mae & Fern,

How early is too early to put out fall decorations? My heart says “leaf garlands now,” but the thermometer says “absolutely not.” Help me walk the line between festive and delusional.
— Sweatin’ in September

Click here to 👉 Submit your Q to Hazel Mae and Fern.

Hazel Mae: Well honey, if Hobby Lobby can haul out pumpkins in August, I reckon you’re just fine to hang a wreath by mid-September. Let’s be honest — we’re already on our third "cold brew pumpkin latte" and the kids haven’t even sharpened all their pencils yet.

Just maybe don’t light that cinnamon candle while it’s still 97 degrees. Nothing says “seasonal confusion” like sipping spiced cider in sweat-soaked shorts. Ease in — porch mums, a plaid throw tossed over a chair, maybe one ceramic pumpkin. You ain’t gotta go full haunted hayride just yet.

Fern: Seasonal transitions in Texas aren’t marked by falling leaves so much as a subtle shift in the breeze and the first Saturday where it dips below 90. Fall, around here, is more a feeling than a forecast.

So if your spirit is calling for mini gourds and golden tones, follow it — just do so with a little grace for the weather. Choose heat-tolerant porch plants like crotons or marigolds, and avoid anything that’ll wilt in the 3 p.m. sun. There’s beauty in letting autumn arrive slowly. She’s fashionably late in Texas, but she always shows up.

Sponsored by Refuge Decor & Designs
From paint color consultations (thinking Clary Sage for a soft refresh? Or Alabaster for that clean, calm glow?) to full space makeovers, Tessa brings local charm, expert eyes, and just the right amount of “let’s do this” energy to every project—starting at just $50.
📞 Call 254-630-8950 | 💻 FB: @RefugebyTessa

Travel and Dreamers: for when you want to wander but not too far…

🏛 If These Walls Could Speak...

Right on Broad Street in Mason stands a jewel of Hill Country history: the Seaquist House. Built in 1887 with soaring ceilings, stained glass, and a third-floor ballroom, this Victorian Italianate beauty has been lovingly restored by the Seaquist House Foundation.

✨ Tour it. Host an event. Step into history.

Whether you’re craving a Saturday day trip, planning a photo session, or dreaming of a wedding backdrop with timeless character, the Seaquist House invites you in.

📍 405 Broad Street, Mason, TX
🌐 www.seaquist.org | ☎️ 325-347-4058
🗓 Public tours: First Saturday of each month

🌆 Travel & Dreamers: Brownsville

Most of us blow past Brownsville on our way to South Padre Island or SpaceX’s Starbase, but pause here for a day and you’ll find a town that’s every bit as colorful as a mural splashed across brick.

A Stroll Through History + Color

Downtown Brownsville wears its history on its walls. Stately Spanish Revival facades and 19th-century brick storefronts stand shoulder to shoulder with bold murals that celebrate the city’s borderlands identity. One block feels like Old World architecture, the next like a living canvas of bilingual culture and South Texas rhythm.

Walk down Elizabeth Street and you’ll catch both—the kind of place where wrought-iron balconies frame taco trucks and street art. It’s an eclectic, walkable core that makes you want to wander slowly.

Where to Eat + Drink

When the sun dips low, follow the locals to The Library—a downtown pub with the largest margarita menu I’ve ever seen. Pair a prickly pear margarita with their street tacos (yes, they live up to the hype). It’s casual, fun, and rooted in that laid-back Brownsville vibe.

Other local favorites worth the detour:

• Vera’s Backyard Bar-B-Que – the only spot in the U.S. serving barbacoa de cabeza the traditional way, slow-cooked in an underground pit.

• 7th & Park – a bike café mash-up where you can sip cortados surrounded by greenery and good conversation.

• El Hueso de Fraile – a tiny café-bar that doubles as a live music venue, with poetry nights and local bands.

Editor’s Note: Treasure Hunting

Confession: I never leave Brownsville without hitting the thrift shops. Maybe it’s the borderland location, maybe it’s the Monterrey weekend crowd cleaning out their closets—but I’ve scored luxe name-brand castoffs more than once. Think high-end purses, silk blouses, and tailored jackets tucked between the racks. If you’re a thrift treasure hunter, this is your town.

Why Brownsville Works

Brownsville isn’t trying to be South Padre or Austin or San Antonio. It’s itself: layered, resilient, bilingual, creative. That makes it exactly the kind of place worth slowing down for.

So next time you’re headed south for the beach or to catch a rocket launch, take a detour. Wander downtown. Order the tacos. Stare at the murals. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll drive away with both a new story—and a thrifted designer jacket riding shotgun.

🎶 Rural Hometown Vibes 🎶

We’ve been cooking up something special for your speakers. Meet Rural Hometown Vibes — The Townie’s very own playlist, packed with 41 songs to carry you from Friday night lights to a lazy Sunday porch swing.

It’s a mix of small-town swagger, Texas grit, and toe-tapping joy — perfect for road trips, backyard BBQs, or just sweeping the kitchen with a little more attitude.

So turn it up, darlin’, and let the weekend start early.

👉 Listen to Rural Hometown Vibes on Spotify

💌 SHARE THE LOVE

Small businesses like yours don’t survive on hopes and wishes — and neither do we.

If you enjoyed this edition of The Townie, hit the button below and share it with a friend, your neighbor, or that one cousin who’s always “thinking about moving out here.”

It costs nothing to click “Share,” tell a friend, or hit reply and tell us what you think — the good, the bad, or the “y’all missed a comma.”

Every click, comment, and forward helps keep this modern-day front porch going. We appreciate the heck out of you.

https://www.thetownie.ai/subscribe/PLACEHOLDER/referrals