Happy New Year! While we are not the first to ring in the new year with you, we are very excited about it! Despite its challenges, 2020 brought Goldthwaite a lot of good news and some hope for the future. We thought we might take a look back, and forward at some of the things that are happening in our community and helping to get the word out about Goldthwaite.

Discover Goldthwaite Campaign Launches

In 2020, the city of Goldthwaite in partnership with Found, a digital marketing agency, launched the multi-year Discover Goldthwaite campaign. The initial groundwork for the project was started in late 2019, but the full launch occurred this past Spring. The campaign aspires to reach more people through digital marketing platforms to raise awareness about the quality of life in Goldthwaite, business opportunities, relocation opportunities, and general awareness about the town. A logo was designed for the campaign, a Discover Goldthwaite website was launched, as well as a number of video projects featuring the schools, local businesses, and other points of focus that have been shared across the Discover Goldthwaite social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The campaign is also sponsored by CTTC. 

Local Businesses Adapt

We all know that this has been a year of adapting, trying to do things differently, and remaining faithful. McMahan Pharmacy was one of the businesses that had to make changes quickly to follow new protocols, and even open a drive-through service and offer telemedicine over the internet. Other businesses like Switch Salon, Spa & Boutique developed streaming sales events when they were not able to have customers in their store, and CTTC moved almost all of their staff to work-from-home, with the exception of their in-the-field staff. These are just a few of the many success stories that have shaped local life and showed that our business owners are creative, flexible, and dedicated to serving our community.

Real Estate is Booming in the Hill Country

It is no surprise to anyone that has lived here very long, that there is a lot of interest in Hill Country land, especially now with many people deciding that big city life may not be all that they imagined it to be. More and more people are choosing to work remotely, move to the country, and get away from the hectic lifestyle and away from the traffic. As more people look to our area for land, the market has become very tight and we don’t expect that to change over the next year.

Southside Tavern Takes Shape

Travis and Nick Hammond grew up here, 4th generation in Mills County, and have lived here for almost their entire lives. Toward the end of the year, it became clear that the Hammond family’s long-standing vision for a farm-to-table restaurant and bar was nearing completion and getting ready for a 2021 launch. When fully completed, the plan is for Southside Tavern to include a patio, which will be the only one in Goldthwaite and will feature covered dining, a fire pit, games, and an acoustic stage down the road. This will allow for events and special occasions to make new memories for our community.

Other Plans Taking Shape in 2021

Sales tax revenues for Goldthwaite were at an all-time high in 2020, and it looks like 2021 will be another year of new energy infused into Goldthwaite. There are three phases of new townhomes in the works, an architect has been chosen to begin the restoration plans for the Melba Theater, the ground has been broken for the construction of a new truck stop and convenience store, and a new antique retail store opened downtown. Of course, we are all hopeful that 2021 will also bring the return of the State Championship BBQ and Goat Cookoff in April.

Here’s to 2021!

2020 was a time of change and challenge, but we have adapted, and now we look forward to all of the things 2021 has in store for Goldthwaite and Mills County. We hope you will join us in supporting local businesses new and old, keep our community strong, and continue to look out for and take care of each other and welcome those who may Discover Goldthwaite for the first time in 2021.