If you’re looking for a Texas road trip that feels like a getaway without a lot of time to get away, consider heading to Round Top. Even when there isn’t a world famous event going in, Round Top is a great place to kick back and enjoy the small town Texas vibes.
Here’s everything you need to know before road tripping to Round Top, Texas!
Where to Stay
First off, let’s talk about where to hang your hat when you get to town. The Round Top area is filled with chic inns and boutique hotels. Here are details on two of our favorite spots.
Hotel Lulu provides the most stylish escape right in the middle of it all. Spread across historic buildings and bungalows, each guest room features its own personality with a carefully curated mix of antique and vintage furnishings. In addition to having the most unique decor, there’s also a pool, bar and super tasty restaurant – more on that to come. Read more about the hotel here.
Another personal favorite is The Frenchie. Also a collection of beautifully restored historical buildings, each one has its own personality, creating a quaint storybook atmosphere. Whether you stay in the main house, garden cottage or pool bungalow (like I did), it’s perfect for a cute and quaint little escape. Get a better feel for The Frenchie here.
If you’re looking for more of a clamping style experience, check out nearby Flophouze.
Where to Eat & Drink
Lulu’s, the The Hotel Lulu restaurant, serves what the hotel describes as Italian-ish cuisine, with options for brunch, lunch and dinner. Try the Spaghetti Con Granchio. You will not be disappointed!
Duo Modern is located inside Market Hill, smack dab in the middle of an antique market. This stylish restaurant is a far cry from your average road-trip pit stop. The menu is built around wood-grilled meats, seasonal vegetables, rustic breads and shareable plates. And the interior captures the Round Top vibe perfectly. Think rustic signage aside stylish chandeliers and upscale artwork surrounding an open kitchen.
For lunch, I recommend Boon and Co. This picturesque spot combines a European-inspired bistro, cocktail and wine bar, bakery, gourmet market and boutique-style shopping – all under one roof! While downstair is open and bright, there’s also an upstairs bar that’s a bit more cozy and vibey. There’s literally something for everyone here.
But first, coffee. Start your day at Mill Street Cafe. Located right off the square (and a stone’s throw from Hotel Lulu), it’s not just a coffee shop. They also offer smoothies, scratch-made pastries, açaí bowls and other breakfast bites, plus a picture perfect patio.
And when you get to the end of the day, there’s no better place to have a night cap than Ellis Motel. Don’t let the name fool you. This is not actually a motel. It’s a cocktail lounge and emporium tucked inside a historic two-story, 1800s-era home. In one work, it’s fabulous and must not be missed!
What To Do
Round Top is known for the shopping, of course, Though, if you’re visiting outside of show season, it’s a bit different. Wander around Bybee Square and Henkel Square, where shops are open year round. A few faves include Wimberly, Townsend and Curate by Stash. And if you want some treats for your room, check out The Little Cheese Shop. Then, grab a bottle of wine at Prost or Round Top Liquor Shop. Be sure to snap a picture with the sign out front at the latter.
Speaking of pictures, Junk Gypsy is full of photo ops. And plenty of cute merch to boot!
If you are interested in the world famous antique show, it happens three times a year. Larger shows take place in Spring and Fall with a smaller winter show at the beginning of the year. You can check dates and get more info here.
If you’re an entertainment junkie like me, you may also consider attending the Round Top Film Festival.
Yes, the antiques are a huge draw, but there’s so much more to this tiny town than hunting for the perfect vintage find. Between the charming hotels, cute cafés, boutiques, incredible food and all the unexpected little places you’ll stumble upon along the way (did we mention the world’s smallest Catholic Church?), Round Top is a must visit Texas town.
Located less than two hours from both Austin and Houston, it’s an easy excuse to pack the car, grab a friend and spend a day (or a weekend) exploring somewhere that feels a world away without actually going that far.
