You would think that a town with a population of just 90 couldn't offer much. This is not the case with Round Top. Round Top is centrally located between Austin and Houston in Fayette County. If you blink you will miss it, thankfully there is that one stop sign. This is a very quiet town during the week, things seem to get more active towards the weekend. It's a quiet country trip well worth the drive.
Round Top offers events throughout the year. One of the biggest is Texas Antique Week that is held twice a year, Spring and Fall. What started out as just a weekend 20+ years ago has now turned into 3 weeks and 4 weekends that spreads From Burton all the way to LaGrange. This event is huge and you will never believe it until you see it. You can find anything and everything from the vendors, stores, and throughout the fields in Warrenton. During Antique Week several places will have their own events. From wine tastings, live music, and a Junk Gypsy Prom, you are sure to be well entertained. Over 100,000 visitors embark on this tiny town for this event, so traffic and congestion are heavy, plan accordingly. See my "All About Texas Antique Week" Blog next month.
There are more events throughout the year here in this tiny town. From Wine Walks, Cook-Offs, Art Shows, and the Longest Running 4th of July Parade West of the Mississippi. This parade has visitors staking out their spots days before and you do not want to miss it. Round Top knows you will fall in love the very first time you visit, so they want you to keep coming back. Visit the Chamber of Commerce website for all current events.
Lodging is a very big thing in Round Top. Although there are no actual hotels, you have a wide choice of Bed and Breakfast and private rental houses. One of my favorite houses is The Vintage Round Top, picture shown below.This is actually two houses and you can rent one or both. They are both beautiful and decorated like you wouldn't believe. You almost don't want to touch anything. With the location being only a mile outside of Round Top you have luxury and convenience all in one. If you are looking to stay a little more out in the country then The Cottages on Mill Creek is perfect for you. This is a full Bed and Breakfast where you can either have a room in the main house or stay in one of the two private houses. It's a perfect country getaway. But I can't forget about The White House on the Hill. This place is amazing and has such a great story to it. I want to live here...seriously I do. You will fall in love simply by just looking at the pictures.
There is an abundant amount of shopping in this little town. With three squares that offer Antiques, Retail and Art you will be busy for hours. The only problem you will have is where to go first. Henkel and Bybee Square are in the heart of Round Top, with Rummel Square being located a few blocks down. Some of my favorite stores are located on Henkel Square, It is one of the best shopping squares I have seen in a small town. But I promise you the other squares have just as much to offer. Not to mention Old Glory Antiques and Market Hill, home to Paul Michael Company. Of course, my number one rule, ask the locals. Locals know where to go, what to do and where to eat. Honest opinion all the time. Because locals want you to love their town as much as they do.
Now that you have shopped and shopped and shopped some more you have to be hungry. Round Top has that covered as well. One of the most famous destinations restaurants is Royer's Cafe started by Bud the Pieman himself. At first, the exterior throws you off. How can this place be famous? But as soon as you walk inside you will know. Memorabilia covers the wall and ceilings and you can't help but take a few pictures. Royer's serves lunch and dinner with some items being available on both menus. May I suggest a few things...Shrimp BLT, Shrimp & Grits, the Awesome Steak, Micha's Pasta, and of course the Stuffed Quail. Guys, there is nothing bad here!!! Now for dessert, because this is what made them famous. You can enjoy pie after your meal or if you're just looking for a quick slice you can get that by visiting Royer's Pie Haven located on Henkel Square. You may even spot Tara, the Pie Queen slinging some pie that day. Although I wrote so much about Royer's it 's not the only place in town. There are several other places to get your hunger on, the Garden Company, Stone Cellar and two new restaurants moving in. Stone Cellar is a local favorite with great beer and live music every weekend.
Are you getting married? You will not believe all the options there are for weddings. You have Haw Creek Chapel on Henkel Square, The Compound that is located two miles outside of town, several Bed and Breakfast and the one that makes me want to get married all over again...Festival Hill. This place is gorgeous and you could spend an entire day there. Beautifully landscaped lawns, church and you will not believe the concert hall. Festival Hill offers concerts throughout the year, special events, and a presentation of the Nutcracker by Austin Children's Ballet. This is just a few, Round Top is your absolute wedding destination.
There is so much more that I could go on and on. The best way for you to see for yourself is to visit the sites I have given you here and do a basic Google search. Round Top seems to be published in almost everything, because of this you are for sure to find what you are looking for. But you need to see it for yourself to truly appreciate what all they have to offer. Come out for a day trip or a weekend getaway, they are open year round.
Travel on,
Cyndi
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