Round Top is straight out of a storybook. With a population of 93 (give or take), it has a small-town feel that’s ideal for a more personalized travel experience. During my visit, I encountered visitors from near and far, most of whom shared that it’s one of their favorite Texas getaways, and I know exactly why.  

I can hardly wait to share my Round Top travel insights and recommendations for this unique town.

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Need more? Read more: Why solo travelers are falling in love with these Southwest destinations

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Why Round Top should be on your Texas travel list

Many Southwesterners and travelers from across the nation flock to this unique Texas town for its famed Fall Round Top Antiques & Design Show Oct. 17-31, with a broader collection of venue dates spanning Oct. 15-Nov. 1. But having visited outside of this event, I can confidently say Round Top is a Texas destination you can visit any time of year and come away full of memorable experiences.

To maximize your time in Round Top, I’d suggest staying two to three days. I wasn’t able to stay that long this trip, but it just gives me a perfect reason to return. Trust me — you will have no problem filling your time.

Where to stay: Wander Inn brings the Texas charm

Round Top offers visitors several accommodations such as Hotel Lulu, The Frenchie Boutique Hotel and The Vintage Round Top, each with its own character and amenities. But there’s one hotel that, for me, stands out from the rest.

Wander Inn is hands down one of my favorite stays during my four-town Texas journey.

Owned by sisters Amie Sikes and Jolie Sikes-Smith, Wander Inn feels like the epitome of a warm Texas welcome. Much like the sisters’ brainchild, Junk Gypsy (which we’ll get to soon), Wander mixes rustic ranch with modern touches. 

Two homey ranch buildings, the Star and Crown, house rustic-meets-modern rooms. Think cow skulls, vintage record players, cowhide rugs, clawfoot bathtubs and corrugated metal-sided showers. 

The first-floor guestrooms’ French doors open to a porch with rocking chairs and a view of longhorns grazing in a wide-open field. 

And guess what? In the mornings, guests receive freshly baked biscuits in a little galvanized bucket. Adorable.  

Where to eat: Come hungry

For a smaller town, Round Top has many dining opportunities, including:

• Royers Round Top Café: Upscale-ish comfort food.
• The Garden Company in Round Top: American food (the Brussels sprouts are fan favorites).
• Boon & Company: Combination of restaurant, specialty grocery, bakery, wine shop and cocktail bar. 
• Round Top Brewing & Kitchen: Nano-brewery with house-made beer and a from-scratch food menu.

Then there’s Lulu’s (the talk of the town, I might add). I had locals and return visitors ask if I’d eaten there. 

This upscale Italian restaurant serves a variety of appetizers, pastas and more and is the spot for date night, girls’ night and friend gatherings. I strongly recommend the Spaghetti con Granchino with lobster cream sauce, heirloom cherry tomatoes and jumbo lump crab meat. Yum!

After dinner at Lulu’s, you’ll want to visit Il Cuculo, the chic, elevated bar — steps from Lulu’s, in the same building — for post-dinner wine and cocktails

Duo Modern, located in Market Hill, is another restaurant option and popular brunch destination. Here, diners have their pick of savory and sweet plates, including the hearty egg, biscuit, bacon and potato breakfast or pancakes, freshly-baked cinnamon rolls and more. There weren’t many gluten-free options, so just be aware if, like me, you have gluten restrictions. 

Places to visit in Round Top

Beyond the antiques: Round Top arts and culture

• Laura Goodson Art: Oh, my friends…this gallery is a must. Laura Goodson is a powerhouse and incredible human. Visitors will find a glimpse into Laura’s captivating artwork and fall in love with her cowboy muse. I had the good fortune of speaking with Laura for an hour-plus and feel like I only scratched the surface of her artistry and personal journey of embracing authenticity and growth as an artist. 
• Round Top Festival Institute: If you are a love music, architecture or want a front-row seat to Round Top history, this is an experience to include on your trip itinerary. I was fortunate to have a personal tour of the performing arts and educational campus with Lamar Lentz, Library and Museum Collections Curator. Lamar shared about the concert hall, which took 26 years to complete and the incredible craftsmanship involved in its making. It reminds me of a Scandinavian Gothic castle!

Where to shop in Round Top

• Junk Gypsy: As mentioned earlier, founded by sisters Amie Sikes and Jolie Sikes-Smith, Junk Gypsy stands out as one of Round Top’s shopping institutions. This must-stop retail experience mixes the sisters’ signature free-spirited style with clothing, home décor, accessories, gifts and more.
• Market Hill: Founded by Paul Michael and his wife, Debbie Michael, Market Hill showcases furniture, original art, antiques and design finds throughout its 22-acre complex. You can also pop in for a pre- or post-shopping meal, including Duo.
• Henkel Square: Another favorite place to browse shops, galleries and tasty treats. Stop by Royers Pie Haven, browse designer consignment at Modern Marla, then mosey over to Cowboy House, Marla Hurley and artist Laura Goodson’s Western-luxe take on menswear. Plenty of other places in and around the square offer shopping and dining.

Top BOSW picks

Junk Gypsy and Laura Goodson Art each showcase unique aspects of Round Top’s character and left me with a sense of wonder and temptation to exit with a bag of merch and an original art piece. 

If you go: Planning a Round Top getaway

• Best for: Art lovers, antique hunters, design obsessives and travelers who love small towns with big personality.
• How long: Two to three days. I packed a lot into a shorter visit, but I’d recommend at least two nights to experience Round Top without rushing. Three days gives you time to shop, linger over meals, explore Festival Hill and leave room for unexpected finds and conversations.
• Getting there: Round Top sits roughly halfway between Austin and Houston. I flew into Houston and rented a car. The drive was maybe a little over an hour.
• Good to know: If you’re visiting outside the antiques shows, plan your trip for Thursday through Sunday. Many Round Top businesses have limited midweek hours or close Monday and Tuesday, while weekends offer considerably more to see and do. During the spring and fall antiques shows, expect an entirely different Round Top: lodging fills quickly, traffic increases dramatically and individual venues set their own dates and hours.

To learn more about Round Top, visit visitroundtop.com.