Round Top might be known for its antique shows, but this town has plenty more hidden gems. With a population of 90 this small town IS actually small. But don’t be fooled – you might need more than a day trip to see everything this town has to offer.
This stretch of land in northern Fayette County didn’t always go by “Round Top.” Originally known as “Townsend,” people remembered the town for the round-topped tower that served as the post office in the mid-1800s (which could be seen from miles away). Because we southerners love our nicknames, it stuck. By 1850, they became officially known as Round Top, Texas.
Here’s your guide to the best of Round Top!
Eat & Drink
But first, coffee… and pie. There’s one coffee spot in town and it’s literally called Round Top Coffee Shop. Pair it with Royers Pie Haven and you definitely won’t be missing your big city coffee house! We highly recommend the buttermilk pie BTW – it’s delicious. If you’ve never had a good old Texas country buttermilk pie, there’s no place better to try it than a somewhere that has the words “pie haven” in its title.
Depending on what you’re in the mood for there are plenty of options for lunch and dinner. Let’s start with Lulu’s. The Italian restaurant is one of Round Top’s newest additions. They provide fresh ingredients mixed with traditional cooking styles, finished off with an award-winning wine list. Speaking of wine, if you’re a Malbec fan, this is the place for you!
Looking for something more laid back than Lulu’s? We suggest The Garden Co. which provides comfort food farm to table options so there’s something for everyone.
Did you know Texas has enough wineries to rival Napa Valley? And there are plenty of wineries to visit in the Round Top area. Pleasant Hill, Saddlehorn, Blissful Folly, and Blue Mule are some of Round Top’s best. We personally love Blue Mule’s the bag-o-slush, aka frozen wine in a juice pouch!
If you can’t make it out to one of the wineries a place like Prost on Block 29 is a great alternative. Located in Round Top’s most historic building, Prost is an intimate wine bar and shop catering to the novice sipper or to the most sophisticated collector.
Shopping
Round Top might be known for the antique shows that usually take place twice a year but there are plenty of shopping options to be found in town the rest of the year too. Some favorites include: Junk Gypsy Company, Townsend Provisions, and Ya Ya Gurlz. Junk Gypsy was started with two sisters who set out to find a new business but instead found a new way of life in Round Top. This sister act has been featured on HGTV various times. They even designed Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton’s wedding, when they were still together. Head to their Junk Gypsy head quarters in Round Top to find everything you need from clothes to wall decor.
Another favorite shop is Townsend Provisions. Housed in a charming 1920’s farmhouse, Townsend Provisions opened shop in 2015 on the corner of Round Top’s newest year-round destination, Rummel Square. If you’re a lover of vintage cowboy boots, this is the place for you!
Experience
As we already mentioned, the antique shows are a big part of the Round Top experience but there are a few other things you should see when you’re in town. Fist off, did you know that Round Top is the smallest town in Texas with a full service public library? And just look how cute it is!
You can also visit the Texas Quilt Museum and you can visit the world’s smallest Catholic Church. Seriously, y’all, it’s tiny!
And you do not want to miss a stop at the Round Top Festival Institute. Established in 1971 by pianist James Dick, the Institute provides musical education programs in summer months, and hosts several concerts every year. Sadly, programs for 2020 have been canceled, but you can still wander the grounds – you can even visit with their resident cats!
Stay
With a bevy of unique places to stay, you can’s go wrong with overnight accommodations in Round Top. Rancho Pillow is a picturesque retreat set on a 20-acre compound. We can’t really do it justice with words. This is one you have to experience for yourself.
Ant Street Inn is located in historic downtown. With a Victorian theme, this is the perfect spot for vintage lovers. PS, it’s also a wedding destination.
We are big fans of Flophouze! Each individual “houze” is actually a kitschy and uber comfortable shipping container. You can read our first hand account detailing a stay at Flophouze here.
