Round Top has earned a reputation for its small-town charm and its big antique scene. Three times a year, the town of fewer than 100 residents swells as more than 100,000 visitors descend on what’s billed as the largest antique show in the country. But this Hill Country gem offers much more than treasure hunting. When the tents come down and the dealers head home, Round Top proves to be a worthy destination any time of year.

Just 90 minutes from Houston, the town is packed with compelling local flavor, eclectic goods, and friendly townsfolk you’ll wish were your neighbors. And while things are quieter and slower-paced in the so-called "off-season," that doesn't mean it's boring.  People planning low-key girls’ trips, bachelorette getaways, or peaceful staycations still flock to the city in its calmer months. It's then that they can see Round Top for what it is—a restful, walkable escape that invites visitors, particularly city dwellers, to slow down and savor the charm.

Whether visiting in the height of antique season or the quiet in between, this rural retreat makes for a perfect long weekend for anyone. Here’s how to enjoy this artsy enclave any time of year. 

Eat

One of the best ways to get to know this small community is through its comforting dining scene. For breakfast, stop into Round Top Coffee for $6 hearty breakfast tacos and lattes made with housemade syrups. If you’re going on a weekday, be sure to say hello to the group of locals who congregate at its community table almost daily.

For a true taste of Texas, dip into Merritt Meat Company in Henkel Square for some much-needed sustenance. Managed by Truth BBQ, one of the state’s top barbecue joints, this storied restaurant formerly known as Round Top Smokehouse serves up a solid Texas trinity punched up with unique ingredients. Aside from ribs and sausage, diners can enjoy brisket banh mi, smoked chicken wings covered in a sauce infused with Asian diasporic flavors, and a smashburger that may just set a new bar.

Diners from all over drive in for the casual and kitschy atmosphere of Royers Round Top Cafe. This institution is credited with boosting the Round Top area’s tourism with its Sunday fried chicken plates, a shrimp BLT served as a sandwich or salad, and its hearty $58 steak special, featuring tender steak smothered in a mushroom-rosemary wine cream sauce and served over mashed potatoes. The appetizers and sides are just as comforting, with creamed corn, mashed potatoes, and biscuits served with bright pink apple butter and an herbaceous garlic spread. Leaving without trying one of the pies would be a huge mistake. There's a decadent Not Your Mother’s Apple Pie with a brown sugar–pecan topping, and the Texas Trash Pie, a sinfully sweet combination of caramel, chocolate chips, coconut, graham crackers, and pretzels. Order a slice the Royers way—warm with a scoop of ice cream, and take a whole pie to go for later. Snag the cookbook as a souvenir—it’s the next best thing to a return trip. For an experience that's focused more on pie and coffee, visit Royers Pie Haven just down the street.

Sometimes, a little charcuterie is all anyone really needs. The expertly curated Little Cheese Shop offers an abundant supply of excellent cheeses from around the world, along with salami, interesting crackers and flatbreads, and various accompaniments like olives and dried fruits. There’s even a freezer boasting take-home signature items. For a ready-made cheese board, head to Prost on Block 29, a local favorite that offers an intimate atmosphere and a beautiful outdoor patio housed in Round Top’s most historic building. If you’re hungry for something more, order a pizza from Prost’s outdoor fire-brick oven, or secure a table at its sister restaurant Boon & Company for an unforgettable bowl of pasta in a renovated upstairs bar that overlooks the dining area.

Insider tip: Twice a year, Austin-based chef Nick Middleton of Y Comida and the Frenchie hosts a prix-fixe dinner at the Bader Ranch. Those who can score a seat are in for one of the hottest dinners in town, complemented by shopping, margaritas, and sunset views in a rural hayfield.

Drink

Whatever you do, grab a drink at Ellis Motel. Open late, this quirky bar, once helmed by late restaurateur Lee Ellis, is one of the most popular local hangouts—a place where you’re bound to see residents unwinding. The drinks are cold, creative, and mostly unpretentious (you won’t get away with ordering an espresso martini without at least a smirk). The staff and regulars are kind, and Ellis’s imprint can be found all over the bar in edgy portraits and Western kitsch. Best of all, the bar sells snacks and fun memorabilia, including hats and even furniture.

For a more posh spot, head to  The Mark Speakeasy in 550 Market. Step up to the door, which features an illustration of Jim Morrison, frontman of the Doors, and hush the password (most recently, “shh”). After peering through a small latched window, someone should let you in, welcoming you to this hideaway with moody lighting, leather banquettes, and vintage charm. The Mark is one of the few spots to stay open late (until midnight), and often, even later when the show’s in town.

If beer and live music are more your thing, try Round Top Brewing and Kitchen, where you can kick back with friends in the sunroom or patio while sipping craft beer. If you’re there during the weekend, expect to hear live music outside during the late afternoon and early evening. 

Shop

Retail therapy can come in the form of finding rustic antiques, handcrafted leather goods, jewelry, or clothing from some of the notable local boutiques. The choice is yours. Take a quick trip to Henkel Square during the show, and you’ll find nearby streets lined with massive tents showcasing some of the rarest rugs and once-in-a-lifetime finds. Map out your itinerary of some of the temporary, touring antique vendors using one of Round Top’s free and detailed guides. Available in most storefronts, these pamphlets will direct you to the essential temporary and permanent shopping areas.

Outside of show season, the shopping is just as rewarding. Start in the square, where vintage finds, stylish apparel, and handmade goods are within walking distance. Sapana Dreams, located on the ground floor, boasts ethically sourced quilts from Nepal and India that owner Jolie Helms repurposes into blanket coats and handbags. Buy a blanket coat (or two) and don’t look back—it’ll be your go-to accessory come winter. In need of a staple piece? Peek into House of Yo, one of the square’s newest vendors, for sustainable and upcycled clothing.

Head to Via Vandi for some of the most stylish vintage kimonos and finest jewelry. The jewels are handmade with silver, 24-karat gold vermeil, and colorful stones. Personally sourced by jeweler Vandi Hodges, the kimonos are crafted from funky-colored Japanese silk and Turkish cotton. Don’t miss a trip to popular store Junk Gypsy, then head to Round Top Village for more cute shops, or the 550 Market, where you can peruse an impressive collection of cowboy boots and other Western-inspired goods and vintage curiosities before grabbing a beer on the wraparound patio at the newly revamped SD’s Roadhouse.

Do

Visit the nine-acre Texas Cotton Gin Museum, which features four historical buildings, including a 1933 cobbler's shop and the 1914 Farmers Cotton Gin. The latter is the oldest operating cotton gin in America and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Or, check out the Round Top Festival Institute, a concert hall and music school established in 1971 by pianist James Dick. Aside from hosting musical education programs in the summer, there are several live concerts year-round to enjoy, including The Nutcracker ballet, the Round Top Film Festival, brass-band performances, and much more.

Stay

For a prime location that can feel like a getaway in itself, book at the Frenchie Boutique Hotel. Slow down, recharge, and escape the buzz at this picture-perfect bed-and-breakfast. The inviting countryside retreat features various styles of rooms, including pool bungalows with unparalleled views of the property, a shared patio, and a chic circular bath for soaking. Guests can also enjoy Frenchie’s many amenities: pickleball courts, a pool and hot tub, firepits, and the option to book massages on site. Animal lovers can enjoy peeks into the neighboring properties, which are home to curious horses or goats, depending on where you look. Best of all, you technically don’t have to leave. The on-site restaurant features an all-day menu for hotel guests that offers breakfast sandwiches and filling avocado toast, playful cocktails to enjoy poolside, and a simple yet standout dinner menu that can be enjoyed à la carte or in a prix fixe format.

Other standout options include Wander Inn, a Texas-chic bed-and-breakfast outfitted by the owners of Junk Gypsy, some of Round Top’s most revered antiquers. The original decor is a draw, but so are the fresh, homemade biscuits delivered to guest rooms, and the porch, outfitted with rocking chairs and views of roaming Texas longhorns. 

In the heart of this walkable destination, Hotel Lulu features 14 serene guest rooms in six distinct bungalows, plus a pool, herb garden, formal garden, on-site Italian restaurant, Lulu’s, and its intimate cocktail bar, Il Cuculo. Sleep beneath dramatic canopied beds wrapped in custom upholstery and blankets, and enjoy a modern mix of furnishings that contrast with original cedar walls and structures from the late 1800s. If you’re looking for something more private, request a room in the off-site annex, which is home to three cozy cottages that sleep up to 10 people. 

If you go

• Miles from Houston: ~90 miles (about a 1.5-hour drive)
• Ideal trip length: At least 3–4 days
• Antique show dates: Official show dates are October 4–18, 2025; January 22–25, 2026; March 14–28, 2026, but it’s not unusual for artists and designers to host events before and after.
• Most businesses are typically open Thursday through Sunday during the off-season. If looking for a lazy day before the fun gets started, book a hotel on Wednesday.
• During the off-season, nightlife is typically limited to the main bars in town. Quiet hours can often begin at 10pm.
• Shop and restaurant hours vary seasonally; call ahead or check online for the latest updates.

Editor's note: Merritt Meat Company will be closing at the end of August.