TRAVEL
The Round Top, TX Travel Guide
October 7, 2025
We’re all about making bucket lists and finding the fun. Here’s where to stay, eat, sip, and shop in Round Top, Texas, according to Tuckernuck.
The Round Top Look
Classic Texas and western-inspired. Think suede, denim, flowy florals, and cowboy boots mixed with collected vintage jewelry and accessories.
What Is Round Top?
A one-stoplight town nestled between Austin and Houston, Round Top may be tiny—but twice a year, it transforms into one of the country’s most iconic antique destinations. Imagine fields of incredible vintage finds, charming barns, amazing food, and Southern hospitality in every direction.
Getting There
Road tripping to Round Top is part of the charm! Hop in the car and cruise through Hill Country from Austin (90 minutes) or Houston (2 hours). The closest airport is Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS), with plenty of rental car options. Rideshares are limited, so having your own car is ideal for hitting all the show sites, restaurants, and shops.
Treasure Hunt
Visit during the famous Round Top Antique Shows and wander through miles of antique fields, barns, and tents—each one filled with vintage gems and one-of-a-kind finds.
Explore Town
Pop into charming shops like Townsend Provisions and Stash for everything from denim to décor.
Take in the Texas Skies
Catch a sunrise or golden hour over the fields—the views are pure cotton candy magic.
Catch Live Music
End the day with two-stepping and live music at one of Round Top’s local haunts.
Shop the Off-Season
Missed the big shows? Don’t worry. Many stores are open year-round and still worth the trip.
Charming spots with serious style, just steps from the action.
Hotel Lulu
From herb gardens to stylish rooms, this boutique hotel feels just like coming home. It’s bigger than most other Round Top stays, and has a standout restaurant and bar.
The Frenchie
An 1890s farmhouse turned boutique inn, this place is light, bright, and full of modern-country cool. Unwind at the pool after a day of shopping.
The Red Antler
For design lovers, The Red Antler’s bungalows blend style and character, each with its own dining area and cozy fireplace. The Branca Bungalow, designed by Alessandra Branca, is a must-see.
The Franklin
A restored Victorian home in La Grange (just 10 miles from Round Top), this charming 3-bedroom rental was opened by an Austin local and offers a quiet and cozy stay for groups.
Our picks for comfort food, caffeine, and famous treats.
The Little Cheese Shop
Stock your hotel or rental house before heading to the fair with cheese, crackers, and chocolate from this cute shop inside an 1830s cottage.
Mill Street Café
The best (and only) place to get matcha, this café is a great go-to for gluten-free bites and scratch-made pastries on the go.
Garden Co.
This café and marketplace started out as a nursery! Try one of their fresh-from-the garden salads or the chicken fried steak.
Round Top Coffee
Start your day here or miss out. The coffee is as good as the welcoming vibe, with regulars that make it feel like a true local gem.
The Original Mandito’s
Grab a seat and settle in for rounds of homemade chips, margs, and queso, plus all the Tex-Mex classics at this laid-back local’s favorite.
Royers
Step inside and feel instantly at home. Think retro signage, comfort food, and famous pies (Texas Trash and Junkberry are must-tries!).
Lulu's
Come for the signature meatballs and polenta, stay for the people-watching—and maybe even a celebrity sighting.
From funky bars to cozy porches, here’s where to grab a drink post-shopping.
Ellis Motel
A true local gem. Not actually a motel, but Round Top’s quirkiest little dive bar full of art, vintage finds, live music, and great cocktails.
Il Cuculo
Decked out in velvet with hand-painted murals, this intimate bar at Hotel Lulu is the spot to gush about your finds of the day over cocktails.
Lady Elaine
This darling Airstream-turned-cocktail bar serves coffee by day and signature cocktails by night, with European antiques and barnyard charm all around.
Round Top Brewing
Cold drinks, live music, and a front porch you’ll want to hang out on all afternoon. It’s a chill, friendly spot with house-brewed beers and Hill Country vibes.
Leave room in your bag. Or better yet, bring an extra one.
Antique Shows
Blue Hills
Set on a 25-acre site, Blue Hills features charming barns and tents filled with antiques, textiles, and statement-making homewares.
Bader Ranch
A curated mix of antique dealers, mid-century gems, and artful finds—all in a setting as dreamy as the goods.
Market Hill
A year-round, air-conditioned destination packed with 225,000 sq ft of curated treasures under one roof.
Marburger Farm
A destination for designers and shoppers to get lost in an endless variety of furniture, jewelry, textiles, fashion, art, and more.
Year-Round Shops
Townsend Provisions
This cool general-store-meets-lifestyle-shop is full of thoughtful home goods, old-school snacks, and gifts that are equal parts vintage and current.
Junk Gypsy
Part boho boutique, part wild west dream. Come for the graphic tees and vintage boots, stay for the offbeat décor and road-trip-worthy vibes.
Sapana
Passionate about supporting artisans in Nepal and India, founder Jolie collects handmade pieces like brass jewelry and blanket coats.
Courtney Barton
Known for her well-traveled taste, textile designer Courtney curates handpicked finds to add character to anyone’s home.
We’re Popping Up in Round Top!
We’re coming to Round Top! Join us at our Blue Hills pop-up and shop new fall outfits and accessories.
We hope this inspires you to book a trip, pack your bags, and plan your itinerary!