Why you should go to Round Top in the off-season.
The Round Top antique shows draw thousands of people every January, April, and October, considered their peak season. That’s a lot of people in a one-square-mile town. Okay, the antique show does extend into other parts of Fayette County, like up and down Highway 237, but still, it’s a huge crowd and lots of traffic. Have you ever thought about visiting Round Top in the off-season?
Of course, a trip searching for antiques and unique treasures, along with dining and wine, makes an excellent girlfriend weekend, mother-daughter trip, and couples’ getaway any time of year, but now and then, we need space. That’s why activities in Round Top, TX, such as shopping and dining, private tours, art and history, live music, and wine and beer tastings are also available in the off-season. If you want to enjoy this picturesque small town with fewer crowds, plan a trip with a steady population of around 89 to 100, not 10,000, during the busy season.
I was hosted in Round Top at several venues, including the fabulous Frenchie Boutique Hotel, Lulu’s, and Merritt Meat Co.
Visiting Round Top In The Off-Season
For those unfamiliar, Round Top, TX, is located in Central Texas, 80 miles from Austin, 96 miles from Houston, and a 3-hour drive from Dallas/Fort Worth. It is known for hosting the popular annual Round Top Antique Shows, which feature miles and miles of antiques, collectables, designer decor, and more all around Round Top and into Warrenton, TX, as well as other parts of Fayette County.
The off-season in Round Top promises to be just as fabulous as hunting for antiques and those one-of-a-kind treasures. The small town is so much more than a shopping spree. Any time of year, you can dance the night away at the local historic dance hall, spend the day on the greens, reel in a bigmouth bass, and soak up the history of this and other small towns. You’ll do it with fewer crowds. It’s recommended that you call the venues ahead to find out their days and hours of operation.
I recently had the chance to visit Round Top right after the busiest antique show in April. I went alone, but I suggest grabbing your bestie to go with you.
Things To Do In Round Top In The Off-Season
Suppose you want to go to Round Top for the day when the antique shows are not happening. Businesses there are typically open Thursday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sundays from 11 am to 4 pm. Some restaurants have their own hours, but quite a few eateries are in town.
Year-Round Antique Venues in Round Top
- Market Hill
- Round Top ADC (Henkel Square)
- Round Top Ranch
- Junk Gypsy
- and more
Henkel Square is open year-round and has several boutique shops, a coffee shop, designer wear stores, a hat bar, a bar, restaurants, and more. It’s also a wonderful place to walk around. There are restrooms there, too – nice ones.
If you and your girlfriends want to make a weekend out of it, there are plenty of luxury places to stay open year-round. I stayed at one. Keep scrolling to see.
Places To Stay In Round Top
You have options of places to stay in Round Top and the area. Ask yourself what you and your girlfriends, partner, mother, or whoever is coming along with you like in a hotel. Does the place have to have a pool, a restaurant, a spa, outdoor space, or other amenities? I mentioned above that I stayed at The Frenchie Boutique Hotel. It offers everything I like.
If The Frenchie is sold out, I recommend two similar places: The Wander Inn or Hotel Lulu. But there are a slew of B&Bs that are open year-round.
The Frenchie Boutique Hotel
You’ll find first-class amenities at The Frenchie. Lots of common areas, wifi, smart TV, and coffee in every room.
- adorable guest rooms
- full-service restaurant
- outdoor swimming pool with many umbrellas, chairs, and tables
- hot tub
- small gift shop
- fire pits
- massage room
- pickleball court
- activities in the main house
- Beautiful green grounds to walk around
I stayed in the Potting Shed. It’s decorated in a bungalow style with a king bed, a love seat, a small kitchen area with a mini fridge and coffee, a bathtub, a shower, robes, many windows with pull shades, and a back door that leads to the pool. It was a splendid two days for me.
If you like a really soft bed, this guest room is for you. It’s also the closest to the pool.
Year-Round Restaurants In Round Top
Several fine eateries in Round Top are open year-round, offering a variety of dishes – something for everyone.
- The Frenchie Poolhouse
- Lulu’s
- Duo
- Boon and Co.
- Round Top Coffee Shop
- Prost
- Round Top Brewing
- Merritt Meat Co. (Friday – Sunday, 11 am until sold out)
- Garden Co.
- These are just a few of the restaurants open year-round.
Merritt Meat Co.
Its location is in Henkel Square behind one of the shops. But don’t worry, location is nothing compared to the food. The above plate shows a 3-meat plate, but I told them to hold the meat, so this plate is even bigger. I could barely eat one meat. So, if you’re hungry for the best brisket (my favorite) in town, head to Merritt Meat Co. on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday from 11 am until they sell out!
Please do yourself a favor and order the hash brown mac and cheese (I think that’s what it’s called). I did eat all of that. You’ll thank me later! They can be found on Instagram.
Lulu’s
The atmosphere at Lulu’s is beyond good. The photo 3rd above shows the inside seating area before all the guests arrived. Several families were gathering for special occasions. The team knew I was coming, but I had two tables to choose from, or I could have eaten in the bar area. Locals love this place, evident from the crowd I witnessed later in the evening. You must make reservations here.
Lulu’s serves Italian and other American dishes. It offers private dining, catering, and events, and is open all day for every meal.
Round Top Festival Institute & Festival Hill
The Festival Institute/Festival Hill is a James Dick Foundation for the Performing Arts and is open year-round for concerts. It also serves as an international center for performance and education. The 210-acre grounds are gorgeous, and there is so much history within the open walls.
Every summer, the institute invites around 80 students from over 500 applicants from all over the world who want to learn classical music from the very best. These students stay six weeks, and it’s all free to them.
Tours are offered by reservation for $10 per person and last about an hour and a half.
I invite you to learn about this world-class concert hall and institute. They are doing amazing things for young, inspired musicians, the Fayette County area, and the classical music industry.
Round Top Antique Show Dates 2025
However, when all is said and done, Round Top is most popular to visit during its peak antique show season. So, write this down. The next antique show date is October 14-20, 2025, as the sign says. Remember, advanced reservations are a must at any hotel in Round Top and around town. Also, I want to say that you’ll be walking on rocks, pebbles, and uneven surfaces, so leave your stilettos at home and opt for comfort!
FYI – The April show is the longest (at least 2 weeks) and most popular. Whether you wait for that show next year, the next one in October, perhaps the winter show, or you want to visit Round Top in the off-season, you’re in for a treat. Round Top is an adorable town, and many things are within walking distance.
Future Events in Round Top:
4th of July Parade on July 4th and the Annual Schutzenfest – Septmeber 21st.
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