One of the best weekend trips in Texas is to a town you probably wouldn’t expect (and may have never even heard of.) Located between Austin and Waco in the eponymous Texas Hill Country, Salado is a charming small town with a population of around 2,400. Brimming with shops, restaurants, a historic inn, and plenty of Southern hospitality, we believe this hidden gem is the perfect place to escape to for a night or two. Here are some of the great things to do in Salado Texas that will make your weekend trip epic.
Welcome to the charming town of Salado, a hidden gem in Texas and arguably our best-kept secret!
Kick off your weekend with some retail therapy a la The Shoppes on Main. This 5,000-square-foot marketplace features over 25 specialty shops offering everything from clothing to artisan food products and more.
Bibliophiles will want to plan a trip to Fletchers Books & Antiques. This magical little treasure trove has so many diamonds in the rough, and you'd be hard-pressed to leave empty-handed.
Nature lovers can enjoy several opportunities to get outside, including the Salado Sculpture Garden. The artwork is incredibly unique, and walking the trails offers such a peaceful experience.
Learn all about the intricate art of glassblowing at Salado Glassworks. Watch the fascinating process from beginning to end, or perhaps even participate in a "Blow Your Own" event that invites you to test your newfound knowledge.
After a jam-packed day of fun, unwind with a few beers at Barrow Brewing Company.
A microbrewery in the heart of downtown, this local hotspot offers a taproom and beer garden with food trucks on-site.
Settle in for a good night's rest at the Shady Villa Hotel, a 150-year-old Salado icon that embodies the essence of small-town charm.
The rooms are spacious and well-appointed...
...and the food at the on-site eatery, Stagecoach Restaurant, is to die for. Burger with BBQ fries, anyone?
Please note: Currently, the onsite restaurant is temporarily closed, but there are other great dining options in town. Perhaps grab some delicious BBQ from Johnny's Steaks & Bar-Be-Que.
Step inside the town with Secrets of Texas on a tour through one of Texas’ best-kept secrets.
https://youtu.be/LLUV5GU61fI?si=uhjB_-tTVYZQbcXG
Have you ever taken a weekend trip to Salado? If so, we'd love to hear all about your experience in the comments! Don't forget to check out our previous article for a nearby hike to a waterfall that makes for a lovely year-round adventure. Or if you’re looking for fun day trip ideas, here are some full-day tours in Texas featuring more of our hidden gems.
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