Texas Towns To Love: Round Top
Round Top, Texas, isn’t a big town. In fact, as of the 2020 census, it doesn’t even have 100 inhabitants. The town itself is less than one square mile in size, and, for most, it isn’t a town they’ve given much thought to. It is northwest of Houston and southwest of College Station, along Highway 237 and was originally settled by Germans in the 1840s. Indeed, Round Top is a small Texas town many people have never heard of. Those in the know, especially about Texas, however, probably know Round Top for one of three reasons: they love antiques, they love music and/or they love Shakespeare. Because Round Top is a haven for artists and antiquers who love quirky, unique small towns with big, off-the-beaten-path offerings. If this is you, you need to get to Round Top, Texas, stat!
The Original Round Top Antiques Fair
Started in 1968, “The Show,” as it is known by veteran shoppers, is one of the largest in the country. Shoppers and treasure hunters can shop more than 11 miles of unique finds along either side of Texas State Highway 237. With multiple shows per year, you have the opportunity to find your own treasures several times throughout the year. Once you discover The Show, you won’t want to antique anywhere else!
Round Top Festival Institute
Founded in 1971 by renowned pianist James Dick, the Round Top Festival Institute is now a world-class facility that trains talented young musicians and faculty year round from around the world. Comprising more than 200 acres and many top notch buildings and facilities, this spot churns out some incredible musical talent thanks to the generous support of the James Dick Foundation. Check out a performance while you are in Round Top, you will absolutely be blown away.
Shakespeare at Winedale
Many believe the best way to understand Shakespeare is to learn through performance. In conjunction with the University of Texas at Austin, aspiring thespians can take part in the Shakespeare at Winedale program near Round Top, where they can live and study in a peaceful setting while they absorb the magic the Bard of Avon put to paper. Catch a performance while you’re in Round Top and see some of Shakespeare’s most famous characters brought to life like never before.
Round Top area lodging
Ready to hit the ground running in Round Top, looking for treasure or seeing live theatrical or musical performances by some top talent? You’re in luck! Summer Breeze, located in Katy, just about an hour away from Round Top, is the perfect spot to stay. Not only are you close to both the treasures that await in Round Top and the excitement of Houston, but you also have access to a number of exciting amenities on the property, including an on-site water park open in the summer months. When your travels take you to the Houston area of Texas, don’t forget to book a spot at Summer Breeze, Houston’s must-visit RV park and waterpark.