One of the things we’ve learned through Miles and Smiles of Texas is that the best day trips aren’t always the ones that go exactly according to plan.
Sometimes they’re the ones where you adjust, slow down, and discover something you weren’t expecting.
This past weekend, Round Top reminded us of that.
It’s the type of weekend destination that is easy to get to, easy to plan and easy to turn into multiple trips, because there’s quite a bit to take in.
But even when you go in with a plan, and expectations to match it, you can discover something far better than checking off places to go and things to see.
Dawn’s Take
Over the past month or so I’ve been dealing with a flare-up from one of my usual illnesses, and honestly, I hadn’t felt much like going anywhere. We had originally planned this little adventure for the previous weekend, but I simply wasn’t up for it.
Lonnie never pressured me. He showed a great deal of patience while I figured out whether I could manage the trip, and by Saturday I decided I wanted to give it a try.
We didn’t accomplish everything we had planned.
Turns out, that didn’t matter.
Round Top has become a destination for people who love antiques, boutique shopping, home décor and interior design. If you’ve ever watched HGTV or followed the Junk Gypsies, you’ve probably heard of it.
What I immediately took note of was just how much walking there is.
So, if you have mobility issues, sensory sensitivities, chronic illness, or simply don’t tolerate heat very well, it’s worth knowing that many shopping areas involve gravel, uneven walkways, stairs, and long stretches between stores.
There are places to sit beneath beautiful shade trees, and I was pleasantly surprised by the number of public restrooms available, but this is still a destination that requires some planning.
First, our lunch didn’t quite go as expected.
We walked into Royers Café just before they closed for the afternoon. Looking back, we probably should have eaten somewhere else, but we wanted to finally experience a place we’d heard about for years.
The burger was good, but we felt rushed trying to finish before the staff closed up for their break.
The shopping itself was interesting.
Most of the boutiques catered toward what I’d call an upscale Western style. Think fashionable cowgirl more than traditional antiques. It’s beautiful to look at, but it isn’t really my style anymore. I found myself enjoying the people-watching almost as much as the shopping.
But my favorite stop wasn’t a store at all.
It was Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
The little country church and adjoining cemetery had such a peaceful feeling. While we were walking around outside, one of the church members arrived to prepare for Sunday services. She invited us inside, shared the church’s history, and welcomed us to take photographs.
That unexpected conversation became my favorite memory of the day.
From a neuro-spicy perspective, I’d absolutely recommend bringing whatever helps you regulate sensory overload. Comfortable shoes, water, and a few calming items would have made my afternoon even better.
I’d also come back in the spring or fall instead of late June.
Even with the changes to our plans, I’m really glad we went. Sometimes getting out of the routine is exactly what you need.
Lonnie’s Take
Planning these little adventures has quietly become one of my favorite parts of Miles and Smiles of Texas.
Before every trip, I try to build an itinerary that gives us enough to do without exhausting either of us. Experience has taught me that the best plans aren’t the busiest ones; they’re the ones with enough flexibility that if something changes, the day doesn’t feel ruined.
Our original plan included four stops. We made two and added one when we got to town.
And somehow, it still felt like a complete day.
Round Top sits about 75 minutes from our home in northwest Harris County, tucked a few miles off of Highway 290 between Brenham and Giddings. Around Texas, it’s become famous for antiques, interior design, boutique shopping, and of course, the Junk Gypsies.
I was a bit amazed by, and what surprised both Dawn and I was, how much the area has grown.
Years ago it felt like a sleepy little town with a handful of interesting places to explore. Today it’s become an entire destination filled with boutiques, restaurants, markets, and beautifully designed shopping areas.
It’s funny how that growth happened at the same time our own shopping habits changed.
Years ago we might have been looking for treasures to bring home. These days we’re just as happy wandering through the shops, admiring other people’s creativity, and enjoying an afternoon together.
If you’re looking for bargains, Round Top probably isn’t your destination. But, if you’re looking for inspiration, architecture, interesting people and a fun afternoon, that’s another story.
Lunch at Royers Café didn’t quite go according to plan, but that was my fault. I hadn’t noticed they close between 3 and 5 on Saturdays, and we walked in just before the doors closed.
The burger was excellent—thick, juicy, and obviously handmade—but our timing meant everyone was ready to head home while we were still eating.
Next time we’ll probably try one of Round Top’s many other restaurants, not because Royers wasn’t good, but because we’d rather enjoy lunch at a slower pace.
After lunch, we decided to stroll the Henkel Square Market, a collection of shops, boutiques, galleries, cafes and assorted local businesses. It was just a block from the lunch spot and we easily found a spot to park before walking the square.
I don’t know that Dawn was seriously looking to buy anything to take home, but I was along for just the walk and opportunity to enjoy the afternoon. I can tell you that we wound up ‘just looking’, and that was perfectly fine.
The Royer family owns a pie shop in the square, and we fully intended to indulge ourselves…however, the burger was so filling, we were not ready to scarf down dessert, even after walking off a little of our lunch.
The biggest surprise of the day came at Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
Historic churches have always fascinated both of us. Not because we’re looking for a worship service, but because these buildings carry generations of local history.
Walking through the cemetery, I found myself reading names of people born in the 1800s and wondering what life must have been like in rural Central Texas all those years ago.
Then a member of the congregation invited us inside.
She proudly shared the history of the church, explained that the modest congregation still gathers every Sunday, and welcomed us as though we’d been expected all along.
The encounter reminded me that I’ve come to realize something during these little trips around Texas.
Some of my favorite memories don’t come from attractions. They come from conversations.
People who genuinely love their communities almost always have stories they’re excited to share, and taking a few minutes to listen makes every destination feel more personal.
By the time we headed home, we hadn’t followed our itinerary very closely at all.
But we had spent three or four uninterrupted hours talking about life, catching up on things that get lost during busy workweeks, meeting someone kind, and discovering a few places we’ll visit again.
That feels like a successful Saturday to me.
What Worked
- Beautiful scenery and small-town charm.
- Plenty of boutique shopping if that’s your style.
- Several restaurant choices.
- Friendly locals who were happy to share their community.
- Historic church and cemetery.
- Easy day trip from the Houston area.
What Didn’t
- Summer heat makes walking difficult.
- Some shops were closed the weekend before the Fourth of July.
- Royers Café closes from 3–5 p.m. on Saturdays, so plan your meal accordingly.
- Accessibility can be challenging because of gravel, steps, and uneven walkways.
- We never did locate the Edythe Bates Old Chapel.
Does It Fit the 3-3-3 Rule?
Under 3 Hours?
Absolutely for much of southeast and central Texas. From northwest Harris County, it took us about 75 minutes. Depending on where you live in North Texas, it may stretch beyond three hours, but for a large portion of the state, Round Top makes an easy day trip.
Under 30 Minutes to Plan?
Definitely. Our itinerary took only a few minutes to put together, and even when several stops didn’t work out, there was more than enough nearby to fill an enjoyable afternoon.
Under $300?
For us, easily.
Lunch wasn’t inexpensive, but you’re paying for the experience as much as the food. We spent the afternoon browsing without buying anything, which kept our costs low.
If you’re planning to furnish your home with antiques…well…your mileage may vary.
Final Thoughts
Round Top may be known for shopping, antiques, and interior design, but that’s not what we’ll remember most.
We’ll remember the quiet church. The conversation with a woman who loved telling the story of her community. The drive there and back, solving the world’s problems together.
And the reminder that sometimes a day doesn’t have to go according to plan to be exactly what you needed.
We’ll definitely be back.
Just maybe in October.
Miles & Smiles of Texas 