The place to Eat, Drink, and Do in Spherical High, Texas—All 12 months Lengthy

Spherical High has earned a popularity for its small-town appeal and its massive vintage scene. Thrice a 12 months, the city of fewer than 100 residents swells as greater than 100,000 guests descend on what’s billed because the largest vintage present within the nation. However this Hill Nation gem gives way more than treasure looking. When the tents come down and the sellers head house, Spherical High proves to be a worthy vacation spot any time of 12 months.

Simply 90 minutes from Houston, the city is full of compelling native taste, eclectic items, and pleasant townsfolk you’ll want have been your neighbors. And whereas issues are quieter and slower-paced within the so-called “low season,” that does not imply it is boring.  Individuals planning low-key women’ journeys, bachelorette getaways, or peaceable staycations nonetheless flock to the town in its calmer months. It is then that they’ll see Spherical High for what it’s—a restful, walkable escape that invitations guests, notably metropolis dwellers, to decelerate and savor the appeal.

Whether or not visiting within the top of vintage season or the quiet in between, this rural retreat makes for an ideal lengthy weekend for anybody. Right here’s the best way to get pleasure from this artsy enclave year-round. 

Eat

Among the finest methods to get to know this small group is thru its comforting eating scene. For breakfast, cease into Spherical High Espresso for $6 hearty breakfast tacos and lattes made with housemade syrups. Should you’re happening a weekday, you should definitely say hey to the group of locals who congregate at its group desk nearly every day.

For a real style of Texas, dip into Merritt Meat Firm in Henkel Sq. for some much-needed sustenance. Managed by Reality BBQ, one of many state’s prime barbecue joints, this storied restaurant previously often known as Spherical High Smokehouse serves up a strong Texas trinity punched up with distinctive substances. Other than ribs and sausage, diners can get pleasure from brisket banh mi, smoked hen wings lined in a sauce infused with Asian diasporic flavors, and a smashburger that will simply set a brand new bar.

Diners from throughout drive in for the informal and kitschy environment of Royers Spherical High Cafe. This establishment is credited with boosting the Spherical High space’s tourism with its Sunday fried hen plates, a shrimp BLT served as a sandwich or salad, and its hearty $58 steak particular, that includes tender steak smothered in a mushroom-rosemary wine cream sauce and served over mashed potatoes. The appetizers and sides are simply as comforting, with creamed corn, mashed potatoes, and biscuits served with brilliant pink apple butter and an herbaceous garlic unfold. Leaving with out attempting one of many pies could be an enormous mistake. These handcrafted desserts are definitely worth the drive alone, with highlights together with the decadent Not Your Mom’s Apple Pie with a brown sugar–pecan topping, and the Texas Trash Pie, a sinfully candy mixture of caramel, chocolate chips, coconut, graham crackers, and pretzels. Order a slice the Royers manner—heat with a scoop of ice cream, and take a complete pie to go if what’s good for you. Snag the cookbook as a memento—it’s the following smartest thing to a return journey. For an expertise that is centered extra on pie and low, go to Royers Pie Haven simply down the road.

Generally, a bit of charcuterie is all anybody actually wants. The expertly curated Little Cheese Store gives an plentiful provide of fantastic cheeses from world wide, together with salami, attention-grabbing crackers and flatbreads, and varied accompaniments like olives and dried fruits. There’s even a freezer boasting take-home signature gadgets. For a ready-made cheese board, head to Prost on Block 29, an area favourite that provides an intimate environment and an attractive outside patio housed in Spherical High’s most historic constructing. Should you’re hungry for one thing extra, order a pizza from Prost’s outside fire-brick oven, or safe a desk at its sister restaurant Boon & Firm for an unforgettable bowl of pasta in a renovated upstairs bar that overlooks the eating space.

Insider tip: Twice a 12 months, Austin-based chef Nick Middleton of Y Comida and the Frenchie hosts a prix-fixe dinner on the Bader Ranch. Those that can rating a seat are in for one of many hottest dinners on the town, complemented by procuring, margaritas, and sundown views in a rural hayfield.

Drink

No matter you do, seize a drink at Ellis Motel. Open late, this quirky bar, as soon as helmed by late restaurateur Lee Ellis, is without doubt one of the hottest native hangouts—a spot the place you’re certain to see residents unwinding. The drinks are chilly, artistic, and principally unpretentious (you received’t get away with ordering an espresso martini with out no less than a smirk). The employees and regulars are sort, and Ellis’s imprint may be discovered all around the bar in edgy portraits and Western kitsch. Better of all, the bar sells snacks and enjoyable memorabilia, together with hats and even furnishings.

For a extra posh spot, head to Mark Speakeasy in 550 Market. Step as much as the door, which options an illustration of Jim Morrison, frontman of the Doorways, and hush the password (most just lately, “shh”). After peering via a small latched window, somebody ought to allow you to in, welcoming you to this hideaway with moody lighting, leather-based banquettes, and classic appeal. The Mark is without doubt one of the few spots to remain open late (till midnight), and sometimes, even later when the present’s on the town.

If beer and reside music are extra your factor, strive Spherical High Brewing and Kitchen, the place you possibly can sit back with associates within the sunroom or patio whereas sipping craft beer. Should you’re there through the weekend, anticipate to listen to reside music exterior through the late afternoon and early night. 

Store

Retail remedy can come within the type of discovering rustic antiques, handcrafted leather-based items, jewellery, or clothes from among the notable native boutiques. The selection is yours. Take a fast journey to Henkel Sq. through the present, and also you’ll discover close by streets lined with large tents showcasing among the rarest rugs and once-in-a-lifetime finds. Map out your itinerary of among the non permanent, touring vintage distributors utilizing one in all Spherical High’s free and detailed guides. Accessible in most storefronts, these pamphlets will direct you to the important non permanent and everlasting procuring areas.

Exterior of present season, the procuring is simply as rewarding. Begin within the sq., the place classic finds, trendy attire, and handmade items are inside strolling distance. Sapana Goals, positioned on the bottom ground, boasts ethically sourced quilts from Nepal and India that proprietor Jolie Helms repurposes into blanket coats and purses. Purchase a blanket coat (or two) and don’t look again—it’ll be your go-to accent come winter. In want of a staple piece? Peek into Home of Yo, one of many sq.’s latest distributors, for sustainable and upcycled clothes.

Head to By way of Vandi for among the most trendy classic kimonos and most interesting jewellery. The jewels are handmade with silver, pure gold vermeil, and colourful stones. Personally sourced by jeweler Vandi Hodges, the kimonos are crafted from funky-colored Japanese silk and Turkish cotton. Don’t miss a visit to standard retailer Junk Gypsy, then head to Spherical High Village for extra cute retailers, or the 550 Market, the place you possibly can peruse a powerful assortment of cowboy boots and different Western-inspired items and classic curiosities earlier than grabbing a beer on the wraparound patio on the newly revamped SD’s Roadhouse.

Do

Go to the nine-acre Texas Cotton Gin Museum, which options 4 historic buildings, together with a 1933 cobbler’s store and the 1914 Farmers Cotton Gin. The latter is the oldest working cotton gin in America and is listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations. Or, take a look at the Spherical High Pageant Institute, a live performance corridor and music faculty established in 1971 by pianist James Dick. Other than internet hosting musical teaching programs in the summertime, there are a number of reside concert events year-round to get pleasure from, together with The Nutcracker ballet, a movie competition, brass-band performances, and way more.

Keep

For a first-rate location that may really feel like a getaway in itself, e-book at the Frenchie Boutique Lodge. Decelerate, recharge, and escape the excitement at this picture-perfect bed-and-breakfast. The inviting countryside retreat options varied types of rooms, together with pool bungalows with unparalleled views of the property, a shared patio, and a classy round bathtub for soaking. Friends may also get pleasure from Frenchie’s many facilities: pickleball courts, a pool and scorching tub, firepits, and the choice to e-book massages on web site. Animal lovers can get pleasure from peeks into the neighboring properties, that are house to curious horses or goats, relying on the place you look. Better of all, you technically don’t have to depart. The on-site restaurant options an all-day menu for lodge visitors that provides breakfast sandwiches and filling avocado toast, playful cocktails to get pleasure from poolside, and a easy but standout dinner menu that may be loved à la carte or in a prix fixe format.

Different standout choices embody Wander Inn, a Texas-chic bed-and-breakfast outfitted by the homeowners of Junk Gypsy, a few of Spherical High’s most revered antiquers. The unique decor is a draw, however so are the contemporary, do-it-yourself biscuits delivered to visitor rooms, and the porch, outfitted with rocking chairs and views of roaming Texas longhorns. 

Within the coronary heart of this walkable vacation spot, Lodge Lulu options 14 serene visitor rooms in six distinct bungalows, plus a pool, herb backyard, formal backyard, on-site Italian restaurant, Lulu’s, and its intimate cocktail bar, Il Cuculo. Sleep beneath dramatic canopied beds wrapped in customized upholstery and blankets, and luxuriate in a contemporary mixture of furnishings that distinction with authentic cedar partitions and buildings from the late 1800s. Should you’re in search of one thing extra non-public, request a room within the off-site annex, which is house to a few cozy cottages that sleep as much as 10 individuals. 

Should you go

• Miles from Houston: ~90 miles (a couple of 1.5-hour drive)
• Ideally suited journey size: At the very least 3–4 days
• Vintage present dates: Official present dates are October 4–18, 2025; January 22–25, 2026; March 14–28, 2026, but it surely’s commonplace for artists and designers to host occasions earlier than and after.
• Most companies are usually open Thursday via Sunday through the low season. If in search of a lazy day earlier than the enjoyable will get began, e-book a lodge on Wednesday.
• Through the low season, nightlife is usually restricted to the primary bars on the town. Quiet hours can typically start at 10pm.
• Store and restaurant hours differ seasonally; name forward or examine on-line for the newest updates.