Don't Skip Carmine, Texas

The Round Top Show brings thousands of visitors to the area during the Spring and Fall shopping events. Visitors come from all over hoping to find marvelous treasures, eat delicious food, sip mouth-watering drinks and make some memories with their friends. Many visitors are seasoned Round Top Shoppers and already know all the hot spots and hidden gems. They also know not to skip Carmine, Texas, another small town just a few miles down the road from Round Top. The truth is, you can easily spend a full day in Carmine doing some shopping, eating, and enjoying a refreshing drink on a beautiful Texas Fall Day. Here are a few places that I personally like to enjoy when spending time in Carmine, Texas. As someone local to the area, I enjoy several of these locations throughout the year as a repeat customer. These are small, locally owned businesses run by people who truly care about what they do. I will help you plan your day from morning to evening.

Start the morning off right at Skye Bird

If you’re like me, you function better with a cup of coffee. I need it every morning, and it truly makes me a better person. When I am planning an eventful day, two cups help! The first place I would visit when planning a day in Carmine is Skye Bird, a place that has two things I love the most: coffee and vintage items! When you walk into Skye Bird, you are walking into the Neese Pharmacy Building. The area where you order your coffee is where the pharmacy once was. You can also order things like tea, boba and other specialty drinks. The business owner Tamara Neese is a joy to be around. Her smile is contagious, and her coffee is delicious. I have had several wonderful conversations with Tamara, not only about history, but even life itself. Tamara loves what she does, and she pours her heart into stocking her shelves with something for everyone. Skye Bird is Located at 111 Thigpen St. in Carmine, TX (open year-round).

Shopping For Antiques & Collectibles

It is easy to feel overwhelmed with options on where to go, especially during the Antique Show. It’s good to have options, but when you only have so many hours, it can be a challenge to decide on where to go. I have personally shopped at two locations in Carmine, and I will admit, I have spent hours there because there was so much to look at. I got lucky and found some items at great prices. This show season, I am on the hunt for Chicken themed items, landscaping décor, and size 8 statement boots. I am still on the hunt for boots, but I found the chicken items I was looking for.

Y Station

Y Station in Carmine, Texas is a Vintique Market. They offer vintage items, collectibles and antiques. They are open for both the Spring and Fall Shows. This venue has over 25 vendors, and each vendor offers something unique. I was there for hours and only saw a fraction of what was available, it is a vintage lover’s dream. There is everything from fun clothing to home décor (in every style you can imagine), man cave items, and much more! I was taken aback because I had never seen so many blow molds. In fact, I didn’t even know what a blow mold was until I saw one in person! A Christmas decorator’s dream come true is what it is. It is also cool to see so many historical structures being used to house so many vintage items, antiques and collectibles. I found a great container to store my farm fresh eggs here at a great price. I will be heading back there before the show is over to choose a lawn ornament for my yard and find a statement piece to add to my wardrobe. There is so much to choose from, vendors are not only kind and welcoming, but also really fun. Y Station was the Carmine Chamber of Commerce 2025 Business of the Year, and I can see why. It is a magical place!

Y Station offers free parking, and is located at 212 Texas 237 in Carmine, Texas (right down the road from Round Top).

A Little of This, A Little of That

Located next to Skye Bird, is a fun shop called “A Little of This, A Little of That.” A great name for a wonderful spot. This location offers a wide variety of antiques and collectibles as well. What stood out to me here is that they had a lot of vintage dishes, and I enjoyed their Western section. The cashier was very friendly and there was plenty of parking. At this location, I found cute coffee cups with roosters on them. A Little of This, A Little of That is proudly owned by Aimee Kraemer and her four daughters, Brittany, Brianna, Jayla, and Jerika. Aimee Kraemer stated, “Building this business together as a family makes it especially meaningful, and we’re excited to combine each of our unique talents as we grow. We look forward to becoming even more involved in the community, supporting other local businesses, and welcoming shoppers from near and far.”

A Little of This, A Little of That is located at 108 Thigpen, in Carmine, TX

Eat & Drink and be Happy

After a fun, full day of shopping, you have got to reward yourself with some delicious food and drinks! Pack all your finds in the trunk of your car and get ready for some mouthwatering food and refreshing beverages.

JW’s Steakhouse

Since 2008, JW’s Steakhouse has served the community with mouthwatering food and a welcoming place to celebrate and make memories with loved ones. Their menu has a wide variety of food to choose from. I have had the pleasure of being a frequent customer, I guess you could call me a regular. I have several favorite items on the menu, but If I had to pick only my top three, they would be: Steak, JW’s Burger (on their gourmet bun), and the fried catfish plate. The Chicken Fried Chicken would be the fourth. You cannot come here without trying the hand battered onion rings and a side of ranch dressing. Don’t skip the delicious, sweet tea. Truthfully, everything I have tried here is really good and the service is top-notch. We have had dozens of birthday celebrations here. The steakhouse is run by Jeff and Krisi Wunderlich, and their amazing staff.

JW’s Steakhouse is located at 122 S. Hauptstrasse St. in Carmine, TX.

Busted Oak Cellars

If you are looking for a place to relax, wind down, and enjoy the beautiful Texas scenery, do not skip Busted Oak Cellars. This is an award-winning winery, that is known for their amazing hospitality. I have been coming here for years as a wine club member. Although the wine is delicious, what keeps me coming back is the atmosphere and the people. The Cooke Family does a great job of making everyone feel welcome. The winery is breathtakingly beautiful. From the peaceful design of the venue buildings to the carefully planned out and maintained landscaping. They even have a place for kids to play and run around next to the mature shade trees. Busted Oak often has live music, and other entertainment. It offers a wide selection of food. This winery is family friendly and dog-friendly with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.

Busted Oak Cellars is located at 6195 Round Top Rd. in Carmine, Texas

Have Fun

This is what I would consider a wonderful day in Carmine, Texas. The truth is, there is so much to do in small towns. I am a big fan of being a tourist in my own backyard. I enjoy getting to know the local people in my town, and neighboring towns. Small Town, Texas is a great place to be. Carmine, Texas has its own unique charm and style. Be sure to put Carmine on your list of places to go while in town for the Antique Show. Take the back roads, have fun, and enjoy making memories with your loved ones!

Written by Carrina Ramirez Dabdub, The Carrina Show

Round Top Carmine High School Alumni and local small business owner. I co-own Easy Access Technologies, Inc. since 2019 with my Husband and also offer marketing services in the area. I am passionate about spreading the word about local small businesses, and believe small businesses are the backbone of our community.