Round Top for Houston Shoppers: Your 90-Minute Escape

Houston is Round Top's home base. The majority of show visitors drive in from the Houston metro area — and at just 90 minutes on US-290, it's an easy day trip or weekend getaway.

Getting There

Route: US-290 West through Brenham, then south on TX-237. About 90 minutes from the Galleria area, longer from the suburbs.

When to leave: During show week, leave Houston by 7 AM to arrive before venues open (8-9 AM). Traffic on TX-237 builds quickly after 9 AM on weekends.

Alternative route: I-10 West to Columbus, then TX-71 North to La Grange, then TX-237 North. This approach enters from the south (Warrenton end) and can be less crowded.

Day Trip vs. Weekend

The Day Trip

Totally doable from Houston. Leave at 7 AM, shop until 4 PM, drive home for dinner. You can hit 3-4 major venues in a day trip.

Best day trip strategy: Pick ONE section of the corridor and go deep rather than trying to cover all 11 miles. Either do the Round Top end (The Arbors, Blue Hills, Bader Ranch) OR the Warrenton end (Marburger Farm, The Compound, Excess fields).

The Weekend

Much better if you want to see everything. Houston regulars often book a B&B or vacation rental and make a proper weekend of it.

Weekend strategy: Day 1 in Round Top proper, Day 2 in Warrenton. Dinner at Royers or Lulu's. Sunday morning for last-minute deals before heading home.

Why Houston Loves Round Top

The Houston-Round Top connection goes back to the very beginning. The show was founded in part because wealthy Houstonians were already in the area restoring historic homes. Today:

• Houston interior designers are the show's most important professional buyers
• Houston-based restaurateurs own some of Round Top's best restaurants (Lulu's is by Houston's Armando Palacios family)
• The Houston design community treats show week like an industry conference
• Many Houston families own weekend properties in the Round Top area

Houston Shopper Tips

1. Go on a weekday — you can leave Houston after rush hour and still arrive by 10 AM
2. Bring a truck or SUV — at 90 minutes, you can self-haul most purchases home
3. Make it a regular thing — Houston regulars come every show, building relationships with vendors who hold pieces for them
4. Skip the first weekend — let the out-of-towners battle the crowds. Go Tuesday or Wednesday.
5. Combine with Brenham — stop at Blue Bell Creamery, Antique Rose Emporium, or the breweries on your way

Year-Round Access

Houston shoppers don't have to wait for show week. Several Round Top venues are open year-round:

• Henkel Square, Round Top Village, Rolland Square
• Bader Ranch (Veranda Magazine's #1 pick)
• The Vintage Round Top
• Junk Gypsy

A Saturday morning drive to Round Top for year-round shopping, lunch at Royers, and a drive home is a perfect Houston day trip any time of year.

Browse year-round vendors or plan your show trip with the Trip Planner.