The one-time stagecoach town of Salado, which was a resting place for those traversing the Chisholm trail decades ago, has transformed its once hoof-marked Main Street into a road tripper’s paradise, complete with boutiques, galleries, tea rooms and cafes galore. Its oldest building, the Stagecoach Inn, reopened last year after major renovations and welcomes guests for getaways to the town that’s now known for its buzzy, creative vibe as much as its cowpoke past. Located between Austin and Waco, it’s worth the drive, whether you’re heading north just for the day or setting aside a full weekend.

Get Inspired

A colony for artists since the 1970s, the town boasts more than 100 artist residents, from potters and needleworkers to glassblowers and actors. On fourth Fridays, several boutiques and galleries stay open late for Salado Sip ’n Shop. From February through October, the Royal Street Art Walk also takes place on fourth Friday. Meander through galleries on the city’s south end and watch artists at work in places like Salado Glassworks, Benton’s Custom Jewelry & Art Gallery and Ro Shaw Clay Studio. If walking isn’t your speed, noodle around town a bit faster on an Lone Star eBikes rental.

With over 60 shops and galleries to choose from, it can be tough to know where to begin. Art lovers won’t want to miss Salado Glassworks, Mud Pies Pottery, Glass River Design, Griffith Fine Art or the Wells Studio & Gallery. Culinary shoppers will love Strawberry Patch, which specializes in gourmet salsas, jams and other eats. Dee’s Antique Mall is a trove of gently used, tough-to-find treasures while 21 Main pleases with eclectic furnishings worth making room for in your trunk.

On Aug. 3, the Tablerock Festival of Salado hosts its 27th annual performance of Salado Legends, a musical drama that portrays life in the 1850s.

Nosh and Tipple

Schedule breaks between browsing for sips and nibbles. Try Barrow Brewing Co. (pictured, below), the first microbrewery in the county. At Chupacabra Craft Beer, select from over 60 Texas brews and more than 200 wines. There’s live music on Fridays and Saturdays. Salado Winery Co. offers daily tastings from its family-owned vineyard. Stop in for coffee at the Lively Coffee House & Bistro, known for its build-your-own toast plates. In the evening, Johnny’s Steaks and BBQ is praised by barbecue buffs for its mesquite-grilled steaks and live music.

Stay for the Weekend

The Stagecoach Inn, originally opened in 1861 and known as the Shady Villa Hotel, once welcomed legends like Sam Houston, Gen. George Custer and Jesse James in from the Chisholm Trail. Reopened in 2018 after a two-year renovation, the hotel now offers 48 rooms in a midcentury modern chic style that honors the structure’s history while catering to today’s guests. Several rooms boast garden patios that look out into the lushly landscaped pool area while the front porch has plenty of places for relaxing. A member of Historic Hotels of Americas, the Stagecoach Inn is known locally for its restaurant and bar that offers canny interpretations of old school comfort food—from cast iron pimiento cheese and candied bacon deviled eggs to beer can chicken. The key lime icebox pie and pecan-oat crumble peach cobbler alone are worth the drive north.