Are you in a need of a quick weekend getaway away from Austin/DFW but not too far? Salado, TX is your spot! I was pleasantly surprised to hear the navigation say we’d arrive from Austin in 45 minutes! Like what?! It’s only a short drive south of DFW too, so it makes a nice weekend getaway without spending too much time in the car on dreaded I-35.
Did you know the Chisholm Trail cattle drive passed through Salado in the late 1800s? The Stagecoach Inn was one of its stops! This town is old but quaint and has undergone some renovation and modernization in the recent years. We were really impressed with all that there is to see and do on Main Street.
As usual, I’ve embedded a Vessel map down below with lots of videos and pictures so you can get a feel for each venue on the list. Click your location of interest on the map and enjoy!
Stay
We stayed at the Stagecoach Inn and I’m so glad we did! We’ll definitely be back. The Stagecoach Inn was built in 1861 and is believed to be the oldest standing structure in Salado. It also houses the oldest and most iconic restaurant in all of Texas! The property has undergone a renovation and has 48 rooms available right now, a heated and cooled swimming pool, Sferra linens, beautiful patios with butterfly chairs, and other wonderful amenities in the room. I wish I would have spent more time in the room because it was gorgeous and something about a cozy king size bed is just so attractive! I recorded a room tour and have some pictures of the pool, bed, patio, etc. in the map so be sure to click the map for eye candy 🙂
Eat
Stagecoach Inn
For sure, I recommend you make a dinner reservation at the Stagecoach Inn’s restaurant – it’s the oldest restaurant in Texas afterall! But really, the ambiance is beautiful, the food is Southern – which is my favorite – and the drinks are strong. We started with the 1861 Hushpuppies (they’re a must) and I really liked how crispy and hot they were. I don’t usually order Shrimp Cocktail but the cocktail sauce was a horseradish one, so we ordered it. SO GOOD! Seriously, order it! We ordered the Prime Rib Special because duh, it’s a special and it was very well cooked, seasoned, those garlic mashed potatoes were to die for, and I can’t keep dreaming about it. I usually eat steak once a year and this was the perfect steak for 2020! We also ordered the Seared Salmon which was cooked well and comes with a butternut squash succotash that was vibrant and fun to have along with the Salmon.
Lively Coffee House & Bistro
We wanted to find a cute spot for breakfast Sunday morning and drove down Main St. and saw Lively Coffee House & Bistro tucked in the back of a shopping area. So glad we stopped in. So adorable, quite the bustling place, and the menu is large (flip to the back) and they’ve got plenty of coffee drinks! We each got the Bacon, egg and cheese bagel sandwiches and they were delightful. They make their bagels in house! Also, I really enjoyed a Chai Latte.
Heading to the Country Music Capital of the World aka Nashville? I’ve put together a travel guide of where to stay, eat, drink and play for your reference. Why reinvent the wheel right? Check it out here: http://atx-bites.com/nashville-travel-guide/
Drink
Chupacabra
I spotted some people at Salado Glassworks with what looked like slushies – it turns out they were frozen wine! Hopped on over across the road to Chupacabra and got myself a frozen wine – 1/2 frose and 1/2 sangria – for a heavenly cold drink for a Spring Day! Chupacabra has tons of beer on tap too if that’s your preference. It was a happening spot and open late for all your bev needs!
Stagecoach Inn
The bar inside the restaurant at the Stagecoach Inn has a great cocktail menu – just pick your booze of choice. I am a vodka, gin or tequila gal and they’ve got plenty of cocktails with those spirits. Grab you one in a plastic glass and enjoy it poolside too (if the poolside bar isn’t open). That’s what we did!
Salado Winery
We didn’t get a chance to stop in to Salado Winery but Chupacabra makes their frozen wine with wine from Salado Winery so at least I got to try it! Looks like a cute spot with a great selection, so definitely stop on in.
Barrow Brewing
I’d heard great things about Barrow Brewing and since it’s right across from the Stagecoach, we couldn’t pass up visiting. We went after dinner – the street is so beautifully lit with lights and they have a huge outdoor area where there was a live band playing and kids and dogs running around! The brewery has a great selection of beers and it seemed to be quite the place for adults, kids and dogs. They’ve got a nice setup and I know they’re thriving. Definitely worth a visit!
Play
Salado Glassworks
Salado Glassworks has a beautiful collection of handmade vases, glass bowls, decor, etc. and you can even watch the artists in action! We went in and watched three of the glass artists create a gorgeous vase in under an hour. I created a time lapse of the process which you can see if you go to Salado Glassworks on my Vessel Map above. If you’re nice, they’ll give you some beer to sip on to cool down!
Sugar Shack
Head on in for a sweet treat or two and act like a kid in a candy store 🙂 The Sugar Shack has unique toys and gifts too, oh and also snow cones, so you’ll surely find something you may (or may not) have been looking for.
Strawberry Patch
For some good ole small town/historic town shopping, the Strawberry Patch fulfills your gift shopping needs. They’re fully stocked with gourmet food, coffee, Texas products, pretty much anything you might be looking for while looking for the perfect gift for a loved one or a friend!
Stagecoach Inn
If you’re staying at the Stagecoach, then you’ll need to make some time to take a dip in the pool. It’s heated if you’re thinking it’s a bit chilly out. While we didn’t have to fight off others for a lounge chair since it was cool outside and not really pool season, I imagine the pool area fills up in the summer. It’s quite the vibe!
We really enjoyed our weekend in Salado and are already planning our next trip back. There is so much to see and do in the area. Put on those walking shoes and plan on walking up and down Main Street to soak up all that Salado has to offer!
Bon Voyage,
Shveta
March, 2020
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