Along the fertile banks of Salado Creek in Central Texas, between Waco and Austin, the village of Salado has been a watering hole for over a century. Now, it is a hub for local artists and artisans with a walkable downtown. Travelers can enjoy a DIY glassblowing session, go shopping, or take a dip in the creek. Conveniently located off Interstate 35, Salado is perfect for a weekend getaway or day trip. Here are the top things to do in Salado, Texas.
Should I Visit Salado?
Salado is one of those charming art towns that is easy to enjoy as you stroll. It offers galleries and shopping along with places to eat, all within walking distance.
Its Main Street offers sidewalks, and there are lots of trees around town. Bisecting Salado, Salado Creek offers a park on both sides and a place to splash if the weather is warm.
Top 9 Things to Do in Salado Texas
Create a Piece of Art at Salado Glass Works
Walk Through the Salado Sculpture Garden
Stroll Through the Salado Museum
Salado Sculpture Garden
See Siren the Mermaid Sculpture
Catch a Live Performance at Tablerock Amphitheater
Shop at Locally Owned Businesses like Bentons Jewelry
Go to Pace Park
Sip a Beer at Barrow Brewing Company
Top Things to Do Bastrop Texas
Salado Glass Works
You can make a piece of art at Salado Glass Works during your trip to Salado, Texas. Along the alley, next to Main Street, fire and glass meld into a harmony of color and form under the watchful gaze of glass artist Gail Allard. From holiday ornaments to hearts and even drinking glasses, its DIY sessions are popular for a reason.
I made a Christmas Tree Ornament that I display year-round in my kitchen. After picking out your colors, the artisans guide you through the process.
I had so much fun, I went back to make a seasonal pumpkin. Worth noting, these glass-blowing sessions are in high demand. Make reservations a month or more in advance.
For those who want to watch, live glass-blowing happens daily, Wednesday to Saturday. Visitors come and go, watching a creation in progress.
Located at #2 Peddlers Alley. Live glass blowing from Wednesday to Saturday. The gallery is open Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Seasonal workshops throughout the year, with breaks in the heat of the summer and early January.
Salado Museum and College Park
Discover Salado’s history and its trailblazing women, like Grace Jones and Liz Carpenter, in its museum. Across the street from the museum, walk through the grounds of Salado College. In 1860, it educated young women and men as a non-denominational school, the first of its kind in Texas. A fire destroyed the building in 1924.
Located at 423 S. Main St. Open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free to enter the museum and college grounds.
Outdoor Art Parade in Salado
Find outdoor art at every turn of the head. Sirena the Mermaid by Troy Kelley is next to Salado Creek on Royal Street, along with the Locks of Love, also by Kelley. Keep a lookout for Kelley’s Troll and Billy Goat Guff along Main Street.
Tablerock Amphitheater
With seasonal offerings throughout the year, check out the schedule at Tablerock Amphitheater for outdoor entertainment. The Salado Legends is an annual production depicting the colorful history of Salado, held the last two weekends in July and the first weekend in August.
Its Holiday performances are the first two weekends in December. It also hosts a Halloween performance.
Located at 409 Royal St. Tickets are available at the gate.
Salado Sculpture Garden
At the other end of Main Street, walk through the Salado Sculpture Garden with outdoor works from a number of sculptors.
Located at 113 Salado Plaza Dr. Open from dawn to dusk, and free to enter.
Shopping in Salado
Sidewalks line Main Street and trees shade the way. Visitors will find over 100 quaint shops and boutiques in Salado.
Bentons Jewelry
Stroll the showroom of local jewelry maker, Bob Hargrove. Taking design cues from nature, Hargrove uses the lost wax method to meld gold and gemstones into unique designs to celebrate life’s moments. Originally opened in 1970, it is one of the oldest shops in Salado.
Located at 401 S. Main St., Suite 101. Open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Best 4 Day Itinerary for Austin Texas
W.A. Pace Park in Salado
Find the Salado Springs in W. A. Pace Park with lots of shallow splashing for kids or dogs. Bring your own floats.
Located at 100 Art Fair Road. Open from dawn to dusk. Free.
Where to Eat and Drink in Salado
Barrow Brewing Company
Spend some time sipping the local brew at an authentic beer garden table next to the bubbling springs of Salado Creek. Find beers like Big Bubbly Blonde and Evil Catfish IPA, along with seasonal brews.
Throughout the season, find live music on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with an occasional movie night thrown in for families. The Silo Bar expands its outdoor serving capacity. Guests will find a large covered area with single group tables and food trailers flanking the Biergarten area.
Located at 108 Royal St. Open Monday from 4 to 9 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday from 4 to 10 p.m., Friday from noon to 10:30 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m., dog and family-friendly.
Happy Pizza Company
Grab a made-from-scratch 12-inch pizza made with Barrow Beer Company’s sourdough, baked in a wood-fired oven.
Located at 28 Royal St. Open Thursday and Friday at 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at noon.
Scared Sandwich
Roasted in Salado and brewed while you watch.
Located at 108 Royal St, Salado. Open from Wednesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Salado Winery
The Salado Winery Company anchors the other end of the historic district. Inside its two-story building, find Salado Winery’s own wine from dry to sweet, red to white, along with over 35 other Made-in-Texas wines.
Located at 841 Main St. Open daily from noon to 6 p.m. Tastings are $10 for five samples.
The Stagecoach Inn
More than a historic inn, The Stagecoach Inn is a local favorite for weekend brunch. In a dining room that combines a historic room, rich in history and modern space overlooking the property’s treed landscape, the Stagecoach Inn has been a destination since 1947.
Its menu features Texas favorites like Chicken Fried Steak. Top off your meal with its made-in-house cakes and pies.
Located at 416 S. Main St. Open Wednesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, plus Sunday brunch.
Where to Stay in Salado
The Stagecoach Inn
In 1861, the Shady Villa Hotel opened its doors with a two-story timber-framed building, the predecessor of the present-day Stagecoach Inn. A stable for stagecoach passengers, the Inn has hosted Sam Houston. However, outlaws hid out on the property as well, like Jesse James and Sam Bass.
After a recent renovation, The Stagecoach Inn offers the perfect place to escape with a rambling, tree-shaded property. Each of the 48 mid-century-inspired rooms offers a large private patio or balcony in the shade of historic oaks, some with lush vine-covered partitions.
Find a year-round outdoor pool along with two ballrooms and an outdoor gathering space. It’s within walking distance of dining and shops along Main St. and Royal.
Located at 416 S. Main St.
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